Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve - black wooden picnic table on green grass field
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Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

4.7
·4k reviews·Austin, United States

Discover a tranquil oasis in Austin with free-roaming peacocks, historic gardens, and scenic nature trails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning or late evening

Beat the heat & see active wildlife

CrowdLow
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Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve - black wooden picnic table on green grass field

Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

Best Time

Early morning or late evening

Beat the heat & see active wildlife

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a tranquil oasis in Austin with free-roaming peacocks, historic gardens, and scenic nature trails.

4.7
(4k reviews)

"It's so beautiful and peaceful. I loved seeing the peacocks so close."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Peacock Sightings

Peacocks are usually around, but sightings can vary. Check recent posts for updates!

🗺️ Trail Map Photos

Take pics of trail maps; they can be loose. Enjoy the lake views!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Free-Roaming Peacocks

Free-Roaming Peacocks

Courtyard and grounds

Majestic peacocks strut and display their vibrant feathers, creating a unique and memorable wildlife encounter.

TikTokInstagram
Historic Cottage and Gardens

Historic Cottage and Gardens

Mayfield-Gutsch Estate

Explore serene gardens, lily ponds, and a charming historic cottage, offering a peaceful escape.

Instagram+1
Scenic Nature Trails

Scenic Nature Trails

Nature Preserve

Wander through 21 acres of lush greenery, shaded by ancient oaks, with trails leading to lake views.

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Planning Your Visit

Peacock Spotting Tips

While peacocks are a highlight, their presence can vary. Some visitors report seeing them year-round, while others note they might be less visible in winter or nesting seasons. Check recent visitor posts or social media for the latest sightings before your visit. Reddit

Navigating the Trails

The nature preserve offers trails, but directions can be loose. It's recommended to take photos of trail maps and be prepared for them to split. While generally short and not difficult to follow, having a backup plan or being ready to explore both paths ensures you won't get lost. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early morning or late evening
Why
Beat the heat & see active wildlife
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

At Mayfield Park in Austin, TX someone abandoned three peacocks. #austintx #atxlife #atx #parks #peacocks #birds #texas #texascheck #mystery
@forrestfromtexas
6.1K likes • 89.3K views

🎯 Peacock Sightings

Peacocks are usually around, but sightings can vary. Check recent posts for updates! TikTokReddit

🗺️ Trail Map Photos

Take pics of trail maps; they can be loose. Enjoy the lake views! Reddit

🌿✨ Hidden gem in Austin ✨🌿 Welcome to Mayfield Park & Nature Preserve — where time slows down and nature takes over. 🦚 Stroll past free-roaming peacocks 🌸 Explore peaceful gardens 🌳 Walk scenic forest trails 📍 A perfect spot to relax, reflect, and reconnect with nature Tag someone who needs a little nature escape 💚 #AustinTexas #HiddenGem #NatureVibes #MayfieldPark #PeacocksOfAustin #NatureLovers ...
@styleguide.usa
1.7K likes • 105K views
The perfect place to get lost in nature✨🌿 The Mayfield-Gutsch Estate, now named Mayfield Park, is a historic cottage, gardens, and nature preserve in west Austin, Texas on a Bluff overlooking lake Austin. Enjoy the 23 acres of picturesque gardens with peacocks roaming around. They are open every day 5am-10pm. #austintexas #austinphotographer #sony6400
endlessly.wanderlust
13 likes • 984 views

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Restrooms are maintained, but water fountains are scarce. Reddit

🚗 Free Parking

Parking is free and usually available. Street parking is an option if the lot is full. Reddit

Have you seen the peacocks at Mayfield Park? 🦚 Filled with lush gardens, ponds, and plenty of peacocks, Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve is a peaceful space away from the city in West Austin. ☀️ 📍 3505 W. 35th Street
365thingsaustin
903 likes • 61.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Peacock Sightings

Peacocks are usually around, but sightings can vary. Check recent posts for updates! TikTokReddit

🗺️ Trail Map Photos

Take pics of trail maps; they can be loose. Enjoy the lake views! Reddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Restrooms are maintained, but water fountains are scarce. Reddit

🚗 Free Parking

Parking is free and usually available. Street parking is an option if the lot is full. Reddit

📸 Great Photo Ops

Capture stunning shots of peacocks, gardens, and lake vistas. TikTokInstagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mayfield Park is a beloved free nature preserve in Austin, praised for its beautiful gardens, historic charm, and the unique experience of seeing free-roaming peacocks. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and scenic trails, making it a great spot for families and nature lovers. Some find the trail navigation a bit loose, and peacock sightings can vary seasonally.

