Austin is home to amazingly scenic parks that offer fun and entertaining outdoor activities to its regular visitors. The city also has one of the biggest cycling communities in the country, with approximately 50 miles of designated bike trails. The natural beauty of these parks makes them perfect for hiking and ongoing events, as well as a great place for spring and summer activities in Austin. Keep reading and take a look at some of the best parks the city has to offer.
UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum
If you’re wondering where to take someone out on a first date, you should really consider the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum. The park is centered around wonderful works of art by famed sculptor Charles Umlauf and can be appreciated as you walk by the picturesque ponds and gardens of this outdoor oasis. The incredible scenery is able to transport you to another place and time and has recently become a charming spot for summer weddings.
The five-acre park is one of the most visited places in Austin, Texas. The main reason Covert Park is so unique is that it features a 775-foot outcrop that grants exclusive views of Lake Austin. The trail is surrounded by forest, making it a great place for hiking and catching a sunset once you get to the top. The wonders of Mount Bonnell may be news to some, but Covert Park in Austin has been a famous sightseeing location since becoming an official public park in the 1830s.
The Zilker Metropolitan Park has everything you need when it comes to outdoor entertainment. It’s probably the most famous park in Austin, hosting regular events such as plays and music festivals. Located right at the heart of the city, the 351-acre park holds beautiful landscapes that regularly bring in visitors looking for a little relaxation. You can play a few rounds of disc golf, have a picnic, go kayaking, or even take a dip a Zilker Park’s mesmerizing Barton Springs Pool.
Emma Long is the best place to go camping in the city. The park is open seven days a week and offers 66 campsites with access to Lake Austin, allowing you to take your boat and cruise through its beautiful waters. You can set up a tent or take your RV out on an adventure at Emma Long Park. Other popular activities include hiking, fishing, volleyball, and basketball.
Balcones offers a unique natural experience and grants you another reason to visit the incredible parks in Austin, Texas. The nature preserve holds the famous Hamilton Pool, a popular place to go swimming and one of the best views in the city! Balcones Canyonlands is also a sanctuary to many endangered species of endemic plants and animals that cling to its habitats of caves, springs, and sinkholes.
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is considered to be a branch of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, comprised of 227 acres of beautiful woodlands. Wild Basin is home to the endangered golden-cheeked warbler and other exotic species that attract many curious visitors. The park is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features fun trails for hiking as well as guided tours and events.
The best parks in Austin are just a few of the countless activities available in the city. Let us know which park is your favorite by commenting below and be sure to sign up at 512area for other entertaining Austin events and things to do in Austin. It's a great way to make the most out of your free time!
Cover photo from Unsplash
