Zilker never gets old. Took some out of towners frisbee golfing recently and realized it's SUCH go-to spot for us. We head there on the weekends for coffee with our dog (off leash) and people are always rad. It has a great view of the city. Austin puts on so many events throughout the course of the year (so many musical legends). It's a great spot for outdoor games or just taking a blanket and a book. After living here 13 years it's truly a gem. Oh! Also, it hooks right up to ladybird lake trail! Oh! Oh! And don't litter or Austinites will chase you the frig down.
Restrooms
Restrooms really have soap or water, but if you're in an emergency situation - they work!
Dog-friendliness
So so dog-friendly. No fences though. Be careful!
Picnic area
There are two sides to Zilker Park. One is off leash and dog friendly with no tables. The other side is unleashed and has a pocket of tables you can use and a few placed sporadically too.

Good Early Morning Everyone! Insomnia is no joke. It has been exactly 20 years that I've suffered from Insomnia so....I thought I'd share some of my Amazing Walks. Living Downtown Is An Amazing Experience but, being able to walk out of my building & be on Ladybird Lake/Trail....Is Freaking Just Ahhhhhh....GREAT! This park is just Prime Real-Estate. It a meeting place for families, friends, & dogs! IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CITY. Trees for shade everywhere! Yes too me being darker skinned that is super, super IMPORTANT! As you all know it is dangerously hot so please be aware of your body heat, & the Little Babies & Children Are Absolutely The Most Important Aspect Of All Of Our Lives! Never Forget.The Old Saying: It takes all of us...A Village To Look out for The Chidren & Elderly!!! OHH, your pets as well! Good & Love To Everyone....‍♂️❤️ This Is My Life....God's Gift Too Me!

Loved this place. Huge park with a beautiful walkway off to the side thats covered by a canopy of trees right by the river that leads to a BEAUTIFUL spot to look over the river at downtown Austin. A must see location especially if you're trying to get some great pictures. . Great place for young people to come hangout on the water (or people of all ages but it's filled with teens and young adults) and lounge around on paddle-boards in the sun. . Really liked this area. Thinking about moving to Austin (currently in CO) and I'm sure if I do I'll find myself here on the weekends to unwind on the water after a long week.

Zilker Park is a 350 acre city park situated to the west of the Colorado River and Barton Springs convergence in downtown Austin. This is a great rural retreat near downtown with hiking/walking trails, crystal clear waters with plenty of fish, turtles, birdlife as well as recreational kayakers and paddlers. Good use of rural space with bike stations, tennis courts, plenty of open green space, picnic spots as well as a botanical garden and Nature & Science Centre. We really enjoyed the multitude of spring wildflowers around the park that are on full display right now.

One of the best city parks in one of the best American cities. This place has it all and is well run. More cities should model services and amenities on Zilker. ACL music festival in October is perhaps the best festival site. I'll take it over Coa-hella any day, and folks from Austin are cool people!
Dog-friendliness
Bring pooches and clean up after them.
Picnic area
Innumerable spots, pick your fancy. Great food options abound, but I'd stay away from the geographically closest, go to Terry Blacks.

My family and I loved the park and the different options that have. The Municipal Pool is in the park, also you can rent kayaks and have really good time with your family and pets. The park is really safe and clean.
Playground
Really well designed and clean playground
Restrooms
Clean and available
Dog-friendliness
Yes, dog friendly park, with a lot of options for your doggie
Picnic area
Really good picnic area with tables and parking spaces.

Went here for Barton Springs for the first time. I like that it has free parking on weekdays and it's close to the city, but HATE all the rules and that you have to pay for a water hole that's freezing and you can't bring in any food or alcohol or coolers...as someone who lives by a beach THIS WAS DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND sinxe beaches are free and you can bring anything (but glass). Liked trying it, but probably won't go back

Was not impressed with the pool/ lake itself as the water did not seem clean. I was not there for the swimming but wanted to see as I was visiting from out of state. I did Love ❤️ the leash free dog park! Lots of people out enjoying the park and obviously dog friendly. Also, if you want to see the Austin bats, this is the place to be. Great spot for .
Dog-friendliness
Awesome place to bring your fur babies!