"Mayfield Park is a great nature preserve. They have peacocks that roam freely in the courtyard. Don’t get too close to them, but they’re beautiful to see from a distance. One was singing to us early this morning when we saw them. It’s mostly a good nature preserve for young children as the trails tend to be on the shorter side, but the views of the river are interesting. You can walk up to Mount Bonnell and see some of the breathtaking view of the river, too. It would provide a much longer hiking experience."

Boris Velinov

"If you’re looking for a unique hiking experience, this is the one for you. It’s a shorter hike and you can stop and see the peacocks! The peacock area is super cool and relaxing. Good memory maker!"

Brooke Spencer

"This was definitely worth visiting. We had a great time. It's so beautiful and peaceful. I loved seeing the peacocks so close. They were just chilling in the shade. We saw about 6 peacocks and several cute lizards. There were also snapping turtles in the lily ponds that poked their little heads out of the water. We will come back when we visit Austin again."

Lindsay Garcia

What People Like

Free admission
Majestic peacocks
Beautiful gardens

What People Dislike

Trail navigation
Variable peacock sightings

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mayfield Park is located at 3505 W. 35th Street, Austin, TX 78703. It's situated in West Austin. While public transport options might be limited, driving is a common way to access the park. Parking is free and generally available, with street parking as a backup. InstagramReddit

The park is a bit of a hidden gem in West Austin. While the main entrance to the garden area is clearly marked with a white door, the trails can be less clearly defined. Taking photos of trail maps is recommended. Reddit

Parking is free and usually not filled out. Visiting early morning or late evening can help you secure a spot more easily, especially on weekends. Reddit

Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient option to reach Mayfield Park. The address is 3505 W. 35th Street, Austin, TX 78703. TikTok

Mayfield Park is close to other Austin attractions. Some visitors combine a trip to Mayfield Park with a visit to Laguna Gloria or a stroll up to Mount Bonnell for breathtaking lake views. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, it's free to visit Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve! You can enjoy the peacocks, gardens, and trails without any admission cost. TikTokReddit

Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve is open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM, offering ample time to explore its grounds. Instagram

No advance booking is required for Mayfield Park. It's a public park, and you can visit anytime during its operating hours. TikTok

As a public park, there are generally no specific entry restrictions beyond the operating hours. However, it's always good practice to respect the natural environment and wildlife. TikTok

While the historic cottage is part of the estate, access inside may be limited or by special arrangement. The main attraction is the grounds, gardens, and peacocks. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Mayfield Park offers a unique experience with free-roaming peacocks, beautiful historic gardens, tranquil lily ponds with turtles, and scenic nature trails. It's a great spot for relaxation and wildlife observation. TikTokInstagram+1

While peacocks are a common sight, their presence can vary. Some visitors see them frequently, while others report fewer sightings, especially during nesting seasons. It's best to check recent visitor updates. TikTokReddit

The trails can be a bit loose and may split. It's recommended to take photos of trail maps and be prepared to explore. While generally short, they offer lovely views of the lake. Reddit

Yes, Mayfield Park is considered very suitable for children. They often enjoy following the peacocks, playing in the gardens, and observing the wildlife in the ponds. The trails are also generally short and manageable. Instagram+1

Restrooms are actively maintained, but water fountains are not available. Portable restrooms are also on-site. It's advised to bring your own water. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The areas with free-roaming peacocks, the historic cottage, the lily ponds with turtles, and the scenic lake views from the trails offer fantastic photography opportunities. TikTokInstagram+1

