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

Staying at Sonder at the Catherine was an absolute delight. The location is perfect—just a short walk from downtown Austin, making it super easy to explore the city without needing to drive. Everything I needed was right there: meals, laundry, and even a Starbucks right next door. I started my mornings with a coffee from the nearby café, which made the whole experience feel so convenient and cozy. All communication was handled through the app, which I appreciated for its efficiency and clarity. It’s rare to find a place that’s both practical and comfortable, but this one nails it. With such great value and a fantastic central spot, I’d definitely stay here again.

We absolutely loved staying at Kasa Downtown Austin—the location was perfect, right above Jo’s on 2nd Street! The apartment itself was spacious and offered a fantastic view from the balcony, making it feel like a real home away from home. Being right in the heart of downtown Austin meant we were within walking distance of nearly every attraction, restaurant, and activity we wanted to explore. The only hiccup was that the living room TV couldn’t connect to Wi-Fi, so streaming wasn’t possible—but the bedroom TV worked flawlessly, and honestly, we weren’t there to binge-watch anyway. Everything about check-in, moving around the property, and checkout was clearly laid out with simple written instructions and helpful labels. The concierge team responded quickly via text when we had an issue, and they were genuinely helpful. If you prefer face-to-face interactions, this might not be your ideal choice—but for us, the contactless experience was a major plus. The neighborhood was quiet and peaceful during our midweek visit, with minimal street noise or crowds. And the best part? The pricing felt incredibly fair for what we got—great value for money, especially given the central location and modern amenities.

This place was perfect for our group of two couples traveling together—spacious, clean, and incredibly comfortable. The location is unbeatable; right in the heart of Austin with easy access to downtown, restaurants, and local attractions. The pool area is a real highlight—well-maintained, peaceful, and great for unwinding after a busy day. The gym is modern and equipped with everything we needed. Everything about this stay exceeded expectations, and we’d definitely book again. A top-tier experience from start to finish.

We stayed here for our son’s graduation ceremony, and the hotel exceeded our expectations. The staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful throughout our visit, making us feel right at home. Located just a short walk from the state capitol, it’s perfect for guests who want to explore downtown Austin without hassle. We booked a corner suite with a small kitchenette—ideal for relaxing, chatting, or grabbing a quick snack with family whenever we felt like it. The space was spacious, clean, and thoughtfully designed. Everything about this stay felt convenient and comfortable. Highly recommend this hotel for families or anyone looking for a quiet, well-located retreat in the heart of Austin.

Staying at Staybridge Suites Austin South Interstate Hwy 35 was a fantastic experience. The hotel is quiet and well-maintained, offering a peaceful retreat right in the heart of the city. There's a great restaurant just steps away, making dining convenient and stress-free. A short drive gets you to a large supermarket—perfect for grabbing essentials or snacks. The staff were incredibly friendly and efficient, always ready to help with any request. It’s an ideal choice for business travelers who want comfort, convenience, and reliable service. I’d definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting Austin.

TownePlace Suites Austin South is my top choice! The location is incredibly convenient—just a short ride into downtown without needing transfers. There are plenty of dining options nearby, and the hotel itself is clean, spacious, and well-maintained. I loved having a small kitchenette in the room, which made it easy to prepare light meals during my stay. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout, making check-in and check-out smooth and stress-free. With such great value and comfort, this place stands out. I’ll definitely be booking here again on my next trip to Austin!

Staying at Homewood Suites by Hilton Austin - South/Airport was a great experience overall. The room was spacious and very comfortable—perfect for families or guests planning a longer stay. I especially appreciated the complimentary breakfast, which offered a good variety of options and tasted fresh every day. One thing to keep in mind: if you're sensitive to noise, avoid rooms facing the highway, as traffic can be audible. However, the hotel made up for it with thoughtful touches like two free bottled waters left in the room—small but meaningful. The location is convenient, staff are friendly, and the overall value is excellent. Definitely a top choice if you're visiting Austin, especially when flying in or out.

This place completely exceeded my expectations! Right in the heart of Austin, it's just a short walk or quick ride away from downtown attractions and all the great local spots. The room was spacious, clean, and so comfortable—perfect for a relaxing stay with a king-sized bed, cozy seating area, and a handy work desk. I especially loved the complimentary breakfast—fresh, tasty, and full of local flavors like homemade jams. The staff were friendly and helpful, even arranging transportation for me without any hassle. With its unbeatable location, excellent value, and welcoming vibe, this is definitely a top choice for anyone visiting Austin. I’ll be back!

Check-in was smooth and welcoming, with friendly staff making the process hassle-free. The location is incredibly convenient—just a short ride to downtown Austin, and everything you need is within walking distance, from restaurants to shopping. I appreciated the spacious, clean rooms with fully equipped kitchenettes, which made it easy to prepare meals during my stay. Perfect for longer stays or family trips. Overall, this Residence Inn offers great value and comfort. I’d definitely book here again on my next visit to Austin.

Absolutely loved our stay at this fantastic hotel! Located just steps away from 6th Street, we had endless dining options right at our doorstep—perfect for a quick bite or a full night out. The studio was surprisingly spacious and comfortably accommodated our family of four with ease. The bed was incredibly cozy, the room was clean and well-maintained, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Everything about this place felt thoughtfully designed, from the modern decor to the quiet, peaceful atmosphere. It’s hard to find such a great balance between location, comfort, and value—this place truly delivers. I’d definitely book again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Austin.

This has been our go-to hotel in Austin for decades, and it still delivers every time. Just a 10-minute walk from the heart of South Congress Avenue, the Bat Bridge, and Town Lake, it's perfectly positioned for exploring the city on foot. The extended-stay layout is ideal—spacious rooms with full kitchens make it feel like home, especially for longer trips. What really stands out is the staff: they’re genuinely helpful, going above and beyond to assist with package pickups, kitchen essentials, and even late checkouts when needed. In a city where prices keep rising, this place remains one of the few truly affordable options without sacrificing comfort or service. And don’t miss Sandy’s across the street—great food and a local favorite.

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.
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