Austin, Texas, is renowned not only for its vibrant live music and distinctive cuisine but also as a haven for photography enthusiasts. Boasting countless unique perspectives, from colorful artistic murals to majestic natural landscapes, Austin promises unforgettable experiences and timeless photos. Let’s explore the most beautiful photo spots in this city!
Waterloo Park
Waterloo Park, located at 500 E 12th Street, Austin, TX 78701, is a lush green oasis in the heart of the city. With its expansive area and modern design, this park offers endless opportunities for your creative expression. From verdant lawns and shady trees to unique sculptures, every corner of Waterloo Park provides a perfect backdrop for impressive photographs.
The park’s operating hours are from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, including the Moody Amphitheater. However, hours may vary on days with special events.
Map of Waterloo Park, showing the locations of different areas
Visitors can find parking at the nearby Capitol Visitor Parking Garage, located at 1201 San Jacinto Blvd. Daytime parking is free for the first 2 hours, then charged at $1 per half hour. The maximum daily fee is $12. Please note that overnight parking is not allowed, and special event rates may apply. Additionally, paid evening and weekend parking is available at the State of Texas Garage A & F.
Moody Amphitheater
Located within Waterloo Park at 1401 N Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701, the Moody Amphitheater is an ideal spot for those who love capturing stage and architectural photography. With its unique design and modern outdoor performance space, this theater hosts numerous distinctive music and art events.
The box office opens on any day there is an event at the venue. On most event days, the box office will open at 5:00 PM and remain open until the headliner takes the stage. Tickets can be purchased for any Moody Amphitheater event during operating hours.
South Congress (SoCo) Street Art
South Congress Avenue, also known as SoCo, is a vibrant neighborhood filled with colorful street art murals. This is one of the most beautiful photo spots in Austin, especially for those who love street photography and are looking for unique and edgy backdrops.
The murals in SoCo are frequently updated, offering delightful surprises with each visit. You can find artworks with diverse themes, from abstract paintings to vivid portraits.
Congress Avenue Bridge (Bat Bridge)
The Congress Avenue Bridge, or Bat Bridge, is one of Austin’s most famous landmarks. Each evening, millions of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the bridge to hunt for food, creating an incredibly impressive spectacle. This is a fantastic opportunity to capture unique photos of wildlife right in the heart of the city.
The ideal time to photograph the bat emergence is about 30 minutes after sunset, from March to November. You can stand on the bridge or rent a boat for the best viewing angles.
Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake is a man-made reservoir located in downtown Austin. With walking and biking trails surrounding the lake, it’s an ideal spot for capturing landscape and outdoor activity photos. You can photograph sunrise or sunset over the lake, or capture joyful moments of locals engaging in water sports.
Additionally, you can rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the lake and take photos from different perspectives.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden is an outdoor museum displaying sculptures by sculptor Charles Umlauf. With its lush green space and unique artworks, this is an ideal location for portrait and art photography.
The natural light in the garden changes throughout the day, creating different effects on the sculptures. You can visit the garden in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting.
Zilker Hillside
Zilker Hillside is a small hill located within Zilker Park, one of the largest parks in Austin. From the hilltop, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, including the Austin skyline and Lady Bird Lake. This is a great spot for capturing panoramic and landscape photos.
You can climb the hill at any time of day, but the best times are at sunrise or sunset, when the light is soft and the colors are vibrant.
Waterloo Park Rules to Note
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit, please note the following rules at Waterloo Park:
- No littering.
- No glass bottles.
- No outside alcohol except in designated areas.
- No smoking, vaping, or illegal drug use.
- No unleashed pets.
- No skateboarding, scooters, or motorized vehicles.
- No climbing buildings and railings.
- No entering Waller Creek or feeding wildlife.
- No entering garden beds or disturbing flowers and plants.
- No obstructing entrances, sidewalks, and trails.
- No amplified sound or performances without a permit.
- No commercial activity including photography without a permit.
- No camping, except with a permit.
All visitors must comply with City of Austin and Parks & Recreation rules and ordinances.
Waterloo Park Accessibility
Waterloo Park is designed and built for people of all abilities. Providing equitable access for people with disabilities at Waterloo Park and future park spaces along Waterloo Greenway is a top priority. Upon opening, Waterloo Park will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
There are multiple ADA Entrances along the perimeter of Waterloo Park, and State Garages have ADA parking spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis on event nights.
If you require interpreting services for an event at Moody Amphitheater, please provide at least 2 weeks’ notice to ensure arrangements can be made.
Conclusion
Austin, Texas, is a dynamic and diverse city, offering countless opportunities for you to unleash your creativity and capture stunning photographs. From street art murals to majestic natural landscapes, each location in Austin has its own unique charm. We hope this list helps you discover the best photo spots in Austin and create memorable moments. Wishing you a fun and successful trip!