Discover San Antonio
136 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
San Antonio River Walk
A picturesque urban waterway with lush greenery, historic bridges, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Offers endless photography opportunities, from twinkling lights to colorful umbrellas.
Tower of the Americas
A 750-foot tower with a revolving restaurant and stunning views of the city. Ideal for panoramic cityscapes and unique architecture.
The San Antonio River Walk
A picturesque urban waterway with lush greenery, historic bridges, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues. Ideal for capturing both urban charm and natural beauty.
Japanese Tea Gardens
Located in Brackenridge Park, this former limestone quarry turned garden offers serene landscapes, stone arch bridges, koi ponds, and a 60-foot waterfall. Perfect for nature and portrait photography.
La Villita Historic Arts Village
A historic arts district with colorful Victorian and limestone buildings, cobblestone pathways, and artistic murals. Ideal for capturing cultural and historic scenes.
San Antonio Mission Trail (near Bulverde)
Although not directly in Bulverde, the San Antonio Mission Trail offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. It's ideal for capturing architectural details of the missions and the surrounding landscape.
Hays Street Bridge
An elevated bridge offering panoramic views of the San Antonio skyline, ideal for capturing urban landscapes and cityscapes.
San Antonio Riverwalk
A picturesque network of walkways lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and art, offering vibrant urban culture and natural beauty. It's ideal for capturing family portraits, maternity photos, and romantic couples portraits.
River Walk
A scenic waterway running through San Antonio, offering picturesque views with bridges, fountains, and lush greenery. It's perfect for capturing urban landscapes and romantic moments.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (Mission San José)
Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 18th-century mission offers grand Spanish colonial architecture, quiet gardens, and evocative ruins. It’s a prime location for historical, architectural, and documentary photography[3][4].
Southwest School of Art
Southwest School of Art in San Antonio is known for its beautiful architecture and gardens. It's an excellent spot for capturing artistic and architectural photography.
Japanese Tea Garden
A former limestone quarry transformed into a lush, Asian-inspired garden with dramatic waterfalls, koi ponds, stone bridges, and shaded walkways—ideal for nature and portrait photography.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park - Mission San José
One of the largest and most impressive Spanish colonial missions, offering a mix of history and architecture for photography.
Mission San Juan Capistrano (San Antonio Missions)
Part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, it offers historical and architectural photography opportunities with its beautiful stone structures and tranquil surroundings.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (Mission Concepción)
Part of the San Antonio Missions, Mission Concepción is a historic site with beautiful architecture and significant cultural importance, ideal for historical and architectural photography.
The Tower of the Americas
A 750-foot-tall observation tower in the heart of downtown, featuring panoramic city and sunset views, glass floors, and dramatic architecture—ideal for urban, aerial, and night skyline shots[2].
The Arneson River Theatre
An outdoor amphitheater located on the Riverwalk, offering beautiful views of the San Antonio River and historic architecture.
McNay Courtyard and Garden
A tranquil oasis offering a mix of art and nature, featuring beautiful gardens and modern architecture.
San Fernando Cathedral
A beautiful cathedral with stunning architecture and historical significance, ideal for nighttime photography.
El Mercado (Market Square)
A vibrant public square filled with color and culture, El Mercado is ideal for capturing lively street scenes and cultural experiences, featuring shops, eateries, and festivals.
Arneson River Theater
A historic outdoor theater overlooking the River Walk, offering unique architecture and scenic views. Ideal for capturing performances and cityscapes.
The Mission Reach
A scenic stretch along the San Antonio River, offering natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor photography.
Civic Park at Hemisfair
This vibrant park is home to the iconic Tower of the Americas and offers a dynamic urban setting for photography. It's perfect for capturing family portraits with a city skyline or incorporating the park's artistic features.
Majestic Theatre Marquee
An iconic neon sign providing a classic San Antonio photo opportunity.
Hemisfair
A vibrant public park with a mix of contemporary design and scenic views of the city, perfect for street and urban photography.
