A short 5-minute hike up the hill leads you to the Pennybacker Bridge Overlook. What a treat...you have the opportunity to see spectacular panoramic views of the bridge with water meandering down Lake Austin and magnificent Texas Hill Country views. This viewpoint has become one of the most photographed spots in Austin, especially at sunset. It is very common to see folks take wedding/engagement, graduation, family and other photos here. It has such a dramatic spectacular backdrop. read more

360 Scenic Overlook - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

This is a beautiful spot on the highway to pull over and see the beautiful city of Austin. The city is out in the distance, but with the mountains on each side, it just looks like a snow globe picturesque view! There are a few parking spots. But I've seen people park on the side of the highway if the spot are all taken. I did try to view the fireworks from here July 4, 2023, but it was a no go. You can hear them, but you can't see them. But, come any other day, and it's perfect. read more

We went during sunset, so it was packed with people and it was hard to find parking. Short little walk up the hill. Recommend wearing tennis shoes because it is a dirt path. 5/5 views and 3/5 parking and crowded. I would definitely go back though. read more

See all

This place is one of iconic place in Austin .Good for hiking and take some selfie. Free to come when you want!!! read more

360 Scenic Overlook - Nice view - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Austin, Texas

Everything that is wonderful (and there are quite a few things) about Loop 360 a.k.a. Capital of Texas Highway can be found in Kimberly K.'s original first-review https://www.yelp.com/biz/pennybacker-bridge-austin from 2008, so go read that for all the good stuff. I'm here to warn you about the bad and the ugly. When I first moved to Austin in 1990, this 13-mile, scenic state highway stretching from northwest to southwest Austin was like a private (secret awesome) Autobahn through the beautiful Hill Country. It was a complete joy to drive, and it made you wonder how this could be right here in the middle of a major city with nobody on it. I liked it so much, I even once lived in some apartments with a Cap of TX address. Well, the city has grown like a cancer into the area over the last 3 decades and the most common comments you'll hear about 360 these days include curse words not fit for print in a family publication. The traffic is just so terrible! Several major employers have big offices off this road now, especially near Courtyard Drive, and if you ever get a job at one, you better hope they allow telecommuting. Otherwise, get ready to sit in standstill traffic every morning and evening, and forget about ever leaving for lunch. For the number of cars on this road each day, we really need twice the number of lanes, and every time a project is floated to improve the situation, it seems to get postponed. TXDOT puts status reports and public input opportunities up on their Loop 360 Project website http://www.loop360project.com/ so if you have to drive on this road or care about how it will change, you may want to take a look, answer the online survey, and sign up for email notices. On a related tangent, every winter holiday season, people like to decorate the Christmasy-looking trees along the shoulder of Loop 360 and as soon as that gets going, you will hear a bunch of complaining about the litter, the visual eye-sores, and the negative impact to wildlife. Most of the decorations do get picked up & removed after Christmas by teams of do-gooders (sometimes we even have a Yelp group doing it), so all those complainers could probably find a different hobby. BTW, if you are looking for information about the iconic Pennybacker Bridge that is accessed from Loop 360 just south of the 2222 intersection, go visit that page over at https://www.yelp.com/biz/pennybacker-bridge-austin read more

Capital of Texas Highway! This is a beautiful drive, that takes you out on the far west side of Austin, and runs north/south. It's a wide roadway with gentle curves and wide shoulders that navigates the Texas Hill Country. Most of the land along the highway is natural Texas landscape. The roadway takes you past lots of beautiful bluebonnets, the Texas state flower. A bit further down, as it crosses the Colorado River, be sure to take in the Pennybacker Bridge, a cool looking bridge. There's plenty of traffic along parts of this roadway, with occasional stoplights. It's not really a full on expressway, as it doesn't really have entrance or exit ramps. But, at least the speed limits are on the high side. There's plenty of things to stop and see along the way, like the trail that takes you off 360 to the bridge overlook. Drive safely, y'all. read more

Absolutely amazing sunset! Be sure to arrive at least 30/60 minutes before the sunset for the best views and extra time just in case you struggle climbing cliffs, ok ok not a cliff but a mountain with big rocks, big ole rocks! Tips for your future success: - can be romantic if planned correctly - wear tennis shoes - dress for the season - use the potty before you arrive - plan for a short trip if you have children, there is not much to keep their attention besides the bottom of the cliff (and of course that makes for nervous Mommie!!! How can Mommie enjoy all of herself trying to make sure that little Timmy does not throw his Tonka truck or himself over the edge!!!) - pack a backpack with hand sanitizer, baby wipes, extra napkins, water, snacks, adult beverages , and a blanket you don't mind getting dirty **** Please take your trash with you, there are no trash can receptacles, maids, or volunteers to clean up after visitors! read more

See all

This has got to be one of the prettiest highways in Austin. Yes, there are some office building but they are tucked back and partially hidden by trees. Yes, it backs up with traffic during rush hours but nothing as bad as Mopac or 35. The roads are paved with no potholes. It has lots of traffic lights but it gives you time to take in the surrounding. The best part is this is the road that takes you over the Pennybacker bridge. read more

360 Scenic Overlook - Not even 8am and traffic backed up on 360 - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Austin, Texas

My most favorite drive in Austin and an absolute must every time I'm in town. The scenery is just splendid. I remember quite a few drives by myself when I needed a break from life while living here. The bridge is so beautiful and the view from both sides just stunning. read more

360 Scenic Overlook - 360 Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Spent our morning taking in the beautiful scenery. Being at the top felt so good and rewarding. Parking was confusing. But worth it. Look at this view! read more

