This is an amazing place and only $10.00 an adult! It is open 11 hours from 9-8. There is a gorgeously detailed garden area that we spent 2 1/2 hours in! It is a spectacular garden with beautiful fountains, hammocks, wind chimes of ALL sizes, thousands of butterflies & bees & an infinite amount of plant & flower species! Just amazing! Then you go into the springs and the natural fresh water pool is huge, cool & inviting! It goes from 3-8 feet deep and everyone using it seemed to really be enjoying it! The pool empties into a made natural waterway that drops about 100’ into the river below forming a natural waterfall that was so nice to go under! The river bottom is stone and flat in some places and edgy in others! I HIGHLY recommend water shoes for in here! When done in the river, just go to the edges and dry off on the rocks in the sun! We then went back to the car and got our lunch! After lunch we got to talking to a senior member of the staff and he told us of a spot in the lower end of the park for fishing and e went there for a few hours! All in all we were there till 4:45 pm and we got there at 9:15am! 7 1/2 beautiful hours for a mere $20 bucks! This place is a gem and we will be back!!

Was a 4-5 hour drive for my family to get here from the Dallas area, but it was absolutely worth it! We had an amazing end of summer day trip. The water was refreshing, the rope swing was thrilling, and all in all this location was stunning, between the waterfall, to the picnic areas and the butterfly garden. I've never seen so many beautiful butterflies.

Visited Krause Springs today, and it was such a refreshing and peaceful experience. The drive to the location was scenic and relaxing, setting the tone for a perfect day outdoors. The entry fee was $10 for adults, which is totally worth it considering how much there is to explore. I spent time walking through the beautiful garden area, checked out the man-made pool, and climbed over the slippery rocks near the springs — everything was absolutely stunning. The place feels natural, soothing, and scenic, making it a great escape from the city. I noticed quite a few people camping as well since there’s a dedicated camping ground, which looked like an amazing option for anyone planning an overnight stay. The overall vibe of the place was calm and positive — perfect for solo trips, family outings, or group adventures. If you’re looking for a beautiful natural spot to unwind, swim, or just connect with nature, Krause Springs is definitely worth visiting. Perfect for: Day trips, scenic drives, and camping getaways 🌿💦

Krause Springs is one of my all-time favorite locations to photograph in the Austin area! I’ve been taking photos here for years. From brand and lifestyle shoots to creative portraits and fine art nature photography and it never fails to inspire me. The light, the water, and the natural textures of the Hill Country make it such a beautiful and versatile location. Whether you’re looking for something earthy, adventurous, or peaceful, Krause Springs offers the perfect mix of magic and authenticity. If you’ve been wanting photos that feel natural, grounded, and full of life, this is one of my go-to spots for client sessions! - Camille Adriane Photography

Came across this place while searching for a pool when staying in Marble Falls. Location was pretty easy to find, a nice little drive thru hill country. There were plenty of parking so you don’t have to worry about that. The place itself is amazing, the little garden is a nice getaway to explore. The upper pool area was cleaned and well maintained, it was cold ( what you expect, it’s spring water ) but once you’re in it you’ll be fine. After the upper pool area there’s another pool at the bottom level which was really nice to check out and lounge, also around the area are some hidden water falls that’s a cool hike away. Overall I enjoyed it and so did my wife and son. Would definitely recommend it

Highly recommend a visit to Krause Springs if you ever want to take a dip! It’s best to go earlier in the day to enjoy the clearer water. We went afternoon on a weekend and it was packed with the water a muddy brown. Nonetheless it was a great time!! There’s restrooms and plenty of space to set up your group. There’s also a rope swing!

Krause Springs is simply a hidden gem! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the serene beauty of the surroundings. The lush greenery, along with the tranquil atmosphere, makes it an ideal getaway. The centerpiece, a stunning waterfall, is a must-see. Its cascading waters create a soothing sound that adds to the peaceful ambiance. Swimming in the cool waters beneath the falls was the highlight of my visit! Overall, Krause Springs offers a little piece of paradise for nature lovers and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Highly recommend!

The animals appeared sad and stressed. We prioritized seeing the animals before buying tokens to pet or to feed them.I am glad we didn't purchase the tokens. Each exhibit had specific rules, generally limiting petting to two fingers, with the exception of the sloth, which required the back of the hand. We observed animal handlers strictly enforcing the two-finger petting rule. In one of the lemur exhibits, a simulated alpha animal noise was played, startling a lemur and causing it to vocalize. Most lemurs are nocturnal, yet many were exposed to bright spotlights. Loud, Disney-style music played while a woman dressed as a mermaid was at a photo booth, and another woman dressed as a fairy walked around. Loud announcements were made frequently about what animals were ready to be touched. Additional attractions included a booth for custom drawings, a hurricane experience simulation, and a large eating area with a concession stand at the back. Baby alligators were fed, then had their mouths taped shut so people could pet them. In the wallaby exhibit, it was evident the animals desired to be left undisturbed. The bat rays frequently surfaced for food, appearing innocent and friendly but it was clearly indicating hunger. A single eel was confined to a small cylindrical enclosure. A moderately sized gift shop was located near the entrance. The entire experience felt highly commercialized and geared towards encouraging children to spend money. While I enjoyed seeing the animals, it saddened me to consider that they endure loud music, screaming children, bright lights, and constant touching for eight hours daily. I imagine they are happiest when everyone leaves for the night. My favorite part of the experience was observing a tiny armadillo running around in the sloth exhibit, which was pretty cute. The cost for two adults was $62.42 and we stayed for an hour before leaving.

Mixed feelings about this place, at first sight you wouldnt think theres al aquarium inside a mall, and had low expectations about it. When you pay the entrance fee, they offer you a lot of activities bit theyre privey and requires some tokens, I recommend you to take a look around first and then come back if you really want to do it. They have a lot of incredible animals, not only animals belong to an aquarium. So you get to see some really cool animals. The trouble comes when you get to see the conditions they live, they have a very small space to live, some are in very crowded spaces, and others look very stressed. Hope they can get a bigger space to move.

My young kids and I have come here quite a few times over the years. This review is late as the pics are from November of 2024 (almost a year ago) so I'm not sure which animals are still there even though we have been since then. It is pretty pricey to pay entrance fees and token fees, and it does seem a bit commercialized. I'm not an animal expert so I can't attest to the condition of the animals other than most of them seem fine to me for the most part although I know living in an aquarium is not ideal for most animals. I have heard some bad things about the owners though but I'm not sure what is true. The people working there seem nice enough and the place is relatively clean. My kids love coming here for the animals and interactive exhibits, and sometimes they have a mermaid doing face painting and a balloon artist, and caricature artist. There is a gift shop at the end as well.

Don’t forget to ask for a military discount if you’re eligible! There are lots of different animals to see—check out my photos. It’s a fun spot for kids to learn and play at the same time. That said, I wasn’t too happy with how some of the animals are kept. A few tanks seemed really small and overcrowded, probably so visitors can easily feed or touch them. I even saw a small fish that looked like it had been dead and its body got torn up in pieces other fish. There was also a noticeable smell when I walked in. On the bright side, the staff were super friendly, professional, and really knowledgeable about the animals.

I enjoyed seeing the animals but the sound emitted that sounds like a gorilla sound that got the leamur upset was pretty disturbing. They were traumatized. That is not right. It happened often and think it's animal abuse. Pretty sure that shouldn't be happening. Too much lighting for them as well. They are nocturnal.

Wow wow wow! What an unexpected, incredible experience! We are visiting Texas while our daughter visits a local college and decided to visit the aquarium. We were expecting it to be a 1-hour visit but were very surprised when we noticed 4 hours had gone by. The place has so much more than fish and should probably consider a rebranding as the current title is very limiting compared to what is really going on. If you are in the area, you need to visit this place! Ty and Jay were both knowledgeable and willing to share more than what was scripted. They made the experience extra special!

My husband and I visited the Austin Aquarium on Wednesday, August 27th for a fun afternoon outing. We stayed about 90 minutes, during which time we were able to see all the exhibits and interact with some of the animals. The only things we waited for were animal interactions, as a staff member needed to be present to facilitate, and we waited no more than 2-3 minutes for the staff to arrive. It wasn’t particularly busy when we were there, and as it was the end of the summer, there were no school groups present. In reviewing animal welfare guidelines from the US Dept of Agriculture, the handling regulations were abided by. The two of us spent about 10 minutes with a female red ruffed lemur and her two babies. We were required to stand behind a bench, limiting our movement within the enclosure, and the lemurs could leave the encounter to return to their climbing space at any time. We were given some fruit to share with them, and could pet their backs with two fingers. We appreciated hearing information about their natural habitat, their typical day-to-day activities, and the harms of the exotic pet trade to this critically endangered species. They touched and licked our hands to get fruit, and one of the babies jumped onto my shoulder in order to get up to his swinging ropes. They even demonstrated their excellent pickpocketing skills by snatching the keeper’s radio from his belt clip! We also enjoyed seeing many species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small mammals. There was a good variety of animals to see and hear, and the habitats looked to be well-maintained and thoughtfully set up to accommodate the animals’ need for privacy, enrichment, and exercise. We purchased 10 tokens for animal interactions ($27.00) and got two bonus tokens, which allowed us to interact with the lemurs (4 tokens/person) and a prehensile-tailed porcupine (2 tokens/person, I went in alone), as well as feed the stingrays. Yes, it was pretty pricey for a 90-minute experience, but it seemed that the token system worked well to limit the amount of handling the animals experienced throughout the day. There was also a gift shop with a variety of mementos for purchase. My husband rated this as his favourite thing we did during our week in Austin, and was an experience we won’t soon forget! My only real criticism is that they need to find a name that does better to describe the wide variety of animals on exhibit, as ‘Aquarium’ doesn’t quite do it justice.

