McKinney Falls State Park Tours

McKinney Falls State Park which includes a pond, a lake or waterhole and a garden
McKinney Falls State Park showing swimming and a lake or waterhole
McKinney Falls State Park showing a lake or waterhole and swimming
McKinney Falls State Park which includes forest scenes, a park and landscape views
McKinney Falls State Park which includes swimming and a lake or waterhole


This state park offers fishing, swimming and beautiful scenery just minutes from the city.

If you want to get your heart pumping and experience the outdoors, visit McKinney Falls State Park. Fishing is one of the most popular activities at this park. Rent a fishing rod, reels and tackle boxes and wet a line. You don't need a license to fish along the shoreline at Onion Creek. Common catches include sunfish, largemouth bass or catfish. If the fish are really biting, keep in mind there are daily limits for each fisherman. Check the limits on the park's website, where you’ll also find safety instructions and tips for beginners.

If you want to stay a while, set up in one of the camp sites dotted across the park. These range from unpowered sites to those with electricity, water and toilets. Take a swim in Onion Creek, or follow the set trails to hike or mountain bike.

Take a stroll through the park and enjoy the scenery, which is an experience in itself. You’ll see plenty of green spaces, small waterfalls and limestone rock features. The park is also full of native plants, particularly cypress trees, sycamore, varieties of oak and cedar trees, and also cacti. Old Baldy is one of the most famous natural features of the park. This 103-foot (32-meter) bald cypress tree is estimated to be more than 500 years old. It’s one of the oldest of its kind on public land in Texas.

Spring is a good time to visit the park. Fields of Texas bluebonnet flowers add wonderful color to the scenery. If you're lucky, you might also catch sight of raccoons, armadillos, white-tailed deer and squirrels. Summer is also a great time to cool off near the creek, as Austin summers are hot and long.

McKinney Falls State Park is a 20-minute drive from downtown Austin. It’s open seven days a week, year-round. There is a small entry fee, and children 12 and under are free.

Plan a trip to see McKinney Falls State Park

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Tru by Hilton Austin Airport, TX
Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown - University by IHG
South Congress Hotel

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Best Lodging Options Near McKinney Falls State Park

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Austin South

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Austin South

2.5 out of 5
4701 S I 35, Austin, TX
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Austin South
Cozy 3-Bedroom Retreat with BBQ & Games

Cozy 3-Bedroom Retreat with BBQ & Games

Austin
Cozy 3-Bedroom Retreat with BBQ & Games
La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Austin South

La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Austin South

3 out of 5
1620 Teri Rd, Austin, TX
La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Austin South
This house is a 2 bedroom(s), 1 bathrooms, located in Austin, TX.

This house is a 2 bedroom(s), 1 bathrooms, located in Austin, TX.

Austin
This house is a 2 bedroom(s), 1 bathrooms, located in Austin, TX.
Austin Southpark Hotel

Austin Southpark Hotel

3.5 out of 5
4140 Governors Row, Austin, TX
Austin Southpark Hotel
Super 8 by Wyndham Austin/Airport South

Super 8 by Wyndham Austin/Airport South

2 out of 5
3120 Montopolis Dr, SW HWY 71 and Montopolis Dr, Austin, TX
Super 8 by Wyndham Austin/Airport South
Ramada by Wyndham Austin South

Ramada by Wyndham Austin South

3 out of 5
4323 S Interstate Highway 35, Austin, TX
Ramada by Wyndham Austin South
Aloft Austin South

Aloft Austin South

3 out of 5
4108 SOUTH INTERSTATE 35 FRONTAGE ROAD, Austin, TX
Aloft Austin South
WoodSpring Suites Austin South Central I-35

WoodSpring Suites Austin South Central I-35

2.5 out of 5
4911 S IH35, Austin, TX
WoodSpring Suites Austin South Central I-35
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls State Park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking trails that lead to stunning views and spots for swimming in the cool waters. The park is also close to popular attractions like Pedernales Falls and features a main campground for those looking to stay overnight. Additionally, visitors can enjoy lively local music, festivals, and theater performances in the vibrant Austin area nearby.

Food and drinks

For a taste of local flavor, visit Franklin Barbecue, renowned for its mouthwatering brisket. For a unique beverage experience, check out Live Oak Brewing Company, where you can enjoy craft beers in a vibrant setting. Don't forget to explore downtown Austin for fantastic taco options!

Shopping

For shopping near McKinney Falls State Park, visit Southpark Meadows, a vibrant shopping center just 4 miles away. You can also check out Southwood Center, located 5 miles away, which has a variety of shops. Wild About Music is another great option, situated 6 miles from the park.

Recreation

At Zilker Park, enjoy serene walks and yoga sessions amidst lush greenery, just 7 miles from McKinney Falls State Park. Barton Springs Pool offers refreshing swims and family fun, located 6 miles away. Experience golf at the Onion Creek Club, a scenic course only 5 miles from the park.

Adventure

The Circuit of the Americas, located 6 miles from McKinney Falls State Park, offers thrilling motor racing experiences with an adrenaline-pumping atmosphere. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Shoal Creek Hike and Bike North End, 9 miles away, provides scenic trails perfect for hiking and biking amidst nature. Camp Ben McCulloch, 18 miles away, is ideal for family camping adventures.

Nightlife

At McKinney Falls State Park, nightlife options abound! Enjoy live performances at the Moody Theater and Paramount Theatre, both 6 miles away, offering a blend of culture and romance. For family fun, head to Blazer Tag, an exciting arcade AdventureZone just 5 miles away.

Find the best attractions near McKinney Falls State Park

Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, or a taste of local culture, McKinney Falls State Park and its surroundings offer a variety of attractions. Explore urban parks, serene lakes, and vibrant streets while enjoying major Texas attractions like Zilker Park. This destination is perfect for travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature and experience the charm of the Lone Star State.

  • University of Texas at Austin: Explore one of the largest and most renowned public universities in the U.S. With its vibrant campus, impressive architecture, and cultural events, you'll find a lively atmosphere perfect for walking and taking in the sights.
  • South Congress Avenue: Known as SoCo, this eclectic street features unique shops, trendy restaurants, and lively music venues. Stroll along and enjoy the artistic vibe, quirky boutiques, and the iconic view of the Texas State Capitol.
  • Austin Convention Center: A hub for events and conferences, this center showcases Austin's business energy. Enjoy the modern facilities and surrounding amenities, including restaurants and parks, making it a great spot for networking or simply enjoying the urban landscape.

Best time to go to McKinney Falls State Park

Visitor numbers around McKinney Falls State Park is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit McKinney Falls State Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around McKinney Falls State Park falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around McKinney Falls State Park falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May75.0°F (23.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July85.1°F (29.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
August86.5°F (30.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September80.4°F (26.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for McKinney Falls State Park

To save money during your visit to McKinney Falls State Park, consider exploring nearby free attractions like South Congress Avenue, Sixth Street, and Zilker Park. The cheapest months for accommodations are July and December to January; avoid the pricier March to April and October. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by sorting prices and opting for "Eco-certified" options. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for package deals, and join Expedia’s One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash rewards on future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around McKinney Falls State Park are July and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will reveal sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best deals and lowest prices, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at McKinney Falls State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.