Zilker Park Tours and Activities

Zilker Park showing a sunset, a skyscraper and a garden
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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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Zilker Park

Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, is a vibrant destination offering a variety of activities for visitors. Enjoy live music and local festivals, while taking in breathtaking sights during your strolls through the park. Outdoor attractions abound, from scenic hikes to leisurely picnics, making it perfect for nature lovers. Don't miss the opportunity to explore nearby shopping areas, adding a touch of urban excitement to your trip. Zilker Park truly has something for everyone.

Shopping

Zilker Park offers excellent shopping options nearby. Barton Creek Square Mall, only 3.2km away, features a variety of entertainment and family-friendly shops. Wild About Music, also 3.2km from the park, is perfect for unique gifts. Additionally, Sunset Valley Marketfair, located 6.4km away, boasts local businesses and city vibes.

Recreation

Barton Springs Pool is a refreshing oasis, perfect for family outings and outdoor sports, located 483m from Zilker Park. For music lovers, Austin City Limits, just 161m away, offers vibrant concerts. For aquatic fun, visit the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center, 3.2km from the park.

Adventure

Explore the Shoal Creek Hike and Bike North End, a scenic hiking trail located 4.8km from Zilker Park, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For a fun game, head to the Caswell Tennis Center or the South Austin Tennis Center, both located 3.2km away, offering a great adventure vibe.

Nightlife

In Zilker Park, the nightlife scene thrives with venues like the Moody Theater and Paramount Theatre, both 3.2km away, offering vibrant performances. The nearby Zach Theatre, only 1.4km away, adds to the cultural charm, ensuring a delightful mix of entertainment and romantic ambiance for all visitors.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Zilker Park

Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, offers a delightful mix of attractions for tourists, including historic sites, vibrant street life, and event venues. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, visitors can explore the scenic Zilker Metropolitan Park and enjoy various cultural experiences nearby. With its rich array of activities and points of interest, Zilker Park is a perfect spot to immerse yourself in Austin's unique charm.

  • Sixth Street: Experience the vibrant energy of Sixth Street, located 1.6km from Zilker Park. Known for its lively atmosphere, this street is lined with eclectic bars, live music venues, and unique shops, making it a hotspot for nightlife and entertainment.
  • Austin Convention Center: Just 3.2km away, the Austin Convention Center offers a professional environment ideal for conferences and events. Its modern facilities and spacious layout make it a hub for business, attracting visitors from all over the globe.
  • Lake Austin: Located 3.2km from Zilker Park, Lake Austin provides a serene escape with stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Enjoy romantic lakeside strolls, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water, making it perfect for a peaceful day outdoors.

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 SunnyLowSlightly Low
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 SunnyHighAverage
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 visit to Zilker Park, consider travelling during the cheaper months of August and December to January, and aim for a Monday stay to avoid higher weekend rates. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly, eco-certified hotels and sort prices from lowest to highest. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package can also lead to significant savings. Additionally, take advantage of the park's free activities, making your trip enjoyable without overstretching your budget.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to tailor your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will reveal sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Zilker Park hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia