Zilker Botanical Garden

Thirty acres of curated gardens tucked into the hillside above Barton Creek. The Japanese garden is the jewel — koi ponds, stone bridges, a tea house — but the prehistoric garden with its dinosaur-era plants is strangely wonderful too. Come on a weekday when it's just you and the hummingbirds.

Insider tip

The Taniguchi Japanese Garden in late afternoon light. Bring a book and find the bench overlooking the lower pond.

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