Austin, Texas, is a paradise for photographers, offering stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you're a visitor looking for iconic photo opportunities or a local searching for the perfect nature print to decorate your home, these top photography spots in and around Austin will provide endless inspiration.

1. Pedernales Falls State Park

Drive Time: ~1 hour from Austin
Entrance Fee: $6 per adult
Reservation Required: Yes
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Activities: Hiking, camping, biking, fishing, photography
What to Bring: Camera, hiking shoes, water, snacks, sunscreen, towel

Pedernales Falls State Park is a must-visit destination for landscape photographers. The Pedernales River cascades over massive limestone formations, creating stunning compositions of smooth rock, flowing water, and rugged terrain. The park’s diverse scenery allows for dynamic nature photography, whether capturing fast-moving rapids or serene reflective pools.

2. Mayfield Park & Nature Preserve

Drive Time: ~10 minutes from downtown Austin
Entrance Fee: Free
Reservation Required: No
Dogs Allowed: No
Activities: Hiking, photography, picnicking
What to Bring: Camera, water, snacks, sunscreen

Mayfield Park is a hidden gem for nature photographers. The historic gardens, shaded trails, and free-roaming peafowl make for unique and vibrant shots. The combination of natural beauty and architectural elements offers a perfect mix of portrait and landscape photography opportunities.

3. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Drive Time: ~10 minutes from downtown Austin
Entrance Fee: $15 per person
Reservation Required: No
Dogs Allowed: No
Activities: Photography, picnicking, birdwatching
What to Bring: Camera, water, snacks, sunscreen

If you're looking for a place to capture Texas’ seasonal wildflowers, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is the perfect spot. With lush native gardens, winding trails, and a focus on sustainable landscaping, this location provides endless opportunities for macro and landscape photography. Spring and fall are particularly beautiful, offering vibrant floral displays and soft golden light.

4. Barton Springs & Zilker Park

Drive Time: ~5 minutes from downtown Austin
Entrance Fee: Free
Reservation Required: No
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Activities: Hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming, photography
What to Bring: Camera, water, picnic blanket, sunscreen

Zilker Park is one of Austin’s most iconic outdoor spaces, offering photographers a diverse range of subjects. From the crystal-clear waters of Barton Springs Pool to the expansive fields perfect for golden hour shots, this park blends nature with city views. Whether capturing active kayakers on Lady Bird Lake or scenic skyline compositions, there is something for every photographer here.

5. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site

Drive Time: ~90 minutes from Austin
Entrance Fee: Donation-based
Reservation Required: No
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, historical photography
What to Bring: Camera, telephoto lens, water, snacks

For those interested in historical and rural landscape photography, the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park offers a glimpse into Texas’ past. With longhorn cattle, rustic barns, and fields of wildflowers, this park captures the essence of the Hill Country. The preserved 19th-century farm provides opportunities for storytelling through photography.

6. Redbud Isle

Drive Time: ~10 minutes from downtown Austin
Entrance Fee: Free
Reservation Required: No
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Activities: Hiking, kayaking, photography
What to Bring: Camera, water, hiking shoes

Redbud Isle is a small, scenic peninsula on Lady Bird Lake that offers a peaceful retreat for nature photographers. This dog-friendly park is surrounded by water, making it a great location for capturing reflections, wildlife, and tranquil landscapes. Sunrise and sunset provide particularly stunning light for dramatic compositions.

Conclusion

Austin’s landscape offers a perfect blend of scenic nature, historic landmarks, and dynamic cityscapes, making it a dream destination for photographers. Whether you’re looking to capture the beauty of Texas wildflowers, the movement of cascading rivers, or the excitement of a motorsports event, these locations will provide the perfect setting for your next masterpiece.

Looking for high-quality prints of Austin’s most scenic locations? Visit My Shop Here for stunning Central Texas photography prints that bring the beauty of these landscapes into your home.

Best Spots for Nature and Landscape Photography in Austin, Texas