Austin, TX - beautiful nature places for an afternoon

September 6, 2024 4:55 AM

We have several hours to spend between the AUS airport and Lakeway areas and would love to find the most beautiful nature/state park/bird viewing/preserve to visit this afternoon. Short hikes or swimming welcome but not necessary. Recommendations? We prefer not to go *into* Austin city itself - that's for another day.
posted by dabadoo to Travel & Transportation (2 answers total)

Oh the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Gardens are stunning. It'd be my first choice. Nice walks - not really hikes - and tons to look at.
posted by restless_nomad at 6:48 AM on September 6 [7 favorites]

Hm, I am not outdoorsy but McKinney Falls is very close to the airport and pretty though in a low key way. Bull Creek is also nice and you can at least wade there, but it's not quite on the way to Lakeway.
posted by less-of-course at 8:46 AM on September 6 [3 favorites]