Best of Austin®

Best Outdoor Public Space

Zilker Park

Deeded to the city of Austin in 1917 and 1931 by Col. Andrew Jackson Zilker, who felt it "a wrongful thing for this beauty spot to be owned by any individual and that it ought to belong to all the people,” Zilker Park remains the crown jewel of Austin's public trust. It is the home to: rolling fields; spring-fed pools; picnic areas; beautiful botanical and sculpture gardens; a fantastic science and nature center; a disc-golf course; and trails for hiking, biking, and climbing. Need we say more?