The Graduate School
Outdoors and Recreation
Austin is home to several lakes, as well as numerous parks and hiking trails. If you’re looking to hang out and soak in the pleasures of life Austin-style, then visit one of our lakes. Just take your pick: Lake Austin, Town Lake or Lake Travis.
One of Austin’s most prized outdoor attractions is the Hike and Bike Trail encircling Town Lake. When you visit, bring your bike or your running shoes and join the thousands of people who enjoy the tree-shaded paths with spectacular views of Town Lake and downtown. You can enter the trail from numerous locations including the MoPac bridge, the Lamar Street bridge, the Austin High School parking lot, and the Congress Avenue bridge.
If you’re looking for a place to relax outdoors, Austin has more than 16,000 acres of parkland, incorporating more than 205 parks, 14 nature preserves and 25 greenbelts. It also is home to nearly 50 public pool facilities. Check out the local parks by visiting the Austin Parks and Recreation Department at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/, or give them a call at 512-974-6700.