Garrison Park is Austin’s heartwarming urban oasis—lawn spaces perfect for sunbathing, kids laughing on playgrounds, and lakeside paths where every step feels like a slow-motion moment. As the sun sets, the water glows gold, and the whole park feels alive with peace. Whether you're jogging or just wandering, happiness finds you here.







Everything you need to know about Garrison Park
The Driskill Hotel is a top recommendation, located just 1.5 km from Garrison Park in downtown Austin. This historic luxury hotel offers elegant guest rooms, excellent service, and on-site amenities including an indoor pool and fine dining restaurants—perfect for families. The park’s proximity to outdoor recreational areas and community centers makes it ideal for parent-child activities.
Another excellent option is Hyatt Regency Austin, featuring modern design, convenient parking, and easy access to shopping and dining districts. Both properties deliver superior hospitality and serve as ideal bases for exploring the vibrant surroundings of Garrison Park.
From Garrison Park, take CapMetro buses 20 or 30—both free and efficient—for a 15-minute ride to downtown Austin landmarks like the Texas State Capitol and South Congress Avenue. Alternatively, use the park’s well-connected bicycle trail network; cycling to downtown takes about 25 minutes through scenic greenways and riverside paths.
For convenience, ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are also available, with trips lasting around 8 minutes and costing $10–$15. These options combine efficiency, affordability, and sustainability, making them ideal for visitors seeking to explore Austin’s central attractions.
Garrison Park offers several distinctive outdoor activities. The park features a fully equipped skate park open 24/7, drawing local skaters and athletes. It also includes a multi-sport field perfect for basketball, ultimate frisbee, and casual games.
Each summer, the park hosts community music festivals and outdoor movie nights, blending urban culture with natural ambiance. Along the Barton Creek, scenic eco-trails wind through lush vegetation, offering excellent opportunities for walking, photography, and spotting wildlife such as birds and deer.
These experiences make Garrison Park a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors seeking authentic, nature-integrated urban recreation.
Some hotels provide free parking, but availability depends on room type and HopeGoo terms. The Driskill Hotel does not offer complimentary parking directly, but guests can use a nearby partner lot at $3/hour (max $20/day).
In contrast, Hyatt Regency Austin clearly states complimentary on-site parking for all guests—ideal for those traveling by car. Additionally, the park has a public parking lot on its eastern side, charging $2/hour during weekdays and $3 on weekends.
Given Austin’s limited parking availability in central areas, it’s highly recommended to confirm parking details in advance when HopeGoo to ensure a smooth and stress-free stay.
Garrison Park boasts several prime photo locations. The central sculpture fountain plaza, featuring contemporary art installations and dynamic water displays, offers a striking backdrop for portrait and architectural photography.
The wooden boardwalk along Barton Creek, winding through shaded groves, is especially photogenic during sunrise or sunset, capturing serene natural landscapes. On the west side, a vibrant mural wall showcases ever-changing works by local artists—popular among younger travelers for Instagram shots.
For cityscapes, head to the riverbank overlook platform to capture panoramic views of downtown Austin’s skyline and the distant Balcones Escarpment. These spots blend artistic flair and natural beauty, making them perfect for photography enthusiasts seeking unique visual stories.
See what other travelers say about Garrison Park

I absolutely loved my stay here! The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful throughout, making the experience feel warm and welcoming. The location is excellent—just a short walk to downtown Austin and near plenty of restaurants and attractions. While I noticed breakfast now comes at a fee, the quality of the food is actually really good—fresh, well-prepared, and varied. It's clear they put effort into their offerings. I’d definitely recommend this hotel, especially for travelers who value both comfort and great service. A free breakfast would make it even better, but overall, it’s a fantastic choice in Austin.

The service here was absolutely outstanding—every staff member I interacted with was friendly, professional, and genuinely attentive. Special shoutout to Ana, the manager, who went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect during my stay. Her warm attitude and quick problem-solving made a huge difference. The hotel is clean, well-maintained, and conveniently located just a short ride from downtown Austin. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this place offers great value and a welcoming atmosphere. I’ll definitely be coming back next time I visit Austin—highly recommend!

I was genuinely surprised by how good this La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Austin Southwest property turned out to be—way better than my previous experiences with the brand. The room was spacious, clean, and well-appointed with modern touches that made it feel more upscale than typical La Quinta stays. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and I slept like a baby. Location-wise, it's super convenient—just a short walk from local restaurants and nightlife, and easily accessible via public transit. The staff were friendly and helpful, even offering assistance with luggage upon check-in. What stood out most was the overall vibe—cozy yet polished, and definitely a cut above the rest. I’d absolutely stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting Austin.

