Discover Greensboro
56 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
The Bog Garden at Benjamin Park
A compact boardwalk through a restored wetland with ponds, cattails, native wildflowers and abundant dragonflies, turtles and reflections. Photograph intimate nature scenes, seasonal blooms and misty dawns; fall brings color, spring brings wildflowers and pollinators. Open daylight with free parking at Benjamin Park; boardwalks are flat and wheelchair-accessible. Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for soft light, avoid mid-summer midday mosquitos, and pick weekday mornings for fewer visitors.
International Civil Rights Center & Museum
Historic site at the Woolworths lunch counter where the 1960 sit-ins began. Photograph powerful interior exhibits, the restored lunch counter, archival photos and emotional visitor interactions. Visit weekday mornings or late afternoons for gentler crowds and warm interior light. Check museum hours and photo policy at entry; parking available in nearby downtown lots. Be respectful — images document living history.
Robin B. Ward Meditation Garden & Groundcover Collection
A compact, tranquil meditation garden and curated groundcover beds offering close-up plant textures, layered compositions, and winding paths for intimate landscape shots. Best in spring/fall for color; early mornings or golden hour for soft, dappled light. Located inside Greensboro Arboretum with free entry and on-site parking; mostly wheelchair-accessible paved paths. Weekdays are quieter; expect shaded areas—bring macro and wide lenses.
Greensboro Arboretum
Greensboro Arboretum offers formal gardens, winding paths, seasonal flower beds and small ponds — ideal for closeups of blooms, landscape compositions with curated plantings, and reflections. Free entry and on-site parking; paved paths make most areas wheelchair-accessible. Visit spring for azaleas, early morning or golden hour for soft light, and weekdays to avoid families and groups.
Greensboro History Museum
Historic courthouse-turned-museum with a stately Beaux-Arts facade, period interiors and rotating local-history exhibits. Photograph the ornate exterior at golden hour, interiors and artifacts with controlled light, and street scenes on Summit/Elm. Weekday mornings have fewer visitors; museum has street and nearby lot parking, wheelchair access and small admission fees. Ask staff about photography rules for special exhibits.
Winter Wonderlights at the Greensboro Science Center
Seasonal illuminated trail through the Greensboro Science Center grounds featuring large light sculptures, animated displays, lit trees and reflections on nearby water — great for vibrant night photography, long exposures, and festive portraits. Visit during blue hour into full dark for best color; weekdays are less crowded. Grounds are paved and family-friendly; timed-entry tickets and on-site parking required. Dress warmly and expect cold, possibly wet conditions near water features.
Cascade Park
Cascade Park features wooded trails, river cascades and rocky outcrops — ideal for intimate waterscape and woodland shots. Visit after rain or in spring/fall for stronger flows and color. Best light is golden hour and blue hour; weekdays and early mornings are least crowded. No entry fee; street parking and small lots along Cascade Dr. Trails vary from paved to rocky—bring good shoes and weather protection.
City of Greensboro - Country Park
Country Park surrounds a large lake with shoreline, boardwalks, docks and wooded trails — ideal for reflections, waterfowl, and serene landscape compositions. Best at sunrise and golden hour for warm light and calm water; sunsets can produce dramatic skies over the lake. Park is free, has multiple parking lots and paved trails (some boardwalks and dirt paths), and is busy on weekends—weekday mornings offer the quietest shooting. Expect seasonal bird migrations and colorful fall foliage.
Carolina History & Haunts Greensboro Ghost Tour
Guided evening ghost walks through Greensboro’s historic downtown — photograph atmospheric façades, gaslit streets, century-old brickwork, and spooky alleyways that reveal the city’s Civil War and textile-era past. Tours run after dusk (best for moody low-light shots); bring low-light gear and expect crowds on weekends. Street parking and municipal garages near 300 W Washington St; some interiors may restrict tripods or flash. Respect guides and participants; tip guides before asking to stop for
Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden
Compact, well-maintained public garden with formal beds, fountains, arbors, a Japanese-style pond and seasonal floral displays — excellent for close-up botanicals, reflective water shots, and composed formal garden scenes. Best at golden hour or overcast for even color; spring and fall peak for blooms. Free entry and on-site parking; paved, wheelchair‑accessible paths make gear transport easy. Weekday mornings are quiet; weekends host events and weddings.
Greensboro Science Center
Indoor aquarium, hands-on science exhibits and outdoor zoo habitats offer a mix of close-up animal portraits (penguins, otters, raptors), colorful aquatic tanks, and architecturally interesting exhibit spaces. Best on weekday mornings for quieter galleries and active animals; golden hour improves warm light on outdoor enclosures. Onsite parking and paid admission; check timed-entry or special exhibit hours. Accessible paths and viewing platforms make composition straightforward for both wide and
LeBauer Park @ Greensboro Downtown Parks, Inc.