We visited Hamilton Pool Preserve on a rare spring morning, arriving right as the gates opened for our reserved time slot. The forecast had called for rain, and it did briefly sprinkle just before our hike began, making the trail a bit slick. Thankfully, walking sticks were available at the entrance, which helped on the steeper, uneven sections of the trail. The hike down to the grotto is short but moderately challenging, with stone steps and natural obstacles. Once at the pool, we were struck by the unique beauty of the setting, a collapsed grotto, sheer limestone walls, and lush greenery clinging to the cliffs. Unfortunately, due to ongoing drought conditions in Texas, the waterfall was only a light seep through the rocks. Most of the grotto was also off-limits due to falling rock hazards, which was a bit of a letdown since much of the promotional imagery and videos highlight access that is no longer available. That said, the preserve still holds incredible value. We continued our hike to the Pedernales River and were rewarded with wildflowers, lizards, and the quiet beauty of the Texas Hill Country. For birders and nature lovers, this place remains a gem, even in drought. Hamilton Pool Preserve is a place of natural and historical significance, and it's clear that the staff and stewards are working hard to protect it. While the waterfall itself may not be flowing like it once did, the hike and surrounding environment still offer a rewarding and worthwhile visit. Come prepared, manage expectations, and let nature reveal her quieter forms of magic. Four stars for the stunning setting and the well-maintained trails, minus one for the limited access to the grotto and the ongoing effects of drought on the experience. Still very much worth a visit, especially for those who appreciate the subtle beauty of the land.

Stopped by Hamilton Pool while visiting Dripping Springs and the scenery was absolutely stunning. The natural beauty of the area is unreal—peaceful, lush, and a perfect escape into nature. Was a bit disappointed to find the overhanging cliff trail closed due to safety concerns, but still had a great time exploring the area and soaking in the views. Definitely worth the visit if you’re in the area!

Hamilton Pool was a nice short hike totaling 30 minutes round trip. We visited a day after they opened the pool back up for swimming but it so happened to rain really hard the day before, causing them to close some paths and prohibit swimming that day. Unfortunately the water was a bit brown due to the rain runoff but it was still a beautiful piece of nature and we are glad we got to visit! Make sure to make a reservation before you go.

The greatest , most refreshing , beautiful , spacious swimming hole in hill county. It’s best to go during april - august for the clearest and cleanest water. You can also swim in the pedernales river. YOU NEED TO RESERVE BEFORE YOU GO

Not like the pictures that we experienced in September. Water is very dirty and felt waste of the money spent for reservation(12$) and they are charging 8$ per person at the entrance again. The trail back the falls is closed at this time. I hope they maintain the place much cleaner

Worst. Waste of time and money. Trail is good but no waterfall. Pool is small and too many bookings for a small size. Felt like little dirty pond. Too many restrictions due to danger of rocks falling from above.

Beginner friendly hiking trail that leads up to a beautiful clear blue pool. Depending on the weather and the season you go on, sometimes you will see the waterfall, and other times it will be nonexistent. Plan accordingly if you’re going to see the waterfall specifically. The hike is about 0.25 miles and isn’t very hard. Great place for people who like, or are interested in, a beginner friendly hiking trial or river trails. Water was cold on my last visit, so didn’t get to go swimming, but again, depending on the weather, it’s a great spot to cool off if going during summer time (sometimes they do close it off for swimming too, such as during Covid or when algae gets too much). If you do get in to go swimming, be careful since there’s no lifeguards on duty here. They also don’t allow pets (even on a leash), no drones, no feeding fish or wildlife, no glass containers, no stoves or starting a campfire, and no camping!🏕️ Overall, Hamilton Pool Preserve is a must visit for anyone in or around ATX, nature lovers, and beginner hiking enthusiasts looking to be rewarded with a beautiful view of the blue pool at the end of a trail. Highly recommended! 🛶🏊‍♀️🌲

I like running around Lake Pflugerville. I was so beautiful in the sunshine, and so fun to run here.

A very beautiful lake with lots of ducks swimming in the clear waters. I also spotted some cranes and people fishing and kayaking. There is around 3+ miles trail all around the lake. There are parking spots and piers around the lake. The whole area is very clean, has clearly marked signs, pet poop bag stations, sanitiser stations etc. it is a heaven for dogs and my dogs loved their time at the lake.

Clean place, pet friendly. Good for a walk

Lake Pflugerville is an absolute gem! 🌊✨ The water is cool and refreshing, the scenery is beautiful, and it’s the perfect spot to spend quality time with family. Whether we’re splashing around, exploring the trails, or just relaxing by the shore, it’s always a great way to make new friends and find playmates for the kids. A huge shoutout to the Pflugerville Police and the City of Pflugerville for keeping this park safe, clean, and family-friendly. Knowing that they genuinely care about the community makes every visit even more enjoyable. If you’re looking for a little slice of paradise right here in Pflugerville, this is it. Pack a picnic, grab your sunscreen, and make some amazing memories! ☀️🌊 #LakePflugervilleVibes #FamilyFun

Had a lot of fun. It was clean and prefect for our family day!

Great place to walk! But HOTTT! Make sure to buy sunscreen/block, hat, and wear appropriate clothing for the season!!

Beautiful lake. Lots of wildlife in it. We seen lots of fish and a couple of ducks that were diving for fish. My grandson enjoyed it immensely. I enjoyed it as well. It's a beautiful lake. Way to go Pflugerville

Stopped by Texas Hill Country Olive Company while on a trip to Dripping Springs, and it was such a lovely experience. The place has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with super friendly staff who make you feel right at home. There’s a large selection of olive oils, balsamics, and gift items—and the tasting room is a must! I especially loved the lemon balsamic, paired with fresh bread. Everything was flavorful and unique. It’s the perfect little stop for food lovers or anyone looking for a local gem. Definitely recommend swinging by if you’re in Dripping Springs!

We did a tasting today and I highly recommend it. It was very interesting to try all the different flavors of oil and balsamics. The cafe food was also superb! I would eat here again for every meal trying all the things they have. We ordered the margarita flatbread and pesto BLT (I’m kicking myself that I didn’t take a picture), and they were the best we’ve ever had. The best quality of ingredients and the staff was very friendly and welcoming.

Our visit to Texas Hill Country Olive Company was exceptional, highlighted by the warm hospitality of Tré, who guided us expertly through our first olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting. Despite our late arrival just before closing, she generously took time to explain each tasting thoroughly, helping us discover favorites like the Barrel Aged Bourbon Reserve Balsamic and Jalapeño infused olive oil. The oils and vinegars here are superb—thick, rich, and bursting with remarkable flavor. The setting is beautiful, surrounded by their own olive groves, adding authenticity to the experience. We left with several bottles, eager to enjoy them in our travels. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates fine artisanal products and exceptional service. Thomas Corrao Stray Compass Life

Such a nice spot, beautiful views of the Hill Country. We had the lemon feta dip, the grain bowl and the lemon parmesan salad. Good portions and reasonably priced entrees ($15-17). We bought some large bottles of their olive oils (Sola Stella) and a few smaller bottles of infused oils. The garlic infused oils are very smooth, not bitter, which was nice. Beautiful views while dining al fresco. 🤌🏼💙

Megan was a great olive oil/balsamic tasting host. We learned more than we ever thought possible about olive oils, their benefits and balsamic. This was an off the beaten path, impulsive stop that was well worth it. We are headed home with several bottles and many cooking ideas. The Bistro food was amazing, very flavorful and filling. Make sure to align your tasting tour with a meal time. The only downfall we could find is that they don't offer go 'ole country sweet tea ;) Pro tip.....if you are not used to shots of olive oil, have a soda ready for after you finish the tasting.

Great visit to Texas Hill Country. The grounds are beautiful and the Bistro was very good. Food well complimented by the olive oil. Very friendly and helpful staff. Worth the drive !

This place was so delicious! Usually I can never eat an entire plate of food, but this place was so good I ate the meal in a gobble, I seriously recommend Texas Hill Country olive company, their bread tastes excellent, and don't get me started on their flatbread. Inside the place is casual and nice, their employees are sooo sweet! I was going to take a picture with my siblings, but it was sooo good, by the time I got my phone out, we were half way done. I hope if you good you will have a great experience!

