Realized I forgot an important update for my review: I got married here! I can honestly say that this is one of the most beautiful spots for a wedding ever. In the summer, the ponds teem with gorgeous water lilies, baby turtles, green frogs, and even a family of three (harmless) water snakes. The flowers are lush, yet understated. The cottage was redone in 2010 (weeks before my wedding - score!) and is quite lovely...and air conditioned. All of our guests loved it and the pics turned out gorgeous. Also, the groundskeeper there was incredibly helpful and nice, making the process easy for all. This is an amazing spot for a wedding, formal photography shoot, or just a lazy Saturday. It's also worth noting that the huge old trees keep much of the garden area nicely shaded. We had an early evening wedding in mid-June and it was fine. The hiking trails on the property are also great - clearly marked, nice views of the lake, mellow. There are also some picnic tables outside of the garden area, making it a lovely spot for a picnic. Note that you can't normally get into the cottage, since it's kept locked, but there are some surprisingly clean port-o-potties on the grounds. My hubby and I go back every few months to check in, since Mayfield has become something of a sacred spot for us. I'm always amazed by the families, photographers, volunteer gardeners, and other folks who are there each time, just looking as happy as can be. Mayfield is truly a special place. read more

Took my kids here for their first time yesterday for mother's day. The peacocks were out in full force, fanning their tails like crazy. Must be peacock mating season. Got a ton of cool pictures of them with my kids. This park is such a gem, I can't believe it's free and there's free parking too. Great place for a picnic, a hike, or a bird encounter for kids and grown ups alike. The grounds have a ton of palm trees and ponds, and you can hike down to a small stream to dip your toes in. If you have not been here yet, what are you waiting for? Just go before it gets too hot out! read more

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I kind of found this place on accident. I was just looking for a spot that my husband and I could ride our bikes to. It is so wonderful there, and soooo close! The grounds, with the gardens and peacocks, are tranquil and serene (except when the peacocks are wailing, presumably related to getting attention from the peahens). Bring your camera because the peacocks open their feathers often....some of them seem to really like the attention. I took some shots of one peacock and felt like it was a fashion shoot, the way he was working it. I never got his email though (to send him the images for his portfolio)....sad. I think he must have gone with another photographer. If you want to hike, start at the parking lot, or on the opposite side of the garden area (near some of the bird houses are), and take a combination of the many different trails. I really like the native palms and the "jungly" feel. It's a great little escape into nature! Note: The peacocks only have full tail feathers from late winter through early summer! Another note: I do NOT recommend that you ride your bikes here! We found out the hard way that unless you have a death wish, and/or are a thrill-seeker, 38th (which turns into 35th, which leads into the park) is NOT, I repeat, NOT very bicycle friendly. I had to add this note after I re-read my review and started to imagine what would happen to a family on bikes if they thought it would be a great little weekend outing! read more

This place is so cool! It is free to get in and there were tons of birds just walking around inside. There were three peacocks that we spotted and they were just walking the grounds like they owned it. It was a very fun spot to visit while we were in this neck of the woods!! I would love to come back here with more company to just hang out and watch the birds! read more

We had our commitment ceremony here last October. The guy who works for the city and rents the place was a bit of an a**hole, but the staff more than made up for his attitude. They were helpful and happy. The rental fee for the evening was far better than any other spot we perused. And the scenery is just amazing. And our wedding theme? Peacocks! We had peacock invitations, our colors were peacock blue and green, even the cake was decorated with peacock feathers. It was amazing! If you are planning a wedding, a party, or a good ol'-fashioned lesbian commitment ceremony, this is the place. read more

Great place to take photos and get some exercise. I went here in October last year, having never heard of it before that. I think I got too many peafowl photos. I get antsy when looking through them now, wondering when I'll reach the final photo. Lots of places to explore. My only complaint is that they have no maps you can take with you. At least, I didn't see any. Perhaps I got lost when trying to find them; that's how badly I need a map. I had to follow the music coming from the main house in order to find my way back to the parking lot. That's why this place only gets four stars. read more