Compact modern urban park in downtown Greensboro with sculptural fountains, a shaded pavilion, amphitheater, terraced lawns and reflective water features. Great for candid street-park scenes, architectural details, and event/nightlight captures. Best light: golden hour for warm textures; blue hour for illuminated fountains and skyline reflections. Weekday mornings are quieter; events/festivals draw crowds. Easy street parking and nearby garages; flat, accessible pathways and no entry fee.
Center City Park @ Greensboro Downtown Parks, Inc.
Compact urban oasis in Greensboro’s downtown: a landscaped plaza with a central fountain, pergola, seasonal plantings, amphitheater and framed views of the skyline. Great for candid street scenes, architectural detail, water reflections and event/night photography. Visit at golden hour or after dusk when plaza lights and fountain jets pop. Free, ADA-accessible, no entry fee; street parking and several nearby garages on Elm/Church. Weekdays/early mornings are least crowded; check city events (far
Blandwood Museum
Blandwood Museum is a landmark mid-19th‑century Italianate villa with ornate exterior details, a distinctive tower, formal gardens and richly furnished period interiors — ideal for architectural and historic-detail shots. Visit at golden hour for warm facades; overcast days help reveal masonry detail. Weekday mornings see fewer visitors. Check museum hours and photo policy (flash/tripod often restricted). On‑site or nearby street parking; downtown Greensboro location makes combos with nearby urb
SKYWILD
SKYWILD is a hands-on astronomy center with a 40-ft dome theater, public telescope nights and interactive exhibits—great for dramatic interior shots of projected starfields, close-ups of antique instruments, and exterior night images of the observatory dome. Best visited during scheduled star parties or evening shows for active projections; weekdays and ticketed showtimes reduce crowds. Lighting is low and dynamic—expect fast-changing color from the dome. On-site parking and paid admission; trip
Taylor Garden
Taylor Garden is a compact, formal campus garden with seasonal flower beds, brick paths, benches and nearby collegiate brick architecture — great for intimate nature studies, floral close-ups and context shots that include historic buildings. Best light is golden hour or soft overcast; spring–early summer for peak blooms. The garden is publicly accessible on campus; parking is limited to nearby campus lots (check visitor rules). Weekday mornings are quieter.
9/11 Sculpture
Compact outdoor memorial sculpture honoring 9/11—striking lines and textures ideal for intimate, respectful compositions. The small plaza and surrounding trees create natural frames; late afternoon and blue hour emphasize contrast and mood. Easily accessible at street level with nearby on‑street or lot parking; no entry fee. Weekdays and early mornings are quieter; respect the solemn nature of the site.
The Rotary Club of Greensboro Carousel
A classic, hand-painted carousel with ornate horses, mirrored panels and warm bulbs — ideal for colorful detail shots, candid portraits of riders, and motion long-exposures. Best at golden hour and blue hour when lights contrast with sky; evenings bring the rides’ bulbs alive. Site is outdoors with adjacent parking; check local park hours and seasonal operation (may close in winter). Weekday mornings are quieter for setups and family-free frames.
Tannenbaum Historic Park
Tannenbaum Historic Park offers a mix of open lawns, mature trees, quiet trails and memorial markers—good for intimate landscape and historical-detail shots. Best at golden hour and in fall when foliage adds color. Easily accessible from New Garden Rd with free parking nearby; paths are mostly flat and walkable. No special permits for casual photography; visit weekdays or early mornings to avoid local families and dog walkers.
Gateway of the Open Book
A sculptural gateway along Greensboro's Downtown Greenway offering strong graphic lines and public art framing — ideal for architectural and urban storytelling. Shoot the arch against the skyline, include cyclists and walkers for scale, and capture evening lighting when site illumination contrasts with the sky. Easy street-level access, no entry fee, wheelchair friendly; parking and transit nearby. Best at golden hour or after dusk; weekdays are quieter.
Ambleside Gallery
Ambleside Gallery is a compact contemporary art space on South Elm St—photograph its storefront, window displays, gallery signage and street interactions to capture local cultural life. Best visited during golden hour or early evening when interior lighting and street lamps add depth; weekday mornings are quieter for unobstructed shots. Street parking and nearby public lots provide easy access; ask staff for interior permission before shooting exhibitions. The gallery's intimate scale and window
Weatherspoon Art Museum
Modern art museum on the UNC Greensboro campus featuring contemporary paintings, sculptures and light-filled galleries plus a striking exterior and plaza. Great for capturing color, texture, abstract details and human-scale shots of visitors interacting with art. Free admission; wheelchair accessible. Best on weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds. No flash and tripod policies vary—check current rules. Street and campus parking nearby.