Cannot say enough positive things about this museum/library and its staff. We came in from a family recommendation on our trip to San Antonio-Austin, and it was really memorable. The staff welcome you upon entry, giving a detailed, knowledge overview of the exhibits and LBJ history. You can tell how passionate they are about the subject matter! When we went in Oct 2025, their library floors were under construction, but the first and top floors are still really interesting and impressive. I'm not a big history buff, but I left feeling really inspired and empowered. Speaks to the expertise of the team and how engaging the museum is. We also came in on a Tuesday, which happened to be half price!

OK, so upon checking in the person was so rude and mean and it felt like we were bugging them. It wasn’t busy so I don’t understand that however, the exhibit in the museum itself was amazing the hip-hop museum Museum, which is temporary loved it and the person who works in the gift shop was really nice. I will be back because the fourth floor was closed and I want to see what that is about.

As a foreign visitor, some of the content didn’t feel as close or personal to me—but I still found it engaging and very informative. The museum presents LBJ’s legacy with honesty, showing both the achievements and the controversies. Some exhibits feel a bit dated, but the architecture and certain spaces alone make it worth a visit. If you’re into politics, U.S. history, or just enjoy well-designed museums, it’s a solid stop.

Absolutely top-notch experience at the LBJ Presidential Library. This place is a must-visit for anyone interested in American history, politics, or just great storytelling through primary sources. The museum begins with a powerful timeline that tracks LBJ’s life alongside major events in U.S. and world history. It sets the tone perfectly and really grounds you in the era. The Vietnam 1968 exhibit was incredibly moving—thoughtfully curated and emotionally resonant, it gives a deep and nuanced view of such a complicated time. The next floor continues the journey with exhibits on JFK’s assassination, the Civil Rights Movement, and LBJ’s landmark Great Society programs. It’s informative, immersive, and at times deeply personal. Even though the actual archives aren’t open to the public, their towering presence between the museum levels adds a real sense of weight and importance to the space. And at the top? A stunning recreation of LBJ’s Oval Office—elegant, detailed, and incredibly cool to stand inside. Highly recommend making time for this if you’re in Austin. It’s not just a presidential library—it’s a powerful, well-crafted look at a transformative period in American life.

I visited this location on Austin's Free Museum Day, 9/21/2025. Several other free admission days. Today featured a live performance by a band. Friendly staff, gift shop, tons of exhibits. Part of the NARA, which oversees presidential libraries around the country. Self guided tours, be sure to check out the replica Oval Office on level 10.

This was such an enjoyable experience. The employees are knowledgeable and are able to give facts you’ll find interesting. The space was easy to navigate and there is plenty to see, so make time to see it all! My personal favorite was seeing Lady Bird’s office with the magnificent view of downtown Austin. They have a great amount of video experiences as well. Fantastic experience!

I had a wonderful visit to the President Johnson Museum and talked about the many Johnson exhibits and events that took place during his time there. The visit was definitely worth it. For a two-hour tour,

I had a good time visiting the Texas State Capitol in Austin. The architecture is stunning, and the building is full of history. I enjoyed walking through the rotunda, seeing the portraits of past governors, and learning more about Texas’ unique political history. The provide a free tour with a guide of what seemed like every 15 minutes. The grounds were beautifully maintained, and the views of downtown Austin added to the experience. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!!!

Beautiful architecture especially inside the dome. You're not really allowed to go anywhere else other than the centre inside. Airport type security at the entrance with metal detectors. There are toilets inside, clean. Beautiful gardens and monuments outside.

The Texas Capitol is a must-see in Austin. It’s impressive from the outside, but definitely worth stepping inside too. The building is beautiful, full of history, and free to visit. Everything is well maintained, and the atmosphere is calm and welcoming. A great place to walk around, learn something new, and take some great photos. A solid stop if you’re exploring the city.

The Texas State Capitol in Austin is an absolute must-visit and one of the finest state capitols in the United States. Nestled in the heart of downtown, this historic landmark stands tall with its impressive architecture, rich history, and beautifully maintained grounds. From the moment you approach the building, you’re struck by its grandeur. The pink granite exterior gives it a unique character, and the rotunda is truly breathtaking once inside. The interior features intricate details, historic paintings, and sculptures that reflect the pride and legacy of Texas. The dome itself is higher than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., which is quite impressive. The Capitol is open to the public and offers free guided tours throughout the day. These tours are very informative, covering everything from Texas history to the legislative process. The guides are knowledgeable and passionate, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. You can also choose to do a self-guided tour if you prefer to explore at your own pace. The Capitol grounds are expansive and beautifully landscaped, making it a great spot to walk around, relax, or take pictures. Statues and memorials throughout the grounds add to the experience, each telling a different part of Texas history. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or just a curious visitor, the Texas State Capitol offers something for everyone. It’s a place where you can truly feel the pride Texans have for their state. And best of all — it’s free to visit! Highly recommend setting aside a few hours for this remarkable site. It’s a shining example of Texas history and government, and a highlight of any trip to Austin.

Today was a awesome day at the Texas State capitol, I initially went just to make a contribution to google maps cause a few of my friends asked if I could but then without any kind of notice a group of young mariachis, an Aztec dance group in full regalia out of Houston and a Mexican vaquera soldadera who too was from Houston,I apologize for not asking your name but I hope your picture alone gives you justice, you made a outstanding performance and I personally applaud you,,as for the eagle and Jaguar knights special shout out to conrado Acevedo and kind heart and the rest of the Houston Aztec dance group,, and last but not least id also like to give a shout out to the local mariachi group from Akins high school,there was plenty of singing and dancing and all kinds of Instruments keeping sync from each performing group at times your occasional grito can be heard,there are restrooms and water fountains and it is wheelchair accessible, the grounds are very well kept, with monuments and dedication plaques at different points of the capitol grounds and you already know there is always a large police presence,tours are free and there is one in English and also one in Spanish of course at different times and they start out of the southern foyer,there are plenty of benches in and outside the capitol bldg, so one can take a break and breathe in all the history and stare in awe as you look around and see how beautiful and spacious the inside of the capitol is,,it never got to crowded and please be respectful and take your hat off within the bldg, outside it's cool all day every day,if you have never done one thing outside the norm and your from Texas, please before you get any older take a trip and visit your state capitol,I strongly recommend you take your kids and/or grandkids,,I promise you will never forget the experience... enjoy

Good experience. Highly recommended to do the free guided tour provided at the Capitol. They gave you a quick overview of the buildings and its significance. If you are not into politics, you might not find it interesting.

If like me you love history, this is a place that you can't miss. Just go and enjoy your time in there. I went on a Sunday, it was easy to take pictures.

I was born and raised in Austin, and this place never gets old, in fact it just gets more beautiful. I worked here about 4 summers as a lifeguard around 2009, and I can tell you from behind the scenes, safety is of utmost importance, guards are trained often and rigorously tested physically and mentally, and scenarios with emergency response crews from the area (EMS, Police, etc) are done on occasion. Barton Springs in particular runs a tight ship- you have to with thousands of visitors daily during the summer. Over the years they have not only improved on the grounds, but continue to keep it's original Austin appeal, even when renovations occur. The water is a consistent chilly 68°-70° (some of the spring water comes up at the bottom of the drop off by the diving board where it's coldest), lots of work is done on Thursdays by guards and frequently by biologists to maintain the natural state and save the salamanders (more so in Eliza Springs attached) but also keep it safe for patrons. No food or drink is allowed as they cannot spray for bugs so as not to contaminate the water and grounds. There are two entrances (Southside and the main entrance through Zilker Park) and it does cost money in the summers but it is currently free until March (we're in November now). They also use to offer free swim from like 5-9am and 9-10pm but not sure if that's still a thing. Parking can be difficult but that's to show how popular it is being an oasis in the heart of Austin. You will see ALL different types of people in all different types of dress (including topless & thongs) but everyone is at the Springs to chill and have a good time (I've also heard the water is a great hangover cure). There are living animals in and around the "pool" such as turtles, ducks, cormorants, fish, salamanders, and at one point there was some sort of eel at the spillway end. There is also plenty of algae and plant growth but everything is harmless and visible in the clear refreshing water. The pool starts at zero depth and continues to on to maybe 6-7ft aside from the dicing area which I believe is 12-13+ feet (it's been awhile and I can't remember exactly anymore). You can see downtown Austin from the pool and sunsets are beautiful. It is wheelchair and stroller friendly, you just have to follow the ramp down to the deck. The bathrooms are large and clean (and cleaned regularly by the guards) with lots of changing areas and bathrooms. Barton Springs has a rich history that it strives to upkeep, especially by the S.O.S - Save Our Springs Alliance. I suggest you wear your swimsuit, pack a blanket, a towel, and some water bottles (no coolers allowed), and head on over with your friends to chill on the hill and watch some crazy people doing crazy tricks off the diving board; you won't be disappointed!

Such a great place! The pool was clean, nice cold and refreshing, super deep and filled with rocks and plants and tiny fishes, loved the nature and the entire experience! Really felt like a mermaid today!! Loved it! Definitely will be coming here again before summer ends! 🧜🏻‍♀️🙌🏻✨🪸💦

I will always take a plunge in Barton Springs pool when in the area. Cold but refreshing. South-side parking was challenging (-1 one star). Entrance fee is reasonable and easy peasy online ticket purchasing available. Nice crowd size in the pool.