Downtown San Antonio
The bustling downtown area features a mix of modern and historic architecture, vibrant street life, and iconic landmarks like the Tower of the Americas. It is ideal for urban and street photography.
Hemisfair Park (Hemisphere Park)
A vibrant urban park with significant public art installations and a lively atmosphere. It's ideal for capturing street life, cultural events, and unique architectural features.
San Antonio Botanical Garden
A beautiful garden with diverse plant species and scenic walkways. Offers a peaceful setting for nature and botanical photography.
The Riverwalk Near The Pearl
This section of the Riverwalk offers a mix of urban and natural beauty, with the opportunity to capture both the river and the modern architecture of the Pearl area. The area is constantly evolving, providing a dynamic backdrop for photos.
The Pearl Brewery
A vibrant urban location with a mix of historic charm and modern elements, offering a blend of old and new textures for dynamic portraits.
McNay Art Museum
A modern art museum with beautiful grounds offering a mix of architecture and art. Ideal for capturing outdoor sculptures and building design.
The Pearl
An upscale shopping and dining district with a mix of modern and industrial-chic architecture. It offers a lively atmosphere and is great for capturing urban lifestyle and architectural details.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park - Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de los Hainais
A well-preserved mission with a stunning facade and beautiful grounds, ideal for historical and architectural photography.
Mission San Jose
Mission San Jose is a well-preserved Spanish mission with beautiful architecture and a historic setting, offering opportunities for historical and architectural photography.
Mission Reach (San Antonio Missions Park)
An urban linear park along the San Antonio River connecting the city’s historic missions. The riverbanks, hiking trails, and restored wetlands are ideal for landscape, wildlife, and interpretive photography.
King William
A charming neighborhood known for its historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene, offering opportunities for street and architectural photography.
San Antonio River Walk - Downtown Reach
The San Antonio River Walk in downtown San Antonio is an iconic urban waterway featuring a picturesque network of walkways shaded by beautiful cypress trees and lined with vibrant restaurants, shops, and historical landmarks. This specific location at 849 E Commerce St offers a lively blend of architecture, natural river scenes, and cultural ambiance that makes it ideal for photography. Key features to capture include the gently flowing San Antonio River framed by stone bridges, lush landscaping, and the colorful canopies of café umbrellas that give the area a festive, welcoming atmosphere. The mix of natural light, reflections on the water, and architectural details make this a versatile spot for both daytime and golden hour shots. Photographers can also exploit the dynamic contrast between brightly lit outdoor spaces and the darker river shadows to create mood and depth in their compositions.
The McNay Art Museum
Known for its stunning architecture and art collection, the McNay Art Museum offers a unique blend of modern and Spanish Colonial Revival styles. It is an excellent spot for architectural photography.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park - Mission San Juan Capistrano
A well-preserved mission with a stunning facade and beautiful grounds, ideal for historical and architectural photography.
Majestic Theater
A historic theater known for its stunning architecture and ornate details. It's a great spot for capturing classic and cultural photography.
Arneson River Theatre
A charming outdoor theater along the River Walk, offering picturesque views and cultural performances.
Confluence Park
A modern park with unique architectural elements and a focus on sustainability, Confluence Park offers a blend of architecture and nature. It features a large model of the San Antonio River and intriguing geometric shapes.
Mission Reach
This area preserves the natural beauty of the San Antonio River and offers a glimpse into the city's history with remnants of Spanish missions. It's ideal for capturing landscape and historical photography.
The Historic Pearl Brewery
This historic area combines old architecture with modern amenities, making it a great spot for capturing urban renewal and historic preservation themes.
Riverwalk Near The Pearl
This section of the Riverwalk offers a mix of natural and urban scenery, with opportunities to capture historic buildings, bridges, and the serene river.
The Alamo
A historic mission and symbol of Texas' fight for independence. Crowded but iconic for capturing historical architecture and cultural significance.
Woodlawn Lake Park
Woodlawn Lake Park is a charming spot for photography, offering serene lake views, walking trails, and a picturesque setting perfect for capturing candid family moments or serene landscapes. The park features a lighthouse, making it a unique backdrop for photos. Sunrises and sunsets here are particularly beautiful, providing a warm glow to your shots.
