Zilker Metropolitan Park
About this place
Austin's flagship metro park with reservable picnic sites/shelter. Charcoal/wood grilling is only allowed in designated picnic areas and is suspended citywide whenever Austin's PARD burning restriction (City Code 8-1-92) is active; propane stoves stay allowed. Confirm fixed-grill availability.
Good to know
Seasonal bans possible in dry, high-wind spells. Check Texas A&M Forest Service's current status ↗
Hours
- 5:00 AM–10:00 PMgeneral park hours
Fees
- Free per vehicleStratford Lot with 2-hour free parking code via Zilker Loop shuttle
- $3 per hourSaturday, Sunday, and official holidays from first Saturday of Spring Break through Labor Day
What's here
Location
Common questions
Can you grill at Zilker Metropolitan Park?
Yes — both propane and charcoal grilling are allowed at Zilker Metropolitan Park. Picnic sites and shelter reservable via austintexas.gov/parkevents; paid parking seasonally. Always confirm current rules on the official page before you go.
Do you need a permit or reservation?
Picnic sites and shelter reservable via austintexas.gov/parkevents; paid parking seasonally.
Is there a fee at Zilker Metropolitan Park?
Yes — fees apply. For example, Free per vehicle · Stratford Lot with 2-hour free parking code via Zilker Loop shuttle. See the official page for the full schedule.
Can you swim at Zilker Metropolitan Park?
Swimming allowed at Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool with year-round average temperature of 68 degrees.
Are dogs allowed?
No pets allowed on the Zilker Loop shuttle vehicle.
What are the hours at Zilker Metropolitan Park?
5:00 AM–10:00 PM · general park hours.
