Local Favorite Arts and Outdoor Activities in Austin, Texas

By: Scott Dubois, Fauna Travel Designer

Austin is Texas’s creative capital and premier travel destination. As a local, I’m a little biased – but I think this is the ideal place to start an epic roadtrip of the American West.

The city has serious arts and outdoor vibes, but, like much of the state, it’s also mostly private. However, once you get to know the city, there are plenty of places for mindfulness and contemplation within its natural and urban environments. Here are some of our favorite places in town.

Barton Springs Pool

Barton Springs Pool is a natural pool that is the spiritual heart of Austin. The water is a constant temperature of 68-70 degrees year-round from the natural springs. The pool creates an ideal ambiance for those looking to meditate by the water. The setting within Zilker Park provides a unique community environment where a wide variety of people come to bathe in peace. The cold plunge will wash your cares away before meditating to the sound of people, splashing water, and leaves in the wind. Entry fees for adults are $5 for residents and $9 for non-residents. Be aware that the pool is closed on Thursdays for cleanings, and it can get very crowded on the weekend in the afternoon when students are in session at UT.

James Turrell Skyspace

Located on the rooftop of the University of Texas Student Activity Center, this second color-themed art installation on our list was designed to address students’ needs for a quiet place for contemplation. Visitors can watch the sun set or rise through an oculus (ceiling opening) that transforms with the contrast of programmed light sequences that wash the ceiling in colors. It is an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the magic of the sky. Please make reservations in advance online.

Bull Creek Greenbelt

Bull Creek Greenbelt offers multiple access points and trails throughout northwest Austin along a scenic creek amid limestone bluffs. Bull Creek District Park is the anchor point of the upper and lower greenbelts, where you can stitch together a 10-mile hike if you are in an exploratory mood. There are also opportunities for quiet nature walks along creek-side paths with access to small waterfalls and swimming holes. If you hike into the middle of the district park between the falls, there are multiple quiet spots for contemplation. It is also a good place for birding, but a portion of the upper trails is closed March through August for golden-cheeked warbler nesting season.

Wild Basin Preserve

Wild Basin Preserve, spanning 227 acres in west Austin, offers a scenic two-mile loop hike perfect for walking meditation. The preserve features waterfall and creek access through limestone canyons and oak woodlands. It’s a quiet natural space with a view of downtown that feels a world away. Reservations are required for weekend visits, and the preserve offers guided nature walks and educational programs about local wildlife and ecosystems.

Austin by Ellsworth Kelly

Austin by Ellsworth Kelly, a contemporary stone building, reminiscent of a chapel, at the Blanton Museum of Art on the University of Texas Campus. The building features colored glass windows that create patterns of colors inside that change throughout the day. The space functions as a place where visitors can enjoy a sacred visual experience while sitting in quiet observation. Austin represents Kelly’s investigation into creating “a space for meditation” through the integration of light, color, and architectural form.

Zilker Botanical Garden

Zilker Botanical Garden encompasses 28 acres within Zilker Metropolitan Park and features themed gardens, including the Taniguchi Japanese Garden. The garden is a favorite spot for both walking and seated meditation. This garden features traditional elements, including a stone gate, teahouse, koi ponds, and Japanese maples, providing a contemplative environment designed for quiet reflection. Tickets can be purchased online or on arrival, except during special events when you should buy them in advance.

Laguna Gloria & Mayfield Park

Laguna Gloria, the site of The Contemporary Austin art museum, sits on the shores of Lake Austin in a quiet neighborhood. The historic 1916 Driscoll Villa serves as a centerpiece among “beautifully landscaped grounds” that include both formal gardens and wild wooded areas. The 14-acre grounds offer meditative pathways through a sculpture park, with sculptures integrated into the natural landscape. Neighboring Mayfield Park gives you access to additional nature trails as well as a charismatic flock of peacocks.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Enchanted Rock is a 1,644-acre State Natural Area in the Texas Hill Country about two hours west of Austin. There are many trails in the park, but the Summit Trail is the highlight because it provides access to the top of a large pink granite dome, offering expansive views of the Hill Country. From here, you can sit in quiet contemplation of the epic view. Enchanted Rock is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it suitable for mindful stargazing. Because of its growing popularity, it is recommended you make entry reservations ahead of time on the Texas State Parks website.