
Big Stacy Park Austin
A beloved South Austin park featuring a fantastic public pool, shaded trails, and stunning downtown skyline views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene

Big Stacy Park Austin
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved South Austin park featuring a fantastic public pool, shaded trails, and stunning downtown skyline views.
"This park is nice but you should also see the houses around here, they're beautiful.. and its best kept secret is Big Stacy swimming pool."

🚗 Parking is Limited!
The parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early or consider ride-sharing. :car:
💧 Bring Your Own Water
The park's water fountain may not always be functional, so pack plenty of bottled water. :droplet:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Big Stacy Pool
Main pool area
A fantastic public pool with ample grass space, lap lanes, and a separate area for younger swimmers.

Shaded Walking Trails
Park perimeter
Enjoy a peaceful stroll or jog on well-shaded paths, perfect for escaping the Texas heat.

Downtown Austin Skyline Views
Park edges
Catch breathtaking views of the Austin skyline, especially stunning at night.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Big Stacy Park
Pool Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is Limited!
The parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early or consider ride-sharing. :car:
💧 Bring Your Own Water
The park's water fountain may not always be functional, so pack plenty of bottled water. :droplet:
🐶 Pet-Friendly Park
Leash your furry friends and remember to clean up after them. :dog:
🏊 Pool Test for Kids
Children 10 and under need to pass a swimming test to access the deep end. :swimmer:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Limited!
The parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early or consider ride-sharing. :car:
💧 Bring Your Own Water
The park's water fountain may not always be functional, so pack plenty of bottled water. :droplet:
🐶 Pet-Friendly Park
Leash your furry friends and remember to clean up after them. :dog:
🏊 Pool Test for Kids
Children 10 and under need to pass a swimming test to access the deep end. :swimmer:
🌃 Nighttime Stargazing
Lay out a blanket after dark for a peaceful night under the stars with city views. :star:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Big Stacy Park is a well-loved neighborhood park and public pool in Austin, praised for its clean facilities, shaded trails, and beautiful skyline views. Visitors appreciate its family-friendly atmosphere and affordability, though the small parking lot can be a significant drawback during busy periods.
"Really nice park, very clean and well kept,it has a few different trails to trek as you walk,jog,or run, through them,it is pet friendly so don't forget to bring the poop bags and please dispose of them properly, there are a few park benches to take a moment and soak it all in or picnic tables for a gathering with friends or family,there is plenty of shading in some areas and open field with soccer goals in another,there are about 2 to 4 bridges one can cross over and watch the water flow...( right now there is only water in certain areas due to lack of rain) But still something to enjoy even though,at night you can lay a blanket down look up and stare at the constellations, and no one is going to bother you, this park is in a very quiet, very nice area and s.congress with it's variety of shops and restaurants is just a few blocks away,at night there is an amazing view of downtown Austin skyline, the park itself is nice but you should also see the houses around here,there beautiful.. and it's best kept secret is Big Stacy swimming pool,I'll tell you all about it later after I jump in.. and I just found out they turned the big lights at the park, so everyone can enjoy a safe night.i would also recommend bringing bottled water cause the water fountain does not work.. enjoy"
Ruben Guerrero
"Great public pool. Literally one of thee best in Austin. Not too crowded, very clean, and lots of grass space. The only thing that's a problem is the parking. Make sure you get there early because the parking lot is super small and will fill up quickly. We definitely had a splash of a day!!!"
Dana Little
"Pretty nasty and run down.Had 3 Lifeguards on Duty. Pool looked clean. Restroom was decent, shower's we're pretty gross."
Mr.Blonde66 Milkyway
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Big Stacy Park is located in the Travis Heights neighborhood of South Austin. It's easily accessible by car, with limited parking available within the park and nearby street parking. Many visitors also find it convenient to use ride-sharing services due to the parking constraints.
While specific bus routes can vary, the park is generally accessible via public transportation in Austin. Checking the Capital Metro website for current routes and schedules is recommended for the most up-to-date information. :bus:
From downtown Austin, Big Stacy Park is a short drive, typically around 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. You can take South Congress Avenue south, and the park will be on your left.
Yes, there is free parking available at Big Stacy Park, though it is quite limited and tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak hours and weekends. Paid parking options may also be available nearby.
