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It's no secret that Austin is a burgeoning hub of business and nightlife.
Once a sleepy, quirky college town with little more than the University of Texas and the now-closed Broken Spoke, Austin now embodies that Texan spirit of gettin' it done.
An average of 150 people move to Austin every single day. And with leviathan tech companies like Samsung, Tesla, and Oracle moving in, Austin certainly feels more like a modern metropolis than the slow and intimate small town so many natives remember.
It's good news: the more people move to Austin, the more opportunity there is here. People can build entire careers without ever leaving the city, and overall, the quality of life here is better than in a lot of other places.
But it does get a bit cluttered sometimes, doesn't it?
Let's take a look at the best places to relax and recharge your mental health in Austin.
The Top Five Places to Relax in Austin:
The Obvious Choice: Zilker Park
The Bullock State History Museum
Therapy for Relaxation in Austin: Williamsburg Therapy Group
The Obvious Choice: Zilker Park
Austin is a unique city. Even though thousands of people are setting up shop within the city every month, there is still a beautiful and resplendent greenbelt just down the road where citizens can spread out on a blanket and take in the sounds of the birds.
Within the Zilker Park system, spots for getting some well-needed rest are plentiful. There's the main park itself, with a great view of downtown and tons of space for lying around.
Then there's the Zilker Botanical Garden. If the park itself is too lively for you, as it so often is on weekends or during the Austin City Limits music festival, the botanical garden offers a quieter, more secluded area to relax. Sit on a bench and watch the butterflies flutter by, or walk about the flora to gain a new appreciation for nature and life itself.
Want to cool off? Barton Springs is right across the street, featuring delectably cold natural spring water and a vibe befitting a Zen garden - if you go at the right time. Try to avoid peak hours, when shirtless Austinites flock to the pool to blow off steam. Often quite loudly.
The Bullock State History Museum
One of the best ways to relax is to do some light learning! The Bullock State History Museum, with its quiet, discerning atmosphere and captivating exhibits, is a great place to do just that.
The Bullock State History Museum can easily keep you occupied for 4 hours. With several floors chock-full of Texas history as well as a state-of-the-art IMAX theater, the museum is less of a stuffy field-trip destination and more of an engaging, enlightening way to spend the day with loved ones.
The museum has hundreds of artifacts and exhibitions on permanent display, as well as intermittent specialty exhibits that expand on how Texas history has been impacted by all kinds of people - and how it is still affecting the world at large today.
Tickets start at just $13, too, so you don't have to break the bank to be there.
Cabanas at the JW Marriott
Want to really up your stay-cation game? The JW Marriott offers poolside cabana rentals starting at just $200.
Featuring pool access, great drinks and food from the hotel's amazing restaurant, use of a 55" flatscreen TV, and (thankfully) a ceiling fan, the JW is the perfect place to get your summer started off right and tune out the noise for a while.
It's pricey, but with a clean pool, a comfy bed, and great views of the city, there's no better spot for easing some of the tension.
You can even double-up your relaxation time by booking a massage or facial at the JW's dedicated spa.
Bob Wentz Park on Lake Travis
It's a bit of a hike from downtown, but if you can make it out to Lake Travis, you'll find no shortage of relaxing lakeside spots to sit down and let it all wash over you.
Specifically, Bob Wentz Park at Windy Point offers great views across the lake, spots for camping, and fairly easy access from Highway 620.
While the main camping area of the park can get a little crowded, walking just a few minutes along the coast in either direction is usually enough to find a secluded spot to picnic, nap, or just hang out.
Ready to get some AC? The Oasis, one of Austin's most famous restaurants, is right nearby. The food is great, but the real draw is the breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Travis. Sip on a margarita and tuck into your fajitas as you watch sailboats and wakesurfers glide through the calm waters.
Laguna Gloria
Laguna Gloria, a popular wedding venue, is perhaps Austin's best-kept secret.
No matter your preferred style of relaxation, Laguna Gloria has it all: a sculpture garden, a walking trail, art classes, and beautiful Italian architecture.
As a part of The Contemporary Austin, entry to this well-appointed park/venue/activity center will only run you $10.
Therapy for Relaxation in Austin: Williamsburg Therapy Group
If you're looking to make significant strides in your overall stress levels, there's no better option than talk therapy with a licensed professional.
At Williamsburg Therapy Group, our staff is composed exclusively of highly experienced doctoral-level therapists.
For a quality of care that is all too rare these days, our team of anxiety therapists in Austin is ready for you. Give us a call, and our patient coordinator will help you find the right therapist for you. Feeling better may be closer than you think.
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