Best Parks in Austin to Experience Nature Therapy
Sometimes we find ourselves so busy, that we forget about the beauty and access to nature that is around us constantly. We can get so caught up in the fast pace of living, that we lose sight of the natural world around us. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, swim, or just relax, there's a park in Austin that will meet your needs. Talk therapy is a wonderful tool for some to experience healing and change in their lives, but nature therapy is a free resource that can help you to slow down, connect and find meaning in this world.
This is not an extensive list of the wonderful parks in the Austin area but a great place to start if you’re wanting to soak up more of the natural world. When experimenting with your own nature therapy, try turning off your phone, walking slowly, taking deep breaths, using all your senses and just being present in the moment. You might surprise yourself with what you discover.
List of Austin Parks
Zilker Park is a 350-acre park located in the heart of Austin. It's home to many amazing things including the Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, and the Austin Nature and Science Center. You can also enjoy the hike and bike trails, picnic areas, and sports fields. Zilker Park is the perfect place to spend a day to spend by yourself or with others.
Lady Bird Lake is a popular destination for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and canoeing. The lake is surrounded by a 10-mile hike and bike trail that offers stunning views of the downtown Austin skyline. You can also fish, bird-watch, or simply relax and take in the beauty of the lake. If you want to get in the water and swim, head down to Barking Springs (free) or Barton Springs for a cool refreshing dip!
McKinney Falls State Park is a beautiful park just a few miles from downtown Austin. The park is home to two waterfalls, hiking and biking trails, and campsites. Visitors can swim in Onion Creek, which runs through the park or hike to the upper falls for a breathtaking view. This park can get crowded, so make sure to reserve your spot online through Texas Parks website. A day pass usually costs you around $5.
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is a 293-acre park that offers visitors a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. The park features several trails, including the popular Walnut Creek Trail, which offers beautiful views of the park's natural beauty. This park is also wonderful if you’re looking for some nature therapy with your dog. Much of the park is off-lease and a great place to enjoy nature with your pup.
Located centrally, Mueller Park is a great spot for an afternoon hike, watching the geese and ducks float around the water, or just enjoying the shady lawn area while enjoying a picnic lunch. The trails throughout the park feature many trees and plants that allow you to forage while walking (depending on the season). You can find figs, pecans, wild plums, peaches, mulberries, and possibly other edible plants. On the weekends this is a great place to set up a blanket (or hammock) and people-watch!
Emma Long Metropolitan Park is a 1,147-acre park located on the shores of Lake Austin. The park features hiking and biking trails, a swimming area, and a boat ramp. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, picnicking, and camping in the park's spacious campsites.
Situated just downstream of Mansfield Dam on Lake Austin, Jessica Hollis Park’s clear, refreshing water provides the perfect setting for your stand-up paddleboard or a quiet day of fishing. This place is amazing to visit if you’re looking for very cold water! I highly recommend it when our summer heat has set in. This conveniently located day-use park is also a great place to enjoy a picnic along the lake.
There are multiple greenbelts in Austin, but the Barton Creek Greenbelt is so beloved that locals commonly refer to it as “the Greenbelt,” as if it were the only one. Located in south-central Austin, the Barton Creek Greenbelt contains 12.68 miles of gorgeous trails, with the main trail spanning about 7 miles. There are several entry points and this is a wonderful place to find yourself if you’re wanting to explore, swim, bike or simply just take in nature.
Action Steps
If you’re looking for combining talk therapy with nature therapy, I do offer walking sessions outside for clients. For some folks, the idea of doing therapy in a small office may feel limiting or overwhelming. Talking in nature while moving your body can be a great way to begin your own healing journey. If you’re interested in setting up a consultation, please reach out! I’d love to be a guide and support to you.
Let this be a starting guide for you and hopefully, it can inspire you to continue to seek out other natural spaces in the Austin area. No matter where you find yourself, I hope that you're able to find connection within and the beauty that is around us. Sometimes when we allow ourselves to simply just be present, beautiful things can blossom.
