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


Paddle a canoe, hike along the extensive trails or unwind in the thermal springs of this idyllic park on the banks of a beautiful lake.

A local recreational park just across Lady Bird Lake in the heart of the city, Zilker Metropolitan Park is sometimes hailed as Austin's most-loved park. And with good reason too. The vast green lawn offers plenty of activities for the whole family, so be prepared to spend an entire day here.

Begin your adventures on the Zilker Zephyr, a miniature train that zips through the park, a definite hit with kids. Nature lovers should head to the mostly flat hiking and biking trails that wind through the park. Offering up scenic views, the trails stretch out over 11 kilometres around the park, as well as along Lady Bird Lake, the 190-hectare lake that slices through Austin's centre. While the hourly charges are not cheap, it's worth it to rent a family-sized canoe from Zilker Park Boat Rentals for an hour or two of fun on the lake. Jump into Barton Springs Pool, where the water fed by underground springs is at a temperature of 20°C throughout the year. There is a small admission fee, but the expansive pool is a great way to beat the heat.

The park hosts many festivals and is home to numerous attractions and live entertainment that will keep you captivated at any time of the year. One of the most spectacular sights is The Zilker Holiday Tree, which stands 47 metres high. Made up of 39 streamers with more than 3,300 multicoloured lights, it is a particular treat to witness the lighting ceremony of this tree, held annually on the first Sunday in December.

For a bit of culture, visit the park in October for The Austin City Limits music festival, which sees more than 100 national and international acts gracing its stages. Bob your head to many musical genres, including pop, rock, blues and swing. Watch the Zilker Summer Musical in the Zilker Hillside Theatre, an annual tradition since 1959. Or fly a kite at the Zilker Park Kite Festival, held on the first Sunday in March every year since 1929.

Zilker Metropolitan Park is about a half an hour walk from downtown Austin. Bring a picnic as there isn't much food available in the grounds of the park.

Popular places to visit


Top Zilker Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

citizenM Austin Downtown

citizenM Austin Downtown

4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST, Austin, TX
citizenM Austin Downtown
Hyatt Place Austin Downtown

Hyatt Place Austin Downtown

3 out of 5
211 E 3rd St, Austin, TX
Hyatt Place Austin Downtown
Aloft Austin Downtown

Aloft Austin Downtown

3 out of 5
109 E 7th St, Austin, TX
Aloft Austin Downtown
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown

Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown

3 out of 5
68 Eeast Ave, Austin, TX
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

3.5 out of 5
901 Neches Street, Austin, TX
Hyatt House 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
Glass Parkside Treehouse SPECTACULAR -POOL-LAKE-RIVER-KAYAK-SUP/Bike/Hike

Glass Parkside Treehouse SPECTACULAR -POOL-LAKE-RIVER-KAYAK-SUP/Bike/Hike

Austin
Glass Parkside Treehouse SPECTACULAR -POOL-LAKE-RIVER-KAYAK-SUP/Bike/Hike
Fairmont Austin

Fairmont Austin

4 out of 5
101 Red River St, Austin, TX
Fairmont Austin
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

At Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including live music, festivals, and theatre performances. The park offers fantastic recreational opportunities, delightful area sightseeing, and numerous entertainment options. Don't miss exploring the Zilker Metropolitan Park, which serves as a vibrant venue for events and gatherings, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and excitement during your visit.

Shopping

In Zilker Park, visit Barton Square Mall, just 3.2km away, for a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and family vibes. Wild About Music, also 3.2km away, offers unique gifts. Southwood Center, located 4.8km from the park, has a blend of city and family atmosphere.

Recreation

Take a refreshing dip at Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at Austin City Limits, where live music fills the air. For a touch of luxury, unwind at the Austin Country Club with its upscale amenities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of tennis at Caswell Tennis Center or South Austin Tennis Center, both located 3.2km from Zilker Park. For a scenic adventure, explore the Shoal Creek Hike and Bike North End, situated 4.8km away, offering beautiful outdoor views and a great hiking experience.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife by catching a show at the Moody Theater or the Paramount Theatre, both just 3.2km from Zilker Park. For a more intimate performance, head to the Zach Theatre, located only 1.4km away, where you can enjoy a delightful mix of culture and entertainment.

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

Find the best attractions near Zilker Park

When visiting Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, you'll find an array of attractions including historic buildings, vibrant streets, and event venues. This spot is perfect for those seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities. Don’t miss the Zilker Botanical Garden and consider staying nearby to fully enjoy the park's beauty and offerings.

  • Sixth Street: Experience the vibrant nightlife and eclectic atmosphere of Sixth Street, just 1.6km away from Zilker Park. This bustling street is known for its lively bars, live music venues, and unique shops, making it a perfect spot to soak in the local culture and enjoy a night out.
  • Austin Convention Center: Located 3.2km from Zilker Park, the Austin Convention Center is a hub for events and conferences. With its modern facilities and business-friendly vibe, it's an ideal place to attend professional gatherings or check out exciting expos.
  • Lake Austin: Just 3.2km away, Lake Austin offers stunning scenery and outdoor activities. This picturesque lake is perfect for a romantic stroll, a picnic by the water, or enjoying various water sports amidst the beautiful Texas landscape.

Best time to go to Zilker Park

The best time to visit Zilker Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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 in Austin, Texas, consider travelling in August or December to January for lower accommodation rates, with Mondays generally being the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, sorting by price or eco-certified options for sustainability. Additionally, combine your hotel booking with flights and activities for extra savings. Enjoy free activities in the park, like hiking and picnicking, to stretch your budget further while exploring the natural beauty of the area.

  • 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 lets you choose your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can easily sort the results to display the most affordable hotels first by arranging the prices from lowest to highest. 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 accommodation options that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Zilker Park hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.