In the middle of the city there is solitude, surround yourself with peacocks in Austin’s secret garden: Mayfield Park.
The Mayfield family purchased the estate in 1909 as a summer home and it was gifted to the city in 1971. Its cottages add a romantic flair to the atmosphere and the park is on the National Register of Historic Places.
You’ll likely hear the peacocks before you see them. Seek out the abandoned buildings where they love to flutter about.
Sometimes they sit on top of them.
The traditional colored peacock may be the most exquisite bird on earth, but there is just something so special about spotting one of the white variety.
Peacocks aren’t the only game in town, you may spot koi in the pond and lilies blooming in the proper season.
Leave the lovely gardens behind and head out into the tranquil nature preserve, skipping from stone to stone over the stream.
Trails aren’t marked the best, but the park is only 22 acres so you can’t get too lost. It is free to enjoy this space and to extend your time in the area, visit Mt. Bonnell right down the road.