The Zilker Botanical Garden has to be one of the most underrated places in Austin. Admission is $2 (yes, $2!) and they have a parking lot where you can park for free. The grounds are massive, spanning 26 acres on the south side of Zilker Park. My family and I didn’t even cover it all. There are many different gardens (Japanese, Herb, Rose, even Prehistoric…). It’s certainly worth a visit. Even thinking about it now makes me want to go back! Be sure to bring your camera, a sketch pad, comfortable shoes, water, and sunblock.
Also, have you ever been driving to the Lady Bird Lake trail parking under MoPac, on the south of the lake, and wonder what that beautifully ornate gate is? It’s the back entrance to the botanical garden! I think they only open it when they use their overflow parking, but if you were curious, that’s where it leads.
I’m not much of a selfie person, but there were two particularly beautiful spots. I couldn’t help myself.
Been twice, always a good time