OMG this was our favorite stop in Austin. One side is a pay-to-enter swimming hole and there is another hidden free-to-enter entrance that serves as a much smaller swimming hole for the doggies. We had such a great time interacting with the locals and playing with the cute, energetic dogs we didn’t want to leave. Note that the doggie entrance is hidden amongst the trees and down a very steep hill (which is a bit tricky to get up and down). If you are a lover of animals the doggie side is a MUST. We didn’t pay to enter the other side but it is huge and looks soooo cool. If we had our swimming suits we def would’ve gone! What amazed me about the doggie side (and really Austin in general) is how welcome the locals made us. What was also cool is how everyone looked after everyone else’s dogs, taking turns throwing balls for them in the water. You don’t even need to take your own dog here to take part in the action and appreciate this place! ❤️

Barton Springs Municipal Pool – A Classic Austin Experience Barton Springs is an absolute gem. We had no trouble grabbing tickets at the window with good old-fashioned cash (just a heads-up: cash only!). While we didn’t use the ticket kiosks, we saw plenty of people struggling with them—lots of confused faces and short lines of frustrated folks. Do yourself a favor and just head to the window. There’s a fair bit of construction going on right now, but it was super easy to navigate. Clear signs make the path to the pool straightforward. Once you’re in? Pure bliss. The water is cool, crisp, and refreshing—the perfect way to escape the Texas heat. It’s a true spring, so don’t expect bathwater temps, but once you’re in, it feels incredible. There’s a little something for everyone here—swimmers, floaters, jumpers, sunbathers, families, solo chillers. It’s also top-tier people watching. An authentic Austin spot that never disappoints.

This place was magnificent. It really was one of the highlights to my Austin adventure. It was comfortable and felt very safe. I will say the patrons were not as friendly as i would have expected but that is not the pools fault. The salamanders were soooo cute. I love it.

We went in October 2025 and the parking lot is at 1000 Azie Morton rd. We got there around 1230 pm On a monday and saw like 4 open spaces. No parking fee. 2 min walk to pool entry pay $9 cash or credit at machines. The pool area is huge. 6 lifeguards. No concessions inside. There is a changing trailer and bathrooms. Its pretty with trees and grass, cold water, squirrels all around, fluffy clouds, sunshine, overall real good vibe.

Considering the current south shore plant/tree overgrowth (April 2024) I think THIS is the best place to stand when waiting for the bats to come out from under the bridge. Yes the bats begin to emerge on the south side first, but you don't need to see the *first* bats to see an impressive display. As it turns out, we didn't see a large group of bats this evening (it rained and was generally too cool), but we did see (and hear) some bats, and the trip to the bridge was worthwhile. We waited from 30 minutes before until about 50 minutes after sunset, then left. Austin has a lovely skyline! We walked here from our hotel near the convention center, along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. It was a very pleasant walk with lots of tree cover.

If you’ve got bad eyes like me the best spot to see the bats is right above where the kayakers gather on the right side of the bridge. When the tour guides shine their red spotlights you can clearly see the bats taking off even after sunset.

Nice meeting spot, and iconic location of the largest Mexican free tail bat colony in North America. See them fly at dusk at the southeast end of the bridge, below looking up when nightly guides of kayak and boat tours shine their red lights to see the flying bats. Check out "Austin bat refuge" online for nightly bat forecast.

The bat watching was crazy cool! Am jealous of those in Austin who get to watch. Nice bridge to watch the sunset.

The Ann Richard bridge, also known as the bat bridge in Austin Texas, is a great place to people and bar watch. When you walk under during the day you can hear them chirping, and then they take off in the evening. Cool painting by the observation deck.

One of the peculiar things to do while in Austin is waiting for sunset to see the famous bats come out in large groups as they make their nightly rounds. Unfortunately I wasn’t lucky enough to witness the large group but every night you at least see a few small groups underneath the bridge. Regardless though the walk along the river makes it worth it day or night. It is pretty hard to miss usually there will be a large group of people along the bridge waiting which gives you the feeling that you are in the right place. Even though I wasn’t as lucky I hope your trip to Austin gets you a glimpse of the bats.

Fun little place to see the Congress Bridge from below. You can definitely tell bats live there by the interesting smell as you approach.

The trail/path is great. Easy, wide and well maintained. We rode our fat tire bikes and connected from the north end of Shoal creek trail. Overall it’s a great ride, walk or run, although it is super crowded especially on the weekends. The massive crowds are probably the only downside as you have to really pay attention and don’t have as much time to enjoy the scenery. You just need to be patient, and take your time. We made a stop at Ziker botanical gardens which was decent and they have a place to park your bike. We also stopped for lunch at Tumble 22 on the way back. There are plenty of spots to explore, pull off and enjoy the views or get food.

This trail was very well-kept and scenic along lady bird lake in downtown Austin! Great for all activities

Ann and Roy Butler park is lie in the Colorado river side. It’s good to run, walk and spend time with family in the park.

Wonderful walking trail by the Colorado river, a portion of it is a boardwalk over the river by the south bank. Great view of downtown. We only walked 3.5 miles of the long trail but will be back to explore more of it once we find free/city parking close to the trail. We parked in a very expensive parking lot by the Congress St bridge (bat bridge) - $25 for an hour!

It's so beautiful and Majestic this time of year with the changing of the trees.

Great trail for walking and biking along and along the Colorado River with great views of Austin. You can rent a boat and ride along the river or just sit and admire the turtles, which are abundant on the river. Highly recommend this beautiful trail. Thank you for such an equipped and created trail!🤝👏❤️

Great Walking path/trail. Needs better signage for access and parking.

⚠️ Research ahead of time if they are allowing swimming. This would be a phenomenal place if the water was higher. The water level has been low due to a 3 year long drought according to one of the park rangers. Unfortunately that means no swimming and a dry creek bed. The park had nice hiking trails and really interesting master gardeners' demo gardens to check out. The park rangers were kind and informative. I would have given a 5-star rating if we could have experienced swimming there, but this is absolutely no fault to the park itself. Cypress Falls Swimming Hole is nearby if you need to take a dip but it is only open Thursday-Sunday Visited on May 12, 2025 Reviewed on May 13, 2025

We were so sad that the water levels were such that no swimming was allowed, but still a beautiful place to visit. I definitely recommend hydrating well beforehand and taking some water with you as it doesn't take long on the trails to get overheated. If you're going to visit, know that no family pets are allowed on the trails or at the well. Even though you can't swim there's still some fun stuff for the family to do. They have a natural human sun dial, a meditation walk, an area for kids to build and use their imagination with various pipes etc, and then plenty of beautiful sites to see and take photos. I hope to visit again when water levels are restored one day and take the family swimming at Jacob's Well!

The creek around the well is dry at this point. Swimming is strictly prohibited. In addition to signs, the workers approached us with a verbal warning on the way to the well and then literally ran in fear that we would be swimming. I say the pictures on the web are highly exaggerated. The well itself is no more than 6 feet wide and maybe 8 feet long at the most. The sides are clearly overgrown with eel. Idk. It’s interesting if you are in the area but it’s not worth a special trip to it. Also, it is apparently in a chain of underwater caverns that are over a mile long.

Beautiful park. Do plan ahead and buy tickets to swim if you want to swim. Information is on the brochure posted. The garden and labyrinth were highlights also. Everyone was very friendly and helpful.

Less than 10-minute walk from parking lot … No swimming/wading in August 2025… shallow water tiday - blazing Texas sun 🥵 We’ll be back in spring … maybe better then 😊😄 but I enjoy hearing crickets and birds! 🦅

Very nice hiking trails and view of narrow hole in the ground full of water...interesting nature trails with good birdwatching. Lots of Painted Bunting, Carolina Chickadees, Black Crested Titmice, and even Woodhouse's Scrub Jay.

Nice little park. Closed for swimming right now, but I couldn't picture it being open for swimming! Very small area it seemed like, I feel like itd be difficult to swim around here with more thay 20 people. Sad to see how low our aquifers are! It said this spring used to shoot water up 6 ft high! That would've been incredible to see, but it's since gotten lower and lower due to the population increase in the area.

A truly beautiful place with incredible nature. Unfortunately, we visited right after a period of flooding and heavy rain. The water was not its usual blue color but rather green, and swimming was not allowed at the time. Hopefully, next time we will get to experience its full beauty. That said, we still enjoyed the peacefulness and solitude of nature, especially since there were very few people around even though it was the weekend

Blue Hole is absolutely beautiful! Nature is so serene. The water feels amazing, especially on a hot summer day. The water is so clean and refreshing. The way the trees line the water allows for a lot of shade while in water. Such a nice place to visit!

An absolute must do! I walked from town taking the nature trail which added some beautiful views of the creek lined with cypress trees! When getting to the park, Heidi was so incredibly welcoming, informative and was a great introduction to the magic that the blue hole provides! There are multiple trails to enjoy but be sure to stop by the blue hole and take a swim if in season!

Best swimming hole I’ve ever been to. Had such a good time even though I sadly messed up and only got the half day pass rather than buying both for the full day, still such a good time. The water is the perfect temperature, cold at first but stays cold even when you get used to it. Everyone was nice and there was so much room to hang. Deff won’t forget the Canopy next time we come.