Quite the spectacle of birds in this park. Peacocks galore and they're stunning! Their best quality to me is their tolerance for humans who can be aggressive as children and silly as adults. They eat bread, they lay in the shade and if you're fortunate you catch them with their feathers blooming. It's not a big place, but it has a great trail for cycling and jogging. The roads will wind you up and down the hills making for a good trail ride/run. A picnic would be romantic and serene at proper timing, weather permitting. read more

You should come here to see the peacocks at least once in your Austin life. The gardens and trails are okay and not really worth making a special visit to see, but the peacocks are. The trails are pretty short. The peacocks aren't afraid of people at all. You can see them on the rooftop sometimes. They must really like this park to stay here. The parking lot is accessible off West 35th Street. The rather narrow driveway to enter is across from Mt. Bonnell Rd. read more

I love this little park. There are peaceful trails that go down to an inlet from the lake. The gardens are an amazing little community, with individuals adopting plots. The peacocks are a scream, literally. It is great place for a picnic. Stop by Central Market and grab some snacks and head down 38th street until you get there. read more

I love Mayfield park. Take a book and a coffee on a spring day, wander the paths, sit somewhere and read - heavenly. Close enough in town that it doesn't take long to get to, far enough that you can forget the city for a minute. read more

The single story white house anchoring the property at Mayfield Park lies dormant like a ghost from the past. Peering in the front door across the veranda-like layout, one imagines a dance of sepulchres levitated by servents entering and exiting the central kitchen. The wooden floors, the paneling all look original. And the closed layout of the quarters, each with three doors, one usually leading to the outside, evoked the more baffling aspects of my own house. It made me wonder about a life before the conveniences of air conditioning. Charming. The grounds are immaculate in a rustic way. So much so, that there is eternally a 2:1 ratio between visitors and professional photographers. There is an odd stone structure that was at one point either a granary or a lighthouse...wait. Scratch that. The ponds are fun and almost always murky. During my most recent visit, it was impossible to see the large koi inhabiting them. Towards the back are little garden plots which appear to be "adopted". One of my favorite features of the walled grounds is the steep drop off down to a creekbed on the eastern end. It's mind-bogglingly steep. Outside the walls are pleasant short hiking paths. On one of them, back 11 years ago, my now wife of 8 years told me she wasn't interested in dating me. But clearly, the charmed paths eventually did their magic. And one would be remiss in not mentioning the family of peacocks at Mayfield, some of which are, as my two year old daughter recently told me, peahens! Prior to moving to Austin, my ownly glimpse of a peacock "getting one on" was as a graphic on NBC. It's good to be an Austinite. So to be totally fair, I have to ask....how cool is this place really?? Is it just cool because I've lived here too long to remember the truly grand places I've seen? Probably. But this place has aspects that you won't find in Versailles or the Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park: It's Free. And it's not totally over-run by tourist yahoos. It's peaceful. And it's a place where you can enjoy those special moments of life from getting shot down while trying to sneak a kiss, to getting engagement photos taken, to having a wonderful date with your two year old daughter! read more

This place is great. I can't believe I'd been to Laguna Gloria several times and never knew this place was right next door. The peacocks are loud, but not very shy at all (you can get pretty close to them) and the scenery is beautiful -- gardens, stone arches, ponds, a little cottage... I would definitely visit it again. There is a small parking lot there... be careful for stray peacocks. They actually walk along the road and among the cars. read more

What an awesome experience! This park is totally free and you can walk among a ton of free-range peacocks who don't even seem to notice your presence. They let you get pretty close and they're completely unbothered. Park staff is friendly and will let you know if there are peacocks nearby fanning their feathers out so you can go get amazed. The grounds are clean and well-kept with lovely ponds, trees, and flowers. The walking trails are also a welcome respite from the city, though I didn't see any peacocks out there (pretty sure they stick primarily to the main park area). There were several families with small children while I was there and it seemed like a very family friendly place. Parking is a little sparse but it wasn't super packed while I was there so it wasn't a problem. read more

