Outdoors
in Austin, TX

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There’s nothing better than breathing fresh air and getting in touch with nature. State parks, botanical gardens, trails, lakes, and farms are exactly the place to do it – and this area is full of them.

Take a look at all the options within driving distance – you’ll be surprised at how close your next adventure is. We provide the driving directions, but the sunscreen’s on you!
Austin Park Foundation | Barton Creek Greenbelt
Austin Park Foundation | Barton Creek Greenbelt

(512) 477-1566

3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B
Austin, TX 78704   Directions Website

Austin Parks Foundation in Barton Creek Greenbelt is a non-profit organization dedicated to the Austin community to enhance their lives by making Austin’s parks better through volunteerism, innovative programming, and financial support.

Barton Creek Greenbelt is an urban oasis where the trails provide an opportunity for biking, running, rock climbing, swimming, and hiking.

They are known for the annual flagship volunteer event, It’s My Park Day, and Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Metropolitan Park.

Austin Parks & Recreation Department | Barton Springs Pool
Austin Parks & Recreation Department | Barton Springs Pool

(512) 974-6300

2131 William Barton Dr
Austin, TX 78746   Directions Website

Take a dip into the Barton Springs pool, which measures three acres in size, and is fed from underground springs with an average temperature of 68-70 degrees, ideal for year-round swimming.

Over the years, people from all walks of life, from legislators to free-spirited have been drawn to this fantastic pool where even Robert Redford learned to swim at five years old.

Today, Barton Springs still attracts a diverse crowd of people and has seen record-setting numbers of visitors nearing 800,000 in recent years.

Bear Creek Stables
Bear Creek Stables

(512) 282-0250

13017 Bob Johnson Ln
Manchaca, TX 78652   Directions Website

Have you always wanted to ride a horse but never had the opportunity to try it? Then join Bear Creek Stables and let them introduce you to the world of horseback riding.

They have taught folks how to ride horses for over 30 years and work with all kinds of riders, from complete novices to riders training for competitions.

Saddle up and choose from horseback lessons, hay rides, guided rides, parties, horse camps, BBQs, local showings, and even filming.

Dinosaur Park
Dinosaur Park

(512) 321-6262

893 Union Chapel Rd
Cedar Creek, TX 78612   Directions Website

Step back to the past and discover dinosaurs in a way that you've never discovered them before at The Dinosaur Park, where they offer a unique setting featuring realistic life-size dinosaur exhibits that show skin and color variations to give a better understanding of how they looked when they were alive.

These static statues range in size from the 2-foot-long Compsognathus to the 123-foot Diplodocus, the longest dinosaur that ever lived.

The Dinosaur Park is an educational and life-like destination, where everyone can learn about the majestic animals that ruled the earth for over 150 million years.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

(512) 232-0100

4801 La Crosse Ave
Austin, TX 78739   Directions Website

Stop and smell the wildflowers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, where they use native plants to restore and create sustainable, beautiful landscapes.

Learn how they inspire the conservation of native plants through the gardens, research, education, and outreach programs. In doing so, we improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife, and enhance human health and happiness.

Lake Travis
Lake Travis

(512) 261-5121

Austin, TX 78726
Website

Lake Travis is considered one of the clearest lakes in Texas that has plenty to do for the outdoor recreationist, including fishing, boating, scuba diving, picnicking, and camping.

If boating is your passion, catch one of the multi-class sailboats and windsurfing regattas. Prefer being in the middle of the action? There are plenty of marina rental stores that offer ski boats, cruisers, cigarettes, and mansion-like houseboats for weekend warriors. There are dozens of smaller parks along the banks of the lake that provide plenty of opportunities for diving and parasailing.

Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate easy access to some of the best fishing spots along Lake Travis. The Parks Department regularly stocks the lake with largemouth bass, Guadalupe bass, white bass, striped bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Rock-About Climbing Adventures
Rock-About Climbing Adventures

(512) 415-0804

1102 Elm Ln
Marble Falls, TX 78654   Directions Website

Reach new heights with Rock-About Climbing Adventures, which offers courses for beginners, experienced climbers, groups, and Boy and Girl Scout troops.

Experience the triumph of rock climbing and see the beauty of Texas from a new perspective as the guides provide a safe environment where you can experience hiking, sightseeing, camping, and climbing.

Texas Rowing Center
Texas Rowing Center

(512) 467-7799

1541 Cesar Chavez St W
Austin, TX 78703   Directions Website

Texas Rowing Center is Austin’s home for rowing, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are fun and easy ways for the whole family to enjoy Ladybird Lake.

Enjoy the recreational kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards that are simple to operate and safe for everyone.

Travis County Parks | Loop 360 Boat Ramp
Travis County Parks | Loop 360 Boat Ramp

(512) 854-7275

5019 Capital of Texas Hwy N
Austin, TX 78746   Directions Website

Take a drive across the scenic Pennybacker Bridge, also known as the Loop 360 Boat Ramp, where the weathering steel bridge is said to blend perfectly with the natural environment of Austin and has won several architectural and engineering awards.

This three-acre park is for launching and picking up watercraft, as well as access to fishing along the shoreline that is covered by a few bald cypresses and sycamore trees to offer shade.

Zilker Botanical Garden
Zilker Botanical Garden

(512) 477-8672

2220 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78746   Directions Website

Explore the "jewel in the heart of Austin," also known as the Zilker Botanical Garden. The garden was established in 1995 and sprawls through 31 acres of downtown Austin, offering a sweet escape from city streets and greeting more than 400,000 visitors annually.

Themes among the gardens are as varied as nature itself. There's a Japanese garden and koi pond, a rose garden, an herb garden, a butterfly trail and garden, and a cactus garden among the selections to tour. Another unique feature is the Hartman Prehistoric Garden, which recreates the habitat of local dinosaurs.

Visitors can tour the gardens for free and take home a Texas succulent or majestic orchid among the many offerings.

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