Visitors can enjoy concerts at Zilker Hillside Theatre, the Zilker Summer Musical, Shakespeare in the Park, and large-scale events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Trail of Lights.

The park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 due to its historical, architectural, and archeological significance. It was developed in the 1930s through New Deal programs and named after a prominent figure who donated land to the city.

The park includes major facilities such as Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, Austin Nature and Science Center, Zilker Hillside Theater, Umlauf Sculpture Gardens, and more. It also features recreational activities, trails, and a variety of events.

The park system suggests public transit and biking options as the first choice for transportation. Visitors can use Cap Metro's Trip Planner feature to access the park via the #30 bus that travels through the park and stops at various locations along Barton Springs Road.