Absolutely! Big Stacy Park is in a very walkable and bikeable neighborhood. Many residents enjoy biking or walking to the park, especially from nearby areas like South Congress.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Big Stacy Park itself is free. However, the Big Stacy swimming pool has an admission fee for entry. Check the Austin Parks and Recreation Department website for current pool hours and fees. :ticket:
Big Stacy Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. The swimming pool has specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Austin Parks and Recreation website for the most accurate pool hours.
The Big Stacy swimming pool typically operates seasonally, usually opening in the late spring and closing in the early fall. It is not an indoor pool and is not open year-round.
While the park is a popular spot, major closures are rare. However, it's always a good idea to check the Austin Parks and Recreation website or local event listings for any scheduled events or temporary closures, especially for the pool area. :calendar:
The Big Stacy swimming pool is a public pool with an admission fee. Prices are generally affordable for residents and non-residents. Specific pricing details can be found on the Austin Parks and Recreation Department's website.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Big Stacy Park offers a variety of activities, including swimming in the public pool, walking or jogging on shaded trails, picnicking, and enjoying views of the downtown Austin skyline. There are also open fields suitable for casual sports.
Yes, Big Stacy Park is great for families. The park has a dedicated swimming pool with a shallow end and a separate area for younger children, along with open spaces for play.
Restrooms are available at Big Stacy Park, though their cleanliness can vary. Showers are also present, but some visitors have noted they can be less than pristine.
Absolutely! Big Stacy Park has picnic tables available, making it a perfect spot for a family outing or a gathering with friends. Remember to bring your own food and drinks.
The park is generally considered safe at night, with lights installed for visibility. It's a quiet area, and many visitors enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and skyline views after dark.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or food vendors directly within Big Stacy Park. However, the park is located very close to South Congress Avenue, which offers a wide array of dining options.
You'll find numerous excellent dining options just a few blocks away on South Congress Avenue. Popular choices include Perla's, Vespaio, June's All Day, and many more casual eateries and cafes.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is highly encouraged, especially if you plan to picnic or spend an extended time at the park. There are picnic tables available for use.
Yes, there are grocery stores and specialty food shops in the vicinity of Big Stacy Park, particularly along South Congress Avenue. Tiny Grocer is a popular local option.
The South Congress area offers a diverse culinary scene, from Tex-Mex and BBQ to international cuisine and trendy cafes. You'll find something to satisfy every craving.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo opportunities include the downtown Austin skyline, especially at sunset and night, the park's shaded trails, and the picturesque Big Stacy swimming pool. The surrounding Travis Heights neighborhood also offers beautiful architecture.
Yes, Big Stacy Park offers excellent vantage points for capturing the Austin skyline, particularly from the edges of the park. It's a popular spot for photographers looking for city views.
Drone usage in city parks can be restricted. It's advisable to check the official Austin Parks and Recreation Department regulations regarding drone operation in public parks before flying. :drone:
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. Nighttime provides stunning views of the illuminated city skyline.
Locals often recommend capturing the contrast between the natural park setting and the urban skyline. The bridges over the creek beds and the unique architecture in the surrounding Travis Heights neighborhood are also popular subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Walkers & Runners
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Big Stacy Swimming Pool
One notable feature is the swimming test required for children under 10 to access the deeper sections of the pool, ensuring a safer environment for all swimmers. While the pool itself is well-maintained, it's worth noting that the parking lot is quite small and can fill up rapidly, so arriving early is highly recommended, especially on weekends. The pool is a popular spot for families and individuals looking for an affordable and enjoyable way to cool off.
Exploring the Travis Heights Neighborhood
The neighborhood itself is a pleasure to explore, with picturesque streets perfect for leisurely walks or bike rides. Many homes in Travis Heights boast unique architectural styles and well-maintained gardens, adding to the area's appeal. Being so close to downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake also makes Travis Heights an ideal location for those who enjoy an active lifestyle and urban convenience.
Nature and Recreation at Big Stacy Park
The park also includes open grassy areas, perfect for casual sports like frisbee or soccer, and several bridges that cross over creek beds, adding to the scenic beauty. Even when water levels are low due to drought, the natural setting remains enjoyable. At night, the park transforms into a serene spot for stargazing, with the added bonus of a beautiful view of the illuminated downtown Austin skyline.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit