Zilker Metropolitan Park
Zilker Metropolitan Park
4.5
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
Home to Barton Springs, the Zilker Eagle, a large playscape, and four hundred acres of sports fields and woodlands, Zilker Park is a popular weekend destination.
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Top ways to experience Zilker Metropolitan Park
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: South Austin
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,143 within 5 kms
Attractions
253 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, Minnesota3,188 contributionsUrban OasisSprawling park that is an urban oasis in the city of Austin. We enjoyed riding bikes along Barton Creek and along the Colorado River. This is also home to the Barton Springs Pool and the Botanical Garden.Visited October 2022Written 25 May 2023
- Bhaskar_10New Delhi, India2,852 contributionsPlace with many activitiesBeen to this place at 7th July 2023 Visited this place with friend on weekdays and found teh parking to be free. the place have many natural trails for running / walking. Also has rowing facilities, and park and places for picnic. Also it has landscaped botanical garden. Pet friendly place, this attraction is good gor locals and for tourist who are on long vacations. Enjoy this attraction which is spread accross a huge area.Visited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 8 September 2023
- Michael BPortland, Oregon9 contributionsZilker is the Crown Jewel of Austin!Zilker Park around Lady Bird Lake is a shady, beautiful area just south of downtown. I have lived in Austin 45 years, and walk the 3 mi. loop from Mopac bridge to the pedestrian bridge many many times. Have explored more all the way around the lake on my e-bike recently. Zilker Park will add value to your life and feed your Soul.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 1 October 2023
- digitalrocCalgary, Canada1,816 contributionsPouring Rain!I had Zilker Park marked on my itinerary, and as I approached the area from downtown, it started to lightly rain, which wasn’t a big deal. Once I arrived in the park, and still in my vehicle, the skies opened up and it poured, for a long time! The park and neighboring attractions looked nice, but there was so much water on the streets from the rain, it was best to vacate the area.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 22 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
949 reviews
Excellent
634
Very good
240
Average
55
Poor
13
Terrible
7
digitalroc
Calgary, Canada1,816 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
I had Zilker Park marked on my itinerary, and as I approached the area from downtown, it started to lightly rain, which wasn’t a big deal. Once I arrived in the park, and still in my vehicle, the skies opened up and it poured, for a long time! The park and neighboring attractions looked nice, but there was so much water on the streets from the rain, it was best to vacate the area.
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael B
Portland, OR9 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Zilker Park around Lady Bird Lake is a shady, beautiful area just south of downtown. I have lived in Austin 45 years, and walk the 3 mi. loop from Mopac bridge to the pedestrian bridge many many times. Have explored more all the way around the lake on my e-bike recently. Zilker Park will add value to your life and feed your Soul.
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bhaskar_10
New Delhi, India2,852 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Been to this place at 7th July 2023
Visited this place with friend on weekdays and found teh parking to be free. the place have many natural trails for running / walking. Also has rowing facilities, and park and places for picnic. Also it has landscaped botanical garden.
Pet friendly place, this attraction is good gor locals and for tourist who are on long vacations.
Enjoy this attraction which is spread accross a huge area.
Visited this place with friend on weekdays and found teh parking to be free. the place have many natural trails for running / walking. Also has rowing facilities, and park and places for picnic. Also it has landscaped botanical garden.
Pet friendly place, this attraction is good gor locals and for tourist who are on long vacations.
Enjoy this attraction which is spread accross a huge area.
Written 9 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
veronica c
New York City, NY66 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
This park has some overrated things like the sculpture walk, that costs 7 dollars and you can see it in 20 min if you walk very slowly. Then the pool that seems fun but is that, a portion of the river transformed in a semipúblic swimming pool. A couple of overpriced food trucks and dirty bathrooms. I’m not a fan of Austin so far and maybe is that I don’t like the city as much as the others I visited in this trip that make me see the faults in this
Written 3 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN3,188 contributions
Oct 2022
Sprawling park that is an urban oasis in the city of Austin. We enjoyed riding bikes along Barton Creek and along the Colorado River. This is also home to the Barton Springs Pool and the Botanical Garden.
Written 26 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BradJill
Hong Kong, China1,59,141 contributions
May 2023
Zilker Park is a 350 acre city park situated around MoPac and south of the Colorado River in Austin. This is a great rural retreat near downtown with hiking/walking trails along the Colorado and Barton Springs.
The waters are crystal clear with plenty of fish, turtles, birdlife as well as recreational users kayaking and paddling the blue waters. You'll also find bike stations, tennis courts, plenty of open green space, picnic spots as well as a botanical garden and Nature & Science Centre.
We really enjoyed walking the Ann and Roy Butler trail which transects Zilker as part of the Lady Bird shores that extend further east on both sides of the Colorado as part of Lady Bird Lake. We really enjoyed the multitude of spring wildflowers around the park that are on full display right now.
This is a great stretch of green and leisure space for Austin residents and visitors and much needed green lung for the city. Would gladly spend time here regularly if we lived in the area.
The waters are crystal clear with plenty of fish, turtles, birdlife as well as recreational users kayaking and paddling the blue waters. You'll also find bike stations, tennis courts, plenty of open green space, picnic spots as well as a botanical garden and Nature & Science Centre.
We really enjoyed walking the Ann and Roy Butler trail which transects Zilker as part of the Lady Bird shores that extend further east on both sides of the Colorado as part of Lady Bird Lake. We really enjoyed the multitude of spring wildflowers around the park that are on full display right now.