The water is crystal clear, refreshing, and perfect for swimming. The surrounding nature is well maintained, with plenty of shaded areas to relax. Everything is very well organized – from booking to entry, it all went smoothly. I especially loved the calm, peaceful atmosphere, far away from any hustle and bustle. A must-visit if you’re in the area!

Absolutely gorgeous place!! The water is beautiful and cold (really cold since it’s spring fed). The little yard they have is well kept and has umbrellas for some shade in the warm months. No alcohol or smoking allowed, no pets either. There is some shallower parts, but most of it is pretty deep. They have life jackets available, free of charge. They also have a some other items available for sale like towels, floaties, water proof phone cases, shirts and hats, a vending machine with drinks. Also, you have to have a reservation before you get in!! You pay online! There are some rope swings as well and ladders at multiple points to assist you getting out. I rank this place 10/10! Will definitely visit again and again!

This place is incredible. Wimberley TX is magical. Loved the experience. Hoping to come back next year again. Can’t wait.

Great location. Very friendly staff. Affordable movie experience. This place has a lot to offer as advertised and it delivers on that. Today I went to an 11:30 matinee and the trailers were short and the auditorium was clean, picture was excellent and sound was perfect. Temperature in my auditorium was great too. As you can see, the parking lot is very spacious and flat. I recommend this establishment to others. Five stars from madus time.

Very friendly staff, very clean also, and they have a lot of great deals throughout the week (happy hour food/half price games/etc..). Our waitress/bartender, Lorin, was super nice! She did a great job! We also like the family friendly atmosphere, very fun place! Will definitely go back! Also, there should be surveys that customers can do that gives the staff bonuses or something!

Great experience. My daughters and I were having a day so we decided to go to the movies to make it better this past Thursday. We walked in and they greeted us. Went to buy movie ticket and realized we had the wrong day. We then decided to watch a different movie. We went to the concession stand and order what we wanted and the kind man who over heard our movie time mess up gave us a discount on our order. That was so unexpected and sweet. It was all my fault not there’s. At the ticket booth she was so friendly and helpful. So genuinely sweet. After the movie we played games and one of the games didn’t work and we lost a lot of game credits. No problem at all they put it back on our card easy. Lastly we were almost out of money on our cards and I told my daughter only one of them could drive the car that’s all the credit we have and one of the guys swiped his card and let my other daughter race as well. The whole day wasn’t expected and they all turned our bad day into best day ever! Thank you to everyone who made a positive impact on our experience!!!

For a bowling alley, this place really impressed us! The food was surprisingly good, prices were fair, and the service was excellent. Everything was clean and well taken care of, which made the experience even better. We had a great time and will definitely be bringing our family here for years to come.

It was a fun place to go there. My mom and I went there yesterday and we saw some games, bowling alleys and movie posters. I am thinking about getting into popcorn someday after the wedding.

Manager Melissa is a complete liar & fraudulently charged my credit card while lying that she hadn’t. It seems we are the anomaly experience at this location alas, 2 starts is being generous. Our visit started being told they no longer have the Grub&Game deal. Their bowling screens still advertise it. After ordering our food with the bartender, we never saw her again. The chicken tenders appeared either overcooked or cooked in old oil. I was later told my Melissa, “maybe your kids shouldn’t order it.” We asked and were told they would be made again. They came out looking the same. We then asked for a burger substitution. From order time to burger delivery was 45 minutes! Smash burgers were greasy, but I digress. After we ate, I asked for my $10 tip to be removed, AT LEAST. The manager, Melissa, came back and told me she comped our entire meal. I asked for a copy of my refund receipt since I had already paid. She handed me the exact copy of my paid for receipt. The then LIED to me that it was the refund receipt until I showed her I had a picture of that EXACT receipt. Melissa then brought a receipt that showed our meal “COMPED” but not refunded. Again LYING!!! I then asked for the other manager on site. When an employee called for him over the radio, I walked by Melissa who radioed “Diego is unavailable.” Again, LYING!!! Diego listened to my concerns and offered us free bowling; as we had planned to pay to bowl but my husband was decided we would not spend another penny at this establishment. Diego was kind and empathetic. Despite all the time we wasted, we did have fun bowling, and I look forward to speaking to the GM, AJ about our unfortunate incident.

I have been passing this place for a while now and finally decided to come check it out! I love arcade games and to find a fun place to bring my family ◡̈ It seems much bigger from the outside but still has alot of fun games and there is bowling and its connected to a movie theater which the prices seem very reasonable for both. There is also a small bar area if you want to hang out while your kids play. It’s a quick go to if you wanted a little fun time

Enjoy the day in this beautiful historic district. This small town has that country charm with all the antique shops and boutiques. Stay awhile and enjoy dining outside. Such a charming historic town

I hate to say it came from a bigger city but the atmosphere is just so cool and the people are very cordial and inviting so I give nothing but kiddos to those be blessed.

Did a lost pines loop on weekend. The north part of the trail goes deep into the forest. The South part is more on the open. A few CCC buildings on the route, a few people on the route. Very peaceful.

Well run state park leas than 2 hours from Houston. Multiple campsites. Facility was excellent with climate controlled bathrooms and wash area. Some campsites are near to highway and you can hear traffic. Not too many trails. There is a YMCA pool inside the park but was closed when visiting in May. Campground caters for large groups and scouts.

So many trails to choose from! We only had time to hike one trail but I wish we would've been able to stay the day. My son loved seeing all of the lizards. They were everywhere! We will definitely be coming back to see more of the park

The pine trees there are amazing and the historical cabins are pretty cool! I definitely recommend going down the scenic view from Bastrop State Park to buescher State Park!

Really nice place to tent camp or RV at. We stayed in tents in the Deer Run area, although we never saw any deer, lol. Restroom facilities were cleaned every morning, big and spacious. The playground was next to the tent sites. They also have a pool in the park. This park has a lot of trails if you like hiking. During our hike, their were structures built from back in the day by the CCC Boys. A lot of them are still standing and in pretty good shape. Overall, this park is a great place to camp out at.

This is a beautiful park with lots of great amenities, BUT a couple of things are helpful to know in advance. Be sure to check the alerts on the park’s website before your trip—I missed the temporary burn ban and wasn’t able to use a grill or campfire, which cut my stay short since I had brought meals that needed cooking. I’m totally to blame for overlooking it. If you’re tent camping, the "Deer Run" sites are close to Hwy 71, so you may notice traffic noise at night and the occasional headlight through the trees. Light sleepers might want to pack earplugs or look at other camping loops for a quieter experience. One feature I really loved was the dish-washing station—it’s such a convenient touch that made cleanup easy. Overall, the park is lovely, and with a little preparation, it’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors.

We truly enjoyed the peace and quiet at Bastrop State Park. The trails were really nice for walking and taking in the natural beauty. One of the Rangers, Willie, was especially helpful—he took time to teach us about how the park manages tree clearing and prescribed burns. Very friendly and informative! Thanks for a great experience, Bastrop State Park! – Jason & Tracy

We recently visited San Marcos Premium Outlets, located roughly midway between San Antonio & Austin. It’s a massive outdoor shopping complex, so large that at sometimes, we even drove from one store to another ! Despite the 32°C heat 😰I really enjoyed the experience. The outlets feature a wide variety of premium brands and products, ranging from luxury fashion and shoes to home goods. The product quality is excellent, and prices are quite competitive😀 For tourists, tax refunds are available, however, each bill must include at least $12 in taxes paid, and you can only receive 50% of the total tax amount back. The food court is decent, though it doesn’t include all the popular fast-food chains. We had Chinese food, which was okay. Overall, it’s a must visit if you’re in or around Austin or San Antonio 👍

I recently visited San Marcos Premium Outlets and was blown away by the sheer variety of brands and products available. From luxury fashion to home goods, there's something for everyone. The prices are incredibly competitive, and the quality of the products is exceptional. The outlet itself is well-designed, making it easy to find what you're looking for." _Recommendation_ If you're looking for a great shopping experience with amazing deals on top brands, San Marcos Premium Outlets is the place to go! With its vast selection, reasonable prices, and high-quality products, you won't be disappointed.

Big and spacious. Alot of good stores and deals. The weather in October was very hot but walking underneath the shade was nice

Visited the San Marcos Premium Outlets yesterday for the second time, and it’s still a great spot for shopping. The outlet has a wide range of brands and is well-maintained, making it enjoyable to walk around. While the variety isn’t the best for every category, it’s an excellent place to find daily wear and sportswear at good prices. The layout is convenient, parking is easy, and the overall experience is pleasant. A solid shopping destination for casual and brand-name finds. 🛍️

Been coming here for 30 years. A load of cats are living in the parking lot. Saw 5 all at once. Many area smell of cat piss. Dirtier than I ever remember it. And outlet store prices are just retail now. No deals to be had. In many cases exact same items at a better price can be found on Amazon. Sorry I tell it as I see it.

