Location: Austin
Top Things to do in Austin
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What to do and see in Austin, Texas (TX): The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
Every year thousands of hipsters, groupies, and die-hard fans flock to Austin for the annual South by Southwest festival, which has catapulted the Texas city up the must-visit charts for many travelers. The sandstone Capitol building is symbolic of the Lone Star State’s "bigger is better" mentality, featuring a gorgeous whispering gallery rotunda and 22 acres of grounds. Cool off with a dip in Barton Springs, a huge natural limestone pool that’s fed by underground sources.
Restaurants in Austin
1. Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory
2. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,071 reviews
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas, is dedicated to inspiring the conservation of native plants. Located a quick but quiet ten miles from downtown, we are a botanical garden open to the public year-round and have become a favored venue for everything from conservation-focused conventions to beautiful weddings. We carry out our mission to inspire the conservation and application of native plants through our gardens, campus, research, education and outreach programs. In doing so, we improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife and enhance human health and happiness. Visit, learn and make a better world with us. The Wildflower Center was founded by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes in 1982 and became a part of The University of Texas at Austin in 2006.
Reviewed By Susan05821 - Barnet, United States
As with most places in TX the signage for finding this place was abominable. Not all of us have GPS. We happened upon the visitor's entrance and parking quite by chance after following a veritable rabbit warren of roads. Would have been lost had we not found a volunteer just arriving for her shift who showed us the way in around construction debris. Once inside, however, we found a lovely courtyard, beautiful buildings, and an expanse of trails that enabled us to wander through meadows, woods, and somewhat formal gardens filled with native plants and trees that were relatively well-marked and curated with signs for those who like to know what they are looking at. The volunteers were very friendly and graciously answered all of our questions. The gift shop and cafe were surprising gems. We also enjoyed meeting the resident owl. Well worth the trip!
3. Austin Nature & Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Free admission and family friendly. Established in 1960, the Austin Nature & Science Center's (ANSC) mission is to provide hands-on educational exhibits and recreational activities that increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. Centrally located on the western edge of Zilker Park in the Zilker Nature Preserve, the ANSC offers indoor and outdoor exhibits, including the Naturalists Workshop's Trade Counter, and provides environmental science education programs to schools and the community in and around Austin. The site hosts homeschool groups, school programs, family events, environmentally focused camps, and adventure programs.
Reviewed By lauraduggan2015 - Austin, United States
We visited this beautifully designed nature campus today as the laughter of children drew us in. Kids of all ages, some camp counselors and some visiting parents with children were exploring the grounds, the trails, the native birds and animals that have been rescued and rehabilitated over the years, the creek, a large pond filled with fish and a paleontology dig site where kids could try their hand at unearthing large “bones”. It was really fantastic. W can’t wait to bring our grandson back to play and explore. It’s open Mon-Sat. 9-5 and Sunday Noon-5:00. Admission is free.
4. Wild Basin Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Home to two species of endangered birds, golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo.
5. Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Prepare yourself - the majestic beauty of our unique Texas Hill Country nature preserve will leave you breathless! Our expert-guided tours take visitors from an arid savannah through a limestone crevice into a sheltered canyon of lush plant life. At the head of the canyon stands Westcave, with a stunning 40-foot waterfall replenishing the emerald pool below. (Canyon Tours offered every Saturday & Sunday - weather permitting). Self Guided Hikes Tuesday - Friday 9:30 - 1:30pm (no Canyon Access weekdays without prior reservation)
Reviewed By karenq692
You won't believe you are in Texas, the cave, trees, waterfall, are fantastic. Beautiful place, excellent for a day trip. Our tour guide did an amazing job, they take people's safety very seriously and their COVID plan works very well. We had a great time, my daughter loved it.
6. City of Austin Nature Preserves
7. Congress Avenue Bridge / Austin Bats
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4,102 reviews
The Austin bridge is where nearly 1.5 million bats live.
Reviewed By Butrflykng
A sure to please experience!at that correct time at dusk every evening you will see bats flutter out from underneath the bridge which is designed as an aqueduct type of bridge which facilitates the nesting of bats. many boats kayaks and people I'm sure watching this every evening. They sure to please experience.
8. Onion Creek Greenbelt
9. Austin Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 468 reviews
Austin Zoo is a nonprofit zoo located at the southwest edge of Austin in the beautiful Texas Hill Country with a focus on caring for rescued exotic animals. Austin Zoo's mission is to assist animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education.
Reviewed By 2gemini5 - Irvine, United States
Amazing little Rescue Zoo in the heart of a residential area. Good variety of animals that include story boards that inform the usual animal info BUT also the name and how they arrived at the Austin Zoo. Don't miss the train ride. Feed the animals, walk freely on the paths and enjoy the enclosures along with the beautiful greenery. Wonderful 2 hour day trip.