This hotel is an absolute steal for the price! I was blown away by how great the value is—clean, comfortable rooms, a convenient downtown location near the Capitol, and friendly staff who went the extra mile. The free breakfast was surprisingly good with hot options and fresh pastries. I loved being just a short walk from Austin’s main attractions and public transit. It’s rare to find such a well-maintained, welcoming place at this rate. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, reliable stay in Austin without overspending, this one’s a must-book.

My stay at La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Oltorf was absolutely excellent! The hotel is perfectly located—easy to reach whether you're arriving by car or public transit, and it's just minutes away from great dining spots and local shops. The room was clean, spacious, and incredibly comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. I especially appreciated the efficient air conditioning during the warm Texas weather. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout my visit, making check-in and check-out a breeze. What really stood out was the value—this place offers top-notch comfort and convenience at a price that’s hard to beat. I’d definitely recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Austin, and I’ll be back on my next trip!

The hotel is excellent! Located just minutes from downtown Austin, it's super convenient for exploring the city. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained—especially the bed, which made for a great night’s sleep. Noise insulation is surprisingly good, so I wasn’t disturbed at all during the night. The staff were friendly and efficient with check-in and check-out. Overall, this is a fantastic value for the price. I’d definitely stay here again when I visit Austin.

I absolutely loved staying at Hotel Magdalena—every single detail exceeded my expectations. The location is unbeatable: I could walk to all the main attractions, restaurants, and shops in downtown Austin without needing to rely on rideshares. The room itself was stunning, with a chic, modern design that felt both luxurious and cozy. The bathroom tiles were a standout feature—elegant, clean, and perfectly matched the overall aesthetic. I especially enjoyed having my own private balcony; it was the perfect spot to relax with a morning coffee or enjoy the evening breeze. Despite being a stylish boutique hotel, it offered great value for money compared to other options in the area. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this place strikes the perfect balance between comfort, convenience, and affordability. I’d stay here again in a heartbeat.

Staying at this Canopy by Hilton was an absolute delight. The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of downtown Austin, with countless bars, restaurants, and local hotspots just steps away. I loved how walkable everything was, especially for dinner and evening drinks. The staff went above and beyond with their friendly, professional service—always smiling, always helpful. My room was clean, modern, and incredibly comfortable, with a great bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. It’s rare to find such a perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and value. This place truly delivers on every level. Definitely planning to come back.

While this particular room didn’t offer the best view compared to our previous stays, the overall experience at South Congress Hotel was still outstanding. The bar team is fantastic—friendly, professional, and always ready to go the extra mile. A special shoutout to Ryan, whose exceptional service makes us reconsider switching hotels every time we’re unsure. His attentiveness and genuine care truly set the tone for a memorable stay. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk or quick ride into downtown Austin. With such great hospitality and convenience, this hotel has earned its place as our top choice for future visits.

The atmosphere at Hotel Van Zandt is absolutely welcoming from the moment you step in. The staff go above and beyond to make guests feel valued and well taken care of—friendly, attentive, and always with a smile. The building itself is stunning, with elegant design and impeccable maintenance throughout. Every detail reflects thoughtfulness and quality. It’s also perfectly located for exploring Austin, with great access to restaurants, shops, and attractions just steps away. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this place delivers a truly memorable stay. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a warm, stylish, and well-run hotel.

Unexpected rain throughout our trip turned out to be a blessing in disguise thanks to the thoughtful touches at this hotel. Upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised to find an umbrella waiting in my room—no need to scramble for one when the skies opened up! It’s these little details that make all the difference, showing real care and attention. The location is fantastic too—just a short walk to downtown Austin and super convenient for exploring the city. It’s clear they prioritize guest comfort, and it shows. A truly memorable stay with a perfect blend of convenience, charm, and hospitality.

Staying in downtown Austin made this hotel a perfect choice for exploring the city—everything was within walking distance. The property is brand new, with modern design and clean, well-maintained rooms that felt fresh and inviting. My only disappointment was not knowing I needed to register as a member at check-in to receive complimentary water. I declined the registration initially, not realizing it was required even for such a small perk. Unfortunately, staff didn’t proactively explain the requirement, which felt a bit misleading. Also, I’m quite sensitive to noise, and the sound from the air conditioning unit kept me awake during the night. That said, overall my stay was still very positive. The location is unbeatable, the room was comfortable, and the attention to detail in the design stood out. I’d definitely consider returning, especially if they can improve on the quietness of the AC system.
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