360 Scenic Overlook - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Really easy to miss - here's the exact location though: Apple Maps: https://maps.apple.com/?address=1601%E2%80%931735%20N%20Capital%20of%20Texas%20Hwy,%20Austin,%20TX%20%2078746,%20United%20States&ll=30.318938,-97.820186&q=Marked%20Location&_ext=EiQpQoZyVYs6PkAxSigbDS57WMA5Eb87BLtoPkBB18sAys1tWMA%3D&t=m Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/V8D5MxpzEno Hope this helps :) read more

360 Scenic Overlook - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

This is great! The overlook is a quick 5 minute hike up a pretty easy incline. The view is to die for! You can see downtown in the distance and of course the bridge. I love sitting at the top and watching all the boats pass by on a nice day! It's a great spot to get photos or just relax. read more

360 Scenic Overlook - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Austin, Texas

Loop 360 is my favorite major road in Austin. My favorite stretch of this road is the short drive north starting at the dynamic cut through the limestone at Bee Caves Road and ending with with the Pennybacker Bridge. While I have done this drive perhaps thousands of times, it never ceases to amaze. The limestone cut at Bee Caves was stunning when I arrived in 1984. It was like going through a sleek canyon and then it would open up to a huge sky and rolling hills. The canyon feel has decreased immensely over the years as parts of the walls have fallen and then in the 90's they cut the top half of the wall back - probably so if the big chunks of limestone fall, they do not fall on cars. The natural beauty of this drive is what compels me to write a review as 360, also called Capital of Texas Highway, passes through or accesses the following: 1. Bull Creek Greenbelt 2. Barton Creek Greenbelt 3. Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve including amazing views, hiking and creek. 4. Scenic Overlook to downtown, 1.8 miles from Bee Caves 5. Lake at south side of Pennybacker Bridge including public boat ramp and view of amazing connection at south east corner where bridge meets earth. 6. Cliffs at north side of Pennybacker Bridge for AMAZING views. It is a winding, pastoral path through the hill country but only 15 minutes from downtown. And, as long as some bigwig politico transportation turds do NOT get their way anytime soon, driving it is FREE. read more

One of my favorite places in Austin to watch the sunset!! The view overlooks 360 bridge and the river below. It's a nice hybrid of city and outdoors. It's a short "hike" to get to the top - 5 minutes at most. There are several small trails to get to the top. It's decently crowded usually, but you can find your own space to take pictures, chat with a friend, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. read more

Parking is on the right.... right before you get to the bridge. Slow down because you can miss it! Wear comfortable gym shoes because the hike is a steep one. It's a 5 minute hike until you reach the top for the spectacular view. Its two sides you can climb up. The rugged and steep incline makes the hike up dangerous. My friend fell and hurt her wrist. It's a path to walk along the highway as well for another view of the bridge. read more

See all

Didn't realize at first that there was a small trail on the side. Make sure you have shoes on and comfy clothes cause the trail has large rocks that you have to climb to get to the top of the cliff. The climb up is so worth it! The view is just breathtaking!! After you reach the top you can keep walking to get different views. It's so nice and beautiful to be up there, just wish it was a bit warmer so I could stay up there longer. I would definitely go up again and recommend it to anyone read more

360 Scenic Overlook - Amazing view - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Austin, Texas

There was a time when an honest man could ride down 360, wind in his hair and not a care in the world, enjoyin' the scenery. Ayup. There was a tiiiiime. Well, that time is over. Beautiful as the scenery is along the route, it swarms with State Troopers who are a little too strict on the speed rules and the possibility that, yes, maybe the car you're driving was stolen at gun point. It makes an honest man feel low. There was also a time when you could drive your unmarked windowless black van down this loop, finding it pleasingly devoid of traffic. Now the bloated, top-heavy behemoths that crowd the roads here slow your advances, driving in the left lane despite driving well below the posted speed limit. Usually in the mornings. Or in heavy traffic. Worth a trip during a nice sunny weekend day with guests from out of town, or possibly a visit at 2am for no particular reason. read more

Shhhh, this is the best view of Austin -- Don't tell! Actually, it wouldn't make much of a difference because there are only 3 or 4 parking spaces in the lot off the freeway. Regardless of the limited parking, I LOVE this spot because the view of lush hills rolling into our city is stunning. read more

It really is a gorgeous drive. Thinking of 360 makes me wish with all my fibers that it were bluebonnet season already. That'll be me pulled off on the shoulder running around in the bar-ditch with a camera. Also, if you're headed from far South Austin to far North Austin during morning rush, this road manages to be faster than Mopac despite the profusion of traffic lights. Anytime else, though, it kind of sucks due to all the lights. Well, maybe not in the middle of the night. read more

Great drive in Austin... the bridge is a nice place to stop and get a great view of the city in the distance and the river before you. At Christmas, there are some decorators that put ornaments on some of the local plants! read more

360 Scenic Overlook - View from the cliff - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Austin, Texas

I actually miss driving on 360 now that I'm carless (or car-free, depending on your perspective). I've had a few jobs out that way, and always enjoyed the scenery. Sure, there are stoplights. Sure, it's sometimes difficult to turn around if you need to get to something on the other side of the road. I think it's worth it. Now they just need to have buses that go that route. read more

I use 360 some, some of my places I need to go are off 360, it is a pretty drive, I do like the 360 Bridge. But it does get crowded.

Great place to bring folks for out of town for pics and prime firefly viewing!