The Most Beautiful Parks In Austin

Snap a pic with Austin’s skyline in the back at Zilker Park, or hike Mount Bonnell for a shot of the Colorado River. Perhaps the beauty of Austin’s green spaces is enough without the stunning views, but we’ll let you be the judge. Read ahead for a list of the most beautiful parks in Austin, Texas.

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Mueller Lake Park

Park
Mueller Lake Park is an urban retreat great for strolls, water sports, and picnics. The park, like many of Austin’s green spaces, is well maintained. There is a large play area for kids of all ages, and the park attracts a small number of vendors serving ice cream and street corn. Around prom season you’ll likely find teens in tuxes and ball gowns taking photos at beautiful Mueller Park.

Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

Park

Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve is perfect of a quick, relaxing stroll. Mayfield’s peacocks remain a key attraction to the park, and you’ll find several running about and showing off their dazzling feathers. If you see a peacock, walk slowly up to it if you’d like to take a photo, as they will run from overzealous would-be selfie pics.

Zilker Metropolitan Park

Park

Zilker is the granddaddy of all Austin parks, and home to the Austin City Limits music festival. While Zilker is often crowded, it is brimming with activities. You can take a leisurely walk through the botanical gardens, or try paddle boarding for the day. Zilker is also the perfect place to snap a photo of Austin’s skyline.

Covert Park at Mount Bonnell

Park

Come to Covert Park for the views and the privacy. There is a challenge at Covert Park; you will have to climb a long stairway to get to the top of Mount Bonnell, but trust us, the view is worth it. You’ll have panoramic views of the Colorado River and the ritzy homes on the other side. We recommend going about an hour before sunset for truly terrific photos.

Red Bud Isle

Park

Red Bud Isle is a small park on an island in the middle of the Colorado River. This park is a great place to bring your dog, and you may let your dog off-leash in most areas of the park — because it is somewhat of a hidden gem you may not run into many other people or dogs. As you might imagine, due to the island nature of the park, parking can be tricky, so be sure to get there a bit earlier than you would regularly to find a spot.

About the author

Ross Walker

Ross Walker was born in the Napa Valley, California, but moved to New York to study English Literature, Creative Writing, and Web Programming and Applications at New York University. While in school Ross has studied in Madrid, Spain, and Paris, France, and visited many places in between. Ross’s love of writing, travel, food, and the outdoors led him to explore a career in travel writing. Ross wants to explore South America next, hopefully hiking through the highlands of Peru.