Austin Zoo

A compact zoo with exotic animals as well as domestic species, known as a safe haven for endangered animals.

The Austin Zoo, sitting on 20 acres (eight hectares) about 15 miles (24 kilometers) west of downtown, showcases a diverse population of more than 300 animals and 100 species.

The collection of animals is a lot more exotic today than when the zoo opened as the Good Day Ranch in 1990. There are big cats, including lions, jaguars and the resident tigers, Caesar and Kila; monkeys from Africa and South America; lemurs from Madagascar; and North American black bears. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy the macaws, cockatoos and the larger emus. There are also peacocks, which roam freely around the zoo. Children are encouraged to feed animals in the petting section. Kids can grab a handful of feed and make a new friend – maybe a goat, deer or llama. You might want to get a few bags of feed, available in the gift shop for a small fee, to keep your friends happy.

The entry fee goes towards the zoo's conservation program. It has been rescuing animals threatened in the wild or unwanted by their owners since it was opened. Some of the endangered animals that call the zoo home include the Bengal tiger and the cougar. In 2012, the zoo rescued about a dozen animals, including tigers, lambs and foxes, who were in need of a safe home.

There are no restaurants or food stands here, so you’ll need to bring your own refreshments.

The Austin zoo is difficult to access via public transportation, but just a 20-minute drive from downtown. Free parking is available. Check the website for operating hours throughout the year.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Austin Zoo

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

This center preserves a little piece of natural Texas beauty.

Lakeway

It’s all about the “lake lifestyle” in this town in Texas Hill Country.

Zilker Botanical Garden

A peaceful, serene environment, perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Zilker Park

Perched on the banks of a beautiful lake, this centrally located park is an idyllic spot to relax in thermal springs or hike along extensive trails.

South Congress Avenue

“SoCo” could stand for So Cool. Its quirky, neon-lit 1930s shop fronts help Keep Austin Weird, as the city’s slogan goes.

Hotels near Austin Zoo

Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol

701 E 11th Street

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Austin, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Waterloo Park, Sixth Street, and University of Texas at Austin. Texas State Capitol and Frank Erwin Center are also within 15 minutes. Downtown Station is 12 minutes by foot and Plaza Saltillo Station is 19 minutes.

Omni Austin Hotel

700 San Jacinto Blvd

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Austin, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Sixth Street and Paramount Theater. Esther's Follies and Texas State Capitol are also within 15 minutes. Downtown Station is 7 minutes by foot and Plaza Saltillo Station is 19 minutes.

Hilton Austin

500 E 4th St

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Austin, this spa hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Sixth Street, Austin Convention Center, and Lady Bird Lake. Paramount Theater and Moody Theater are also within 15 minutes. Downtown Station is only a 3-minute walk and Plaza Saltillo Station is 14 minutes.

Austin Southpark Hotel

4140 Governors Row

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in McKinney, this hotel is 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from St. Edward's University.

Hampton Inn & Suites Austin - Downtown / Convention Center

200 San Jacinto Blvd

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Austin, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Austin Convention Center and Sixth Street. Lady Bird Lake and South Congress Avenue are also within 15 minutes. Downtown Station is only a 5-minute walk and Plaza Saltillo Station is 20 minutes.

Wyndham Garden Hotel Austin

3401 South I-35

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in East Riverside - Oltorf, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Mabel Davis District Park, St. Edward's University, and South Congress Avenue. Lady Bird Lake and Rainey Street are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Super 8 by Wyndham Austin University/Downtown Area

5526 North Interstate Highway 35

Rated 2.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in North Loop, this motel is 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from University of Texas at Austin and 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from LBJ Presidential Library. Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and University of Texas Tower are also within 6 mi (10 km). Highland Station is 26 minutes by foot.

AT&T Hotel & Conference Center at the University of Texas

1900 University Avenue

Located in the heart of Austin, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of University of Texas at Austin, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, and Blanton Museum of Art. University of Texas Tower and Texas State Capitol are also within 15 minutes. Downtown Station is 28 minutes by foot.

Hyatt Place Austin Downtown

211 E 3rd St

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Austin, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Sixth Street, Austin Convention Center, and Lady Bird Lake. Moody Theater and Paramount Theater are also within 10 minutes. Downtown Station is only a 4-minute walk and Plaza Saltillo Station is 19 minutes.

