Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Lonely Planet review

Anyone with an interest in flora and fauna should visit this first-class centre just south of downtown Austin. Founded in 1982 with assistance from the eponymous Lady Bird, the Center displays every type of wildflower and plant that grows in Texas, separated by geographical region.

Excellent signage provides details such as the plants' range, bloom season and family. Note the aqueducts and cistern system, which are part of the largest rainwater harvesting network in North America. The best time to drop in is between April and August, but there's something in bloom all year. There's a short nature trail and rock gardens as well as a playhouse for the kids and frequent programs to keep them busy. The Center also maintains an enormous interactive database covering plants and wildflowers from all regions of the US. The Center is about half a mile south of Austin and is easily reached by car, taxi or bus.