Here is huge. You can spend all day. In columbia stores, you don't pay label price. There are many sales %40-%70.. final price is lower than label price

I been coming here since I was a kid. But please talk to your younger kids employees don’t take advantage of elderly senior citizens with the tip. I guess he didn’t know my mom was with me. And he keep repeating himself 3x for tipping and he want to tap tip until I caught that young kid. I tap the skip and he gave me the look like he was upset he didn’t get away scamming an elderly senior citizen woman. What A coincidence he didn’t ask me to tip. I can imagine how many times he takes advantage of senior citizens. We need to protect our seniors citizens elderly’s. From young kids taking advantage I guess they weren’t brought up right with respect. Do better please next time.😔

It’s been about 5yrs since I’ve been here and absolutely nothing has changed. Nothing bad just still packed but these prices were just about the same as I remember. But definitely enjoyed the outting here.

The outlets need more parking space it’s hard getting in and out of here I think a parking garage would of been good. The stores had ac and lots of registers open at the crowded stores which was good to keep the lines moving. The stores were clean and had friendly staff. But the restrooms were dirty and men’s restroom didn’t have privacy. The outlet has all kind of stores sure to have something for everyone.

I love stopping to shop at this outlets all together this time they had some amazing deals at the guess store . The fine lady who attended me was so polite I didn't catch her name but she looks like sedney Sweeney . She was the most adorable person in the store I only wish I had gotten her name or her autograph lol.

To skip crowds and traffic come during the week. Ask for military discount and bring your id. If international bring your passport and ticket. Save those receipt cause purchases with over 12.00 in taxes they will total and refund. But only at participating location.

Tanger outlets are the best outlets, and San Marcos location is no exception. Great options of stores that fit variables ages and badges. Guess and Disney store were my favorites and their employees are very kind, active and helpful. There is no really kids area, so be aware of this if you are visiting with young kids. Just crossed the street and changed the Outlet - very nice. Second part of stores, no worse than the SM Premium outlet. Visited couple of shops, bought almost everything I wanted. Pretyy crowded place during weekends, but great value. Be prepared to spend a half day and more here.

Great deals and lots of store fronts you may have forgotten about. Worth a couple hrs walking around if nothing else

We didn't have time to go in very many stores but the ones we did get to go in, they were all very welcoming & helpful. Nice, clean, & organized.

If you're trying to avoid the crowds and still have some nice outdoor time, this is a great park for a day or weekend visit. It's quiet, more rustic than some of the other state parks I've visited, and it has a pool! That's always a big plus for these hot Texas days. The staff was very friendly and welcoming and the welcome center had some great, affordable snacks and souvenirs. I was just visiting for a day to check the park out and hike the few miles of trail offered. I enjoyed my visit, but this park is definitely not a hikers park. The 9-hole golf course was a unique feature and the playground was well maintained. There were quite a few people out fishing during my visit if that's something you're interested in doing too. I wouldn't go out of my way to visit this park, simply because it's so small, but if you're passing through or looking to stay for a night and can snag a camping spot, it's great.

Very peaceful. We stayed in an RV. Nice trails, small fishing creeks, sure to see wild life. We also visited the pool which had a friendly group working there. Park rangers and office personnel were helpful too. Small gift shop inside with a few necessity options but town is just a few miles down the road.

I enjoyed hiking the trails to take a break from the highway while on a roadtrip. It was well worth the $3 entrance fee. While I've seen prettier landscapes, the ones at Lockhart are decent. No waterfalls, apparwntly, the creek onky flows when it rains... But there are a few nice views from the higher elevations of the hiking trails. They have some flatter trails and a few that are more challenging. I hiked several as they were short. I managed to finish 5 in 30 minutes, and it was an enjoyable hike. Lockhart also has a golf course, camping spots, and a swimming pool (in season). It would make a nice place to camp out for a weekend get-away. The gentleman at the office was kind and helpful.

Nice little park. We did not try out the pool or the golf course but the trails were nice, and the location to the town was good. Google maps had us go down the incorrect turn- in, and it was a bit of an issue with a 35ft trailer... But one of the park hosts (after-hours!) helped guide us through the overgrown trees and saved us from damaging our camper. Overall very pleasant experience, and we appreciated the quick downhill trails on the bikes

Definitely a small park, but if you like quiet this is the place. Facilities are old but maintained. Some drop offs to the camping area are pretty drastic.

Very small state park. One of if not the smallest I’ve been to. The have a lot of trails and an old water tower that is cool to see. Took my kids swimming and that was fun. They have a small kids pool as well. Will also let you borrow life jackets, googles, swimming accessories. Very cool and nice of them. The pool is $1 per kid and $2 per adult on top of the entrance fee.

Lockhart State Park is a hidden gem located just 35 miles (about 40 minutes) from Austin, TX, and roughly 30 minutes from Texas State University in San Marcos. It’s the perfect spot if you want to escape the city noise and enjoy some peace and quiet, with the bonus of being close to town if you need supplies or crave some good food. The park is well-kept, peaceful, and offers a nice dose of solitude. The RV and camping areas are tucked away from the general crowd (playground, swimming pool), making it ideal if you’re looking for a quiet camping or glamping experience. If you forgot essentials like water or personal hygiene products, the local HEB is just a short drive away. We stayed in spot 4, which, along with spots 5 and 6, is located directly across from the golf course. Unfortunately, some golfers tend to overshoot, and golf balls have been landing in these spots. We even saw people walking over to retrieve their stray balls. So if you don’t mind the possibility of a golf ball hitting your vehicle, RV, 5th Wheel, or even you, your kids, or your dog—then these spots might still work for you. If that’s a concern, I’d suggest requesting a different campsite. Bonus for nature lovers: Keep an eye out along the trails and you may spot rabbits hopping along. Around dusk (about 7:45 to 8:00 pm), it’s a real treat to see deer coming out into the open. If you walk one of the various trails through the woods, you might even catch sight of them quietly moving through the trees. When you're ready to venture into town, Lockhart doesn’t disappoint. Black’s Barbecue serves up some of the best BBQ you’ll find, and you can take a short stroll down the street to The Culinary Room, where their famous banana pudding is absolutely worth the stop. We also tried to visit Fiddler's Green Music Shop, but unfortunately, the lady working there wasn’t very welcoming, so we moved on. Lockhart itself has that small-town vibe where you can roam around, soak in some local charm (hopefully from friendly folks like the staff at The Culinary Room) and enjoy the slower pace. Overall, we’re giving Lockhart State Park 4 stars, mainly because of the risk of golf balls at certain campsites. But if you choose your spot wisely, you’ll find this park to be a quiet, convenient, and relaxing retreat, with easy access to both nature and small-town comforts. Hope you have a great experience if you decide to camp, glamp, or just visit Lockhart and the State Park!

Palmetto State Park is absolutely beautiful. We stayed for two nights. The campsites are well kept and the trails are easy. The lake was fun to swim in. The only issue was that the restrooms were being renovated and pop-up restrooms provided had no way of controlling the temperature of the water. The water went from cool to extremely hot in about 5 seconds which made for very uncomfortable showers

The park is beautiful, but it’s missing some things, like trash bins near every picnic area. Also, the restrooms are under renovation, and the place feels hot. The plants need more care. Overall, it’s a quiet place, and the best parts are the scenic viewpoint and the prickly pear cactus. My comfort rating for this place is 3 out of 5

Palmetto State Park is a hidden gem in Texas! The scenery is beautiful with lush greenery, unique dwarf palmettos, and peaceful trails that make you feel like you’re in a tropical oasis. The San Marcos River running through the park adds to the charm, and you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, or just relaxing by the water. Campsites are well-kept, restrooms are clean, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Perfect spot for hiking, picnicking, or a quiet weekend getaway in nature.

Restrooms are super clean and good. Arrangement and all are so perfect. Electric plug is near to your allocated area so boon for EV car users. Also they are providing firewood for fire by money. Gas station is hardly far 15-20 minutes. A perfect place for hangout, barbecue and all. I went with my family friends and we enjoyed alot.

Really nice park! Ladies in headquarters were very nice and helpful. There's some pretty affordable snacks and drinks in there plus souvenirs. My daughter and I love the 2 stuffed birds we got. They are very cute! We only stayed to fish for about 3 hours this time. We plan on fishing here more often.

This park surprised us- it is very shaded, a great middle of summer destination as you aren't burning up on the trails. Sites were fresh poured blacktop so it was very level. All trails are bike friendly, and our little ones (5 and 7) had no problem biking them.

The park is very nice. We really enjoy the trails. Very easy to fo on a bike or walking. Shower houses nice and clean.

