Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Lake Austin

"The Wildflower Center is a wonderful place to visit any time of year, but the season when its namesake flowers are abloom is pretty special. Founded in 1982 by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes with the mission of conserving native plants, creating sustainable landscapes, and conserve resources, it features nine acres of gardens, a 16-acre arboretum, a large and impressive rainwater collection system, 800 species of native plants, and landscapes that, as its website notes, “support a vast web of life, and have recorded more than 143 species of birds, 15 species of mammals, and 1,800 species of insects.”. View this post on Instagram"

"The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin is great for exploring the beautiful flora and fauna native to the Lone Star State. It also offers family programs that allow children to get hands-on experience with gardening. Take your toddlers to Sprouts, an ongoing preschool program that leads you through its Family Garden, with each week focusing on a specific theme, such as “insect investigation.” For older kids, it provides free magnifying glasses, books, binoculars and more to enhance the possibilities of discovery."

"Lady Bird Johnson’s Wildflower Center is the home to sustainable, native plant gardens and education, conservation, research and consulting programs. The Wildflower Center is always blooming with plants that are in season. 4801 La Crosse Ave, wildflower.org"

"West of the city, in the scenic Texas Hill Country, Austin Zoo is geared towards rescue, rehabilitation and education. Most of the residents are retired lab research subjects, animals involved in cruelty cases, re-homed exotic pets and exhibits from other zoos that have been retired. In 2019 there were 300 animals from 100 species at this 16-acre site, although there are plans to expand as the zoo’s collection grows."

"Now, this zoo isn’t a typical zoo; all the animals in the Austin Zoo are rescue animals. This zoo sanctuary has over 100 different species of animals and approximately 300 animals in total. Kids will enjoy interacting with the animals at the petting zoo, where there is food for sale to feed some of the zoo’s residents."

"In Austin fashion, it’s a rescue zoo, all of the animals are rehabbing. It’s small but cute, has a train, and will keep your kiddos entertained for hours."

"Every year up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats make their home upon a platform beneath the Congress Ave Bridge, forming the largest urban bat colony in North America. It's become an Austin tradition to sit on the grassy banks of Lady Bird Lake and watch the bats swarm out to feed on an estimated 30,000lb (13,500kg) of insects per night. It looks a lot like a fast-moving, black, chittering river. Don't miss this nightly show; best viewing in August."

"However, if you’re into bats, you can also get to Congress Bridge and see thousands of bats fly out at dusk. If you’re feeling like staying close to downtown Austin but still want an adventure, make sure to go check out the Escape Game. The games last an hour, so it’s a perfect activity that won’t take up too much of your day. And with five unique games to choose from, it’s perfect for any group or member of your crew."

"Here, locally sourced and Austin-inspired ingredients bring a taste of Texas to your spa experience. Even if you aren’t a guest at the Four Seasons, you can still take advantage of weekly happy hours and the spacious lounge for a little extra ‘you’ time during your visit. The Spa itself features a relaxation lounge with a Himalayan pink salt wall and eucalyptus-infused steam rooms."

"1501 S 1st St. | Elizabeth Street Cafe is what one might consider an elevated “Austin-y” experience when it comes to Vietnamese cuisine offerings. The price point is a bit high, but the jovial atmosphere and their creative menu will make you a repeat customer, especially if you enjoy patio dining, inventive craft cocktails, and beautiful dishes that will make an excellent addition to your social media feed. Photo Credit – Elizabeth Street Cafe Facebook"

"While, yes, Vietnamese dishes dominate the menu at this south Austin favorite, breakfast is all about French fare. People can choose from an array of croissants, stuffed French crêpes, beignets and jam, and the house-baked brioche French toast. The restaurant also features daily French macarons available all day long."

"This charming South Austin spot offers French pastries for the morning commute and Vietnamese classics (like noodles and bánh mì) for lunch and dinner. Try the popular bánh cuôn."

"4 out of 5 stars Restaurants Bouldin Creek. Build your own sweet and savory crepes at this adorable food trailer on South First. Choose from a wide variety of add-ins—runny eggs, creamy goat cheese, caramelized onions, salty bacon—or go sweet with caramel butter, cinnamon and sugar."

"Grab a french hot dog (hot dog in a baguette) or a brie, jam, and honey drizzled crepe. Ideal place for ice cream on a nice day. Lots of shaded seating."

"Jean-Baptiste, owner and operator of Saperlipoppete, putting the finishing touches on a La Pompote crêpe. Have you ever had a real French crêpe?"

"Hopfields is a gastropub known for its extensive beer selection, but the brunch menu offers a wide selection of classic brunch staples that pair well with a brew – or just a cup of coffee. The French-inspired menu features new creations like Pommes Rosti (smoked sockeye salmon, pickled red onion, capers, creme fraiche, celery leaves), Sourdough Pancake, and Akaushi Tri-Tip “Au Poivre”. Burger lovers should also be pleased to know that one of Austin's favorite burgers, the Pascal Burger, will be available during brunch!"

"Offering a diverse, yet decidedly French menu, Hopfields uses fresh, seasonal ingredients to create its offerings, ranging from cheeses to steak frites to chicken liver mousse, lamb meatballs, and duck confit for dinner. Weekend brunch options include the classic croque madame and jambon buerre, which is a combination of Parisian ham, French butter, cornichons, baguette, greens, and a Dijon vinaigrette."

"Hopfields is a gastropub with craft beer and French-inspired food in an adorable, rustic setting. Their Pascal burger is, I believe, one of the very best burgers in Austin. WEBSITE | 3110 Guadalupe St Suite #400"