A trip to Austin puts you in the heart of Texas history. From the Texas State Capitol to the Paramount Theatre, the Driskill Hotel to Barton Springs, the heritage of the Lone Star State lives and breathes throughout our city. We invite you to explore, experience and enjoy Austin’s many memorable attractions and make our history part of yours.
Barton Springs Pool. PICA 01009, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library.
History of Zilker Park
The 350 acres that became Zilker Park was donated to the city in stages by businessman and philanthropist Andrew Zilker. During the Great Depression, federally-funded improvement projects enhanced the park’s natural beauty, and since it's establishment as a city park in 1934, Zilker has since become one of Austin’s most cherished public spaces. In 1997, the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognized as the Zilker Park Historic District. The park is now home to beloved attractions like Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and ACL Festival in October.
Barton Springs Pool
Often referred to as the "gem of Zilker Park," this three acre pool is fed by underground springs and is a refreshing 68-70 degrees year-round. The springs' history can be dated back thousands of years, as Native tribes found them to be a great spot to rest. It wasn't until 1918 that the springs came under public ownership and were eventually sold to the City of Austin for public park land. In 1997 the Barton Springs Salamander, which exists only in this area, was designated an endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. And it still serves as a place of relaxation and enjoyment for locals and visitors alike. Learn more about Barton Springs and it's history at the 1947 bathhouse-turned-learning-center Splash! exhibit, just outside of the pool entrance.
Zilker Botanical Garden
The botanical garden, with its 1964 building, represents a collaboration of over 25 local garden clubs. The Taniguchi Garden was completed in 1969 by Isamu Taniguchi, who placed many of the stones with his own hands. The Botanical Garden is now home to a number of different themed gardens (like the Prehistoric Garden), trails, historic buildings and more.
UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum
Next door to the park sits the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum, showcasing the work of 20th-century American sculptor Charles Umlauf. Opened to the public in 1985 and expanded in 1991, the garden blends art and nature beautifully with shaded paths, serene water features, and educational exhibits. The museum hosts rotating contemporary exhibitions and creative events year-round.
Barton Springs Pool. Credit Cindy Bolanos.
Hiking and Walking Trails
Zilker Park connects seamlessly to some of Austin’s best trails:
Roy and Ann Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
The idea for a downtown waterfront trail in Austin took shape in the 1970s, thanks in large part to the efforts of first lady Lady Bird Johnson, who championed beautification and public access to nature. Her vision transformed the area surrounding what was then called Town Lake (now Lady Bird Lake)—a reservoir created by a 1960 dam on the Colorado River—into a lush, walkable destination. Over time, a system of paths and plantings grew into what is now the Roy and Ann Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, a beloved 10-mile loop that hugs the shoreline of Lady Bird Lake. Starting from Zilker Park, this trail connects the city's natural beauty with its urban core, offering uninterrupted views of the skyline.
Violet Crown Trail
Planning for the Violet Crown Trail began in 2006 with the goal of building Central Texas’s first regional trail system. After nearly a decade of thoughtful land planning and community collaboration, the first six-mile stretch officially opened in 2015. Today, the trail extends 13 miles from Zilker Park all the way to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, marking the completion of its first major phase. Future expansions will take the trail through the City of Austin’s Water Quality Protection Lands and into neighboring Hays County, offering a uniquely wild and scenic experience. Once fully completed, the Violet Crown Trail will span 30 miles, linking natural greenbelts with neighborhoods, libraries, parks and shopping hubs.
Ellison Photo Co. South Congress Avenue. C00622. Courtesy Austin History Center, Austin Public Library.
Beyond the Park: Historic South Austin
Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge
Each evening from spring through fall, crowds gather near the Congress Avenue Bridge to witness one of Austin’s most awe-inspiring natural spectacles: the nightly flight of 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats, the largest urban bat colony in North America. The bridge’s unique crevices have made it an ideal summer roosting spot since the 1980s, and what was once a curiosity has become a must-see event. Catch the show from the bridge itself, the hike-and-bike trail below, or on a bat-watching boat tour along Lady Bird Lake.
South Congress Avenue (SOCO)
South Congress has long been a vital artery in Austin’s cultural life. Once a dusty road leading to the state capitol, the avenue blossomed in the mid-20th century as a hub for mom-and-pop shops, diners and motor courts. After a period of decline, the district experienced a creative revival in the 1990s and is now a walkable stretch of iconic neon signage, quirky boutiques, legendary music venues and locally owned restaurants. Historic landmarks like the Austin Motel (opened in 1938) and Continental Club (established in 1955) remain anchors in this ever-evolving corridor.
South First Street
Quieter than its SoCo sibling, South First Street has grown from a residential route into a flavorful strip known for its eclectic eats and Austin charm. Home to food truck pioneers and longtime local businesses, South First blends old and new with ease. Stop by La Patisserie, snap a pic at the Greetings from Austin mural, or enjoy a Tex-Mex meal at El Mercado, which has served locals and visitors since 1984.
Dawson Neighborhood & St. Edward’s University
Tucked between South Congress and South First, the Dawson neighborhood balances leafy streets with hidden gems like Bouldin Creek Café and vintage shops. Overlooking this part of town is the hilltop campus of St. Edward’s University, a historic private institution founded in 1885. The Main Building, a castle-like structure completed in 1903, is one of Austin’s most striking landmarks and offers panoramic views of the downtown skyline.
Mattie's at Green Pastures
Originally the Faulk family estate, this Victorian home built in 1893 became a restaurant in 1946 and was one of the first in Austin to integrate, both in its dining room and its hiring practices. Today, it lives on as Mattie’s, a refined yet relaxed spot beneath towering oaks and roaming peacocks. Its history and hospitality make it a uniquely Austin experience.
Learn more about historic Austin with these historic sites or take a guided Downtown Walking Tour!
