Zilker is one of the most desirable places to live in Austin. It's one of the most preferred places for many locals and newcomers to settle down to experience the best of what Austin can offer and we can seriously agree to that. You won't regret choosing neighborhoods in 78704 to live in, and Zilker is a part of that.
Whether you are looking for a place to relax, hang out, or enjoy the outdoors for an adventure without being too far from the big city, Zilker is the place to be. The area is abundant with green spaces, parks, shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Local businesses are rapidly growing in the area as well. Don't forget to visit the local dining spots in the area as well as the iconic coffee shops that deliver the best homegrown coffee. Now, here is a list we curated about the top attractions in Zilker you shouldn't miss.
1. Zilker Metropolitan Park
Zilker is named after Austin's most loved park, Zilker Metropolitan Park or simply Zilker Park. The park is one of the main attractions for locals and tourists to unwind and connect with nature. Zilker Park is a 350-acre recreational area located to the south of Downtown Austin within the 78704 zip code. The park is also in the middle of Barton Creek and the Colorado River.
Today, the park serves events and activities all year round such as the Zilker Kite Festival, kites fill in the sky to kick off the start of spring activities in the area. Nature enthusiasts will definitely love Zilker Botanical Garden that has 26 unique fenced areas that feature plants, herb garden, Japanese garden and a prehistoric garden with dinosaur fossil tracks that kids can enjoy. Zilker Hillside Theater holds performances, live concerts, and the Zilker Summer Musical that provides family-friendly shows.
2. Zilker Park Christmas Tree
The Zilker Christmas Tree stands 155 tall and is composed of 39 streamers with 81 multi-colored, 25-watt bulbs that total to 3,309 lights! A double star that measures 10 feet from each point with 150 frosted bulbs. The tree has a circumference of 380 feet. The base of the tree is made up of 19 utility poles with each of them being 14 ft. tall. The Zilker Christmas Tree was first lighted on December 10, 1967. In 2019, the Zilker Christmas Tree is reported to be lit on the 1st of December 2019 at 6 pm.
Alongside the tree lighting event, there will also be performances by the talented choirs, bands, and ensembles. More live music is to happen and charity events are held on the same day of the tree lighting as well. So if you're visiting Austin in the last week of November or the first week of December, you definitely wouldn't want to miss the Zilker Christmas Tree lighting ceremony!
3. Lady Bird Lake
Not too far from Zilker is Lady Bird Lake, a river-like reservoir on the Colorado River in Austin, Texas. This stunning lake is one of the best places to spend some leisure, relaxing time by paddling, biking, or hiking in the area. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike trail measure 10 miles long. This is also one of the oldest hike and bike paths in Austin. There are many ways to explore and enjoy the 416-acres of the waterway. You can rent canoes, paddle boats or a kayak at the nearby boat rentals.
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4. Barton Springs Pool
The popular outdoor swimming pool that attracts locals and tourists can be found within the ground of Zilker Park. Barton Springs is one of the most popular swimming holes in Austin with an average temperature of 68 to 70 degrees all year round. Barton Springs measures 3 acres in size and is filled from the Main Barton Creek. The area is open to activities, there's even a diving board at the pool, but be mindful of the items prohibited in the area. Check out our Barton Spring Pool Review and Guide to help you throughout exploring the area.
5. South Lamar Boulevard
South Lamar is full of local businesses, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, food trucks, and entertainment venues that are thriving! Visit delicious restaurants in South Lamar that will keep you coming back. Whether you are looking for Tex-Mex, Greek, Asian fusion, or local cuisines, homegrown coffee, or ice cream, South Lamar's got you. Arts and culture are such a huge thing in this area as well. Explore lounges, cinemas, art galleries, and theaters. Depending on which area you are coming from, it only takes about less than 5 minutes to South Lamar from Zilker.
6. Austin City Limits
During the first two weekends of October, Zilker Park opens its lawn to one of the biggest events in the city, Austin City Limits. Attendees all over Austin and tourists gather to attend the Austin City Limits Music Festival. As the Live Capital Music of the World, the attendees celebrate their love for music as well as artists from different throughout the US with different genres come together for the event.
7. Schools in Zilker
Zilker is within Austin ISD. The schools within the Austin Independent School District is one of the reasons why Zilker is one of the best neighborhoods in 78704 for families to live in. Zilker Elementary School is one of the highly acclaimed schools in Austin which as a rating of 10. You might want to check out our list for the schools in 78704 to know more of what Austin ISD offers in 78704.
Do you want to know more about the Zilker neighborhood? Visit our Zilker Neighborhood Guide for homes for sale in Zilker, things to do in Zilker, and more.
Got any places in Zilker that you love? Place it on the comments below, we'd love to hear from you! Don’t forget to bookmark this page as we will keep it updated for the latest Zilker events and attractions!
Posted by Ryan Rodenbeck on
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