Zilker Park

Zilker Park featuring a lake or waterhole, a park and skyline
Zilker Park
Zilker Park
Zilker Park
Zilker Park


Perched on the banks of a beautiful lake, this centrally located park is an idyllic spot to relax in thermal springs or hike along extensive trails.

Zilker Metropolitan Park is Austin’s main recreational park and is located directly across Lady Bird Lake from downtown. There are enough activities here to entertain you and your family for a whole day.

You can easily spend a half-day exploring the area. Start by getting your bearings on the the Zilker Zephyr, a miniature train that runs through the park. Hiking and bike riding trails are scenic and mostly flat. They extend for about seven miles (11 kilometers) through the park and along Lady Bird Lake, the 470-acre (190-hectare) lake that runs through Austin’s center. Rent a family-size canoe from Zilker Park Boat Rentals. The hourly charges aren’t cheap but it is a fun activity for an hour or two and no reservation is necessary. Take a dip in Barton Springs Pool, fed by underground springs with a year-round temperature of 68 degrees (20 degrees Celsius). According to local legend, actor Robert Redford took swimming lessons here as a kid. There’s a small entry fee, but the pool is huge and a great place to escape the heat.

There are many attractions and live entertainment to keep you busy year-round. The Zilker Holiday Tree is a particularly special sight during the holiday season. This 155-foot (47-meter) "tree" is actually a collection of 39 streamers holding more than 3,000 multicolored light bulbs. This stunning spectacle has been an Austin tradition for decades.

The Austin City Limits music festival is held in the park, usually in October, and features more than 100 national and international acts. You can hear everything from contemporary pop and rock to Texas blues and swing. The Zilker Hillside Theatre stages plays as well as the Zilker Summer Musical. There's also the Zilker Park Kite Festival, held on the first Sunday in March, which has been entertaining families since 1929.

Zilker Metropolitan Park is about a half an hour walk from downtown. There isn’t much food available in the park grounds, so bring a packed lunch.

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Things to do near Zilker Park

Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, offers a variety of activities for visitors, including live music, vibrant festivals, and theatrical performances. Additionally, you can partake in educational tours that highlight the park's natural beauty and cultural significance, making it a delightful destination for tourists looking to explore the local scene.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Zilker Park, visit Barton Square Mall, just 1.2km away, offering a vibrant mix of family-friendly shops and entertainment. Wild About Music, also 1.2km away, is perfect for unique souvenirs. Southwood Center, located 1.9km away, boasts a charming array of local businesses.

Recreation

At Barton Springs Pool, enjoy a refreshing swim in natural spring-fed waters, surrounded by lush greenery. Nearby, Austin City Limits offers vibrant live music experiences, perfect for relaxation and entertainment. For a leisurely outing, visit Butler Pitch and Putt Golf Course, where you can enjoy a fun round of golf amidst scenic views.

Adventure

At Caswell Tennis Center, located 1.2km from Zilker Park, enjoy thrilling matches in a vibrant atmosphere. For a scenic adventure, explore the Shoal Creek Hike and Bike North End, 1.9km away, where you can immerse yourself in nature's beauty. South Austin Tennis Center, also 1.2km away, offers another fantastic tennis experience.

Nightlife

In Zilker Park, the Moody Theater and Paramount Theatre, both 1.2km away, offer vibrant cultural experiences, while the Zilker Eagle Mini Train, just 186m away, provides whimsical amusement. Together, they create a lively nightlife atmosphere filled with entertainment, family fun, and romance.

Find the best attractions near Zilker Park

Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, is a vibrant destination offering a blend of cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore historic sites, attend local events, and enjoy the park's beautiful surroundings. With easy access to attractions both within and around the park, it's an ideal spot for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the charm of Austin. Reviews highlight Zilker Park as a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the city's unique offerings.

  • Sixth Street: Experience the vibrant nightlife and eclectic atmosphere of Sixth Street, only 621m from Zilker Park. Known for its live music venues, bars, and unique shops, it’s the heart of Austin’s entertainment scene.
  • Austin Convention Center: Located 1.2km away, the Austin Convention Center is a bustling hub for business events and conferences. Its modern facilities host a variety of events, making it an essential part of Austin's professional landscape.
  • Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue: Situated 1.2km from Zilker Park, this iconic statue pays tribute to the legendary blues guitarist. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of Lady Bird Lake, it embodies Austin’s rich musical heritage.

Best time to go to Zilker Park

The best time to visit Zilker Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Zilker Park falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Zilker Park falls in January, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
February53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
March61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May75.0°F (23.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
June82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
July85.1°F (29.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly Low
August86.5°F (30.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September80.4°F (26.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
December53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Zilker Park

To save money on your trip to Zilker Park, consider visiting in August or December to January, as these months offer lower accommodation prices. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be the priciest. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to filter options by budget and hotel type, including eco-certified hotels. Additionally, consider booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities to maximise savings. Don't forget to explore free activities in the park, such as hiking and picnicking, to enjoy the area without spending a fortune.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Zilker Park are August and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Zilker Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Zilker Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will present you with sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel booking at Zilker Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.