Austin’s traffic congestion and wild parties can wear a person out. Sometimes, the best antidote to these stresses is a trip into nature. Lose track of time at these 10 hidden oases around Austin. The peace and quiet will leave you feeling refreshed and better than ever!
- The top of Mount Bonnell
BrandonLord/Flickr Austin sunsets look even more stunning from the top of Mount Bonnell. The only sounds you’ll hear are the whispers of delicate breezes and rustling leaves.
- The pond at Mayfield Park
Andy/Flickr Lily pads float gracefully above the pristine pond and peacocks proudly strut by. You can’t find a more relaxing spot in Austin. Mayfield Park is located at 3505 W 35th St.
- The gardens surrounding Laguna Gloria
Einahpets32 (Stephanie)/Flickr This historic home, located at 3809 West 35th St., is now part of The Contemporary Austin. Stroll the grounds and smell the fragrant flowers. This serene setting is open Monday-Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center/Facebook Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes opened this wildflower center in 1982, and the gorgeous flowers have bloomed ever since. No matter when you go, there’s always something in season. These peaceful grounds will completely relax you. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is located at 4801 La Crosse Ave and is open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Onion Creek at McKinney Falls State Park
Marcus Calderon/Flickr As the leaves change colors and the temperatures drop, the glistening waters from Onion Creek take on a whole new life. Of course, McKinney Falls State Park is soothing and gorgeous any time of year. Visit this majestic piece of nature at 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway.
- The Isamu Taniguchi Japanese Garden at the Zilker Botanical Garden
You’ll feel your troubles melt away at The Isamu Taniguchi Japanese Garden. This part of the Zilker Botanical Garden is full of rippling water and well-placed stepping stones. In traditional Japanese fashion, the pond spells out a word. Showing his love for this city, Taniguchi chose to make that word “Austin.” You can truly get away from it all at 2220 Barton Springs Rd.
- The trails at the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Jon Clegg/Flickr Get off the highway and escape into nature. The trails at the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve will make you forget you’re within the city limits. This blissful isolated area is located at 805 N Capital of Texas Hwy,
- River Place Nature Trail
Juniper L./Yelp Northwest Austin is home to a hidden gem hiking trail. Enjoy the quiet solitude at River Place Nature Trail, located at 8820 Big View Dr.
- UT Turtle Pond
Ben/Flickr Students appreciate the turtle pond’s calming affects, but you don’t have to be studying for finals in order to enjoy this sweet escape.
- Blunn Creek Preserve
Marcus Calderon/Flickr Explore the untouched wilderness at Blunn Creek Preserve, located at 1200 St Edwards Dr.
Where do you like to go for some peace and quiet?
BrandonLord/Flickr
Austin sunsets look even more stunning from the top of Mount Bonnell. The only sounds you’ll hear are the whispers of delicate breezes and rustling leaves.
Andy/Flickr
Lily pads float gracefully above the pristine pond and peacocks proudly strut by. You can’t find a more relaxing spot in Austin. Mayfield Park is located at 3505 W 35th St.
Einahpets32 (Stephanie)/Flickr
This historic home, located at 3809 West 35th St., is now part of The Contemporary Austin. Stroll the grounds and smell the fragrant flowers. This serene setting is open Monday-Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center/Facebook
Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes opened this wildflower center in 1982, and the gorgeous flowers have bloomed ever since. No matter when you go, there’s always something in season. These peaceful grounds will completely relax you. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is located at 4801 La Crosse Ave and is open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Marcus Calderon/Flickr
As the leaves change colors and the temperatures drop, the glistening waters from Onion Creek take on a whole new life. Of course, McKinney Falls State Park is soothing and gorgeous any time of year. Visit this majestic piece of nature at 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway.
You’ll feel your troubles melt away at The Isamu Taniguchi Japanese Garden. This part of the Zilker Botanical Garden is full of rippling water and well-placed stepping stones. In traditional Japanese fashion, the pond spells out a word. Showing his love for this city, Taniguchi chose to make that word “Austin.” You can truly get away from it all at 2220 Barton Springs Rd.
Jon Clegg/Flickr
Get off the highway and escape into nature. The trails at the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve will make you forget you’re within the city limits. This blissful isolated area is located at 805 N Capital of Texas Hwy,
Juniper L./Yelp
Northwest Austin is home to a hidden gem hiking trail. Enjoy the quiet solitude at River Place Nature Trail, located at 8820 Big View Dr.
Ben/Flickr
Students appreciate the turtle pond’s calming affects, but you don’t have to be studying for finals in order to enjoy this sweet escape.
Explore the untouched wilderness at Blunn Creek Preserve, located at 1200 St Edwards Dr.
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