Well, it was a fine Texas morning when I fired up my steel horse and rode down to Shiner, Texas, in pursuit of two sacred things—a frosty beer and a meal fit for a cowboy. I knew I was in the right place when the smell of slow-smoked brisket drifted through the air like a beacon of hope. When i pulled up to the brewery, parked my mighty steed,and strode inside like I owned the place. No sooner had I grabbed my first sip of that golden Shiner nectar than I locked eyes with what could only be described as the mother of all baked potatoes. This was no ordinary spud—it was a mountain of buttery, cheesy goodness crowned with a pile of brisket that looked like it had been blessed by the barbecue gods themselves. Now, I didn’t come all this way just to eat like some city boy with manners. No, sir. I tackled that potato with the ferocity of a rodeo bull rider, knowing full well that there was no elegant way to consume something of this magnitude. I was elbows deep in brisket when the band fired up—a sound so sweet it had folks swaying in their seats. Then, just when I thought things couldn't get better, a group of American Legion riders pulled up, looking like the kind of folks who had stories worth hearing. So,wiping the last bit of barbecue sauce off his chin, moseyed over and soon found myself swapping tales, laughing, and feeling that unbeatable camaraderie that comes when good folks come together over bikes, beers, and brisket. As the sun dipped lower, I leaned back, satisfied, knowing i had lived the kind of day country songs were written about. And as I climbed back onto my Indian motorcycle, one final thought crossed my mind: Ain’t nothing better than riding Texas on a full stomach 🤠

I loved it! I really recommend taking the tour, I've been drinking Shiner Bock for approx 18 years and learned a lot about how my favorite beer is made while sipping on one. The place is nice and clean and the staff is very friendly. I really enjoyed the atmosphere while listening to the live music, drinking a Shiner Bock and smoking a cigar. Time well spent!

Loved the tour of the brewery and the history! There is a fee for the tours, but you do receive free beer. One of my favorite beers is Shiner Bock! After visiting and trying some of their others on tap, I now have some more favorites! And they now have a distillery! It's the tour that's worth the detour!!

Great tour of the brewery and distillery. All the staff members we interacted with were very polite and knowledgeable. The BBQ sandwiches were packed with good BBQ and the sides were on point. They have a nice outside seating area and had good live music.

They are adding on a new tasting room and full restaurant out front; under construction now. We skipped the tour, and enjoyed a nice BBQ lunch instead, of course with a choice of beers.

My wife and I stopped in for a tour finally and loved it. Such a cool brewery and awesome tour.

Awesome little big brewery in a cute little town. Both the brewery and Distillery tours are great and all the beers were delicious. Great outdoor seating area and live music. The BBQ is fantastic. Definitely worth the trip.

Loved that this zoo was small and enclosed family friendly to have your kids walk. Was disappointed because certain animals weren't in their enclosures either that they didn't have them or they were out of the heat which is understandable but that's okay because overall the animals that were out my kids enjoyed. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. I will definitely be going back when we have some cooler days!

Our first visit to The Texas Zoo was during a school field trip. They opened promptly at 10, and the payment process was smooth, especially with the convenience of Apple Pay. Upon entry, the gift shop caught our eye, but it could benefit from a wider selection of items to make it more appealing. They offer various vending machines, including snacks, drinks, and a popular off-brand version of Dippin' Dots, all easily accessible with tap payments. The zoo itself is compact, allowing for a leisurely hour to explore and observe all the animals. The staff member who conducted the demonstration for the kids was friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable. The highlight for the children was definitely the opportunity to interact with a snake at the end. Additionally, we noticed they provide strollers, though we didn't use them, so it's unclear if there's a fee for their use. However, the downside was the state of the outdoor restrooms, which desperately need updating and better maintenance. They were unpleasant and showed signs of neglect, with dead spiders and a missing latch on one stall. Even the indoor restroom had cleanliness issues, with a dead roach in one corner. Despite this, the rest of the facilities seemed well-maintained.

I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was slightly disappointed at how small it was, but it’s great for school field trip, so the kids aren’t out walking for hours. We participated in the animal encounter where the workers educated the kids on three different animals and at the end of the show , we were allowed to pet a snake. Minus one star for how dirty and unfortunate some of the enclosures were and minus another for no concession stand, only vending machines.

Me and my friends joined the program with world strides and loop abroad. We followed DVM veterinarians and the zoo keepers learning skills such as reading X-ray images, giving injections, suturing, and creating enrichments for the animals that u may see now in their enclosures, and doing TPR's on animals and how to work with these animals. I loved this experience with these animals and working with the Vets and Keepers.

All though i really liked the small atmosphere of the place, the animal enclosements were dirty and I didn't see any clean water in there for them.

It's small but I believe in their mission. The Kids loved it, Great little place to visit inside the City Park.

Clean quiet good view. Friendly staff visited during day armadillo was partly asleep as well as other rodent limers monkey turtles are beautiful eating fresh food . Thanks

Lovely experience 3 nights, grounds are well maintained with staff ready to help. Visitor Center staff was excellent. I arrived just in time for a guide led tour of the mission & history. The ranger/guide was EXCELLENT, very knowledgeable & fun. The mission church & museum has an amazing history. Restrooms clean/showers hot. I stayed in the water only Longhorn loop, very shaded, deer wandered through. A trail runs through this loop. ATT cell coverage good, video download on occasion slower.

Fantastic State Park for Texas history buffs. RV spots are nice and quiet with full hookups! There are a few trails for either hiking or biking. Lots of shade.

To walk among the place where the Goliad massacre took place is a whole different experience, a somber one. The history is quite something albeit very sad. Don't forget to watch the video at the end of your visit!

Beautiful scenery and history. Saw a fox and I loved that park staff was aware of her history and that she had a den.

We visit every year the same time and day June 27-29 for our annual family reunion! Never any complaints!! It is just hot in the kitchen room and the bathrooms but besides that everything is always amazing

We hosted a group of RVs here and had a lovely time. Jacales and Karankawa are two very different RV experiences, but if you have a group I would recommend renting out the dining hall and camping in Jacales. The dining hall is very nice with a commercial kitchen that makes food prep a breeze. Which is nice since you won’t have sewer hookups at your site Jacales. But the real draw is the staff. Everyone we interacted with was super helpful and polite. “Friendly and helpful” is a bit trite for how nice they made our trip. When we come here on our own we prefer to stay in Karankawa just because the sites are so spacious and our dog can run around. On a leash, of course.

What a hidden treasure...if you get the chance, have Emily go over some of the history of the missions in texas...a huge thank you to Emily...remember Baja California Sur, Loreto.

Very deep in historical information. The battle here is what lord to "Cinco de Mayo". Great experience! End of match every year. You should go. Take chairs and like sack lunch to munch and enjoy on the grounds. Free parking.

Was great seeing the history of the fort and what happened there. The staff we met were very nice and fun to talk to. It was also wheelchair accessible.

A lovely stop between Austin and Port Aransas, this historic site is a great teaching moment for those who just finished 7th grade Texas History or anyone interested in our history. Check it out!

Although we did not buy a ticket to go inside, this peaked our interest on the way to Port A on Hwy 183. Good historic information around the property and very close to other sites as well. Cute town!

Nice, interesting to find spanish architecture so far in Texas, this site is, in terms of battle, more important that Fort Alamo... sad story behind it... lost of ghosts around i presume...

Such a great stop—every bit a shrine like the Alamo, but far more relaxed. The lady working at the gift shop was a riot lol. I still think that the garrison should be renamed Fort Defiance in memory of Colonel Fannin and his Texian men who were executed there by General Santa Anna after they surrendered to him east of there in 1836. I trust the museum video over ChatGPT: Fannin asked to have his personal effects sent home to his wife and children, to be given a Christian burial, and NOT to be shot in the face. Santa Anna promptly had him shot IN the face and burned after his men stole his things.

My husband & I loved walking through the museum areas & the Chapel was one of the prettiest we have ever seen. 2 bus loads of teenagers showed up while we were on the grounds and it was impressive how the historical tour guides handled them. The sweet lady behind the counter that greeted us made us feel very welcome. We are so happy that we visited. Great video to start out the tour too.

Wow! This place was amazing! Much better than we expected after experiences at other wildlife refuges. A lot more to see and experience here. We enjoyed the scenic drive and the little hiking trails were nice too.

Beautiful park. Front desk was very informative on best spots to go to first. It was pretty hot, but not too many mosquitos unless you were in a covered tree area. Bring water and sun protection. Lots of egrets and other water birds, a couple alligators, deer, and hogs/Javelinas. Would definitely recommend coming here or you're in the area. I will be coming back in the winter to try to see the whooping cranes!

Great customer service and very informative employees. Great place to see nature in the raw and see everything the way it would look without our footprint every where. Lots of wildlife, insect, and fish. Only complaint would be that there should be a few more binoculars that are easy to view. But I do understand that people vandalized a lot so that may be a reason they don't. Also, mosquito's were bad so put on some sunblock and insect repellent

One of my favorite destinations when I'm in the area. As an amateur photographer, it's an excellent place to get wildlife pictures. Javalina, waterfowl and shore birds, alligators, deer. Timing is everything for viewing wildlife. During peak wintering times, bird life is abundant, not as many alligators as when the weather warms in mid February to early March. Obviously, the bird life changes as they begin their journey north, still lots of local birds around. You'll have to walk, no more than a few hundred yards, to get good views of birds. The javalina and deer are spotted throughout the preserve. I highly recommend this beautiful area.

Out of the way, peaceful and quiet. Just wasn't a lot of wildlife to see at all and the mosquitos were the worst I've ever seen - clouds of them attacked us every time we got out of the car. The 40' tower was easy to access and no mosquitos up there because it was windy, but just not a lot going on.

