In early spring, the Texas Hill Country blooms into a colorful cascade of delicate bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes and Indian blankets as wildflowers cloak the meadows, fields and valleys near Austin. Bring your camera — and your sense of wonder — as you scout out these top 10 spots for spectacular Texas bluebonnets and wildflowers in and near Austin.

Austin

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

There’s no time like springtime to visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in southwest Austin. The center displays nearly 900 native Texas plant species (including bluebonnets and other wildflowers) in gardens, meadows and nature trails. Visitors can also explore the family garden, dine in the cafe, buy souvenirs at the gift shop and more. The purchase of advance tickets is encouraged.

St. Edward's University

Just south of downtown, on South Congress Avenue, is the beautiful St. Edward's University. Head to the campus grounds for lovely fields of bluebonnets. One of the best fields is located on the corner of St. Edwards and University Loop drives.

McKinney Falls State Park

Located just 13 miles southeast of downtown, McKinney Falls State Park offers 726 acres of hiking and cycling trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, a campground and beautiful swathes of bluebonnets. Advance reservations and day passes are strongly suggested. When the park reaches capacity, visitors without a reservation will not be admitted.

Brushy Creek Lake Park

About 20 miles north of downtown, Brushy Creek Lake Park in Cedar Park is a 90-acre oasis with nature trails, a 38-acre lake and scenic picnic areas. Bring a lunch to enjoy alfresco, then stroll the park to see the wildflowers on display.

Old Settlers Park

In Round Rock’s Old Settlers Park choose from more than 40 picnic areas, then walk the grounds to see violet bluebonnets and red Indian paintbrushes. 

Hill Country Day Trips

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

An hour northwest of Austin, Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area is tucked into a bend of the Colorado River, boasting wide-open riverfront views, boating, camping, picnicking and fields of lush, green grass speckled with fists of bluebonnets.

Burnet

A 30-minute drive east of Llano on Highway 29 is Burnet, known as the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas. Stop to see the giant bluebonnet statue or visit in April during the annual Bluebonnet Festival, featuring live music, parades, kid-friendly rides and a wildflower show.

Marble Falls

Wildflowers can be spotted all over the place near Marble Falls, just an hour outside of Austin. On scenic Highway 281, you’ll come across what’s often been referred to as The Bluebonnet House, an abandoned two-story stone home surrounded by a field of bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush and old oaks. Stop and snap a picture — after all, it’s believed to be the most photographed house in Texas. Use the town's wildflower map to find bluebonnets and other patches of wildflowers along your route.

Llano

From Fredericksburg, drive north on Highway 16 to Llano, located just 40 minutes away. The wildflowers along Highway 16 are plentiful, so the drive is particularly picturesque.

Wildseed Farms

For an easy day trip, drive an hour and 40 minutes from Austin to historic Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country, where you’ll find Wildseed Farms, a family-owned wildflower farm, vineyard and seed store with seemingly endless fields of blooms.

Wildflower Viewing Tips

Before you go, check the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center website for driving routes, the bloom forecast and viewing conditions, plus plant IDs. Be safe and respectful: Don’t trespass on private property and stay on designated paths to avoid trampling flowers so future generations can enjoy the blooms. Take photos, not flowers: It’s strongly discouraged to pick bluebonnets or other wildflowers to preserve their natural life cycle.

With perfect weather,beautiful blooms and festive events, Austin is buzzing with excitment each Spring. Find more things to do and events to add to your Austin itinerary on our Spring in Austin guide.