Austin is with unique beauty that takes many forms: expansive parks, hidden hiking trails, vibrant murals and much more. There are many ways to enjoy the sights in this remarkable city, but sometimes what you’re looking for is destination with a great view.
No matter how you explore this scenic city, you’ll be able to find plenty of locations with impressive views. To help find the best ones for your trip, we’ve laid out information on the 10 best views in Austin.
1. Mount Bonnell
- Address: 3800 Mt Bonnell Road, Austin
- Parking: Free parking available near the street at Covert Park
No trip to Austin is truly complete without a visit to the city's highest peak. This is where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city, as well as one of the best sunsets in all of Texas. You'll also get your steps in for the day, as you ascend over 100 steps to reach the peak at Covert Park.
When you reach the top, feel free to rest at one of the conveniently located benches or picnic tables. Information displays provide in-depth insights into the area's fascinating geology, flora and fauna, so take your time and enjoy a remarkable learning experience.
2. Zilker Metropolitan Park
- Address: 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin
- Parking: Multiple paid lots available within walking distance
Another must-visit for an outdoorsy trip to Austin, Zilker is often referred to as the city's crown jewel. Home to the iconic Barton Springs Pool, this sprawling park is a true oasis. The botanical gardens are worth a visit when you crave lush scenery, but any area within the park is sure to provide a visual feast. Many areas provide extraordinary skyline views which make for a great location to view the impressive sunset.
3. Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
- Address: 3505 West 35th Street, Austin
- Parking: Free parking lot and nearby street parking
After you hit up all of Austin's best skyline spots, head for Mayfield Park to enjoy a completely different type of scenery. There, you'll have the chance to gaze at the creek and memorable rock formations as you meander along the well-maintained walking trails.
4. Doug Sahm Hill
- Address: 1000 Barton Springs Road, Austin
- Parking: Limited parking available at onsite paid lot with additional parking across the street near the Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail
As Butler Metro Park's highest point, Doug Sahm Hill provides the rare opportunity for vacationing parents to have it all: a place to keep kids entertained while also enjoying a few moments of scenic bliss at one of Austin's most beautiful spots.
The area's true visual appeal centers around the hill named after talented musician Doug Sahm. This hill is not particularly difficult to climb and the rewards at the top are considerable: lovely views of Butler Metro Park and the Austin skyline.
5. Lou Neff Point
- Address: 2114 Lou Neff Road, Austin
- Parking: Nearby paid parking lots available along Lou Neff Road
As one of many highlights along the popular Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail, Lou Neff is something of a hidden gem, tucked away within one of Austin's most expansive green spaces. Named after former Austin Junior League president Lou Neff, this scenic spot reveals where Barton Creek and Lady Bird Lake meet.
Several benches are conveniently located in the most scenic area, making this an ideal resting resting point midway through your walk or bike ride. In addition to spectacular skyline views, this is also a great place to spot ducks and even swans.
6. Pennybacker Bridge And Overlook Hike
- Address: 5200 North Capital of Texas Highway, Austin
- Parking: Free onsite parking lot
Sometimes referred to as the Austin 360 Bridge, Pennybacker Bridge offers sweeping views of both Hill Country and the skyline. It also has a fascinating history as the world's second bridge to be constructed using a cable support system. Stunning views can be expected while driving across the bridge, however, there's an even better way to take in these amazing vistas: while hiking the out-and-back overlook trail. This hike may be busy at sunset, but it's gorgeous any time of day.
7. Hippie Hollow Park
- Address: 7000 Comanche Trail, Austin
- Parking: Paid lot onsite
There's more to view at Hippie Hollow than steep cliffs or even Lake Travis. This is a clothing-optional destination and, as a strictly 18+ attraction, it's not a family destination. Despite this, many initially skeptical visitors are delighted to discover that they adore this relaxed spot, where nudity is by no means required. The park has friendly vibes and lovely views, so it's worth adding to your itinerary if you're not bothered by its clothing-optional status.
8. Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory
- Address: 2210 South FM 973, Austin
- Parking: Free parking available onsite
A wastewater treatment plant might not seem like the best place to enjoy top views in Austin, but you will be surprised at how delightful such an unusual destination can be when it involves Austin's Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory. Birdwatchers flock to this area, which attracts all kinds of shorebirds along with beautiful butterflies. This observatory links to the River Trail, which while being short, beckons bird enthusiasts to explore.
9. Barton Creek Square Mall
- Address: 2901 South Capital of Texas Highway, Austin
- Parking: Extensive onsite parking available in the shopping mall lot
Barton Creek Square is home to typical shopping stores and chains such as Macy's, Nordstrom, Old Navy and the like. This mall's true appeal lies not within its many stores, however, but in the parking lot, which provides surprisingly scenic views of the city. Visit on a Saturday to check out the adjacent Barton Creek Farmers Market, where you'll find an abundance of fresh produce, along with kombucha, chocolate and even live music.
10. Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls
- Address: 3918 South MoPac Expressway, Austin
- Parking: Free parking available at the dedicated Sculpture Falls lot
Austin is home to many lovely waterfalls — and with the right hike, you can view two within a single expedition. A top section of the Barton Creek Greenbelt will bring you to Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls, which are equally spectacular. The falls themselves are remarkable, but the beauty of this experience also lies in the lush forest and dramatic rock walls. This experience is both scenic and fun, as you can take a refreshing dip in the swimming hole.
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