Mission Reach of the San Antonio Missions
A historic parkway along the San Antonio River that connects four Spanish colonial missions. It offers a blend of historical architecture and natural landscapes.
The Pearl District
An upscale urban area with trendy shops, restaurants, and modern architecture. Offers a mix of urban and lifestyle photography opportunities.
The Majestic Marquee
A classic San Antonio landmark offering a dynamic and iconic backdrop for photos, especially at night.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
A collection of four Spanish colonial missions, including the Alamo. It offers a rich historical and cultural experience with opportunities for landscape and architecture photography.
La Villita
Located in the heart of San Antonio, La Villita is a historic arts village with colorful buildings and vibrant street life. It's ideal for street photography, capturing the essence of urban life and cultural events.
King William District
A charming neighborhood with Victorian-era homes, offering a quaint backdrop for architectural and street photography.
Tower of the Americas Fountains
A picturesque spot with a garden of fountains, offering both daytime tranquility and nighttime elegance.
Casa Navarro State Historic Site
A historic home and museum showcasing the life of Tejano leader José Antonio Navarro, offering opportunities for architectural and historical photography.
Landa Library Gardens
A picturesque garden setting with a historic library, offering peaceful natural beauty and elegant architecture for photography.
San Antonio Zoo
Located within Brackenridge Park, the San Antonio Zoo is a great spot for wildlife photography with diverse animal species and scenic gardens.
Phil Hardberger Park West
A large urban park offering a mix of nature trails and open green spaces, ideal for capturing wildlife and landscapes.
Pearl District
The Pearl District is an upscale urban area known for its architecture, restaurants, and boutiques. It provides a chic backdrop for urban photography.
San Antonio Museum of Art
A museum with a beautiful garden and a blend of modern and historic architecture, offering opportunities for architectural and fine art photography.
San Pedro Creek Culture Park
A recently revitalized urban creek and promenade with art installations, water features, and pedestrian bridges. Its contemporary art and waterworks create a dynamic, ever-changing cityscape for photography.
San Pedro Creek
A scenic creek running through the heart of San Antonio, offering opportunities for nature and waterscape photography.
Eisenhower Park
A large park with trails and natural beauty, offering opportunities for landscape and nature photography.
Brackenridge Park
Brackenridge Park offers greenery, riverside paths, and a balance of urban and natural environments, providing opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
Mission San José
One of the San Antonio Missions, Mission San José is a historical site with Spanish architecture, offering a rich cultural backdrop for photography.
Denman Estate Park
A scenic park with a historic mansion and beautiful gardens, offering serene natural surroundings for photography.
Hemisfair Park
A vibrant urban park with a mix of natural and architectural elements, located at the foot of the Tower of the Americas.
San Antonio Missions
A series of historic missions located near Stockdale, offering architectural and historical photography opportunities. Photographers can capture the missions' unique architecture and cultural significance.
Palm 91
A studio designed for Instagram-worthy backdrops and unique installations, constantly changing for fresh photo opportunities.
Majestic Theatre
Known for its elegant marquee, this theater is a hotspot for retro-style photography.
Patio in front of the Central Library
A surreal setting with geometric shapes and vibrant colors, ideal for stylized photography.
King William / Southtown Arts District
This district features historic homes and a romantic vibe, perfect for capturing residential architecture and candid street moments.
San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA)
Housed in a beautifully repurposed historic brewery, SAMA features massive industrial architecture, contemporary galleries, and an expansive collection of global art. The contrast of old and new is perfect for architectural and art photography.
McAllister Park
A natural setting with rustic landscapes, ideal for capturing peaceful and romantic portraits. It offers a serene ambiance, especially during early morning hours.
Roosevelt Park
This park offers scenic views of the Riverwalk and is ideal for capturing both natural and urban elements in your photographs. The park's proximity to the river makes it a great spot for wildlife and water photography.
