Holly Shores Town Lake Metro Park
Scenic park along Lady Bird Lake, perfect for trails, sunsets, and family fun.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Holly Shores Town Lake Metro Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scenic park along Lady Bird Lake, perfect for trails, sunsets, and family fun.
"Beautiful running trail near the Lady Bird Lake. I always enjoying walking/running here."
🚶♀️ Trail Choice: Run or Walk?
Running is often preferred for efficiency, but biking is also popular. Walking is great but takes longer. Be mindful of crowds on busy days.
🌅 Capture the Sunset
The sunsets here are consistently praised for their vibrant colors. Bring your camera!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lady Bird Lake Trail
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
Scenic paved trail perfect for walking, running, or biking with stunning water views.

Sunset Views
Pleasant Valley Dam Outlook
Witness breathtaking, colorful sunsets over the water, a favorite for photographers.

Splash Pad Fun
Near the Community Center
A fantastic splash pad for kids (and dogs!) to cool off on warm days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Park Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Trail Choice: Run or Walk?
Running is often preferred for efficiency, but biking is also popular. Walking is great but takes longer. Be mindful of crowds on busy days.
🌅 Capture the Sunset
The sunsets here are consistently praised for their vibrant colors. Bring your camera!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Your furry friends will love the splash pad and the trail. Remember to keep them leashed.
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
Fishing is permitted with a license. Accessible spots are available, making it enjoyable for everyone.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Trail Choice: Run or Walk?
Running is often preferred for efficiency, but biking is also popular. Walking is great but takes longer. Be mindful of crowds on busy days.
🌅 Capture the Sunset
The sunsets here are consistently praised for their vibrant colors. Bring your camera!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Your furry friends will love the splash pad and the trail. Remember to keep them leashed.
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
Fishing is permitted with a license. Accessible spots are available, making it enjoyable for everyone.
🚗 Parking & Access
Parking is available, but can fill up quickly on busy days. Consider arriving early.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Holly Shores Town Lake Metro Park for its beautiful waterfront trails and stunning sunset views. It's a beloved spot for recreation, with families enjoying the splash pad and dog owners appreciating the pet-friendly atmosphere. While parking can be challenging during peak times, the overall experience is highly positive.
"Love this park. It is beautiful trail surrounded by water on both sides. The sunsets are always colorful. As you come out at the playgrounds, there is a splash pad pass the community center. My dog loves playing in its geysers, and getting soaking wet."
janna k
"Beautiful running trail near the Lady Bird Lake. I always enjoying walking/running here. Specially right now it’s so incredible to see green trees surrounding and deep blue water."
Akif মাহমুদ
"We went fishin on July 22,2018.
You think bein in a wheelchair would be hard to get around on gravel road but it was wasn't, it was pretty cool. They have a small spot that a wheelchair can go and it was the great for fishin!
Even if we didn't get any fish, the view was awesome! And couple other spots was Great too, even if it was a little bit to get to it, I wouldn't change our time there. Day/Night it's one of sweet spots! You need fishin licence but it worth it... and it's free!"
Cassandra Ybanez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Holly Shores Town Lake Metro Park is located in Austin, Texas, and is part of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail system along Lady Bird Lake. You can typically access it by car, with parking available within the park or nearby. Public transportation options might also be available depending on your starting point in Austin.
Yes, there is parking available at Holly Shores Town Lake Metro Park. However, it can get crowded, especially on weekends and during popular times like sunset. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
Absolutely! The park is situated along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, making it easily accessible by bicycle. It's a popular route for cyclists exploring the Lady Bird Lake area.
The most popular ways to explore are by walking, running, or biking the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. You can also enjoy the water by renting kayaks or canoes.
While the main trail is paved and generally accessible, some areas might be gravel, which could pose challenges for wheelchairs. However, specific accessible fishing spots have been noted.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entrance fee to access Holly Shores Town Lake Metro Park itself. However, activities like boating (kayaks, canoes) may have rental fees.
