Spring has arrived and with it, so has picnic season. So whether you prefer relaxing on a beach, strolling through wildflowers, or enjoying the local weekend festivities at a local park, we’ve put together an Austin picnic guide to get you and your family outdoors on a picnic adventure this spring.
Zilker Park
Address: 2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746
Hours: 5:00am-10:00pm
Bring the family to the 351-acre Zilker Park located in the heart of Austin and enjoy a day of swimming, picnicking, and sunshine. Not only does the park include Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool, but the park also is home to the Zilker Botanical Gardens, a disc golf course, and volleyball courts. There is plenty of fun and relaxation to be had as you spend a full day exploring the renowned Zilker Park. This Austin picnic area is also a popular spot for live music, art festivals, and community events during the summer months. Make sure to check their events calendar so you can enjoy some live tunes during your picnic!
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Address: 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
After lounging for an afternoon picnic in Austin, stroll the pathways of the beautiful and vibrant gardens of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Enjoy the pollinator habitat garden, woodland gardens, and countless others with friends or loved ones. The Wildflower Center showcases some of Texas’s best wildflowers, such as Bluebonnet, Firewheel, Mexican Hat, and the Texas Spiderlily.
Lake Travis
Address: 4370 Mansfield Dam Park Rd., Austin, TX 78732
A picnic at the lake? Yes, please. In addition to packing the sandwiches and snacks, make sure to strap a kayak to your car’s roof. Lake Travis is packed full of outdoor adventures including ziplining, boating, fishing, paddle boarding, and swimming. If you’re looking to have a full-day picnic adventure in Austin, then head to the shores of Lake Travis at either Bob Wentz Park or one of the numerous other public access beaches. Lakeside residents can also enjoy a private beach picnic on Lake Travis. If you don’t have a boat or kayak, no worries. Lake Travis has numerous opportunities for boat, kayak, or paddleboard rentals!
Emma Long Metro Park
Address: 1600 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730
Hours: 7:00am-10:00pm
Tucked outside of the city, Emma Long Metropolitan Park is a favorite Austin picnic spot full of multi-use recreation opportunities. In addition to the picnic areas, there are hiking trails, motorcycle trails, an archery club, and even a spot for camping along the Colorado River. The park offers it all! So regardless of your outdoor hobby, you’ll be able to find a fun activity to enjoy before or after a picnic in the park.
Mount Bonnell
Address: 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd; Austin, Texas 78731
Grab your backpack, snacks, and water bottle and head over to Mount Bonnell to enjoy vast river views during a mountain top picnic. Mount Bonnell is located northwest of Austin along the Colorado River. The short hike is known for great views and is often visited during sunrise or sunset. So, instead of an afternoon picnic, switch it up and plan a sunset mountain top picnic with a loved one.
The Texas State Capitol
Address: 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Hours: 7:00am-8:00pm
Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic with the incredible Texas State Capitol as your backdrop. The 302 ft capital building is situated in downtown Austin, making it a prime location for an afternoon lounging and snacking with friends. After your picnic, take a tour of the building and learn more about the history of Texas. Afterwards, continue yourdowntown Texas tour by exploring nearby local shops and stores from such a convenient location.
After an enjoyable day of picnics and sunshine, you can look forward to relaxing with the family in one of our beautiful waterfront homes on Lake Travis at Lakeside at Tessera. Contact our office to book a tour and find comfort in the knowledge that all of these fun picnic activities and locations will soon be nearby.