On a clear afternoon or breezy evening, packing a picnic and heading to a local park is one of the simplest ways to enjoy Austin’s outdoors. The city is full of green spaces that work well for laid-back meals.
Zilker Park. Courtesy of Visit Austin.
Zilker Park
Zilker Park, the iconic greenspace just south of Lady Bird Lake, is arguably Austin’s most visited public park. Not only does it host the Austin City Limits music festival every year, but Zilker Park also features Blues on the Green, the ABC Kite Festival, and plenty of open lawns for picnicking.
Sheep Meadow offers prime views of Downtown Austin, while the Pecan Grove Picnic Area provides picnic tables and grills. If your picnic guest list includes kids, be sure to head to the Zilker Playscape.
Where to Grab Food near Zilker Park: Salads, sandwiches, frozen custard, and juicy rotisserie chicken can all be ordered to-go at Lou’s Barton Springs. The nearby Barton Creek Farmer’s Market is a great place to stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and prepared foods. Or, opt for a full-fledged BBQ feast and pick up some grub from Terry Black’s Barbecue.
Pease Park Troll. Credit @gabrielaguedez on Instagram.
Pease Park
This 84-acre public park delivers serious fairytale vibes with its limestone bluffs and wooded groves. You’ll also find fascinating pieces of urban art, including the legendary Malin’s Fountain, a troll-shaped sculpture made of recycled materials. For a magical picnic experience, look no further.
Where to Grab Food near Pease Park: Enjoy a refreshing sno-cone in your flavor of choice at the park’s SnoRide truck. Or, snag one of Austin’s favorite sub sandwiches at ThunderCloud Subs. For something more upscale, pick up New England-style lobster rolls at Garbo’s.
Texas Farmers Market Mueller. Courtesy of Texas Farmers Market.
Mueller Lake Park
Mueller Lake Park is a sunny outdoor space that boasts a central location and many nearby amenities. Families can settle in for a picnic after exploring the Thinkery with their curious kids, while hikers and bikers can do a few laps around the lake before getting into picnic mode. If you have a furry friend, check out the dog run just north of the park’s central lawn.
Where to Grab Food near Mueller Lake Park: The Texas Farmer’s Market comes to Mueller every Sunday, offering everything from fresh produce to cheese and charcuterie boards to quality coffee to impeccable pastries. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with a scoop (or two) at Lick Honest Ice Creams.
Mayfield Park & Nature Preserve. Credit Tricia Zeigler.
Mayfield Park
A quaint natural area along the banks of the Colorado River, Mayfield Park in Tarrytown is best known for the population of semi-feral peacocks who like to wander the lawns and trails. Pick a sunny place near the park’s ponds, or set up your picnic along the riverbanks or underneath a tree.
Where to Grab Food near Mayfield Park: All Day Pizza’s Tarrytown location is a favorite for Mayfield Park picnics. Pair your meal with a frozen treat (New Zealand-style) from Zed’s Real Fruit Ice Cream.
Other Great Picnic Spots in Austin
Ramsey Park: This quiet neighborhood park in Rosedale has big shade trees, grassy lawns, a pool, and a mellow vibe that’s perfect for laid-back picnics with kids or a good book.
Patterson Park: Tucked between Mueller and Cherrywood, Patterson has a community feel, shaded picnic tables, and plenty of space to spread out near the mosaic-covered basketball court.
Shoal Creek Greenbelt (North Section): This lesser-trafficked stretch near 34th Street offers a peaceful, semi-wooded spot for casual picnics without the crowds.
Walter E. Long Lake Metropolitan Park: Located on the city’s eastern edge, this expansive park offers lakefront views and open picnic areas, especially ideal for folks looking to explore beyond central Austin.
Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park: Just southeast of downtown, you’ll find plenty of grassy fields and quiet nooks along the river to enjoy a peaceful meal.
Austin is an outdoor lover's oasis. Check out more outdoor activities that can be enjoyed year-round!