Free Things to Do in Austin: Mount Bonnell, Austin Nature Center, Zilker Botanical Garden & Whole Foods

Austin is full of attractions that don't require spending a fortune. On this particular day, we visited several of our favorite spots, including Mount Bonnell, the Austin Nature Center, Zilker Botanical Garden, and Whole Foods Market. Between scenic overlooks, native Texas wildlife, beautiful gardens, and great food, it turned into one of those simple family outings that reminded us why we enjoy living in Central Texas.

Planning an Austin Day Trip

One of the things I love most about Austin is how many interesting places can be enjoyed in a single day. Scenic overlooks, hiking trails, wildlife exhibits, historic buildings, botanical gardens, and great local food are all within a short drive of one another.

Although this visit took place in 2008, many of these destinations continue to be favorites for both visitors and longtime residents. If you're planning a trip to Austin, they're well worth adding to your itinerary.

Stop 1: Mount Bonnell – Scenic views of the Colorado River

Stop 2: Austin Nature Center – Native Texas wildlife and hands-on exhibits

Stop 3: Zilker Botanical Garden – Beautiful gardens and historic buildings

Stop 4: Whole Foods Market – Lunch and local specialties

We spent the day taking advantage of some Austin area attractions. It had been several years since we'd climbed Mt Bonnell, so we paid Bonnell another visit.

Stopped to admire the beetle at Mount Bonnell 

 

Long stairs up to see the view on Mount Bonnell

Long stairways leading to the lookout.

Gorgeous view of Austin skyline and the river

Overlooking the Colorado River.

Colorado River, Austin Texas 

Colorado River

Lizard Mount Bonnell 

Austin Skyline

Austin skyline.

resting after the long climb Mount Bonnell 

Austin Nature Center

The Austin Nature center is one of our favorite hangouts. The museum and mini zoo is free for the public.

Watch for snakes in Austin Texas 

 

Inside Austin Nature Center 

Toad at Austin Nature Center

viewing wildlife at the Austin Nature Center

Many native animals to see -- wildcats, coyotes, foxes, birds...

Fox at the nature center

aquafer

My favorite area is their hands-on classroom located in the visitor center. Lots of fossils, bones, rocks, microscopes, and interesting gadgets to hold in your hands and examine.

skeletons at the Austin Nature Center 

Giant Desert Centipede Austin Texas

Austin Texas native bugs

wildlife poop identification Austin Nature Center 

Under the bridge - Austin jogging trails

Walking some of the jogging trails near the Nature Center.

Colorado River 

Austin Botanical Garden 

We next visited the Austin Botanical Garden - located right beside the Nature Center. One of Austin's best kept secrets. This park is also free to the public.

One of the first one-room school houses in Austin- Travis County.

Historic one-room Travis County schoolhouse.

Austin Botanical Garden 

Austin Texas Bamboo

Bamboo trail - Austin Botanical Garden 

escalator at Whole Foods

For lunch, we went to WHOLE FOODS. When I was doing marketing research for Splenda, I'll never forget what the research scientists (from New York) said about this store. They called it the DISNEY LAND of grocery stores.

Austin's first Whole Foods 

This is one of the most organized and cleanest grocery stores you'll ever see. Everything is fresh and organic. The place will spoil you rotten --- it makes the Super Wal-Mart produce section look like something from a third world country.

Deli at Whole Foods Austin

Several deli's and mini cafe's are spread throughout the store. We decided to eat BARBECUE!

The meat is non antibiotic, no hormones, and the livestock is raised on PURE GRAINS. Nothing but the best. The food is a little more expensive, but WELL WORTH the price.

Variety of desserts at Whole Foods Austin, Texas 

We sampled delicious scones, vegan cheesecake (cream made from nuts) and vegan sour cream! WOW!

Chocolate tower - Whole Foods - Austin Texas

We picked up fresh tomatoes, garlic, Pomegranates, and Mango's. We had to cut our day short as I had to head for work tonight, but after looking at today's events, I think we had a FULL DAY!