Parks and Outdoor Rectreation in Austin
Here, in the beautiful city that is known as the capital of Texas, a.k.a Austin, there are many things to do. One thing that you can do is to visit the many parks and zoos that are in Austin. They are a great place to spend a weekend and to enjoy the nature around Austin.
Zilker Park
Zilker Metropolitan Park is a recreational area in the heart of Austin that comprises over 350 acres of publicly owned land. It is named after its founder Andrew Jackson Zilker, who donated the land to the city in 1917. This park is used for many events such as the Trail of Lights, Austin City Limits Music Festival, the Kite festival, and everyday activities such as running, hanging out, relaxing with friends,and playing on the sand volleyball court. This park is home to the Zilker Botanical gardens. The park has a hillside theater, where you can enjoy Shakespeare in the Park and the Zilker Summer Musical. The park is located at 2100 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78704. It is a favorite
Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell, also known as Covert Park, is a prominent point alongside Lake Austin portion of the Colorado River in Austin, Texas. It has been a popular tourist destination since the 1850's. The park is open every day from 5:00 A.M to 10:00 P.M. It provides a great view of Lake Austin. "In fact, at 775 feet, Mt. Bonnell is generally considered to be the highest point in Austin." (freefuninaustin.com)
Mount Bonnell Park is full of trails to explore and overlooks to see the fantastic view of Lake Austin. After the climb of hundreds of stairs to reach the top, a covered overlook shows off the breathtaking sights from the top of the small mountain. A short trail takes you down the other side and back to the parking lot where you can find your car. There are many small picnic areas and side trails that are definitely something to explore at this location. Many people come every evening to enjoy the beautiful sunset over Lake Austin. It is also great for watching fireworks over the lake on the Forth of July. You can also get a great view of the famous Pennybacker Bridge, also known as 360 Bridge, which is a known Austin landmark.
Mount Bonnell Park is full of trails to explore and overlooks to see the fantastic view of Lake Austin. After the climb of hundreds of stairs to reach the top, a covered overlook shows off the breathtaking sights from the top of the small mountain. A short trail takes you down the other side and back to the parking lot where you can find your car. There are many small picnic areas and side trails that are definitely something to explore at this location. Many people come every evening to enjoy the beautiful sunset over Lake Austin. It is also great for watching fireworks over the lake on the Forth of July. You can also get a great view of the famous Pennybacker Bridge, also known as 360 Bridge, which is a known Austin landmark.
For a short video of a tour of Mt. Bonnell, click the link below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HfJi8t16Fc
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
This wonderful park has many different and exotic animals such as peacocks. It is located at 3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703. Mayfield Park is home to plenty of trails near a calm cove off of Lake Austin. You can often see ducks, swans, and other waterfowl. The trails allow you to explore forests near the lake. Mayfield Park is also located right next to the Austin Museum of Art, which also contains many small trails, docks, and other ways to access the water.
Emma Long Park
Emma Long park is known to be a great spot to go on the weekends, especially for families with pets. There are many trails and hikes to go on, and it is located next to Lake Austin. It is known to be a great dog park, and the main trail follows a creek, which is great fro families with dogs. The dogs could go swimming and walk along the trail. The hikes at Emma Long Park are great and are beautiful, and there are options for shorter and longer hikes that are great for families with young children. You can also hike to the top of a hill where a great view of the surrounding hills and nature can be enjoyed. Whether a short walk or a long hike is best for you and your family or your pets, Emma Long Park will not disappoint.
Town Lake Running and Biking Trails
Thousands of people come to these running and biking trails every weekend to get some good exercise in an enjoyable setting around Town Lake, also known as Lady Bird Lake. The trail is also called the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. "With more than 1.5 million visits a year, the 10-mile hike-and-bike trail is Austin's most recognized and popular recreational area" (thetrailfoundation.org, 2008). Almost the entire trail distance has great views of the lake. It is a great place to enjoy a walk also, with areas that meet with Barton Creek, where people can enjoy some fishing for small fish, feeding ducks, and other activities. Small water fountains and hydration stations are great for runners, especially runners with dogs. There are two options for a trail, a three mile loop and a five mile loop. It is also possible to take your bike off the trail and enjoy a ride around downtown Austin. There are many bridges crossing over Barton Creek and over the lake, and these add some fun to the trail. The five mile loop goes in front of the Long Center, a well known performing arts center in Austin, and also crosses through a dog park, as well as Zilker Park at the beginning. There is plenty of parking at the trail head, as well as many water fountains to drink from at the end of a run. A dog park is also found here, and dogs are welcome to swim, run, and play. Water fountains for dogs are also found, so these trails are very dog friendly!
For a video about the Town Lake Hike and Bike Trails, follow the link below!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oENjArzMYeg
The Congress Avenue Bat Bridge
In the heart of downtown Austin, the Congress Avenue Bat Bridge is a common attraction for people to visit. It is one thing that Austin is commonly known for, and bats are often displayed in murals, posters, and brochures depicting the city. It is a symbol of the city of Austin. On Summer nights, thousands of bats fly out from under the bridge, which is quite a spectacular sight to see! They fly over the lake and into the sunset. The many people who wait on the bridge begin to clap and cheer when the first few bats fly out. Thousands of people, mainly visitors of the city, come to this location every year to see this spectacle that Austin is known for. This bridge is also used for parades and events. It is located between the Capitol building and the Austin-American StaIt is a great place to visit, especially on Summer evenings, where the thousands of bats put on a great show.
Bull Creek Trails
Bull Creek is a major one of the many creeks in Austin. A trail has been built along the creek that people can enjoy on a weekend. The creek is also a great place to swim and take your dogs to, because the water is refreshing, especially on a hot Texas summer day. The trails follow the creek and go through some forest, and even cross the creek many times. Eventually, you arrive at a part of Bull Creek where there are some waterfalls around six feet tall. There are some rope swings that are also fun for swimmers to enjoy. A great hike is also available even when the creek is mainly dry because of droughts in central Texas.