Beautiful place with lots of birds and other wildlife to be found all throughout. There's plenty to see for different folk depending on how adventurous they feel, from viewing spots with benches to sit down and observe, picnic areas under large trees and a great view of the water, to lots of walking trails, though make sure you don't forget your bug repellent spray because you are not gonna do much walking without it before you have run back to your car from all the mosquitoes hounding you. And even if you don't leave your car there is much to see just driving from one spot to the next. All in all excellent place to go for a morning outing. Will definitely be coming back with my camera so I can take some pictures to add here.

Wow, what an amazing place. The views and trails 👣 are awesome, with plenty of wildlife. The views from the observation tower are amazing 👏

Sites are set up a little weird, withv the tables on opposite sides, but my kids loved this park. Beautiful views. Pictures are of it campsite in relation to the water. Only one hiking trail, and it was very flat. Extremely kid friendly, very long fishing pier.

Nice bay front campsites. Everyone gets a view. Great location, with a short drive to Fulton-Rockport for anything you need. The stickers (goat heads) in the grass are miserable, so make sure to bring an outdoor rug for your pets. Immaculate bathrooms and showers. Very friendly rangers and staff! The state park police patrols frequently.

Very nice state park with camping right on the beach or in shady oaks. I met several nice families during my stay. Ocean breeze kept mosquitoes at bay. Have Off spray handy for morning and evening.

Awesome staff and a very nice park. Excellent bathroom & shower facilities. The hiking trail is short but nice, with benches to rest if you need them. Nice picnic area and plenty of campsites.

If you have the opportunity to visit and stay. . . You should. The park has numerous trails, lots of dear, plenty of fishing spots and spots to hook up your travel trailer. Every area is so clean, big and open areas. The restrooms are clean! Staff that we came across were all very nice.

Very clean and well maintained park. We stayed at both the baysites and wooded area, we hiked, fished and road ebikes. Really great park.

We camped in the wooded area. Tons of mosquitoes don't forget your repellent. The park is maintained fairly well. Bathrooms could use some work. Overall it was fun.

Its a great beach for families. If you pay to get in, go all the way down and there is a great place for swimming in the case that it is jellyfish season ( I know from experience) it is easy to get food delivered there as all the picnic tables are numbered. Dogs are welcome and a lot of people take their fluffy pets. There are restrooms pretty close in these big round buildings. You can also eat there.

We love this beach! The sand is always so soft and perfect for building and sculpting sand castles in. The water is more clear than Galveston and the waves and current are super minimal. You can walk out forever and still be in the shallow shin high. The only downfall is there are jellyfish here so you just need to be watching. Regardless, it's our favorite beach and they have playgrounds for the kids, and showers you can rinse off inside before driving home.

It is a windy and sandy beach. There is plenty of sand for games and sand castles. The water might appeal more to smaller children than older kids, because it is shallow with small waves. As you walk into the water, you immediately notice how the seabed lowers and rises in hills and valleys. As you wade out, the valleys get a little deeper each time. I waded out several hundred feet and reached about the 5th or 6th valley before giving up and settling for waist-deep water. It is comical how you climb up a hill that far out and stand in ankle-deep water. I don't know if there is a "jellyfish season", but my niece was too worried about the jellyfish to enjoy herself. I got stung on my ankle and although I can bear it, the itching is a little annoying. I would like to try it again someday when there are less jellyfish.

Beautiful clean beach with the tiki hut umbrellas as a pleasant bonus as well as the raked sand. Other than the fish or other "sea creatures" nibbling on you're toes it was a very nice place to go to. 😆

Nice beach if you have small children. The water is fairly shallow. However, there were a LOT of Moon Jellyfish (in July). They don't tend to sting but there were a lot.

So many jellyfish! It’s a nice beach, I’ve been before in the past, but right now is not the time to visit.. as jelly fish, both big and small are nearly everywhere

Love this quiet beach! Clean sand, nice view, flat as a pancake warm water, could walk for.miles and get the water knee lever. Super.clear, you can see your feets, fishes and crabs. Great for kids

Visiting the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi was an unforgettable experience. The ship is massive and full of history, with well-preserved exhibits and interactive sections. One of the highlights was meeting Richard in the engine room he took the time to explain how the carrier operated and shared fascinating personal anecdotes. Talking with him truly brought the ship to life and made the visit even more special. If you're in the area, don’t miss this piece of naval history and the chance to meet passionate people like Richard.

Definitely a must to go see, but plan most of the day if you want to see it all, it's a big ship. They have bathrooms, cafeteria, a movie theater and a gift shop of course. Best if you don't go during the heat of the summer, not many cool spots. But if you don't mind sweating go ahead, they do have a little cooler spots here and there. Fun for the whole family and a big part of history.

My kids enjoyed the tour ages 16 and 11. The tour took about 2 hrs. It’s self guided. In a world where kids are glued to their phones and social media it captured their attention. I do not recommend this tour for toddlers, heels, dressy clothing or people with walking restrictions. Their is a lot of climbing (ladder style stairs). Dont forget to take your free picture, it cost $35 for the print out but the digital versions using the QR code are free. Parking was $5 directly across the street. It’s so much to do in the area so bring beach stuff, strollers etc to enjoy the day in the surrounding area.

Came here spur of the moment. And really enjoyed it. This one lasted us half a day and we didn't finish looking at everything. There is so much to do and see. The crew is friendly the place is neat. There are some areas where you can spot hints of the past. The renovated and up kept areas of the ship suddenly contrasted by the subtle reminders that yes, this ship did see war, fought in battles, and has aged. Love it. Highly recommend this spot for a visit if your a military buff.

Very interesting self-guided tour. Can catch a free cart ride up the gangway. The steps are steep and narrow to the different levels so wear good shoes if going.

Went here a few weeks ago. Kid friendly. This place was absolutely amazing. They have 5 different tours to choose from and they explain everything about the ship, to the crew, the historical aspects, military honor, they even have a section on here about Pearl Harbor. Be prepared to learn about the history. If you want to get your steps in for the day, this is the place. Spent 5 hours here and walked over 10K steps. Highly recommend this for a day trip.

Great experience! There is a lot to learn not only about this ship, but a few others as well as about the crews that lived aboard. Note that while walking through the below decks, there are a few rooms that are very cold, which I would think would be a good break in between on the hotter days. It does take a good amount of time to walk and to listen/read everything.

This was such an amazing visit! It is a bit on the pricy side (+$7 parking) but it’s worth it since the money goes to help the rescue and animals! I went during a weekday so it wasn’t packed at all. I was only planning on staying for an hour or two and ended up staying until close. I was able to catch the dolphin show at 3pm, which was magnificent!! The water is beautiful from there. They have swings where you can relax and watch the water or the USS Lexington, which is right next door! The aquarium itself has so many cool fish and staff who truly love their job! They are attentive and informative! I loved my visit here and would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking of visiting!

Beautiful way to spend a very hot day. I'm a total aquarium nerd, and this was a treat! Lots of good info on the various species. Animals are healthy and happy. The dolphin show was so cute, you can tell they are having a blast!

Absolutely loved the dolphins show! Also, the otters are so fun to watch. Very interesting and informative. My grandchildren enjoyed everything. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was the price. I understand the animals have needs and I love that they rehabilitate a lot of them. But, it was $300 for 3 adults and 2 children. We stayed 2 hours but we missed an entire side, so I recommend getting there no later than 2.

My experience at the Texas State Aquarium with my family was nothing short of amazing! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with friendly staff, breathtaking exhibits, and an atmosphere full of excitement and wonder. The interactive displays kept our kids engaged the entire time, and the variety of marine life — from dolphins and sea turtles to sharks and stingrays — was incredible to see up close. The entire facility was clean, well-organized, and perfect for a full day of fun and learning. It was a memorable family outing that we’ll be talking about for a long time. Highly recommend it for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to experience the beauty of the ocean without leaving Texas!

The aquarium has beautiful tanks filled with happy critters. The birds are beautiful and the layout of well thought out. The staff genuinely seem to love what they do. Like most large aquariums it’s not an inexpensive day, but certainly worth the time and effort to see.

We had an absolutely amazing time at the aquarium, which proved to be a fantastic way to spend our day. The aquarium provided a vast amount of information on various species and offered numerous attractions. The dolphin show was truly spectacular, and the facility offered a range of food and drink options, as well as clean, well-designed bathrooms, making it perfect for families.

🌟🌟🌟🌟 Four Stars – A Great Family Adventure with Room to Grow! We had a fantastic time at the Texas State Aquarium! The exhibits were engaging, especially the dolphin show and the Caribbean Journey section – the sharks, rays, and sea turtles were crowd favorites. The aquarium does a great job of combining education with entertainment, making it a hit for both kids and adults. The facility was clean and well-maintained, and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. My kids especially enjoyed the interactive touch pools and the splash pad area – great ways to cool off and burn some energy. The reason for four stars instead of five? Ticket prices are quite steep, especially for a relatively small aquarium when compared to similar facilities across the U.S. and internationally. For larger families, the cost adds up quickly. A few areas also felt a bit dated, and while the food options were okay, more variety would be a welcome improvement. Still, this is a gem in Corpus Christi and absolutely worth a visit if you’re in the area. With a few updates and more accessible pricing, this could easily be a five-star destination. We’ll definitely be back!