While you can see the peacocks up close, it's advised not to get too close to them. Admire their beauty from a respectful distance to ensure their comfort and safety. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! With its diverse wildlife, lush gardens, and scenic vistas, Mayfield Park is an excellent location for nature photography, capturing everything from vibrant peacocks to serene landscapes. Instagram+1

Generally, there are no specific photography restrictions for personal use. However, always be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment. Instagram

Early morning or late evening often provides softer lighting, which is ideal for photography. It also coincides with times when wildlife, including peacocks, might be more active. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mayfield Park is a fantastic destination for families. Children are often captivated by the free-roaming peacocks, and the gardens provide a safe and engaging space for them to explore. The relatively short and manageable nature trails are also ideal for little legs. Instagram+1

Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no concessions on-site. The park's free admission makes it an excellent budget-friendly outing for families looking for a fun and educational experience in nature. Remember to keep an eye on the little ones and respect the wildlife. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers

For solo travelers and day-trippers, Mayfield Park offers a peaceful and accessible escape. It's a perfect spot to unwind, enjoy nature, and capture some beautiful photos without a significant time commitment. The free admission and readily available parking make it an easy addition to any Austin itinerary. TikTok+1

Combine your visit with a walk around the gardens, a leisurely stroll on the trails, and of course, peacock spotting. It's a great place to reflect, read a book, or simply soak in the tranquil atmosphere before heading to your next Austin adventure. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enchanting Peacocks of Mayfield Park

Mayfield Park is famously known for its resident peacocks, a flock that has roamed the grounds for decades. These magnificent birds, often seen strutting through the gardens or displaying their iridescent plumage, are a major draw for visitors. The original flock was gifted to the Mayfield family in the 1930s, and their descendants continue to inhabit the park. While sightings are common, their exact location can vary, with some visitors noting they might be less visible during colder months or nesting periods. TikTokInstagram+1

Observing the peacocks is a highlight for many, offering a unique wildlife encounter right within the city. Visitors often describe the experience as magical and memorable, with the birds adding a touch of exotic beauty to the serene park setting. It's a fantastic opportunity for photography, but remember to admire them from a respectful distance to ensure their well-being. InstagramReddit

For those hoping to catch a glimpse of these stunning creatures, checking recent visitor posts on social media or Reddit can provide clues about current sightings. Despite occasional reports of fewer sightings during certain seasons, the chance to see these birds in their natural habitat remains a captivating aspect of a visit to Mayfield Park. Reddit

Exploring the Historic Mayfield-Gutsch Estate

The Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve is set on the grounds of the historic Mayfield-Gutsch Estate, which dates back to the late 19th century. The estate features a charming historic cottage, surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens that offer a peaceful retreat. These gardens are adorned with tranquil lily ponds, often home to turtles and koi fish, adding to the serene atmosphere. Instagram+2

Visitors can wander through these picturesque gardens, enjoying the lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and the gentle sounds of nature. The estate's architecture and landscaping evoke a sense of timeless beauty, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or quiet contemplation. The combination of historical charm and natural beauty makes the estate a significant part of the Mayfield Park experience. Instagram+1

While the cottage itself may have limited public access, its presence contributes to the overall ambiance of the estate. The grounds are a testament to the estate's rich history and its transformation into a public nature preserve, offering a glimpse into Austin's past while providing a beautiful natural space for the present. Instagram

Navigating the Nature Trails

Beyond the manicured gardens, Mayfield Park boasts a 21-acre nature preserve with walking trails that wind through shaded woodlands. These trails offer a more immersive nature experience, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area. The Lake Trail, in particular, is noted for its serene path through lush greenery, shaded by ancient oak trees. TikTokInstagram

However, it's important to note that the trail system can be somewhat loosely marked, with paths sometimes splitting. Visitors are advised to take photos of trail maps and be prepared for a bit of exploration to find their way. Despite this, the trails are generally short and not overly challenging, ensuring that most visitors can navigate them without getting truly lost. Reddit

The trails provide opportunities to enjoy the natural landscape and can lead to scenic views of the lake. They offer a different perspective of the park compared to the formal gardens, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of adventure and a deeper connection with nature. InstagramReddit

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