Best Views in Austin That Everyone Must See (Austinite or Tourist)
Are you looking for the best views in Austin? Whether you live here or just love to visit Austin, you’ll want to bookmark and share this post.
As an outdoorsy girl, I’m always looking for places to go where I can see great sunsets – not sunrises, because I’m not a morning person. I love eating at places with a view, or just hanging out with friends or family where we can admire nature and our surroundings.
So, I asked some of my Instagram followers and thought of all of the places I like to hang out as well as must-sees when we have visitors.
Leave a comment on the Facebook or Instagram post (at the bottom of this post) with anything you think should be added to the list.
Best Views in Austin That Everyone Must See Whether You Live Here or Are Just Visiting
Mount Bonnell
This was suggested by @greg.buckingham and @mariana_lasujet. Also, one of my favorites. I used to love going there in college to get a little break. And, this was where my husband proposed! š
The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen ā Lakeway.
Not only is the food good, but the view is pretty nice too. It’s worth the drive out the Lakeway if you are looking for a good restaurant with a view.
The Oasis Restaurant
tip: go on Sunday nights (starting mid-March) to listen and salsa dance to one of my favorite Austin bands, The Brew (@brewman57bass)
Mozart’s Coffee and Hula Hut
@miguelsalazar1069 recommended this pretty spot in Austin. We end up here when visitors are in town, but I should make it a point to go more often. Mozart’s is a great place to work, study, date night, or catch up with a friend. And Hula Hut… yum!
Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake) trail.
You’ll get your steps or miles in while enjoying views of downtown, the lake, swans, ducks, happy, swimming dogs, and more. For great views with a little bit of height, I love walking across the various bridges. Learn more about Lady Bird Lake here.
The 360 Bridge
@daze_n_ya suggested this Austin place with a great view. I agree! Every time I drive over that bridge, I secretly hope for traffic, so I can get a glimpse of the view.
Austin Central Library Downtown
Not only do you have a ton of books, media, and activities to choose from, each floor has a fantastic view of the city. Be sure to head up to the 6th floor rooftop patio.
UT Tower
Back in my day… they limited access to the UT tower, but now you can go up to the 27th floors, take 3 flights of stairs, and look out onto the city in a self-guided tour. To make a reservation call (512) 475-6636.
St Edwards University
This university also has some great views of the city. Go just outside of Mary Moody Northen Theater. During wildflower season, there are few spots to get great pics of the wildflowers with the backdrop of downtown.
Zilker Park Clubhouse
If you’ve ever been to an event there, then you’ll know the view over the lake and downtown is spectacular. Try to get invited or host your own event. š
The Long Center
In Austin, we have a lot of events at the Long Center. If you are looking for a great place to take pictures and enjoy the downtown skyline, especially at night, then this is your spot.
Best Views in Austin
For the best views in Austin, check out this list. Whether you live in Austin or are just visiting, you’ll enjoy these places with great views of nature, downtown, and more.
- Mount Bonnell
- The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen
- The Oasis Restaurant
- Mozart’s Coffee and Hula Hut
- Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake) trail
- The 360 Bridge
- Austin Central Library Downtown
- UT Tower
- St Edwards University
- Zilker Park Clubhouse
- The Long Center
As a long time Austin blogger and influencer, I often post fun things to do around the city. Be sure to check out my Instagram for fun things to do in Austin.
Rachel K. Belkin, M.Ed, is a journalist and writer with over 15 years of expertise in travel, business and marketing education, health, and local Austin, Texas events.
With a Master's degree in education from Texas State University and a Business Foundations Certification from The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business, Rachel's extensive background is highlighted by her published works and contributions to prestigious publications, including HuffPost, Hometalk, Matador Network, AP News, and MSN.com, as well as on her own platforms, Rachel K. Belkin,Ā Elkin Bay, and Probe the Globe.
Beyond her accomplishments in writing, Rachel is a sought-after educator, teaching businesses effective marketing strategies and content creation techniques. Notably, she successfully built a blog from scratch in 2008, ultimately selling it for six figures in 2021.
Rachel's commitment to advocacy is exemplified by her role on the Breast Cancer Resource Center Advisory Council, particularly contributing to the success of the Young Survivor Project. Rachel is also an experienced public speaker with appearances on TV segments for Fox 7 Austin, KXAN, and CBS Austin and as a speaker at conferences and professional networking meetings for business owners and cancer survivors.