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Five stars for this incredible park, do not forget to explore the trails on the opposite side of the parking lot. They will take you down into a beautiful and enchanted area, and you have the option to visit and amazing small dock. Three stars for the lousy bathroom facility that was there when I visited, an outhouse that had a horrible smell, no toilet paper, and a long line as well. Yuck. Three stars for the horrible parking situation, not enough spots for a park like this. Also included in this experience, are interesting community gardens. Peacocks are interesting, but beware that the excitement of looking at them does tend to wear off after five minutes, they are worth seeing, but there is much much more to this park than the peacocks. read more

I didn't know this place existed until I discovered and bookmarked it today, thanks to you yelpers! I brought my mister here today for his Sunday surprise. aw! His eyes LIT up at the first site of the beautiful and breathtaking peacocks as we neared the entrance. It was the best reaction ever. It felt like we were in a Disney film... there were cute and playful squirrels (I LUV squirrels, btw), cardinals, blue birds and peacocks! We didn't stay long but the moments we were there were magical. read more

Nice relaxing place to visit. Peacocks here had to tail feathers at the time. (If that's what you call them) you can walk around the whole place leisurely in 20 min, 5 min if you move fast. Funny to see the huge birds on the roofs and up in trees. The ponds are nice. Place is up kept. read more

This parks fills me with happiness. For those who don't feel like hiking, there's the peacock area in front.... and for the more adventurous there are trails in the back with rivers and cliffs and gorgeous colors in the fall - so get your tuckus out there while you can. Mayfield Park is one of my favorite places to take out-of-town guests, especially during the peacock mating season. One of the peacocks was twice as tall feather-wise when we went last time and it was amusing to watch him pwn the other males. I've had friends do their bridal shoots here and the pictures are always stunning! Keep in mind there's a photographer's fee, though. read more

This park is so pretty! And also right in the middle of Austin so you don't have to drive outside the city to go hike. It's a cute little house and park with a pond where the peacocks walk around. They're totally tame and sometimes let you get close enough to pose for pics with them :) It has a one mile loop and a few other trails that stem from that. We got a little lost trying to follow the map, but ultimately it's not a very long trail so you eventually get back to the start. There are some good hills and you get to cross over the stream but it's still a very family/ kid friendly trail, nothing difficult just a relaxing walk. I'd also recommend driving up to the Mt. Bonnel lookout right across from this park for more good photo opportunities! read more

This neighborhood park is a lovely respite in Austin. There's a walking path meandering through mature trees, flowering gardens and past water lily ponds with red-eared turtles. But the biggest draw for young and old alike, are the gorgeous peacocks roaming the grounds and perched up on the trees and on the roof top. They are especially fascinating to watch during Spring, when the males are doing their best to attract the attention of the seemingly unaffected females. read more

Mayfield Park - Peacock close-up - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I was feeling in-love while I was here recently so maybe my review will be biased, BUT, It is beautiful here, it is so beautiful read more

THERE ARE PEACOCKS. Also it's a really quiet, relaxing park to wander around and sit near the water, thinking about life. But mostly there are PEACOCKS. My girlfriend loved it. I loved it. It was awesome. Peacocks are awesome. read more

I took my four year old here today and she really enjoyed it! Parking was a little bit difficult, we couldn't find parking in the actual "lot" but was able to park on the street right by the entrance of the park. We spent about 30 minutes walking the inside of the park and defiantly will return and bring a sack lunch next time to enjoy a little more time there. The peacock's were enjoyable, were loud every once in a while :). Def would recommend! read more