We swam at Barton Springs Pool and kayaked at the Lady Bird Lake. I have seasonal allergies in Northern California, and had a FULL ON ALLERGY ATTACK while kayaking. I suggest if anyone already has allergies then to take an antihistamine and bring your Zaditor with you. My allergies were fine at the pool, there must be something growing in that stretch that's not at the pool. It was so refreshing and fun.

Went to the first weekend of ACL. The crowds were huge but peaceful and happy. The music was fantastic although at times way too loud (especially the bass which carried across the whole park, spoiling other performances). The food and drink were overpriced, as you would expect. Overall the event was very well organized and the weather was fantastic, so we had a great time, but it was exhausting!

Beautiful area. The drought has affected the greenery but a refreshing nature area filled with abundant beauty. Restrooms need severe attention
Restrooms
The restrooms were disgusting and looked like they hadn't been cleaned for weeks. I can't help but wonder why there isn't better care taken of them as they have a lot of visitors there so it seems like the garden could afford it.

This is a great, expansive park with so much to do. It is near downtown so lots to do within walking distance including the botanical gardens, nature and science center, and deep Eddy. Location and foot traffic keeps it relatively busy most days, so parking can be a challenge, just make sure you read your signs or just use a scooter. Porta potties and restrooms are few and far between.

Zilker Park is amazing. There is so much to do here that you can't cover it all in 1 day...and I can cover Universal Studios Hollywood in 1 day...so it's saying alot! Love the park, river, a gigantic pool with diving board, playgrounds with train rides, bike paths, walking/jogging paths, food trucks, picnic areas, romantic views and benches to chat for hours. It's one of Austin's Gems!

Zilker is the coolest f#@%$ng place to go on the face if the Earth. Don't be afraid of the coming pay to park. Just pay it until they figure out that's stupid and insulting because, you need to explore this space if by chance you haven't. Bring a yoga mat and you're third eye. People have been coming to this spot for thousands of years for a reason.

Zilker Park is one of my favorite places, especially when ACL is going on. The views that this park has make visiting such a unique experience. When ACL isn’t going on you will find people playing volleyball, riding their bikes, having picnics, or playing with their dogs. This park is by far one of my favorites in Texas.

Gorgeous park with lots of green space and a great view of downtown! It’s dog friendly and I saw lots of dogs last time I went. Great place for a picnic or a walk. It feels very safe as well. There are some restrooms on site and several picnic areas. I’d recommend bringing a blanket to lay out in grass.

Perfect spot to chill and people watch especially if you need to get cooled down during a hot Texas summer! I’ve been coming to Zilker/Barton Springs since I was a young girl and would be devastated if anything were to happen to this iconic park located in the heart of the city. It’s truly a gem!!

One of the biggest park in Austin and closest to the downtown. You will see amazing view of the downtown. Has volleyball court. You will find wonderful pet friends, and people in their sporty mode. For family and friends. My favorite time is early morning or at the dawn till it gets dark.

Went to the park for the Trail of Lights Holiday event. I really enjoyed how they decorated the trees, but the show was honestly a bit underwhelming. It was not even a mile of lights. We spent more time driving and trying to park than actually walking through the light show.

The natural beauty of the park is wonderful. There is a lack of signage for the areas inside the park. We could not reach the Zilker botanical park because there were not enough signs to guide us. Unfortunately it is not a useful park for elderly and overweight people.

Austin Trail of Lights. Words are less to describe & one can only experience the beauty. Though the event start in December but worth visiting. N do not forget to enjoy the beautiful view of city of Austin. Parking is an issue during the weekend so be prepared to walk.

I've only been to Zilker Park once and it was to practice grounding and meditate in the grass. I have yet to do all the other fun things this beautiful, huge emerald gem has to offer. It's absolutely beautiful and the grass is the fluffiest I've ever felt⚘️ …

Zilker Park is MORE than just ACL Festival. The River Walk, Barton Springs and other attractions are near by and within walking distance. Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum is a definite must see. Walk, explore and enjoy all the park and vicinity has to offer.

Best disc golf, awesome smimming, and great for people watching! Barton springs dog side is great to connect with locals and dogs...pay side is awesome for peace and quiet whilst enjoying the pool and skyline! Locals get discount entry fee to Barton Springs!

Love coming to Zilker for ACL every year. They really have their stuff together and make it seem like there’s not thousands of people there. I would love to visit this park when ACL is not happening because it seems like it would be great for frisbee!