Park hours are typically from dawn to dusk, but it's always a good idea to check the official park website or local listings for any specific seasonal hours or closures.
Yes, a fishing license is required to fish in Lady Bird Lake. While the fishing itself is free, you must have a valid license.
While not explicitly stated for this park, some New York state parks have a surcharge for non-residents on camping fees. It's always best to verify specific fees if you are not a local resident.
For boating rentals, it's often possible to rent on-site. For specific events or group activities, advance booking might be recommended, though not always required for general park access.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, running, and biking on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, fishing, picnicking, and letting kids play at the splash pad. Boating on Lady Bird Lake is also a popular option.
Yes, there are playgrounds near the community center, including a splash pad that's a hit with both kids and dogs.
Absolutely! The park offers beautiful scenery, especially during sunrise and sunset, making it a prime spot for photographers.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Holly Shores Town Lake Metro Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Waste stations are available along the trail.
There are several park benches and grassy areas along the trail that are perfect for a picnic. Enjoying a meal with a view of the lake is a great experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly inside Holly Shores Town Lake Metro Park. However, Austin has a vibrant food scene, and you'll find numerous dining options nearby.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is highly encouraged for picnics and enjoying the park. There are plenty of spots to set up a meal.
Water fountains are typically available in public parks, especially near restrooms and playgrounds. It's always a good idea to carry a reusable water bottle.
The area around Lady Bird Lake offers a wide variety of cuisines, from casual food trucks to upscale dining. You'll find everything from Tex-Mex to international flavors.
Yes, there are several coffee shops and cafes in the vicinity of Holly Shores Town Lake Metro Park, perfect for a pre- or post-park pick-me-up.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours, just after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most beautiful light for photography. Sunsets are particularly renowned for their vibrant colors.
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail offers scenic views of the lake and skyline. The Pleasant Valley dam outlook is also a popular spot for capturing expansive vistas.
Consider capturing the reflections on the water, the diverse plant life, or the playful moments at the splash pad. Urban legends about the lake also add a quirky element for creative shots.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for landscapes and general shots. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive views, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant details.
Drone usage in city parks is often restricted or requires special permits. It's best to check with the local park authorities or FAA regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🏃♀️ Runners & Cyclists
🎣 Anglers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
Many visitors prefer running the trail for its efficiency, though biking is also a popular choice. Redditors often discuss the best way to navigate the trail, with some noting that it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, which can make biking a bit tricky. The trail connects several parks along the lake, including Holly Shores, Metz Neighborhood Park, Edward Rendon Sr Metropolitan Park, and Martin Park, each offering unique amenities and perspectives.
Whether you're looking for a vigorous workout or a leisurely stroll, the Lady Bird Lake Trail provides a refreshing experience. The diverse landscapes, from lush greenery to open water vistas, make it a dynamic and engaging route for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
Family Fun and Splash Pad Delights
Beyond the splash pad, the park offers open spaces for play and picnicking. While specific playground equipment details aren't extensively covered, the presence of a splash pad indicates a family-friendly environment. The accessibility of the main trail also means families can enjoy leisurely walks or bike rides together, taking in the scenic surroundings.
For those looking for more structured play, the mention of a large playground in a similar context suggests that parks in the area often prioritize family recreation. It's a great spot for a casual outing, a birthday party, or simply a day of outdoor fun for the whole family.
Photography Opportunities and Urban Legends
Beyond the sunsets, the park offers diverse photographic subjects. You can capture the serene water, the lush native plants and trees that landscape the parks along the trail, and the active life of the park – from joggers and cyclists to families enjoying the splash pad. The contrast between the urban environment and the natural beauty of the lake creates compelling compositions.
Adding a layer of intrigue are the urban legends associated with Lady Bird Lake, such as tales of giant catfish or even escaped alligators. While these are likely just stories, they can inspire creative and playful photography, adding a unique narrative to your visual storytelling of the park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit