Rollingwood TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rollingwood, Texas.
1. Rollingwood Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR RECREATION
Rollingwood Park offers a well-maintained recreational area with a playscape, pavilion, and baseball fields. The park provides plenty of parking for visitors looking to enjoy outdoor activities. Families particularly appreciate the clean grounds and accessible facilities that make it a perfect spot for children to play and adults to relax.
2. The Rollingwood Sphere
REFLECTIVE ART INSTALLATION
The Rollingwood Sphere is an intriguing reflective art installation that mirrors the Texas sky and surrounding landscape. Often described as a mini version of Chicago's famous Bean, this captivating work of art provides a unique opportunity for photography enthusiasts and art lovers. The Sphere is open Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 6 PM and until noon on Fridays.
3. Zilker Metropolitan Park
AUSTIN'S URBAN OASIS
Zilker Metropolitan Park is a sprawling 351-acre urban park located near Rollingwood that offers gardens, recreational areas, and natural spaces. Visitors can enjoy activities ranging from hiking and biking to swimming in Barton Springs Pool within the park grounds. The park also hosts many of Austin's major festivals including the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Trail of Lights during the holiday season.
4. Zilker Botanical Garden
LUSH THEMED GARDENS
Zilker Botanical Garden features 26 acres of themed gardens including Japanese, rose, herb, and prehistoric gardens. Located adjacent to Rollingwood, this horticultural haven provides a peaceful retreat with winding pathways, koi ponds, and waterfalls. Visitors can explore diverse plant collections that showcase both native Texas species and exotic plants from around the world.
5. Austin Nature & Science Center
EDUCATIONAL WILDLIFE EXPLORATION
The Austin Nature & Science Center offers hands-on exhibits featuring native wildlife, dinosaur tracks, and natural science displays. Located near Rollingwood in Zilker Park, the center provides educational programs for visitors of all ages to learn about Texas ecology. Children particularly enjoy the Dino Pit excavation area and opportunities to observe rescued wildlife in naturalistic habitats.
6. Red Bud Isle Park
DOG-FRIENDLY PENINSULA PARK
Red Bud Isle Park is a 13-acre off-leash dog paradise situated on a peninsula in Lady Bird Lake near Rollingwood. The park features shaded trails, swimming access for dogs, and beautiful views of the surrounding water. Visitors appreciate the natural setting that allows dogs to run freely while owners enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and scenic walking paths.
7. Deep Eddy Pool
HISTORIC SPRING-FED SWIMMING
Deep Eddy Pool is Texas' oldest swimming pool, dating back to 1915 and featuring natural spring-fed water. Located near Rollingwood, this historic pool maintains a comfortable temperature year-round and offers lap swimming, recreational swimming, and a shallow children's area. During summer months, the pool hosts family-friendly movie nights where visitors can float while watching films projected onto a screen.
8. Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop
PREMIER CYCLING HUB
Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop, founded by cyclist Lance Armstrong in 2008, is located in downtown Austin's historic warehouse district near Rollingwood. The shop offers bike sales, repairs, rentals, and serves as a community hub for cycling enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy the integrated coffee shop while browsing high-end cycling gear and accessories.
9. Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail
SCENIC WATERFRONT PATH
The Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail is a 10-mile path that circumnavigates Lady Bird Lake, providing spectacular views of Austin's skyline from near Rollingwood. This well-maintained, low-grade trail accommodates walkers, joggers, and cyclists of all skill levels throughout the year. The trail connects to several parks and recreational areas, making it a central feature of Austin's outdoor lifestyle.
10. Texas State Capitol
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Texas State Capitol is an impressive Renaissance Revival-style building constructed between 1882 and 1888, standing taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Located in downtown Austin near Rollingwood, this pink granite structure houses the offices and chambers of the Texas Legislature and the Office of the Governor. Visitors can take free guided tours to learn about Texas history, view the beautifully restored interior, and explore the surrounding 22-acre grounds featuring monuments and historic buildings.
11. Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge
ICONIC LAKE CROSSING
The Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge spans 700 feet over Lady Bird Lake, connecting the north and south portions of the hike and bike trail near Rollingwood. This dedicated pedestrian and bicycle bridge offers stunning views of the Austin skyline and serves as a popular spot for photographers, particularly at sunset. Since opening in 2001, the bridge has become an essential part of Austin's urban trail system, providing safe passage for thousands of cyclists and pedestrians daily.
12. Chinatown Restaurant
UPSCALE ASIAN DINING
Chinatown Restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring Chinese, sushi, and other Asian cuisines in an elegant setting near Rollingwood. The restaurant is known for its high-quality ingredients, attentive service, and extensive selection of traditional and fusion dishes. Diners particularly enjoy the spacious interior with tasteful decor that creates a sophisticated atmosphere for both casual meals and special occasions.
13. Lions Municipal Golf Course
HISTORIC PUBLIC LINKS
Lions Municipal Golf Course, affectionately known as "Muny," is a historic 18-hole public golf course established in 1924 near Rollingwood. The course is known for its mature trees, rolling terrain, and accessibility to golfers of all skill levels. Its historical significance includes being one of the first desegregated golf courses in the South, earning it a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
14. Austin Wakesurf
THRILLING WATER SPORTS
Austin Wakesurf offers exciting water sports experiences on Lake Austin, just minutes from Rollingwood. Visitors can learn wakesurfing, wakeboarding, and other water activities from professional instructors using top-of-the-line equipment. The company provides experiences for all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced riders looking to perfect their techniques.
15. Rowing Dock
PEACEFUL WATER RECREATION
Rowing Dock is a popular rental facility offering kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards on Lady Bird Lake near Rollingwood. Visitors can explore the scenic waterway at their own pace while enjoying views of the Austin skyline and surrounding natural areas. The facility provides equipment for all skill levels and offers guided tours for those wanting to learn more about the local ecosystem and landmarks.