This is a very beautiful hot spring park right opposite to the Austin downtown. The hot spring created canal that connects the Austin river. There is a quality boat rental office with reasonable rate and very nice persons. There are plenty

Moderately challenging course with some fun lines. Fair warning...some of the teepads are poorly identified, which can be somewhat annoying to the uninitiated. Also worth noting, the course is in the heart of the city so it stays pretty

The best place to go for a cheap price!! Like $7 for parking. Dog friendly. U can rent little boats or bring yours. There's the pool or the river. Not packed at all. Alot of shade, no insects, and no pollution. Clean water

A very big and pretty park where you can go and have a great time, there is enough space for different activities. You can go with your pet, have a picnic day with your family or friends, or go walk all around the river.

Great views of the Austin skyline. Pretty solid amount of parking spots as well given the size of the park. Traffic can get tough during rush hour but not too bad other than that. Gear facilities and well maintained.

Great park with play area, drinking water, toilets and closer to the downtown. Could do with better parking signs and directions. Dog owners especially with known vicious breeds must have them on a lead or muzzle.

Public park and city planning done right -- an excellent slice of nature in close proximity to the urban core, home to countless events and festivals, and incredibly maintained and cared for. Great job Austin, TX.

It's one of the best parks in Austin! Pool, river, sunbathing, hiking trails and so much greenery. When you get tired of the bars, come here to get away from it all and reconnect with nature.

Beautiful park. Absolutely worth the (very reasonable!) price of admission.
Playground
Small, but interactive musical playground
Restrooms
Only in one spot, but easy to access

Zilker is amazing. Huge park with lots of space for dogs (on leash), kids (preferred on leash ), and picnics. Festivals are held here frequently. Kite fest this weekend was a blast. …

A beautiful park that has both a pay and free side. Lots to explore and beautiful views. Love all the rope swings and clear water. Be careful due to the rocky bottom of the water. More

Amazing park! Haven’t been to any other park till date that could give such an awesome atmosphere. The park gives you the “feel good” vibes with all that’s happening all around it.

Great place to cool off on a hot day. Great people and family friendly. Bring water shoes!!!! Slippery rocks on the free side. But cool clean water and a great atmosphere

Blues on the Green was very nice. They have plenty of vendors and lots of giveaways. And the bike taxis that they have was a big help. So big shout out to them as well.

Excellent view and so many different areas for different activities, great evening view of the downtown town from the river and a very fun and entertaining experience!

Great open space park! Texas heat when we were there 107 degrees I believe it was, but there were still a lot of friendly people and no homeless problem.

Barton Springs - A spring-fed gem in the middle of the city. Consistent water temperature year round. 38 degree C temperature, but 18 degree water.

Beautiful public space. Visited this year for the Austin City Limits music festival. The event was well managed and the park is the perfect venue.

Love Zilker! Lots of outdoor activities with a beautiful view of the downtown skyline. Especially love the Disc Golf course and Barton Springs!

Comfortable parking in a near city location. Not so crowded these days though the weather is quite warm but with mild wind around, I feel ok.

A beautiful and relaxing place in the middle of the city. Outstanding Views of the skyline and the Lady Bird Lake. My happy place in Austin.

Love the free side! It's the run off from barton springs! Rope swings nice cool spring water! Family friendly! Our go to summer spot!

I came for ACL and this park blew me away. It is gorgeous and has so much to do, you won't get it all done in a single trip!!

great place for parents to relax while the little ones burn off energy. there are just lots of activities you can do here.

Really nice area to let the dogs run and swim. The water is beyond refreshing. I will make it a point to get back here.

If you want to put your finger on the pulse of beloved ATX and you speak K-9. This is a great place to enjoy. More

Big city “Zilker park” just beside Austin’s downtown. It’s a gem, almost as good as Vancouver’s Stanley park.

Beautiful place and amazing views of the city. I loved the experience. Strongly recommend visiting

Huge playground with slides, swings and tunnels. Large open fields and access to the river as well

Be prepared to walk take water with you came it was hot out there. Nice views. …

Beautiful park with excellent walking trails and gorgeous vistas!

This is a cool fun big park, we went to ACL here and had a blast

Great park of course. Trail of lights is a must do in Austin

Awesome course to play for 2023 NADGT Nationals!

What a great place! Lots to see and free.