Mission Espada
One of the Spanish missions in San Antonio, offering historic architecture and serene landscapes. Perfect for capturing cultural and historical scenes.
Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
A modernist performing arts center with dramatic glass and metal exteriors—perfect for urban, architectural, and night photography.
Witte Museum
A museum focusing on natural history and science, the Witte Museum offers unique architectural features and gardens for photography.
Travis Park
A historic park in downtown San Antonio, offering opportunities for urban photography amidst its vibrant atmosphere and historic surroundings.
Comanche Lookout Park
A large park with scenic views of the city and diverse wildlife, offering opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
The McNay's Outdoor Sculpture Garden
A unique garden featuring modern sculptures amidst natural surroundings. Ideal for art and nature photography.
Stone Oak Park
A scenic park with natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor photography.
Mission Concepcion
One of the best preserved Spanish missions, featuring original frescoes, a romantic stone facade, and a quiet, spiritual atmosphere—excellent for historical and architectural photography.
Hardberger Park Land Bridge
A unique park feature connecting two parts of Phil Hardberger Park, offering opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography.
Phil Hardberger Park
Phil Hardberger Park features nature trails, open green spaces, and a unique urban to natural transition, offering opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography.
Landa Park Drive Historic District
A quiet residential enclave featuring early 20th-century homes, mature trees, and tranquil streets. The atmosphere is perfect for quiet neighborhood, vintage, and portrait photography.
Friedrich Wilderness Park
A nature preserve with diverse wildlife and natural landscapes, suitable for nature and wildlife photography.
Arneson River Theater & La Villita Steps
A picturesque location for photography with steps leading up to La Villita, offering a mix of architecture and natural beauty.
San Pedro Creek at Navarro Street
A less crowded spot for family portraits or model headshots, featuring greenery, rocks, and an industrial backdrop.
Landa Library Gardens (Alternate Side)
This lesser-visited side of the Landa Library Gardens offers a more secluded and peaceful setting for photography. It features serene natural beauty and unique angles away from the main library area.
Landa Library & Gardens
A beautiful library surrounded by gardens, offering a serene and elegant backdrop for photography.
Historic Market Square Gateway
A vibrant entrance to Market Square, offering colorful street art and lively atmosphere. It's ideal for capturing street life and cultural events.
Elmendorf Lake Park
Located in a bustling urban area, Elmendorf Lake Park offers a mix of natural beauty and urban backdrop. It's ideal for capturing family portraits against the lake's serene backdrop or incorporating the surrounding cityscape.
King William Historic District
A charming neighborhood with historic homes, perfect for capturing architectural charm and street scenes.
El Mercado
El Mercado is a vibrant marketplace filled with colorful stalls and lively atmosphere. It offers great opportunities for street photography and capturing cultural moments.
Back side of Market Square
A cultural hub with colorful decorations and authentic Mexican flair, especially attractive after sunset.
The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
A quirky 19th-century saloon now a museum, filled with Western artifacts, taxidermy, and vintage interiors. Offers unique opportunities for documentary, interior, and street-style photography.
Government Canyon State Natural Area (nearby)
Located near San Antonio, this area offers hiking trails and scenic views of the Texas Hill Country.
Arneson River Theater & La Villita
A picturesque outdoor amphitheater where musical and theater performances are held, offering scenic views of the River Walk and La Villita's historic charm.
Lady Bird Johnson Park
A scenic park with trails and natural landscapes, suitable for nature and landscape photography.
Pearsall Park
A large park with trails and open green spaces, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography.
Market Square (Back Side)
The back side of Market Square, especially the alleyway behind La Margarita, offers a more secluded and authentic Mexican vibe, perfect for capturing old-world charm.
The Quarry Golf Course
A unique golf course built in an old quarry, offering dramatic landscapes andpectives for landscape and sports photography.
Blue Star Arts Complex
The Blue Star Arts Complex is known for its vibrant murals and creative energy, offering great opportunities for street and urban photography.
Hot Wells Park
A scenic park with natural springs and historic features, suitable for nature and historical photography.
