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Pennybacker Bridge

Pennybacker Bridge, Austin: Address, Phone Number, Pennybacker Bridge Reviews: 4/5

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Pennybacker Bridge

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Pennybacker Bridge
4
171
#45 of 352 things to do in Austin
Bridges
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Top ways to experience Pennybacker Bridge and nearby attractions

The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
77 within 3 miles
360 Cafe
2
0.4 miCafe
The County Line on the Lake
417
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Barbecue • Gluten Free Options
Siena Ristorante Toscana
186
0.7 mi$$$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
County Line BBQ
187
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Southwestern • Barbecue
360 Pizza
17
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
Waterloo Ice House N. Capital of TX Highway
88
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Steakhouse • Bar
Jack Allen's Kitchen
187
1.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Southwestern • Bar
360 UNO
66
1.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Cafe
Maudie's Milagro
67
1.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican
Westlake Wine Bar
1
1.1 miFrench • European • Fusion • Wine Bar
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Attractions
107 within 6 miles
Texas Military Forces Museum
259
Military Museums
Mayfield Park
237
Parks • Gardens
Mount Bonnell
1,624
2.5 miLookouts • Parks
Rollins Theater
1
0.7 miTheaters
Bullock Texas State History Museum
2,747
History Museums
Zilker Metropolitan Park
938
Parks • Gardens
Harry Ransom Center
240
Art Galleries • Libraries
University of Texas at Austin
941
Educational sites
The Domain
295
Shopping Malls
Bull Creek District Park
42
1.2 miParks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
171 reviews
Excellent
81
Very good
62
Average
18
Poor
6
Terrible
4
Terri D
47 contributions
Great View
Fun little hike up the ridge. Took some pix and enjoyed the wonderful weather. It wasn't too crowded either... by the looks of all the parked vehicals, I thought it was going to be. Wear good shoes, some spots can be slippery.
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CynCeeG 🇺🇸
Austin, TX491 contributions
Breathtaking Scenic View
Solo
It's called "Pennybacker Bridge Overlook", a scenic spot from top of a cliff. Parked car side of Hwy360 and hiked my way through a trail, leading up a VERY rocky terrain, that's steep yet manageable with good footware (flip flops not recommended) Reached top of the cliff to embrace the most beautiful & breathtaking view of the hill country. Amazing! Over looking the bridge, the Colorado River/ Lake Austin, and Capital of TX highway (360), even a glims of downtown. Trail continues once up there. I think this is one of the best scenic sightings I've witnessed in Austin, TX! Beats the view from Mount Bonnell. Caution: cliff has no fence! Careful with the selfies too close to the edge. Careful hiking back down the trail!
Written June 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cathy S
Farmersville, TX211 contributions
Beautiful views at sunset!
Friends
You can hike up on the cliffs on either west or east side. Both have great views. There is limited parking on the northwest side and some parking at the boat ramp on the south side. Most pictures you see with the golf course in the background are from the northwest cliff. You can get the sunset view from the northeast side. Both are pretty easy to climb. The northeast side is less crowded.
Written October 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rick B
Round Rock, TX1,217 contributions
not what you think
Are the views good from the cliffs? Yes but this is not going to be much of an adventure. The bridge is okay and the hike up the hill not so much. It is a short hike less then a quarter of a mile through trash and graffiti, to an overcrowded ledge above the bridge. The views are outstanding, pictures without people or shadows of hard to get. Might be a great place to get some Sunrise/Sunset pictures if there isn't a big crowd.
Written May 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ethan
Sweeny, TX1 contribution
Broken Windows & Theft!
Couples
BEWARE!!
Our window was smashed and we were robbed. The parking area is full of glass, after doing some research it’s a hot spot for thieves. They also not only broken into our car but another car a couple feet down. Even though the parking area is off of a main highway it still happened.
Don’t go!
Written August 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Callie
Austin, TX53 contributions
ICONIC AUSTIN
Friends
it's THE bridge you always see. park right before the actual bridge (yes it says no parking but the gravel is there for that and no one ever gets towed). there will be a little trail head that takes you up to a great view of the city in the distance and the bridge up close. If you head off to the right after taking your iconic photo there is a trail that's a good mile or two with beautiful flowers and butterflies and some more views further down the river
Written December 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bill78727
Austin306 contributions
Very Austin and a great view of the bridge and Lake Austin.
Friends
Just park on the west side of 360 on the frontage and follow the path as it goes up the hill to way above Loop 360 and the bridge below. Several paths to chose from to allow for different levels of climb/hike skills.
Get to the top and take a long look at all the beauty of Lake Austin and the Hill Country. The bridge itself is an amazing feat of design and engineering.
Take some pix and then work your way back down.
Go early as it does get hot in Texas.
Written June 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
homeowner E
Austin, TX465 contributions
Absolutely Worth the Climb.
Friends
I'm hardly an experienced hiker and we made it to the top in five minutes. You'd do yourself a favor by wearing sneakers though, since it's a natural pathway with no stairs. At the top, the view is spectacular. Really, its the only way to fully see Pennybacker. Though you might be tempted to take your pics as soon as you emerge on top, head down the pathway to the right and use the first lookout instead. The view is even better from there and it's great for getting portrait shots with the bridge. There's a small parking area just after the stop light and before the bridge. We had no trouble finding a spot on a weekday.
Written June 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helen C
Austin, TX296 contributions
Gorgeous views
Short hike up to a beautiful view of the lake and downtown in the distance. Nice nooks and crannys for privacy. Clear skies up high make you feel like 'King of the World' 🌎
Written July 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
YinzerTakesAWalk
Pittsburgh, PA26 contributions
Wear Good Grip Shoes to get an Amazing View from the Ridge!
Friends
We parked alongside the road before the bridge where there was ample space and made our way up the jutting rocks and branches to get a good view of the bridge. Due to the terrain and rocks that have been worn smooth from foot traffic, make sure to wear tennis shoes, etc. with good tread. Plenty of space at the top to view the expansive view of the bridge and river. The sight and smell of the many blooms and trees on top of the rocks is another great reason to make the climb.

The space is pleasant for bringing a blanket to sit and enjoy the breeze. NOTE for families with small children that there are NO fences or barriers lining the peak, just a straight drop down the jagged rocks into the river. The climb would also be difficult for those with limited mobility - no paved pathway available whatsoever and very steep.
Written March 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Pennybacker Bridge
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