Photography Locations
Explore my curated list of some of the best photography locations in and around Austin, Texas. Whether you’re looking for a spot for a photo shoot with friends, hunting down wildlife pictures, or chasing down a new challenge, this list will have a new photography spot for you.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Drive Time: 1hr
Entrance Fee: $6 per adult
Reservation Required: Yes
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Activites: Camp, Hike, Bike, Picnic, Swimming, Fishing, Photography
What to Bring: Camera, hiking shoes, sandals, water, snacks, sunscreen, towel
What to Expect: “Flowing over and around huge slabs of limestone, the Pedernales River can be turbulent. But most often it is tranquil, and a great place to relax and recharge. We are just 30 miles west of Austin. Come over for an afternoon swim or hike, or load up your gear for an overnight adventure. The river awaits!” (tpwd.texas.gov)
Events: Hiking Through History, Fishing with a Ranger, Prehistoric Hunting, Junior Ranger Academy, Star Party
Mayfield Park & Nature Preserve
Drive Time: 10min
Entrance Fee: No
Reservation Required: No
Dogs Allowed: No
Activites: Hiking, Photography, Picnic, Painting
What to Bring: Camera, water, snacks, sunscreen
What to Expect: “Far from a playground, Mayfield Park’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places underscores its value as a unique and delicate oasis. Located in west Austin, Texas, the park features a historic 1870s cottage, gardens, free-roaming peafowl, and a 23-acre nature preserve.
Please, no pets or companion or emotional support animals. The Mayfield Preserve, as a nature sanctuary, along with the cottage and garden area, is home to a large and free-ranging flock of peafowl.” (mayfieldpark.org)
Events: Annual Mayfield Gardening Symposium, Monthly Volunteer Workdays, Guided Garden Tours, Special Group Projects
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Drive Time: 10min
Entrance Fee: $15 per person
Reservation Required: No
Dogs Allowed: No
Activites: Photography, Picnic, Birdwatching
What to Bring: Camera, water, snacks, sunscreen
What to Expect: “Explore the wildflowers and native plants of Texas in the beautiful gardens at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. See how native plants can be used to create sustainable landscapes, birdwatch on miles of wildflower-rimmed trails, and explore the stunning architecture reflective of Central Texas. The Center also can host your wedding and features green roofs, rainwater harvesting, art exhibitions, a café and gift shop. Witness the indelible impact Lady Bird Johnson had on the American environment, just a stone’s throw from Downtown Austin.” (austintexas.org)
Events: Tuesday Twilights, Nature Nights, Fall Native Plant Sale, Fortlandia, Power the Migration, Yoga, Wildlife Gardening
Barton Springs & Zilker Park
Drive Time: 5min
Entrance Fee: No
Reservation Required: No
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Activites: Hiking, Biking, Kayaking, Swimming, Photography, Team Sports
What to Bring: Water, snacks, picnic towel, games
What to Expect: “Zilker Metropolitan Park is Austin’s oldest metropolitan park. The park is located at the juncture of Barton Creek and Lady Bird Lake and comprises more than 350 acres of publicly owned land. The park includes amenities including Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, Austin Nature and Science Center, Zilker Hillside Theater, Umlauf Sculpture Gardens, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, and Barton Creek Trail.” (austintexas.gov)
Events: Austin City Limits Music Festival, Blues on the Green, ABC Kite Festival, Zilker Summer Musical, Trail of Lights
Circuit of the Americas
Drive Time: 30min
Entrance Fee: Yes
Reservation Required: Admission
Dogs Allowed: No
Activites: Motorsports, Photography
What to Bring: Water, snacks, picnic towel, sunscreen, camera (when permitted)
What to Expect: “Circuit of The Americas is the premier destination for world-class motorsports and entertainment in the United States. Set on 1,500 acres in the rolling hills just outside Downtown Austin, Circuit of The Americas has hosted the biggest names in racing, action sports and music since 2012. At its heart is a 3.41-mile racetrack that was designed to challenge the world’s most exacting competitors while providing a thrilling spectacle for audiences.” (circuitoftheamericas.com)
Events: Formula 1, MotoGP, NASCAR, FIA World Endurance Championship, Superlap Battle, Cars & Coffee, Karting, COTA Driving Experience, Peppermint Parkway, Bike Night, Concerts
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
Drive Time: 90min
Entrance Fee: Donation Only
Reservation Required: No
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Activites: Hiking, Photography, Birdwatching, Homesteading
What to Bring: Water, snacks, sunscreen, camera
What to Expect: “Lyndon B. Johnson, our 36th president, was born and raised in the Texas Hill Country. But his story is not the only one told here. Experience life on a Texas-German farm and marvel at American bison and Texas longhorns.
Take a self-guided tour of the World War I-era Sauer-Beckmann Farm. Rangers in period clothing raise crops, take care of animals and cook meals. They will answer your questions and talk about their work on the farm.” (tpwd.texas.gov)
Events: Ranger Programs, Homesteading, Christmas Tree Lighting, Self-Guided Tours,
Nearby: Fredricksburg, Pedernales Falls State Park, Johnson City
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Drive Time: 10min
Entrance Fee: No
Reservation Required: No
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Activites: Hiking, Biking, Photography, Birdwatching
What to Bring: Water, snacks, sunscreen, camera
What to Expect: “With over 12 miles to explore, the Barton Creek Greenbelt offers a variety of recreational activities and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can hike through scenic trails, wade in refreshing swimming holes, and bike along the rugged terrain renowned for its limestone cliffs. A trail map, trailhead listing, and hiking tips can be found below!
Several endangered species make their home along the creek, including the Golden Cheeked Warbler, Austin Blind Salamander, Barton Springs Salamander, and Bracted Twistflower.” (austintexas.gov)