Rolex Clock
A classic street clock and local landmark in downtown Greensboro—great for close-up detail shots of brass and glass, environmental portraits, and night shots with city lights. Street-level access with no entry fee; downtown parking garages and street meters nearby. Best at golden hour for warm side lighting, or blue hour to capture illuminated clock face against the skyline. Weekday mornings are quieter for unobstructed compositions.
First Horizon Coliseum
Modern multiuse arena with bold signage, curved rooflines and dynamic event lighting — great for architectural night shots, crowd/action photography during concerts or Greensboro Swarm games, and exterior compositions at dusk. Best visited at golden hour/dusk for warm light and illuminated signage; interior/event access requires ticketed entry and follows venue security rules. Large surface parking nearby provides easy gear loading; accessible entrances and ADA seating are available. Weekday day
J Wesley's Memorial
J Wesley's Memorial sits beside North Buffalo Creek — a modest waterside monument framed by riparian trees and seasonal wildflowers. Photographers can capture intimate environmental portraits of the memorial, reflective creek compositions, and textured close-ups. Best at golden hour or after rain for reflections; site is roadside-accessible with informal parking and light footpaths. Expect limited facilities; visit weekdays for quiet. Respect memorial conventions.
Lake Daniel Park
Small urban park centered on a calm lake with a boardwalk, trees and wildlife — ideal for reflection shots, intimate nature frames and golden-hour skies. Best at sunrise or sunset for soft light and mirror reflections; weekdays and early mornings reduce walkers. Easy street parking on Mimosa Dr; flat, accessible paths and no entry fee. Expect seasonal color changes and local waterfowl as subjects.
Hester Park
Small neighborhood park with ponds, wooded trails, open lawns and a pavilion—good for intimate landscapes, water reflections, seasonal foliage and candid family/park life. Best visited at golden hour or after rain for richer reflections and fewer people. Easy access from Deutzia St with street parking; paths are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. No entry fee; check local event schedules for closures. Mild seasonal changes (spring blooms, autumn color) make repeat visits rewarding.
Deese Clock Tower
A stately campus clock tower set among historic brick buildings and mature trees—ideal for architecture and urban portraiture. Shoot details of the clock face, tower silhouettes against sky, and framed compositions using pathways or nearby benches. Best at golden hour or blue hour when warm light and tower illumination add drama. Easily accessible on Bennett College grounds; parking nearby on Bluford St or campus lots (respect campus hours). Weekday mornings are quieter; check for college events
Safari Nation Greensboro
Small, family-friendly wildlife park with a mix of exotic mammals, birds and interactive exhibits — great for close animal portraits, behavior shots and environmental context. Best light is morning and late afternoon (golden hour); weekdays and early openings avoid crowds. On-site parking and paid admission; check feeding/show schedules to catch active animals. Paths are stroller/wheelchair friendly; expect mesh/glass in some enclosures.
David Caldwell Historic Park
Small historic park featuring preserved 18–19th century structures, shaded paths, open lawns and a modest cemetery — strong for intimate heritage and environmental portraits. Visit golden hour or overcast days for even light; weekdays/early mornings minimize visitors. On-site parking and easy walking; respect memorials and local etiquette.
Benbow Park
Small neighborhood park with pond, tree-lined trails and open lawns—good for tranquil nature shots, reflections on water, seasonal foliage and candid neighborhood activity. Best at golden hour or just after sunrise for soft light and calm water; weekdays and early mornings avoid families and sports. Easy public access with free parking at the lot, paved paths for low-impact gear; no entry fee. Expect typical suburban park rules and friendly local use.
Starmount Park
Small neighborhood park with mature trees, walking trails and a reflective pond — great for intimate landscape compositions, seasonal foliage and water reflections. Easy access with free parking off Starmount Drive, paved paths (wheelchair friendly), no entry fee. Best light at golden hour and early misty mornings for reflections; weekdays are quieter. Expect casual recreation — respectful, low-key shooting works best.
Hunter Hills Park
Small neighborhood park with open grassy hills, mature trees and a sheltered pond area—good for intimate landscapes, seasonal foliage and casual wildlife (ducks). Easy on-foot access from parking at Gentry St, no entry fee. Best light at golden hour (sunrise/sunset) for warm side-light on trees and reflections in the water. Weekday mornings have fewer visitors; paved paths and picnic areas make gear transport easy. Expect standard suburban noise; pack a polarizer for water and foliage contrast.
