Zilker Botanical Garden, Austin

Went to ZBG for the first time today. As with much of Austin, horribly insufficient parking, can't legally (or safely) turn left to exit, and overcrowded. Rather than re-navigate Barton Springs to get to the other lot we gave up and donated the tickets to another guest and just left. City of Austin's policy is no refunds. Good luck parking in the street if you decide to.

Our family loved this garden. March had perfect strolling weather (70's and sunny). My son loved the Oriental Garden because they have a neat wood bridge, stepping stones over the pond, and a koi pond with HUGE koi in it. In some of the other sections, he took pictures of the squirrels, butterflies on flowers, etc and he is only six. My husband even enjoyed walking around with the nice weather and atmosphere.

I absolutely love this place! My kids (8 & 10) and I visited here for the first time this spring, it was beautiful. It is so peaceful and quiet, with plenty of photo opportunities. My kids loved the Japanese gardens - they loved the rock path through the pond! Unfortunately some of the flowers were quite wilted due to the drought and heat, but still a lovely place to visit. Probably best to visit early spring or late fall when the Texas heat hasn't quite hit!!

I love the botanical gardens! This place is so relaxing and peaceful. Definatly take a camera with you because you will want to take lots of pics. The zen garden is gorgeous and has some of the largest koi I have ever seen. Definate place to take your kids. Lots of space. Thing to avoid is going in the summer during mosquito season. Since, in some places are not lit very well because of tree cover you can't see when the varmints are biting you. I adore this place and think it's one of Austin's best spots.

Being from Ohio, I found it mind blowing to see my "house plants" larger than myself and growing out doors all year round! I can't wait to see the gardens this spring!! I found the gardens to be peaceful and exciting. It is truly any nature lovers dream!!

This is a nice place for an amateur photographer such as myself to go and shoot. It is free to enter and there is a nice variety of plants, flowers, and scenery. Even if your not interested in taking pictures it is still a nice place to walk around in. Cap Metro bus stop is right outside the entrance which is appreciated for those of us without cars, although I will just walk home along the Town Lake trail when the weather is good.

Awesome garden including a bronze dinosaur in the center of a misty pond. Beautiful, lush ferns everywhere...feels like you stepped back in time!!!! The botanical gardens are amazing...the Prehistoric garden is hidden all the way down the bottom towards the soccer feilds. Bring a camera!!!

These lush, green gardens are dotted with plants bursting with color. In the midst of all of this beauty sit interesting statues and relaxing benches. While relaxing in on a bench nestled among tall trees that provide ample shade, you can enjoy the flowers and plants as well as wildlife such as squirrels, butterflies, and many varieties of birds. I would definately recommend Zilker Botanical Gardens to anyone who enjoys the outdoors and relaxation. The money you spend to enter the gardens is money well spent. You actually feel like you are miles from any city even though you are practically in the middle of Austin. Children would enjoy the gardens and have much fun learning about the many varieties of vegetation that are growing there, as well as scampering after squirrels, butterflies, or just bird-watching. Overall, Zilker Botanical Gardens is one of the many gems of Austin that is a must see and should not be missed by anyone, whether they be a resident or a tourist.

I lived in Austin 3 years before I discovered this garden. You might drive right by it on Barton Springs Road... but inside awaits an amazing expanse of trails that leads you to an old barn and the highlight of the place: the Japanese Gardens. It is filled with photographers doing wedding portraits often, but find an off time during the week and you will feel like its your own private sanctuary. Grab a camera yourself and go check it out.

From the Gardens to the Events it's always fun. Touring the gardens or going to the various gardening events throughout the year is always a great way to spend the day. The Kite festival and the Music events are also great things to see at Zilker. The Trail of Lights at Christmas time is a must see.