Places I can drive up to the water (Austin, Brushy Creek: how much, to live in)

[Schmeckel]

Are there any areas where I can drive up to a creek or the river to just sit in the car and mellow while watching the water flow by? I'm in north Austin. It's too cold to sit outside, but would like to just get into nature while still staying in my vehicle. Once it warms up, would want to know places to hike or walk up to the water. Being in Arizona for several years has made me yearn to see the water which I missed so much when I used to live in Sarasota, FL.

[CptnRn]

Drive out through Stiener Ranch and take the S. Quinlan Park Road all the way to the end. There is a parking area there right next to the river, I don't think anyone will care if you park there for awhile to enjoy the view.

Map Google Maps

Travis County Mary Quinlan Park is just East of there a couple of blocks and has a boat ramp that may also provide a good viewing area.

[FalconheadWest]

There is also drive up under the 360 bridge, though they might charge you for parking now since it's considered a state park. People hike there all the time.

[dburatti]

In far north Austin, you can drive up Parmer Lane to Brushy Creek Road and turn right. Follow this down a ways, and you'll criss-cross the creek a couple of times. You can find a place to park somewhere along there.

Also, one of my favorite spots is in Bull Creek District Park along 360. Take 360 south from the Arboretum to Lakewood Drive and turn left. Take an immediate left down into the gravel parking lot, and you'll be facing Bull Creek.

I hope this helps.

D

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by Schmeckel

Are there any areas where I can drive up to a creek or the river to just sit in the car and mellow while watching the water flow by? I'm in north Austin. It's too cold to sit outside, but would like to just get into nature while still staying in my vehicle. Once it warms up, would want to know places to hike or walk up to the water. Being in Arizona for several years has made me yearn to see the water which I missed so much when I used to live in Sarasota, FL.

There are a lot, how much water do you want to see?

At 360 and spicewood springs, spicewood springs goes under 360 and there is a small park there. (bull creek). People often park on the side of the road which is right next to the creek.

As someone else mentioned there is bull creek district park. The road crosses the creek and you can park on the side of the road.

If you are ok with a lake, bob wentz park at windy point ($8 for entry I think) lets you park on the peninsula which is basically a sand bar pretty close to the water.

There is 5000 plaza on the lake which will get you pretty close to lake austin and the 360 bridge, or the bluffs on the north side of the lake are nice as well but they overlook the water.

[OneJackson]

Town Lake on the Cesar Chavez side by Ballet Austin.

[jobert]

I would recommend under the Montopolis bridge. It's pretty popular I hear.