Lindley Park
Small neighborhood park with mature shade trees, open lawns, walking paths and seasonal plantings — great for intimate landscape, candid community and golden-hour shots. Easy, free access with street parking and a small lot; no entry fee. Best light at sunrise/sunset; weekdays are quieter. Bring a polarizer in summer for richer foliage and watch for fall color contrasts.
Big Tree Way Park
Small neighborhood park with mature hardwoods, winding paths and open lawns — ideal for intimate nature, seasonal foliage and quiet landscape shots. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm side-light and long shadows; visit autumn for color and early spring for blossoms. Easy roadside parking on Big Tree Way, free entry, mostly flat and partially ADA-accessible paths. Weekday mornings are least crowded. Bring a polarizer for leaves and a tripod for low-light shots.
Hester park
Small neighborhood park with wooded trails, a meandering creek and open grassy areas—good for intimate landscape, seasonal foliage and creek reflections. Free entry and street parking on Betula St; paths are easy but can be muddy after rain. Visit at golden hour or early weekday mornings for soft light and few people; fall and spring offer strongest colors.
Cone boulevard Tunnel
A short urban road underpass with textured concrete, graffiti accents and leading lines — strong for abstract architectural and night photography. Easy roadside access with limited parking; best at golden hour for soft side light or after dark for lit concrete and car trails. Weekdays are quieter; watch traffic and pedestrian safety.
Old Peck Park
Small neighborhood park with a pond, walking trails and mature trees — strong for reflections, intimate nature scenes and seasonal color. Best at golden hour or after rain for glassy water; weekdays and early mornings are quiet. Easy street parking, no entry fee, accessible paths and benches.
Hillwood: The Singing Snowman
A quirky roadside attraction: a large singing snowman sculpture visible from Kemp Rd E. Shoot its whimsical character, seasonal lighting and surrounding suburban context. Best at golden hour or after dark when colored lights animate the figure. Accessible from the street with roadside parking — respect private property and view from public sidewalk/road. Weekday mornings are quieter; no formal entry required but check local signage.
Miriam P. Brenner Children's Museum
Small, family-focused museum with colorful hands-on exhibits and dynamic play spaces—great for candid children's portraits, close-up detail shots of textures and interactive installations, and exterior urban-context frames on N Church St. Visit weekday mornings or right at opening to avoid crowds; interior lighting is mixed LED so expect uneven color balance. Building is downtown with metered street parking and nearby garages; check entry/ticketing and obtain parental consent before shooting on‑
Airbound Trampoline Park
Indoor action photography at a family-oriented trampoline park—capture airborne motion, dynamic body shapes, foam-pit dives, colorful LED courts and geometric trampoline grids. Best visited on weekday mornings or early sessions for fewer crowds; evenings have dramatic colored lighting. Indoor artificial light requires high ISO and fast lenses. Check online for entry waivers, grip-sock rules and ample free parking at the plaza. Accessibility limited for active areas; staff may allow brief photo‑s
Norfolk Southern MP 291.5
A rail milepost location on Norfolk Southern tracks offering classic freight-train and industrial-rural compositions: long converging rails, passing locomotives, signals and weathered infrastructure framed by pines and open sky. Best at golden hour or blue hour for dramatic light and color; midweek mornings have fewer people and less road traffic. Access from Mackay Rd with roadside parking—stay off tracks and respect private property. No formal entry requirements but obtain permission for close
ACC Hall of Champions
Small museum within the Greensboro/Coliseum complex showcasing ACC trophies, banners, athlete exhibits and dynamic interior architecture. Best on weekday mornings or late afternoons when crowds are low; lighting is mixed museum LEDs so expect low light and reflective surfaces. Parking at the Coliseum complex is ample; check opening hours and photography rules (no flash/tripods often). A good stop for detail shots, environmental portraits, and compositional frames using banners and display cases.
Merryweather Park
Merryweather Park offers wooded trails, open lawns and small water features ideal for intimate landscape and nature shots. Best at golden hour or after rain for saturated colors and reflections; spring blooms and fall foliage add variety. Park is publicly accessible with a parking lot and paved paths—weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. No entry fee; expect quiet suburban park scenes rather than dramatic vistas.
O’Henry Book Statue
Bronze statue of short‑story writer O. Henry seated on a bench with an open book, set on downtown Greensboro’s Elm Street pedestrian corridor. Great for environmental portraits, detail shots of the sculpture and contextual street scenes. Easily accessible on public sidewalk with no entry fee; metered street parking and nearby garages. Best light at golden hour or after dark when streetlights add mood; weekday mornings are quieter. Respect local foot traffic and nearby businesses.
