City: Austin, TX

Category: Parks & Recreation

Address: 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd.

Description: For 140 years tourists have been coming to Mount Bonnell and climbing the 99 steps (785 feet) to the peak for a great view of the city. No mountain, but a sturdy climb. Several local legends purport to account for the mount’s name. One claims it is named in honor of George W. Bonnell, a New Yorker who came to Texas to fight in the War of Independence against Mexico. He fought the Native Americans and was a sometime newspaper editor. He met his death on December 26, 1842, when he was captured and shot by Mexican troops. Others say the name is a corruption of the names Beau and Nell, two lovers who were married on the peak minutes before a Native American attack. After their first kiss, they leapt to their death. Other legends are variations on this theme, involving Native American princesses and beautiful Spanish senoritas, all forced to take a dive. On a serious note, visitors should be careful at the peak, since an unfortunate few have slipped and fallen down the hillside. Mount Bonnell is the stuff of romance and a popular spot for young couples who want to watch the stars come out over Austin—a particularly romantic spot for University of Texas students, who can get a clear view of the UT Tower, aglow in orange light when the university’s athletic teams win. It is also a great spot for a picnic with a view. The park opens at 5 a.m. for sunrise viewing and closes at 10 p.m.