Stretching along the shores of Lake Austin, Emma Long Metropolitan Park is Austin’s largest city-owned park, offering a blend of lakeside relaxation, scenic hiking, and camping just 20 minutes from downtown. Originally known as City Park, it was renamed in 1993 to honor Emma Long, the first woman elected to Austin’s City Council in 1948. A champion for public spaces, Long helped reactivate the Parks Board and was a fierce advocate for civil rights, supporting Austin’s Open Housing Ordinance, a stance that cost her reelection in 1969.

Today, the park’s beachfront and swimming area make it a perfect place to cool off in Lake Austin’s refreshing waters, while hiking and mountain biking trails weave through the rugged Texas Hill Country landscape. The Turkey Creek Trail, one of the city’s few off-leash hiking trails, is a favorite for hikers and dog owners, offering a shady woodland escape with creek crossings and diverse wildlife.

For those looking to stay overnight, Emma Long features both primitive and RV-friendly campsites, many offering stunning lakeside views. Whether you’re here for a weekend retreat, a picnic with friends, or an off-the-grid adventure, Emma Long Park embodies the natural beauty and outdoor spirit of Austin.