Market Square (El Mercado)
Market Square is a vibrant area with a mix of old Mexico charm and modern urban life, providing opportunities for street and cultural photography.
San Pedro Springs Park
One of the oldest parks in the United States, featuring natural springs and a serene atmosphere, suitable for nature and portrait photography.
Lockwood Park
A small urban park with a pond, fountain, and ample shade—great for relaxed family, portrait, and picnic photography away from downtown crowds.
Back Side of Market Square (Alleyway)
A quaint alleyway behind the main square, offering a secluded spot for capturing intimate moments and vintage settings.
Huebner-Onion Natural Area
A natural area featuring diverse plant species and wildlife, suitable for nature and wildlife photography.
Landa Library and Gardens
This location offers timeless elegance with its gardens and architectural details. It is ideal for capturing peaceful and serene moments, especially during the golden hour.
Concepcion Park
Located alongside the Riverwalk, Concepcion Park is great for photography that incorporates water views and urban elements. It features beautiful landscaping and a playground, making it suitable for family portraits.
Vista Loop at Friedrich Wilderness Park (nearby)
Though not in Hondo, this loop offers scenic views of the Hill Country and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Historic Market Square Alleyway
Located behind the restaurants in Market Square, this alleyway provides a quiet and intimate setting reminiscent of old Mexico, ideal for capturing cultural and historical photography.
Back of Market Square (La Margarita alleyway)
A quiet alleyway behind a restaurant, offering a glimpse into old Mexico without the crowds, suitable for capturing intimate street scenes.
Market Square (Back side of La Margarita)
A vibrant area with a hint of old Mexico, offering a unique cultural and street photography experience.
Leon Creek Greenway
A large natural area with trails and diverse wildlife, offering opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography.
Angel Wings
A quirky public art installation near the Tower of the Americas, great for urban and artistic photography.
Central Library Patio
A stylized patio with unique architectural features, offering a modern backdrop for surreal and architectural photography.
Hardberger Park (East)
This part of the park offers unique natural landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities, making it suitable for nature photography.
Essex Modern City
Known for its vibrant street art and modern architecture, this spot is perfect for capturing urban culture and colorful murals.
Martin Luther King Park
Situated along Salado Creek, this park provides picturesque views of natural landscapes and is ideal for capturing wildlife or serene natural settings.
Hay Street Bridge
An old railroad bridge with a unique industrial look, offering a great spot for urban and architectural photography.
Phil Hardberger Park (West)
This section of the park features walking trails and scenic natural landscapes, ideal for nature photography.
Centra in the Pearl
A modern architectural spot with a unique patio, offering opportunities for capturing urban design and lifestyle photography.
Guenther Upper Mill Park
Located along the Riverwalk, this small green space offers scenic views of the river and historic buildings, making it ideal for nature and architecture photography.
Olmos Basin Park
A large urban park with walking trails and scenic views, offering opportunities for family and street photography.
Mud Creek Loop at McAllister Park
Although not directly in New Braunfels but nearby, this trail offers opportunities for nature and outdoor photography.
O.P. Schnabel Park
A large park with diverse landscapes and opportunities for nature and wildlife photography.
Lions Field
A public park with a sports field and walking trails, offering opportunities for sports and family photography.
Hoefgen Street Graffiti Wall
This wall is a canvas of vibrant street art, offering numerous opportunities to capture colorful and dynamic graffiti.
Hospitality Hill Park
A small neighborhood park with a playground and walking path, offering opportunities for family and street photography.
Elmendorf Historic District
This location offers a mix of historic buildings and rustic charm, providing a great backdrop for portraits and street photography. The area often features old homes and buildings that can add character to your photos.
Pletz Park
A small community park with a playground and walking trails, suitable for family and street photography.
Alamo Music Center Industrial Nook
This industrial area offers a mix of urban textures and structures, ideal for capturing industrial vibes and unique architectural details.
Denzel Park
, a small but vibrant park with unique murals and a quiet atmosphere, offering opportunities for street art and landscape photography.