All the explanations to go to Austin’s West Lake Hills

On this family- and dog-friendly West Austin metropolis, you may play the next pure havens by day earlier than listening to musicians play by night time in downtown Austin.

Barton Creek Greenbelt

On the southwestern fringe of the realm, Barton Creek Greenbelt, a favourite climbing, path operating, canine strolling, mountain biking and mountain climbing vacation spot, dazzles with its ascents and descents, flowers wildlife, waterfalls, limestone cliffs and altering terrain. On the quieter western finish of this 7.9 mile greenbelt, start your journey on the Scottish Woods/Path’s Finish trailhead. It opens with a steep, sweeping descent down Life’s rugged hill. Highlights embrace Sculpture Falls, the place locals cool off when temperatures soar. The clifftop picnic lookout close to the Loop 360 fundamental entry path is an effective turnaround level, for a 3.2-mile round-trip hike.

Good to know: Admission is free and canines are allowed. View the map right here.

discover him: Barton Creek Greenbelt, 1710 Camp Craft Highway, Austin, TX 78746

Wild Basin Wild Reserve

This peaceable protect, situated simply two minutes from Loop 360 close to the northwest fringe of West Lake Hills, affords two and a half miles of shaded high and low elevation trails. Search for the chimney swift apartment that gives shelter for this endangered species, the waterfall on the backside of the reservoir, and the steep Arroyo Vista outcrop that results in secluded ridge benches overlooking Hill Nation hilltops and a canyon .

Wild creatures seen right here embrace porcupines, bobcats, golden-cheeked warblers, and river otters. Established by means of years of labor by seven native girls, this haven is co-managed by St. Edward’s College and Travis County. Earlier than hitting the path, choose up a map within the customer gallery contained in the Wild Basin Inventive Analysis Middle close to the parking zone. Each adults and kids can use the free interactive instruments to be taught in regards to the native crops and wildlife discovered within the protect.

Good to know: Admission is free on weekdays. On weekends, make a web-based reservation for a nominal price. Pets are usually not allowed.

discover him: Wild Basin Wilderness Protect, 805 N. Capital of Texas Freeway, Austin, TX 78746; 512-327-7622

Purple Sprout Island

To the east, this island is considered one of Austin’s favourite canine parks. Surrounded by the glowing currents of the Colorado River, you do not want a canine to benefit from the spectacular views and peace right here. Deliver a ebook or pack for a picnic, then chill out on a bench and watch the water move by for a long-lasting sense of calm. You possibly can launch kayaks right here too. Additionally, try the Tom Miller Dam, only a brief stroll to the north.

Good to know: Admission is free, as is parking.

discover him: Purple Bud Island, 3401 Redbud Path, Austin, TX 78746; 512-477-1566

Pennybacker Bridge Overlook

Roughly 3.7 miles north of Wild Basin on Loop 360, the Pennybacker Bridge Lookout (also called the Lake Austin 360 Bridge) overlooks a number of the finest sundown views within the Austin space. In 1984, the Federal Freeway Administration awarded the bridge, which is known as after an award-winning Texas bridge architect, first place for its freeway design, which makes use of a cable help system to maintain the underlying water within the lake Clear Austin for actions like boating and paddling. A ten-minute journey over filth paths and stone ledges results in breathtaking vistas of glowing water and rolling hills. This can be a prime spot for selfies.

Good to know: Admission is free and guests can park without spending a dime within the small parking zone alongside the trail. Hold canines on a leash.

discover him: Pennybacker Bridge Overlook, west facet of Loop 360 simply north of the bridge.

Lake Austin and Woman Fowl Lake

There are a selection of gorgeous lakes to get pleasure from in Austin. East of West Lake Hills, paddle or boat on Lake Austin, a reservoir shaped in 1939 by the Decrease Colorado River Authority’s development of Tom Miller Dam. Lake Austin is saved at a relentless degree by water releases from Lake Travis upstream. A number of outfitters hire jet skis across the lake. Launch websites embrace the ramp underneath the Loop 360 bridge, Emma Lengthy Park and Walsh Boat Touchdown. Guests may get pleasure from paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking with unbeatable views of the Austin skyline on Woman Fowl Lake.

discover him: Lake Austin. The lake begins at Mansfield Dam and ends at Tom Miller Dam.
discover him: Woman Fowl Lake. Shoreline entry is on the market at Purple Bud Isle within the higher finish of the reservoir close to Tom Miller Dam.

Zilker Metropolitan Park

The deal with is Austin, however the vibe is unquestionably West of the River at this nice park the place you may have a area day your approach. Simply southeast of West Lake Hills, play or picnic on the expansive garden, stroll or bike the miles of waterfront biking trails, and swim year-round within the monumental spring-fed Barton Springs Pool or play a recreation of disc golf, hike the paths and go to the award profitable Austin Nature & Science Middle. You too can cross Barton Creek and Woman Fowl Lake to entry bustling downtown Austin.

Good to know: Admission and parking are free. Canine allowed.

discover him: Zilker Metropolitan Park, 2100 Barton Springs Highway, Austin, TX 78704; 512-974-6700

The place to remain in West Lake Hills after a protracted day of exploring

On the finish of 2022, the Lodge Granduca remodeled into the Lodge Viata. Atop a hill surrounded by different hills, this nine-story family- and dog-friendly retreat provides touches of luxe to an Italianate theme, with finely crafted furnishings, rooms lined with Outdated World scenes, and a wraparound patio with hearth, snug seating sit and shut view of the hill. Out again, courtyard partitions captivate with fresco-like murals of the Italian countryside, and a chic terrace contains a heated pool, sizzling tub, sunken loungers, and cabanas. And the brand new Spa Viata affords stress-free post-excursion therapies.

Discover him: Lodge Viata, 320 S. Capital of Texas Freeway, West Lake Hills, TX 78746; 844-306-6400

If tenting is extra your factor, try these campgrounds close to Austin. Every affords a plethora of enjoyable actions together with scenic views.

The place to dine in West Lake Hills

Massive on native and natural sourcing, Blue Dahlia Bistro serves finely crafted crepes, canapés, salads, and hibiscus mint iced tea. Laurel at Lodge Viata has rapidly gained over devotees together with her dishes that mix genuine Italian sauces and dressings with Hill Nation produce. High off a drink of wine or a blackened Texas redfish with the heavenly cream-filled donuts. For a barbecue with a view, The County Line’s unique outpost serves smoked meats on a patio overlooking miles and miles of rolling hills. Questioning which musicians have eaten right here since 1975? Take a look at the wall of fame. You too can get pleasure from superbly composed salads and pastas underneath twinkling lights and stars on The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen’s terraced patio.

Nonetheless on the lookout for extra concepts? Go to considered one of our favourite eating places in Austin, from barbecue to tacos, there’s one thing for everybody on this record.