The Zilker Metropolitan Park is famous for being the jewel of Austin parks and it's a hub for tons of recreational activities. It is located along the Colorado River on Barton Springs Road, at the juncture of Lady Bird Lake and Bartok Creek. It comprises more than 350 acres giving visitors access to many major facilities and amenities. Here you can enjoy a great day with family and friends, visiting the Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, the Austin Nature and Science Center, as well as beautiful hiking and biking trails.
Austin's most-loved park is a popular place to spend the day in downtown, however, the year-round events going on in the busy surroundings make it a close-to-impossible mission to find parking around Zilker Park. Your best bet? Reserve and pay for your parking space ahead of time with SmartPass by Smarking.
The Smarking parking garage is located just minutes away from Zilker Park, making it a great fuss-free option to leave your car for the day. Our secure facilities allow access only to pass holders, so all you have to do is scan your QR code for in/out access and enjoy your day. Park smart, with Smarking.
Where to Park for the Day
If you are visiting Zilker Park, you'll probably need parking for most of the day. Generally, the free parking spots in downtown Austin are recommended only for quick stops, and parking at metered spaces can easily get you on the wrong end of a parking ticket. To make your day easier, plan ahead and look for any of these nearby options.
Zilker Metropolitan Park Parking Lots
The Zilker Park has on-site parking lots available for visitors around the great lawn and the south of Barton Springs Road. You can park for free on weekdays, however, during weekends, holidays, and special events, you will have to pay an extra fee. Most lots charge $5 for the day, but it's worth double-checking for special events as the fees might go up.
There are 13 small parking lots available, and some of them are designed specifically for visitors of certain areas such as the Pool Parking Area, Moonlight Tower Parking Lot or the Playscape Parking Lot. Plan extra time as these can get full pretty quickly.
Austin City Hall Garage
The Austin City Hall has a public parking garage located at 301 W 2nd St. with the entrance on Guadalupe St. The daily rate is $25, and they have a nightly rate in case you arrive after 5:00 pm of $10. The building's ideal location in the heart of downtown makes it a high-demand parking garage, so get there early if you want a spot. If you can't find any spots, you may want to try parking options at Waterloo Park which is 6 minutes away form Austin City Hall.
Palmer Events Center Garage
This four-story garage has 1,200 spaces available to the public. It is located a short walk away from the park right next to the Palmer Events Center with entrances on Riverside Dr. and on Barton Springs Road. They charge a flat rate per day of $8, but it can go up during local events. Keep in mind the Palmer Center hosts events regularly so spaces can be limited.
Not Going to Zilker Park?
The Smarking garage is located right on 6th Street, the entertainment district of Austin, so you'll be close to many other amazing places to visit. Are you around for business? The business district is also right around the corner from our garage. No matter what brings you to downtown Austin, we have the perfect parking spot for you!
Here are some other nearby locations.
The Indeed Tower
This standout skyscraper in the heart of downtown will surely be an interesting view. If you are in for business, get ready for class-A office amenities, a beautiful dedicated conference, and beautiful outdoor terraces. If you are admiring from outside, its 17,000 square foot outdoor oasis is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a breath of fresh air. Or if you want to grab a bite, head out to the historic 1914 post office on the grounds of the Indeed Tower, which was repurposed as a great retail and restaurant area.
Stop driving around looking for Zilker Park parking, you can reserve your spot at the Indeed Tower Garage. You will have a space waiting for you just minutes away from the park, where you can be sure your car will be safe for the rest of the day. If you want to relax on a Sunday afternoon, attend a music festival or any upcoming events, secure your parking days in advance and beat the crowds. We have some of the best rates in town.
University of Texas
The University of Texas at Austin has one of the largest campuses in the country. Students and non-students alike can enjoy many attractions during their visit. The campus is home of the famous Blanton Museum of Art, the Darrell K Royal-Memorial Stadium, and the Littlefield Home. You will also find The Drag, which is a unique culinary and shopping area making it a very interesting urban oasis. Take a walk around, you won't regret it. View University of Texas parking Austin here.
Can't find any available parking spots? You may also want to check for available parking close to Blanton Museum of Art since it's nearby.
Republic Square
You can't miss a visit to Republic Square while you are in the downtown area. It is an important part of the city's history and is home to the wonderful Sustainable Food Center’s Downtown Farmers’ Market open on Saturdays. On the grounds of Republic Square, you'll find daily programming and events, beautiful art displays, as well as award-winning culinary shops. Definitely, a great place to hang out for a couple of hours. Discover the best Republic Square parking here.
Hyatt Regency Austin
If you are staying at the Hyatt Regency hotel, you will also have a very convenient parking option with Smarking. Enjoy very convenient parking locations close to 6th Street and South Congress. The hotel is surrounded by excellent dining, entertainment, and shopping options. If you're up for it, you are just a five-minute walk away from Congress Ave Bridge, where you can catch Austin's famous Mexican bat show during the summer. Check out the parking options at Hyatt Regency Austin.