Austin walking route: 14 places from Mount Bonnell to

This 74 km route covers Austin's top attractions including natural landmarks like McKinney Falls State Park and Mount Bonnell, cultural institutions such as the LBJ Presidential Library and Bullock State History Museum, and recreational areas including Zilker Park and Lady Bird Lake. The route showcases Austin's diverse offerings from outdoor activities to historical sites across the Texas capital.

Distance
74.0 km
Mode
Places
Start
Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
End
Blanton Museum of Art
Stops
14
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Congress Avenue Bridge Bats — North America's largest urban bat colony, with over a million Mexican free-tailed bats emerging nightly from beneath this historic bridge.
  2. LBJ Presidential Library and Museum — Comprehensive archive documenting President Lyndon B. Johnson's life, political career, and the Great Society era through artifacts and interactive exhibits.
  3. Bullock State History Museum — Texas' premier history institution showcasing the state's cultural evolution from indigenous peoples through modern times via immersive exhibits and authentic artifacts.
  4. Peter Pan Mini Golf — Vintage mini golf facility operating since 1948, featuring two courses with whimsical sculptures including a clown head and T-Rex installations.
  5. McKinney Falls State Park — Natural area 15 minutes outside Austin with hiking trails, upper and lower waterfalls cascading over limestone rocks, and a preserved historic homestead.
  6. Barton Springs — Natural spring-fed public pool in Zilker Park with year-round water temperature of 68 degrees, built with a concrete dam constructed in 1918.
  7. Mount Bonnell — Scenic hilltop landmark offering panoramic views of Austin's skyline, Lake Austin, and surrounding hills after climbing 100 stone steps.
  8. Pennybacker Bridge — Iconic Austin landmark featuring distinctive arch design with scenic hiking trails on the north side offering panoramic views of the Colorado River and surrounding cliffs.
  9. Zilker Botanical Garden
  10. Austin Murals — Vibrant street art scene throughout downtown Austin featuring colorful murals and public art installations, particularly notable near 6th Street and the Pizza Astronaut.
  11. Museum of Weird — Quirky three-floor museum featuring an eclectic collection of oddities, curiosities, and unusual artifacts celebrating Austin's unconventional spirit.
  12. Texas State Capitol — Distinctive pink granite neoclassical building taller than the U.S. Capitol, serving as Texas' seat of government with guided tours available.
  13. South Congress Avenue
  14. Blanton Museum of Art — University-affiliated art museum featuring extensive collections spanning ancient to contemporary works, with emphasis on Latin American and modern American pieces.

Useful for your trip

Timing
To see Congress Avenue Bridge bats, visit March to October. Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset. Bats only emerge if it's warm enough and not raining.
Tip
Take a Lady Bird Lake sightseeing cruise to see bats from the water at sunset. Cruises are well-priced and include narration about bridges, lake, and downtown history.
Tip
LBJ Presidential Library and Museum are on University of Texas campus. Features replica Oval Office on top floor and Lady Bird Johnson's office overlooking the city.
Tip
Bullock State History Museum is large and interactive. You can spend several hours exploring multiple floors with educational videos. Don't miss the 35-foot bronze star photo outside.
Tip
Peter Pan Mini Golf has operated since 1948 with two courses of varying difficulty featuring distinctive sculptures. Good for about an hour of activity.
Transport
McKinney Falls State Park is only 15 minutes outside Austin city center with hiking trails, upper and lower waterfalls, and a preserved Old Homestead.
Timing
Visit Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in spring when Blue Bonnets bloom. Climb the tower for views of the entire center. Miles of hiking trails through flower fields.
Tip
Barton Springs is a historic public pool in Zilker Park fed by underground springs. Water temperature is around 68 degrees year-round. Built in 1918.
Tip
Mount Bonnell is 775 feet tall reached by stone steps. Best for sunrise/sunset views of Austin skyline, Colorado River, and Hill Country. Can be steep.
Avoid
Pennybacker Bridge has an unofficial hiking trail on the north side that can be steep and slippery. Avoid leaving valuables in your car due to broken glass on the ground.
Tip
Texas State Capitol offers free guided tours. Building completed in 1888. Features stunning rotunda and beautiful capital grounds perfect for a walk.
Tip
South Congress Avenue (SoCo) is a vibrant hub with shops, restaurants, food trucks, and live music venues including Joe's Coffee, Home Slice Pizza, and Continental Club.

Video on this route

Exploring Austin: 16 Things to Do in Texas' Vibrant Capital City

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