Visiting Austin soon? Whether you are headed to an event or for a day tour of this incredible city, we’ve got a few tips to help you find easy and affordable parking near the top places to visit in Austin.
The best places to visit in Austin have one thing in common. They are not just tourist hubs but also locals’ favorites. So, it is better to be prepared than spend a lot of time parking spot hunting near these popular attractions. While there are many Austin parking lots and garages in and around the city’s busy neighborhoods, events and rush hours fill them up quickly. The solution? Book your parking space in advance to spend more time enjoying your visit to the city.
Here’s a round-up of the top 3 places to visit in Austin and where to park near them:
Austin Convention Centre
Located in the heart of Austin, this 881,400 sq. ft convention center hosts a multitude of events, attracting a steady flow of visitors throughout the year. Five large column-free exhibition halls, two grand ballrooms, and 54 well-equipped meeting rooms make it an ideal venue for various art and music shows, film festivals, international conventions, and more. Easy accessibility from the interstate and airport and the proximity to downtown hotels make it a favorite for business events too. It is also a hub for the annual South by Southwest Film and Music Conference/festival events and activities.
Where to Park Near Austin Convention Center
Onsite parking is available at 201 East Second Street and 601 East Fifth Street, starting at $5 an hour. On weekends and during special events, a flat rate is applicable with pre-payment upon entry. These garages hold a total of 1685 parking spaces and are just a minute’s walk from the convention center entrances. However, it’s recommended to keep your options open when attending large events, as these garages fill up fast.
The nearest street parking is at East Sixth Street, with a time limit of two hours until 9 pm. Since the convention center garages are primarily for event attendees, you may want to look at other options for smooth parking in this neighborhood. It’s easy to find affordable and secure parking spaces online using apps like Way.
Congress Avenue Bridge
This concrete arch bridge across the Colorado River is home to the world’s largest urban bat colony. Over a million Mexican free-tailed bats take flight from their nests on the bridge’s underside, putting on a unique show you can only catch in Austin. Locals and travelers flock to the Congress Avenue Bridge to witness the seasonal spectacle from May through October. It lasts for about an hour during sunset, but you’ll need only about 10 – 15 minutes to enjoy the view and click some pics. There are several restaurants and fun activities in and around the downtown Austin area that you can pair up with this visit.
Where to Park to Watch Bats in Austin
There are several downtown Austin parking lots and garages around Congress Avenue and East/West Cesar Chavez Street. Book your parking spot in advance to avoid wasting time at the last minute. Street parking is not ideal if you plan to spend more than a couple of hours downtown.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Spread across 350 acres of public parkland in south Austin, where Barton Creek and the Colorado River meet, Zilker Park is a local favorite. The large open space hosts exciting events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Zilker Park Kite Festival. A hike and bike trail around Lady Bird Lake also runs next to the park, making it a hub for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts. The Barton Springs Municipal Pool is also located within the park. Fed by a natural spring, the public pool’s water stays a cool 68 degrees during summer and winter, making it a pleasant spot to relax in the city all year round.
Where to Park Near Zilker Park in Austin
The park and the pool, especially, are recreational hubs for Austin residents. You can expect street parking and nearby parking lots to be full at any time of the year. Book your parking space in advance for a hassle-free experience. Check out affordable Austin parking garages on Campbell Street, West Avenue, or Nueces Street that are just a short walk from the park.
Places to Visit in Austin – FAQs
Want to learn more about what are the must-visit places in Austin? Here’s all you need to know:
What is Austin best known for?
Austin is known as the ‘Live Music Capital of the World,’ and its best venues are in the city’s South Congress neighborhood.
What to do for one day in Austin?
Outdoor activities are plenty in Austin with Baryon Springs, Zilker Park, and other attractions for visitors. You can also stop by the Texas Capitol and admire the building from the surrounding park. If you plan it right, don’t miss the Austin Bats tour at sunset. Then, head to the Dirty Sixth for a night of drinking and partying.
What part of Austin is fun?
Sixth Street, or the Dirty Sixth, is everyone’s favorite for a “fun Austin” experience. It’s got all the bars, clubs, and live entertainment you carve. Another option, Rainey Street, is not as popular as the Sixth, but check it out for the ‘aesthetics’ of bars and restaurants in converted bungalows.
Renée Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on road and air travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make driving and trip planning easier and budget-friendly for everyday travelers.
