Welcome to South Austin
A strong community full of fun outdoor activities
Full of wide-open parks and green spaces, South Austin was made up of the neighborhoods Barton Hills, Zilker, Bouldin Creek, and Travis Heights. Travis Heights was established in 1912 as a wealthy, private district, although today, it is not as exclusive. Barton Hills was named for the first person to make his home there, William Barton, and was founded in the 1940s. Developed in the early 1900s, Bouldin Lake is an older neighborhood with an eclectic mix of architecture and backgrounds. Named after Zilker Park, Zilker is one of the most popular neighborhoods in the area and provides lovely landscapes and shopping and dining experiences close enough to walk to. The area boasts some of the most famous restaurants in Austin.
South Austin provides residents with many amenities and activities, including shopping, restaurants, bars, food trucks, galleries, hotels, festivals, and music venues. It combines single-family and multi-family complexes. Travis Heights provides mansions, trendy apartments, and cozy houses, while Barton Hills has historic homes dating back almost 100 years and is primarily residential.
What to Love
- Close to downtown Austin
- Eclectic and unique atmosphere
- Tight-knit community
Local Lifestyle
Funky and fun with proximity to downtown’s work and nightlife, South Austin is considered one of the most attractive places to live in the city. The area is best known for its eclectic atmosphere and cozy ambiance. The neighborhoods enjoy a strong community experience with friendly and welcoming locals. There are many opportunities for outdoor activities all year due to its many green spaces and parks. It is a great neighborhood to experience a relaxed, casual life.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Opening its doors in 2009, Perla’s is a beloved oyster bar and seafood restaurant. Serving seafood from both coasts and the Gulf of Mexico, the delicious dishes can be enjoyed in the airy dining room or the shaded patio. Providing guests with coffee, pastries, breakfast, and brunch, June’s all-day menu also includes a wine list. The restaurant is classically designed and has a patio, banquette seating, a vintage jukebox, and a marble bar.
Combining a French bakery and a Vietnamese cafe, Elizabeth Street Café is a charming location known for its croissants, spring rolls, and curries. The restaurant boasts a shaded patio, sun-lit dining rooms, and an adjacent room for private events. Matt’s El Rancho seats over 500 people and makes every dish from scratch. Family-owned, the restaurant opened in 1952 and has been attracting crowds with delicious Tex-Mex food ever since.
A tribute to a historical neighborhood, Bouldin Acres is lively, entertaining, and hospitable. It serves sandwiches, tacos, and burgers and offers guests free WiFi, pickleball courts, outdoor seating, a playground, and a fenced-in dog park. Vinaigrette allows guests to create their salads, soups, and sandwiches. A delicious and popular salad bar, the bistro serves gourmet salads with a savory dressing.
Things to Do
Featuring a dog park, picnic tables, and seasonal events, Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park is a metropolitan greenspace. It covers 48.58 acres and is often the venue for musical performances, festivals, outdoor concerts, and other events. Butler Shores at Town Lake is a peaceful park full of trails. It provides plenty of space, a BBQ, beautiful views, a water fountain to play in, playgrounds, and sandboxes.
Norwood Estate Dog Park is a beautiful, shaded, fenced park with a main area for all dogs and a separate space for small dogs. It is a popular and fun hangout for all dogs and their owners. Blunn Creek Greenbelt is a quiet, serene preserve shaded with tall trees which line the path. The one-mile loop trail is great for walking and running and is considered an easy path. The greenbelt is a great place to explore nature and relax in a peaceful area within a big city.
Butler Pitch & Putt provides a nine-hole course and putting green that is ideal for all skill levels. It is fun and multi-functional and enhances the historical aspect of the area. Opened in 1948, the Peter Pan Mini-Golf course overlooks Lamar and Barton Springs. Its two 18-hole courses wind through fun sculptures of giant shoes, castles, and whales.
