You’ve likely seen them dotting the sides of the highway outside of Austin, their deep indigo color something many Texans – native or not – hold near and dear to their hearts. Highway driving each spring lends a view of a bright and brilliant landscape, with fields of bluebonnets offering the perfect place to take a roadside rest, snap some family photos, or enjoy in passing between Central Texas towns.
These parks, preserves, and roadside destinations are a few of the best places to catch a glimpse of Texas’ beloved flower this spring.
Around Austin
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
There are 650 Native Texas plant species are on display at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, with bluebonnets making an appearance each spring. Explore the garden, grab some grub in the café, and shop souvenirs at the gift store during your visit.
Lady Bird Lake & Towne Lake Trail
Patches of wildflowers tend to pop up along Lady Bird Lake Trail in the spring, adding a bit of color to the landscape for those looking to hike, bike, or run. Start on the boardwalk in Riverside and head west on the trail for the best views of downtown, spotting wildflowers along the way.
St. Edward’s University
The sprawling grounds of St. Edward’s University are no stranger to bluebonnet blooms in the springtime. Head to the picturesque university off of South Congress Avenue for fields of bluebonnets to explore.
Roy G. Guerrero Park
This park sits just off the Colorado River north of Pleasant Valley and Montopolis, offering an urban oasis with a surprisingly scenic landscape. Bluebonnets can often be seen here in the spring, and the park offers a safer place for families looking to shoot photos away from the bustle of the highway.
Brushy Creek Lake Park
Located in Cedar Park, this 90-acre park boasts nature trails, a small lake, and multiple picnic areas to enjoy with family and friends. Stroll the park and take in the gorgeous wildflowers that spring up each March.
Old Settler’s Park
This large park in Round Rock offers more than 40 picnic areas and gorgeous grounds to walk. Take in the bluebonnets while walking around the park, or plan a family photoshoot and take advantage of the scenic patches that dot the premise.
McKinney Falls State Park
A hidden gem Southeast of the city, McKinney Falls is absolutely stunning in early spring to late summer. Bluebonnets can be found throughout the park, which has numerous hikes to explore and two water holes for cooling off.
Fredericksburg
One of the most historic towns in Central Texas, Fredericksburg is picture-perfect. Take a road trip to Enchanted Rock before stopping by this tiny town, and take in the bluebonnets at Wildseed Farms, a family-owned wildflower farm with endless fields of blooms.
Burnet
Known as the “Bluebonnet Capital of the World”, Burnet has plenty of bluebonnets to see as well as a giant bluebonnet statue. The annual Bluebonnet Festival takes place each April, featuring live music, parades, kid-friendly rides, and even a wildflower show.
Llano
If you have time to spare, pass through Burnet and Llano on the way to or from Fredericksburg. The bluebonnets that dot the sides of Highway 16 and Highway 29 are breathtaking in the spring.
The Bluebonnet House
Between Burnet and Marble Falls on Highway 281 lies an abandoned two-story home commonly referred to as “The Bluebonnet House”. The structure is surrounded by a field of bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and towering oaks. The home is believed to be the most photographed house in Texas.
Drive in any direction outside of Austin, and you’ll find patches of bluebonnets painting the sides of the highway. Take a road trip to a Central Texas town this spring, and see the wonder that is Texas wildflowers!