Americas Best Value Inn Austin University

909 E Koenig Ln

Rated 2.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in North Loop, this motel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Thinkery, St. David's Medical Center, and University of Texas at Austin. LBJ Presidential Library and The Vortex are also within 3 mi (5 km). Highland Station is 20 minutes by foot.

Holiday Inn Austin Midtown, an IHG Hotel

6000 Middle Fiskville Rd

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Highland, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Thinkery, St. David's Medical Center, and University of Texas at Austin. The Vortex and Bass Concert Hall are also within 6 mi (10 km). Highland Station is 14 minutes by foot and Crestview Station is 29 minutes.

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Austin South

4701 S I 35

Rated 3.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Franklin Park, this motel is within 3 mi (5 km) of South Congress Avenue, St. Edward's University, and McKinney Falls State Park. Austin Convention Center and Lady Bird Lake are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Red Roof Inn Austin North

8210 N I 35

Rated 2.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Georgian Acres, this motel is 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from Norris Conference Centers and within 6 mi (10 km) of University of Texas at Austin and The Domain. Sixth Street and Texas State Capitol are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Best Western Plus Austin Airport Inn & Suites

1805 Airport Commerce Drive

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Montopolis, this hotel is 1.9 mi (3 km) from Riverside Golf Course and 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from Lady Bird Lake. Colorado River and McKinney Falls State Park are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Econo Lodge

6911 N. Interstate Highway 35

Rated 2.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in St. Johns, this hotel is 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from Thinkery and within 6 mi (10 km) of University of Texas at Austin and Sixth Street. Texas State Capitol and Austin Convention Center are also within 6 mi (10 km). Highland Station is 23 minutes by foot and Crestview Station is 29 minutes.

Best Western Plus Austin Central

919 East Koenig LaneNorth I-35 at Exit 238A, North I-35 at Exit 238A

Rated 3.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in North Loop, this hotel is 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from Thinkery and 2.8 mi (4.4 km) from University of Texas at Austin. St. David's Medical Center and LBJ Presidential Library are also within 3 mi (5 km). Highland Station is 19 minutes by foot.

Sonesta Select Austin North Central

7522 North IH-35

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in St. Johns, this hotel is within 6 mi (10 km) of LBJ Presidential Library, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Texas Tower. Texas State Capitol and Governor's Mansion are also within 6 mi (10 km). Highland Station is 29 minutes by foot.

Hampton Inn & Suites Austin @ The University / Capitol

1701 Lavaca St

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Austin, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of University of Texas at Austin and Texas State Capitol. Sixth Street and Moody Theater are also within 1 mi (2 km). Downtown Station is 25 minutes by foot.

Courtyard by Marriott Austin-University Area

5660 N IH 35

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in North Loop, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Thinkery, University of Texas at Austin, and Darrell K. Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium. St. David's Medical Center and LBJ Presidential Library are also within 3 mi (5 km). Highland Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Holiday Inn Austin -Town Lake, an IHG Hotel

20 North IH-35

Rated 3.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Austin, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Governor's Mansion, Texas State Capitol, and Blanton Museum of Art. Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and LBJ Presidential Library are also within 3 mi (5 km). Downtown Station is 18 minutes by foot and Plaza Saltillo Station is 23 minutes.

Radisson Hotel Austin North

6121 North Ih 35

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in St. Johns, this hotel is within 6 mi (10 km) of University of Texas at Austin, LBJ Presidential Library, and Blanton Museum of Art. Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and Texas State Capitol are also within 6 mi (10 km). Highland Station is 20 minutes by foot.

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Capitol / Downtown

300 E 11th St

Rated 3.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Austin, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of St. Mary's Cathedral, Texas State Capitol, and Sixth Street. University of Texas at Austin and Paramount Theater are also within 10 minutes. Downtown Station is 12 minutes by foot and Plaza Saltillo Station is 23 minutes.

The Driskill, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

604 Brazos Street

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Austin, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Lady Bird Lake and Texas State Capitol. South Congress Avenue and University of Texas at Austin are also within 1 mi (2 km). Downtown Station is 7 minutes by foot and Plaza Saltillo Station is 19 minutes.

Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown/Convention Center

500 N Interstate 35

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Austin, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Austin Convention Center and Waterloo Park. University of Texas at Austin and Austin Children's Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km). Downtown Station is 8 minutes by foot and Plaza Saltillo Station is 12 minutes.