When the tension creeps through your shoulders and no amount of coffee can rejuvenate your spirit, it’s time to head out into nature. If you’re in need of some effortless relaxation in the Austin area, venture out to these secret spots. The air is clear; the water is crisp. All you need is an afternoon amongst the trees and you’ll feel completely renewed.
- Bull Creek
Kent Wang/Flickr The waterfalls and scenic overlooks at Bull Creek Park will make you feel like you went on vacation far, far away. In reality, it’s only about ten miles north of downtown.
- Blunn Creek Trail
Marcus Calderon/Flickr Everyone knows about the Barton Creek Greenbelt, but the Blunn CreekGreenbelt stays off the beaten path. The creek runs between Big Stacy and Little Stacy Park. Head over to the Travis Heights area and escape from it all at Blunn Creek.
- Secret Beach
MarkScottAustinTX/Flickr You won’t find any tourists hanging out at Austin’s secret beach. Tucked away at Roy G. Guerrero Park, this scenic nook is a great place to unwind from the day.
- Gus Fruh Pool
Todd Dwyer/Flickr You’ll always find people flocking to the Barton Creek Greenbelt for Twin and Sculpture Falls, but Gus Fruh Pool stays a bit more hidden. The access trail begins on Barton Hills Drive and eventually reaches the main Barton Creek Greenbelt trail. You’ll love wading in the flowing water.
- Turkey Creek Trail
Kelly The Deluded/Flickr This trail runs for nearly three miles and rarely sees heavy foot traffic. This stunning hike is near the Emma Long Metropolitan Park.
- Austin Nature and Science Center Preserve
Elias Andrade/Flickr Families rush to The Austin Nature and Science Center for summer camp activities and after school programs. If you’re looking for a more secluded hike through nature, take a tour through their nature preserve. For an entirely solitary journey, visit the area before school hours. You’ll have the trails all to yourself.
- Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Vicki Lackey/Flickr You may pass a few friendly faces as you hike through the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, but you’ll mostly be surrounded by abundant nature. Located in the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, Wild Basin is home to rare birds and wildlife.
- Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Jill Shih/Flickr Grab a capuccino and dive into a good book. The patio at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters overlooks Lake Austin, and you can’t beat the view.
- Deep Eddy Pool
Steve Hopson Photography Across the street from Barton Springs Pool sits a lesser-known (and warmer) natural swimming area. Dive in! There’s nothing more relaxing than the natural spring water.
- Northern Walnut Creek Trail
Clay Junell/Flickr Located in the Walnut Creek Greenbelt, this quiet trail is ideal for isolated introspection.
Where are your favorite secret spots in Austin?
Kent Wang/Flickr
The waterfalls and scenic overlooks at Bull Creek Park will make you feel like you went on vacation far, far away. In reality, it’s only about ten miles north of downtown.
Marcus Calderon/Flickr
Everyone knows about the Barton Creek Greenbelt, but the Blunn CreekGreenbelt stays off the beaten path. The creek runs between Big Stacy and Little Stacy Park. Head over to the Travis Heights area and escape from it all at Blunn Creek.
MarkScottAustinTX/Flickr
You won’t find any tourists hanging out at Austin’s secret beach. Tucked away at Roy G. Guerrero Park, this scenic nook is a great place to unwind from the day.
Todd Dwyer/Flickr
You’ll always find people flocking to the Barton Creek Greenbelt for Twin and Sculpture Falls, but Gus Fruh Pool stays a bit more hidden. The access trail begins on Barton Hills Drive and eventually reaches the main Barton Creek Greenbelt trail. You’ll love wading in the flowing water.
Kelly The Deluded/Flickr
This trail runs for nearly three miles and rarely sees heavy foot traffic. This stunning hike is near the Emma Long Metropolitan Park.
Elias Andrade/Flickr
Families rush to The Austin Nature and Science Center for summer camp activities and after school programs. If you’re looking for a more secluded hike through nature, take a tour through their nature preserve. For an entirely solitary journey, visit the area before school hours. You’ll have the trails all to yourself.
Vicki Lackey/Flickr
You may pass a few friendly faces as you hike through the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, but you’ll mostly be surrounded by abundant nature. Located in the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, Wild Basin is home to rare birds and wildlife.
Jill Shih/Flickr
Grab a capuccino and dive into a good book. The patio at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters overlooks Lake Austin, and you can’t beat the view.
Steve Hopson Photography
Across the street from Barton Springs Pool sits a lesser-known (and warmer) natural swimming area. Dive in! There’s nothing more relaxing than the natural spring water.
Clay Junell/Flickr
Located in the Walnut Creek Greenbelt, this quiet trail is ideal for isolated introspection.
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