This is a great stretch of green and leisure space for Austin residents and visitors and much needed green lung for the city. Would gladly spend time here regularly if we lived in the area.
Written 15 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dieterichgirls
4 contributions
Mar 2023
We had a great time walking the trails and relaxing in the grass. Very clean area. Loved watching the kayaks and paddleboards.
Written 31 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor B
Chicago, IL8,751 contributions
Mar 2023
How many public and recreational parks are you aware of that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places? In 1997, Zilker Metropolitan Park in Austin, Texas, achieved that honorable recognition. Must be something special, right? Located at the juncture of Barton Creek and the Colorado River in what was once a cattle ranch, the 350-acre patch of land was developed into a park during the Great Depression in the 1930s. Today, it serves as a hub for many recreational activities, the Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail a hike that encircles Lady Bird Lake and the Violet Crown Trail that runs south from Barton Spring Pool to Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The size of the park makes it a popular venue for large-scale events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Zilker Park Kite Festival. But that's not all. In addition to the general-purpose lawns, sports fields, cross-country courses, historical markers, concession stands and picnic areas, the park includes numerous public attractions, including The Zilker Botanical Garden, the Austin Nature & Science Center, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, the Zilker Hillside Theater, Barton Springs Pool and the Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center. Annually, to highlight the Christmas season, the 155-foot Zilker Holiday Tree is illuminated, along with a Trail of Lights display. If you're tired of walking or aren't inspired to job, bike, or kayak, the Zilker Zephyr 12-inch gauge miniature railway carries passengers on a tour around the park.
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jessepisors
Victoria, TX36 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Beautiful, fun, diverse natural river sanctuary in the middle of Austin, TX. You’ll be inspired to jog, bike, kayak or just stroll with nature, the river and lots of people around you.
Written 15 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven W
Sacramento, CA1,329 contributions
Nov 2022
Nice park with lots of walking and exploring options. Very peaceful and relaxing. A nice way to get away from the rush of downtown.
Written 9 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mari Ala
Austin, TX
Can anyone tell me if there is any covered areas for a rainy day
Jade_Mont15
Shreveport, LA295 contributions
No I don't remember seeing any. It is a large park area.
KayDarlene
La Feria, TX84 contributions
My BF & I wanted to go down the river with our 5 year old. Is there a 3 person kayak or paddleboat there?
steven v
Shelburne, VT73 contributions
I know I saw rentals of all sizes, they have canoes too, which is easier to find than a 3 person kayak, make sure you watch the Bats!!!!
carlos
Andover, UK38 contributions
Hi there, gonna be in Austin in November (before thanksgiving week) and was hoping to go to zilker with a 4 year old and 1 year old. Was thinking of parking near to the play park and then walking around a bit to do the train and see a bit of the river. Doable for a few hours or any better recommendations are greatly appreciated!
glennroid
West Yarmouth, MA227 contributions
That's a great time to go and kids that age will love Zilker.
CoOlJoSh
Dickinson, TX161 contributions
How long would it take to hike from the west end of Barton Creek Greenbelt to Zilker Park and then back again?
Teresa C
10 contributions
It's 7 miles from the Hill of Life (at the end) to Zilker park where the Barton Creek Greenbelt trail begins. It's 4 hours for an average hiker
is this place pet friendly?
markcohen2017
Austin, TX57 contributions
very pet friendly but city ordinance requires pets on leash
marig1992
San Antonio, TX1 contribution
Do you have to pay if you want to go picnic in the park?
markcohen2017
Austin, TX57 contributions
great picnik areas one area next to crrek has tables and bbq pits
WeRTravelbugs
Grass Valley, CA112 contributions
Could someone give me feedback if this HUGE park is a good place for children under five? Besides the train ride are the swings, slides etc or just water, hiking etc?
Any suggestions of other places to take five yr old and under? We are coming for the races next weekend so us gals will want someplace to take the kiddos while the guys take in F1 races. Thanks for any input friends of Tripadvisor!
Magda H
Austin, TX51 contributions
YEs it is a beautiful place for children. Not just the train, there are playgrounds, swings, and also lots of nature to enjoy. This park is awesome for everyone !
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Claim your listingZilker Metropolitan Park (Austin) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Zilker Metropolitan Park
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Zilker Metropolitan Park:
- Austin and Hill Country Sightseeing Tour (From ₹ 2,750.92)
- Austin in a Nutshell Bike Tour with a Local Guide (From ₹ 5,405.14)
- Small-Group Bike Tour in Austin (From ₹ 4,496.50)
- Lady Bird Lake Bike Tour in Austin (From ₹ 6,252.08)
- Austin and Hill Country Panoramic Sightseeing Tour (From ₹ 6,085.36)
- Hotels near Zilker Metropolitan Park:
- (1.44 km) Carpenter Hotel
- (2.51 km) Hotel ZaZa Austin
- (1.99 km) Brava House Bed And Breakfast
- (2.26 km) Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown
- (2.13 km) Austin Proper Hotel
- Restaurants near Zilker Metropolitan Park:
- (0.96 km) Chuy's
- (1.64 km) Uchi
- (1.75 km) Odd Duck
- (1.83 km) Whole Foods Market
- (1.89 km) True Food Kitchen
- Attractions near Zilker Metropolitan Park:
- (0.41 km) Barton Springs Pool
- (0.36 km) Zilker Botanical Garden
- (0.41 km) Zilker Train
- (0.41 km) Zilker Park Boat Rentals
- (1.04 km) Barton Springs Bike Rentals & Tours