Came on Valentine's. Probably my favorite date place in Austin. Loved the mini hiking trail & was in awe of the beautiful peacocks. Did you know they can fly? YES... even if it's only 10-15 ft in the air. AND they like to sleep in the trees :) Wouldn't have known that if I hadn't come here. If you're going to Mt. Bonnell for a visit, stop by here on the way out. read more

Very cool, unique, hidden-away little park. My wife is a fledgling photographer, we've checked out several parks lately so she could practice her new hobby; Mayfield Park was a great find for us (although somewhat difficult to find). The peacocks alone are worth a visit, but they also have multitudes of lily ponds and flower beds and nature trails. The old house and grounds are perfect for professional photo shoots. Very quite, very serene; a place you can drop by during your lunch hour or after work to just unwind for a few moments. I'm reluctant to assign 5 stars to anything, but this is one of the nicest smaller city parks that we've visited. I don't even care that it is difficult to find, I think that adds to it's charm. We will come back often. read more

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I got married here last week, and my goodness, it couldn't have been more perfect. I guess it's mating season, cuz those boys had their feathers flared out the entire day and they were hollering during my entire ceremony! I thought it was adorable, and it made for some absolutely gorgeous pictures. The groundskeeper Robert was such a sweetheart. He was so great and helpful. It rained like crazy the morning of my outdoor wedding, and apparently he was there as soon as it stopped raining was blowing the rocks where my ceremony was going to be with a leaf blower trying to dry everything off for me. This is a beautiful place, and was perfect for my small wedding. I'm so grateful that it is here for everyone to enjoy! read more

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I haven't walked the trail, but it seems pretty standard. The gardens are really nice, and in late Febuary flowers are already blooming everywhere. The peacocks are amazing, and there is some other wildlife as well. We saw a cool turtle and some other birds. Nice place to spend a few hours on a weekend soaking up the (non-Leslie related) local color. read more

Mayfield Park - Peacock at Mayfield Park - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

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We spent a lovely Easter morning on the grounds of Mayfield Park amidst the peacocks, turtles, water lilies, and other Texas flora and fauna. It's a perfect spot for a picnic - romantic or family - and a nature-filled stroll. We were pleasantly surprised by the prettiness of the hiking trails. We started off on Bell Trail, which is located on the north end of the property. We meandered through a few dry creek beds and looked up at the limestone cliffs before crossing a small stream to join the main trail that runs along Lake Austin and eventually comes out the other side of the grounds by the parking lot. It was a well-shaded, easy hike that offered up a peaceful start to our holiday. A trip to Mayfield Park is in order when you have a desire to commune with nature and only have an hour or two because it's five minutes from Mopac, but truly feels like a world away. read more

Had no idea this place existed until some friends were married here. It is absolutely beautiful, and the event venue is adequate for anything under 60 guests. Walking around here is like taking a step into a fairy kingdom filled with beautiful flora and arrogantly strutting peacocks. Some day I would love to come back and stroll down the nature trail without my screaming six year old. From what I saw it was lovely. There is very limited parking so if you are coming for an event I recommend showing up hella early and enjoying the grounds. Failure to follow this rule may result in a lengthy hike. read more

I come here often. It's a great place to take a walk or to take pictures. The peacock families are amazing and running around freely everywhere. It's in a very unexpected place in Austin since it is the city. Great for families, friends, and more. Totally a feel good park. Everyone here has always been super nice and trying to enjoy their day as well. Great place and would recommend. read more

Pretty park but BEWARE of multiple break ins here! My friends car got broken into around 4pm on a Sunday. There was another spot of glass near us in the parking lot where it looked like another break in took place the same day. It was very busy with people coming in and out and yet they still got away with it. My friend had her whole lively hood stolen and the cops wouldn't come. It will take two weeks for the report to become active. We tried to call the park to see if they have cameras but the number immediately connected us with 311 instead of the park services. It's not worth the risk of even coming to this park. read more