Hester Park Facility
A neighborhood park with trails, mature trees and open fields—good for seasonal foliage, intimate nature shots and candid community/park-life images. Easy public access with on-site parking and no entry fees; small crowds on weekday mornings. Best light: golden hour for warm tree and field textures, overcast for even portrait light. Expect typical suburban park amenities and easy wheelchair/stroller access on paved paths.
Greensboro Arboretum Parking
Small parking and entry point for Greensboro Arboretum — gateway to themed gardens, specimen trees, ponds and walking paths. Photograph seasonal blooms (spring azaleas, summer perennials), reflected ponds, formal garden layouts and textured bark. Best at golden hour for warm side-lighting and long shadows; spring and fall offer peak color. Free, level parking with easy trail access; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter; expect family/outdoor-use activity on weekends.
Blanche S. Benjamin Overlook
Small roadside overlook offering a compact panoramic view of Greensboro and surrounding tree-lined ridges — strong for skyline silhouettes, seasonal foliage, and golden-hour color. Easy, free access from Ashland Dr with limited curbside parking and a short paved approach; likely uncrowded on weekdays. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm side-light and at clear nights for city lights. No entry fees; check weather for visibility.
1511 Walnut Street
An urban streetscape address in Greensboro offering classic downtown composition opportunities: brick façades, storefronts, street trees and passing traffic. Ideal for capturing everyday city life, architectural details and evening neon. Easily accessible on foot or by car; expect metered street parking and nearby public lots. Best light is golden hour and blue hour for lit storefronts; weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. No special entry requirements — shoot from public sidewalks. Greats
Celebration Station
Family entertainment complex with brightly colored rides, go-kart track, mini‑golf, arcade facades and neon signage — good for dynamic action shots, candid family moments and night‑time neon compositions. Best visited at golden hour for warm outdoor light or after dusk for vibrant neon; weekdays and early evenings reduce crowds. On-site parking is ample; most attractions are pay-per-ride so plan time and tickets. Accessible walkways but check ride rules for tripod use during events.
Guilford College Lake
Small, tranquil campus lake with boardwalks, oak and pine-lined shores, reflections and resident waterfowl — great for reflective waterscapes, intimate landscape shots and birding. Best at sunrise or golden hour for soft light and mirror reflections; autumn for color and winter for stark silhouettes. Easy access on Guilford College campus with nearby parking lots; no fee but respect campus hours and paths. Weekdays are quieter.
Bicentennial Greenway Temporary Route
A short urban greenway linking neighborhoods with streams, wetland pockets, pedestrian bridges and tree-lined paths — great for intimate landscape and nature shots, seasonal foliage and cyclists. Best at golden hour or after rain for reflections; weekdays and early mornings avoid runners and dog walkers. Flat, accessible trail with free roadside parking nearby; no entry fee. Expect mixed urban background — ideal for environmental portraiture and long-exposure waterscapes.
Breakout Games
Breakout Games is an indoor escape-room center with themed sets, props and puzzle details — great for capturing staged interiors, candid group reactions, and close-ups of tactile puzzles. Book in advance; weekdays and early evenings are quieter. Located in a plaza with free parking. Lighting is controlled and often low — expect dramatic directional lamps and practicals rather than daylight. Accessibility is generally good but check room-specific constraints for mobility. No flash policy may bes
Kofile Technologies
A commercial/industrial campus with modern low-rise warehouses, branded signage and landscaped frontage—good for architectural and urban-industrial studies. Shoot exterior forms, loading bay details, and reflective glass in soft light. Accessible from Thorndike Rd with on-site parking; it's an active private facility so request permission for close-up or interior work. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm façades and crisp shadows; weekday mornings have least activity and parking.
TOADCREEK BROADCASTING SYSTEM NC
Small local broadcast facility with low-slung studio building, rooftop antenna arrays and industrial signage — good for gritty urban/industrial shots, textures and utility-themed compositions. Best at golden hour for warm side-lighting or after dark to capture illuminated signs and antenna silhouettes. On private property; photograph from public sidewalk or parking lot. Weekday daytime offers easy parking and low foot traffic. No special entry — ask permission for close-up or interior shots. Be谨
Bumper Jumpers Indoor Playground
Indoor, family-focused play center with colorful inflatables, obstacle courses and active kids — great for action, motion and detail shots. Best on weekday mornings for lower crowds; evenings and weekends host birthday parties and are busy. Low, mixed artificial light; bring permission if photographing children. Free parking and easy access off W Gate City Blvd. Good for reportage-style family photos and vibrant detail compositions.