Zilker Park Tours and Activities

Zilker Park which includes skyline, a lake or waterhole and a park
Zilker Park
Zilker Park
Zilker Park
Zilker Park


Spend the perfect afternoon on the edge of a scenic lake. Take one of the extensive hiking trails before relaxing in the hot springs in this central park.

There is so much to see when visiting Austin, Texas, and about a thirty-minute walk from downtown, visitors will find the Zilker Metropolitan Park. From downtown Austin, it is located directly across Lady Bird Lake. There is plenty of nature and enough activities here to entertain you and your family for an entire day—maybe more.

Start by simply exploring. Hiking and bike trails are mostly flat and offer beautiful scenic views. The trails run for over seventeen kilometres throughout the park and along Lady Bird Lake, the man-made lake which extends through the centre of Austin. Visitors can also explore Zilker Metropolitan Park from the water. Take a swim in Barton Springs Pool, which is fed by underground springs with a lovely year-round temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, or head over to Zilker Park Boat Rentals and scoop up a canoe. For an even more relaxing ride, hop on the Zilker Zephyr, a miniature train that runs through the park.

Visitors enjoy the natural beauty here, but they also enjoy music and other events. Zilker Metropolitan Park offers special events and live entertainment year-round. In the spring, the Zilker Park Kite Festival takes place held on the first Sunday in March, it has been entertaining families since 1929. In the summer, Zilker Hillside Theatre stages plays and summer musicals. The Austin City Limits Music Festival graces the park in the fall with over 100 national and international acts covering genres from contemporary pop and rock to Texas blues and swing. And winter is a great time to visit for a spectacular holiday event: the Zilker Holiday Tree is an Austin tradition in which a 47-metre tree is created from a collection of 39 streamers containing more than 3,000 multi-coloured lights. What a sight!

Regardless of what time of year you visit, there is plenty to do. Check out the website for a full list of events, and plan on spending a day to relax, swim, and simply explore Zilker Metropolitan Park.

Tours & day trips

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Cruises & boat tours

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Water activities

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Popular places to visit


Top Zilker Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Omni Austin Hotel

Omni Austin Hotel

4 out of 5
700 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX
Omni Austin Hotel
citizenM Austin Downtown

citizenM Austin Downtown

4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST, Austin, TX
citizenM Austin Downtown
The Carpenter Hotel

The Carpenter Hotel

3.5 out of 5
400 Josephine St, Austin, TX
The Carpenter Hotel
Hotel Van Zandt

Hotel Van Zandt

4 out of 5
605 Davis Street, Austin, TX
Hotel Van Zandt
The LINE Austin

The LINE Austin

4 out of 5
111 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX
The LINE Austin
Glass Treehouse WINTER EXOTIC--KAYAK-SUP/Bike/Hike/POOL-LAKE-RIVER-GARDENS-FOOD

Glass Treehouse WINTER EXOTIC--KAYAK-SUP/Bike/Hike/POOL-LAKE-RIVER-GARDENS-FOOD

Austin
Glass Treehouse WINTER EXOTIC--KAYAK-SUP/Bike/Hike/POOL-LAKE-RIVER-GARDENS-FOOD
Fairmont Austin

Fairmont Austin

4 out of 5
101 Red River St, Austin, TX
Fairmont Austin
Hyatt Centric Congress Ave Austin

Hyatt Centric Congress Ave Austin

4 out of 5
721 CONGRESS AVE, Austin, TX
Hyatt Centric Congress Ave Austin
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown - University by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown - University by IHG

2.5 out of 5
805 Neches Street, Austin, TX
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown - University by IHG
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 for tourists, offering an array of activities such as live music, festivals, and theatre. Visitors can enjoy sightseeing opportunities, explore the surrounding area, and indulge in shopping at nearby downtown stores. For a bit of fun, try your hand at blazer tag, making it a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement in this beautiful park setting.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Barton Creek Square Mall, just 3.2km from Zilker Park, offering a variety of shops and entertainment. Wild About Music, also 3.2km away, is perfect for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, visit Sunset Valley Marketfair, located 6.4km away.

Recreation

Barton Springs Pool is a refreshing natural spring pool offering a relaxing swim amid lush surroundings, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Austin City Limits hosts vibrant live music events, immersing you in the local entertainment scene. The Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center provides a family-friendly aquatic experience for all ages.

Adventure

Embark on an invigorating adventure at Shoal Creek Hike and Bike North End, located 4.8km from Zilker Park, offering stunning scenery along a scenic trail. For some competitive spirit, head to Caswell Tennis Center or South Austin Tennis Center, both 3.2km away, where you can enjoy thrilling tennis matches.

Nightlife

At Zilker Park, enjoy a vibrant nightlife with the Moody Theater and Paramount Theatre, both offering cultural performances just 3.2km away. For a fun twist, hop on the Zilker Eagle Mini Train, located only 483m away, for a delightful amusement ride under the stars.

*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 culture, outdoor experiences, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Zilker Botanical Garden and the Barton Springs Pool. The park is also home to various historic sites and event venues, making it a vibrant spot for both relaxation and exploration. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the scenic beauty and unique offerings of Zilker Park and its surroundings.

  • Sixth Street: Experience the vibrant energy of Sixth Street, a bustling hub known for its lively nightlife, eclectic bars, and live music venues. just 1.6km from Zilker Park, it’s the heart of Austin’s entertainment scene, perfect for a night out.
  • Austin Convention Center: Located two miles away, the Austin Convention Center is a premier venue for conferences and events. With its sleek architecture and spacious facilities, it exudes a professional atmosphere, hosting everything from trade shows to cultural events.
  • Lake Austin: Two miles from Zilker Park, Lake Austin offers a picturesque escape with its serene waters and scenic surroundings. Ideal for outdoor activities, picnics, or a romantic stroll, it’s a charming spot to relax and enjoy nature.

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

When visiting Zilker Park, Austin, consider scheduling your trip in August or between December and January for lower accommodation rates. Mondays are generally the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, and take advantage of package deals to combine your stay with flights and activities. Explore free activities in the park, such as hiking trails and picnicking. Public transport is an economical way to get around, so be sure to utilise it during your visit.

  • 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 arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you spot the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Zilker Park hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia