Hip, artsy, and happening, Austin is everything an Instagrammer could want in the race to up their ‘gram game. No matter what your visual brand may be, the capital of the Lone Star State is here for you. From ultra-chic environs to gorgeous natural settings, the city is teeming with photo ops that will make your stream stand out from the rest.
Barton Springs
Photo credit: Lars Plougmann on Visual hunt / CC BY-SA
From its always-cool-cold water to its natural stone banks and grassy slopes dotted with ancient pecan trees, Barton Springs is as Austin as it gets. Aside from being the most iconic swimming area in town, it’s also wildly photogenic. Whether you pay to get into the pool or bring your pup for a dip in the free side known locally as “barking springs,” you’re sure to get a good shot.
Mueller Park
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On the site of the old Mueller Airport, an incredible mixed-use development has blossomed. From LBJ’s old wooden airplane hangar to the spider sculpture on the jogging trail, there’s no shortage of eye candy in this area. If you prefer an urban sight, mosey into any of the high-end, high-design eateries nearby.
McKinney Falls State Park
Photo credit: Monica’s Dad on VisualHunt.com / CC BY
Okay, it might not be right inside the city limits, but less than 20 minutes away, McKinney Falls offers a fantastic world of flowing water and incredible rock formations. Nature lovers won’t want to miss out on this golden opportunity for a photo.
Mayfield Park
Photo credit: akasped on VisualHunt / CC BY
If peacocks are your thing, you definitely need to get over to Mayfield Park where these proud beasts wander freely and are happy to pose for a photo. Ponds, nature, and peacocks–what more could you want? This is a secluded corner of old Austin at its finest, and right down the road from another extraordinarily picturesque spot for a photo op …
Mount Bonnell
Photo credit: crockodile on VisualHunt.com / CC BY
One of the best spots to see the sunset over the Colorado River, Mount Bonnell is just a short hike up from street level. It’s open to the public and dogs are welcome, so go ahead and get your golden hour on from one of the premier peaks in Austin. It’s striking at sunrise, too. You may find yourself having to fight for footing when the Texas Rollergirls or other fitness enthusiasts run up the steps to the top.
Uncommon Objects
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For some of the weirdest, coolest, most well-curated collections of artifacts, check out the most celebrated antique store in town. Browse isles of taxidermy, masonic imagery, vintage lamps, and so much more in search of the perfect item to display or the perfect photo to wow your followers with.
The State Capitol
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The largest statehouse in the country, Austin’s capitol building is a photogenic marvel, inside and out. It’s one of the city’s most picturesque Pokeman Go places, if the kids are still into that sort of thing. Well worth a visit, walk the grounds, tour the dome, and don’t stop until you get the perfect capture for your photostream.
Francesca Singer is a native Austinite and landscape architect who is passionate about plants, DIY home restoration, and travel. When not writing, she can be found working in the garden, wrangling her toddler, or wielding power tools in Texas or rural France.
