Austin is one of the most Instagrammable cities around, known for its colourful street art, live music, food trucks and the popular slogan “Keep Austin Weird.” You’ll be hard-pressed to choose just one spot for your photo session, but we’re here to help! We’ve lassoed up the top 10 places to take photos in Austin – the quirky capital of Texas. 🤠
Photo: Paige in Austin for Flytographer. Dip and their partner celebrate their engagement at the Austin Vineyards on a surprise proposal photoshoot.
1. Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin truly has a sprinkle of everything, with shops, bars and restaurants lining downtown’s bustling streets. Make your way to the nearby Auditorium Shores, an urban park on the shores of Lady Bird Lake with stunning views of the skyline. 🚲 Explore the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail on two wheels or by foot, and don’t miss the view from the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge or the Long Center at sunset!
Photo: Macy in Austin for Flytographer. Simone and their partner capture memories in Austin with a couple photoshoot.
2. East Austin
Venture to the east side of the city for an eclectic experience, where the old meets the new in one of Austin’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods! While hip boutiques, inventive eateries and coffee shops are popping up like bluebonnets at springtime, you don’t have to look far to see the rich history and culture around every corner. Spots like the Victory Grill, one of the African American juke joints of the 1940s that brought big-name blues and R&B performers to Austin, are what make East Austin truly special. 🎺
Photo: Kristen in Austin for Flytographer. Amanda and their friends capture memories in Austin with Flytographer.
3. South Congress
South Congress Avenue is one of our most-loved routes for good reason! Just south of Lady Bird Lake lies the iconic stretch of “SoCo” lined with Austin favourites, such as Home Slice Pizza, Jo’s Coffee, Alvin’s Boots and other can’t-miss shops and restaurants. Stroll the avenue for photo ops in front of street art like the “I love you so much” mural and the “Greetings from Austin” mural nearby on 1st Street. At sunset, head to Congress Bridge to watch the bats take flight at sunset. 🦇
Photo: Macy in Austin for Flytographer. Brad and their partner capture memories in Austin with a couple photoshoot at South Congress.
4. Zilker Park
Zilker Park is known as the “jewel in the heart of Austin,” and once you visit, you’ll easily understand why. 🌳 With unbeatable views of the Austin skyline, a natural spring-fed pool, the Zilker Botanical Gardens and more, it’s practically impossible to have an authentic city experience without putting this spot on your list of places to take photos in Austin. In early October, be sure to snag tickets for ACL (aka the Austin City Limits Music Festival) hosted here. A weekend of incredible live music, food trucks and perfect Texas fall weather? 🎶 Say less.
Photo: Natalie in Honolulu for Flytographer (Taken in Austin). Grant and their partner celebrate their engagement in Austin with a surprise proposal photoshoot at Zilker Park.
5. Capitol Building
The Texas State Capitol is a stunning spot in downtown Austin for a photoshoot. With 22 sprawling acres in the heart of the city, there is plenty of room to explore among the trees. The Capitol itself makes for a stunning and historic backdrop; take a tour inside for a taste of Texas history. ✨
Photo: Macy in Austin for Flytographer. Jessica captures her Modern Headshot in downtown Austin with Flytographer.
6. Mount Bonnell
Sweeping hill country views await with a short hike up Mt. Bonnell, the highest point in Austin. After your 102-stair climb, you’re rewarded with a panoramic photo op featuring the winding Colorado River and the 360 Bridge, also known as the Pennybacker Bridge. Relax at the top with a picnic lunch, and on your way back to the city, pay a visit to Mayfield Park to say hello to the roaming peacocks! 🦚
Photo: Flytographer in Austin. Claire and their family capture memories in Austin with a family photoshoot.
7. The University of Texas
There are only three words you need to know when you’re on campus: “Hook ’em Horns!” 🤘 The University of Texas doesn’t have to be your alma mater to make it worth a visit. Don your burnt orange and head to the center of campus to see the iconic clock tower. The South Mall is a popular spot for senior photos, with elegant oak trees, buildings dating back to the 1930’s, and a direct view of the Capitol in the distance. The Blanton Museum of Art is a popular spot for a dose of creativity, and even the main lobby of the museum offers an artsy, blue-tiled backdrop for pics.
Photo: Kristen in Austin for Flytographer. Sarah captures her Modern Headshot to celebrate her graduation from the University of Texas on a Flytographer photoshoot.
8. Rainey Street
Rainey Street is the go-to destination for an afternoon or evening out with the locals. 🍻 Charming bungalows converted into laid-back bars offer everything from a spot with 51 Texas-only beer taps, a patio bar with hammocks, or for introverts, a tiny bar with just 4 stools! This is where you’ll find a (literal) taste of life as a local, and probably pet a few dogs along the way. 🐕
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9. Barton Springs
One of the crown jewels of Austin is Barton Springs Pool, a natural, spring-fed pool with icy water cold enough to chill even the hottest summer day. ☀️ Locals and visitors alike flock to this beloved spot year-round, but in the colder months, only the bravest jump in! The nearby Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail winds through South Austin, and you only need to walk for a few minutes before leaving the sounds of the city behind. 🥾
Photo: Paige in Austin for Flytographer. Angela and their family capture memories at Barton Springs in Austin on a family photoshoot.
10. Lady Bird Lake
With more than 300 sunny days every year, it’s no surprise that Austinites know how to get outside. The lake is usually dotted with paddleboards and canoes, and the 10-mile loop surrounding the water is a popular spot for all kinds of outdoor recreation. 🛶 With beautiful views of the skyline to boot, a visit to Lady Bird Lake is a must.
Photo: Paige in Austin for Flytographer. Dana and their family capture memories in Austin at Ladybird Lake on a family photoshoot with Flytographer.
Best places to take photos in Austin, TX
Ready for a trip down south to ATX? 📸 Grab your cowboy boots and capture the magic of this one-of-a-kind city with a Flytographer shoot!
“Macy was amazing! So down to earth, organized, concise about instructing us for posed/unposed shots, and easy to talk to throughout the shoot. She made it easy and fun and we LOVE how our images came out!”
Keely
“Macy is AMAZING! We unexpectedly had misty weather, which cause an uncomfortable hair issue for me. She kept me relaxed and focused. Very kind and I’m looking forward to booking with her again soon!”
Jessica
“Paige was awesome and we would highly recommend her if you are going to Austin. We wanted our shoot to be casual and fun as we were celebrating 20 years of #friendship. Paige was so wonderful and found great places to shoot at. The experience was one that we will never forget and were so glad that opt’ed to do.”
Tam