This is a serene little place in Austin to escape from the bustle of city life. The grounds were well kept and inviting. I loved seeing the peacocks just roaming around. When the weather cools down, I imagine this is a great place for longer walks. If I lived in Austin, I would be drawn to this park on a regular basis! read more

This place is great to come and hang out. It's particularly cook for any visitors you might have and/or toddlers--both of whom will love the novelty of the peacocks, but for different reasons (looking vs. chasing). The gardens are also gorgeous and it's shaded enough to keep it somewhat cool even in the summer. I need to explore the trails more. read more

Mayfield Park was definitely one of the best trails went to during my trip to Austin. We came here in search of the peacocks we had heard about and we ended up hiking for an hour or more looking for them only to find that they had been next to where we parked all along...WHOOPS, how did we miss that?? Anyways the hike was worth it, it was very scenic and we had a fun time. The peacocks were a nice addition to the hike; they were very relaxed and comfortable with people being so close to them. I highly recommend coming to Mayfield Park if you're from out of town like we are and searching for a good trail. read more

Mayfield Park - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Gorgeous park with trails of lake/creek views! Also adorable peacocks by the cottage, make sure to not bring your pets to this park! read more

Located almost right next to Mount Bonnell, Mayfield Park is a cute little place with peacocks roaming around at will. Yup, peacocks(!!!) who somehow don't leave the park and aren't disturbed by tourists gaping at them at all. This time I went, I had the luck to see a peacock display all of its tail feathers on the top of the small house located in the park. I haven't been down the trail, having just learned about its existence (whoops), but the area where the peacocks roam has a few ponds and an area of flowers and will definitely keep you entertained. Pro tip: If you go when the sun isn't so high up in the sky, make sure to wear bug spray because the mosquitos here are killer. read more

I took my 11 month old here this morning and we had a wonderful time. We enjoyed the series of small ponds and wildflowers. My daughter was transfixed as the peacocks wandered calling to each other. I hear you can feed them, but we didn't try. It is also reservable for photo shoots, we'll keep this in mind for her 1 year portrait. The only thing to consider if you are coming here with a stroller is the terrain. Our little umbrella stroller got stuck in the wood chips around the flowers and the rocky paths were a little tough to get around. A jogging stroller would have been much better, or of course a little one who can walk around themselves! read more

Okay, I have to say that this park was absolutely amazing! My husband and I arrived to a perfectly quiet park with no one there. We walked the little trail into the woods, then I got a little scared because I was afraid of getting lost. So, we exited off the trail and found the jackpot! Peacocks, flowers, and fountains! It was gorgeous and peaceful. So perfect for some book reading! read more

Mayfield Park - Peacock eating! - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

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So much fun! We dropped in after seeing Mount Bonnell. Our family enjoyed this park for at least an hour. It was winter so no peacocks to be seen and the flowers were not in bloom. Will definitely return in the Spring. The kids highly enjoyed hiking the trails. We got to climb rocks, hop across streams, and get a beautiful view of the Lake. Wear the right shoes cause your feet will get wet. read more

Mayfield Park - View of the lake - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

Pleasant and tranquil place to walk around, hang out with some (scratch that, a lot of) peacocks, sit by the lily ponds, and go for some walks/hikes in the attached trail area. Brought my friend who was visiting Austin here after we went to Mt. Bonnell and she really enjoyed seeing the peacocks. Felt like a unique & special experience. Like another reviewer, one time I was walking on some of the trails and was walking/climbing up a rather steep rocky area until I realized I was at the base of a pedestrian bridge and the backyard of a large house! That was unexpected. Perhaps some signs there would help people avoid that area. I felt bad for semi-trespassing on their backyard! read more

This place was incredible! The second you walk through the gate you are filled with a view of beautiful peacocks and the sound of water from a waterfall! I would recommend this park to families, photographers or anyone who needs a nice relaxing day. Best free entertainment I've had in awhile. Don't forget your camera! read more