4 Best Sights in Greater Austin, Austin

Most people don't realize there is a sprawling state park just 10 miles south of downtown Austin, but McKinney Falls showcases two free-flowing waterfalls and natural limestone pools in a wildly beautiful setting. It's an ideal day trip for visitors who want to quickly escape the downtown's noise. Hike or bike a network of nature and riverside trails, swim in Onion Creek, picnic under the bald cypress trees surrounding the park's signature waterfalls, or stay overnight at a scenic campsite. Check their online calendar for scheduled events like park ranger coffee chats, stargazing parties, and guided wildlife walks.

Most of Austin moves at a relaxed pace, but here, just 14 miles southeast of downtown, things speed up considerably. The Circuit of The Americas, set on 1,500 acres, was primarily built for Formula One Grand Prix racing, and when F1 rolls around as part of a 19-country worldwide tour, 500 million pairs of eyes are suddenly on Austin and thousands of global travelers arrive in the capital city. A wide range of other motor-racing events also take place here, including NASCAR, and the grounds have hosted ESPN’s X-Games. The 14,000-seat amphitheater is a year-round venue for countless big-name music acts, from Taylor Swift to the Rolling Stones.

This 284-acre site of beautiful botanical gardens and nature trails, located 10 miles south of downtown, was founded in 1982 by Lady Bird Johnson and actress Helen Hayes, and is the legacy of the former First Lady's commitment to the natural beauty of Central Texas. The gardens boast extensive plantings of native Texas wildflowers that bloom year-round; although spring is an especially magical time. The grounds include a visitor center, network of trails, observation tower, elaborate stone terraces, flower-filled meadows, and rotating outdoor art installations and exhibits. Seasonal calendars include various family-friendly and educational events, from yoga and meditation retreats to gardening workshops.

Winding a little more than 3 miles through the Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park, this paved asphalt loop track is reserved exclusively for bicyclists and rollerbladers. Riders always travel in a one-way, clockwise direction, with designated slow and fast lanes. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, located over 10 miles from downtown, but not far from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The loop track is open every day, from dawn to dusk, and there are no on-site facilities. No dogs or walkers are allowed.