15 July . 2016
Zen out at Austin’s Zilker Park
Rightfully considered the crown jewel of Austin’s excellent park system, Zilker Metropolitan Park sits just across Lady Bird Lake (formerly known as Town Lake) from the city’s dynamic downtown skyline.
This 351-acre urban oasis offers a multitude of attractions and activities, but none is more famous or beloved than Barton Springs Pool. Covering three acres, this manmade pool is fed by a natural spring that keeps the pristine water at a constant 68-degree temperature.
Other highlights are the Zilker Botanical Garden, which includes the Taniguchi Oriental Garden and the Austin Area Garden Center.
The Austin Nature and Science Center offers a wide variety of programs for children and adults.
Zilker Hillside Theatre hosts concerts ranging from jazz to country, along with summer musicals and Shakespeare in the Park. Bring a blanket to site on the hillside and enjoy these events.
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, on the south end of the park, is the home of a fascinating collection of works by Austin sculptor Charles Umlauf.
Zilker Park hosts many cherished annual events, such as the Zilker Holiday Tree and the Trail of Lights during the holidays, the Austin City Limits Music Festival, Blues on the Green, and the Zilker Park Kite Festival.
Visitors can also enjoy a ride on the Zilker Zephyr miniature train, or rent a canoe to paddle on Lady Bird Lake. There are 10 miles of trails for running and biking, along with facilities for a wide variety of sports.
Click here to learn more.