Discover Travis
56 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory
Freshwater wetlands and seasonal ponds attract large concentrations of shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors and songbirds—especially during spring and fall migration. Photographers can use boardwalks and trails for close views of waders and ducks, and open skies for flight shots at sunrise/sunset. Park at the main lot off FM 973; site is public, low-cost/free, wheelchair-accessible boardwalks, but expect mosquitoes in summer. Best visits: early morning migration windows (Mar–May, Aug–Nov) or golden/af
Austin
Austin offers a lively mix of urban skyline, colorful street art, live-music culture, Lady Bird Lake waterscapes and seasonal Congress Ave Bridge bat flights. Best light is golden hour along Lady Bird Lake and South Congress for skyline reflections; dusk is ideal for bat emergence (spring–fall). Downtown and parks are publicly accessible; expect paid parking meters, busy weekends (SXSW and ACL increase crowds). Carry comfortable shoes for walking, respect private property and live-music venues'撮
Oasis Texas balcony view
Cliffside balcony overlooking Lake Travis with sweeping panoramic vistas — iconic for sunset silhouettes, glowing cliffs and boat-speckled water. Best at late afternoon into golden hour; windows and terraces can get crowded so arrive 60–90 minutes before sunset. Public restaurant access; free parking but weekends fill early. Accessible by car; casual dress. Weather is hot in summer, clearer skies best for vivid sunsets.
Stone House Vineyard
Stone House Vineyard: photogenic limestone winery, rolling Hill Country vineyards, oak-dotted hills and a stone tasting room ideal for rustic architecture and wide landscape shots. Best at golden hour or sunset for warm tones; early weekdays reduce crowds. Property accessed via Haynie Flat Rd with on-site parking; ask staff for permission to shoot around the tasting area. Summers are hot—bring shade and extra water.
9025 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard
Circuit of the Americas (COTA) offers dynamic subjects: the 251-foot observation tower, sweeping grandstands, sculpted track curves, and dramatic night lighting during races and concerts. Visit at golden hour for warm directional light on the tower and track textures; blue hour and event nights yield neon-lit compositions. Public parking and paid lots are available; event days require tickets and shuttles are active. Grounds outside fenced areas allow many vantage points year-round. Drones and촬영
9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard
Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is a dramatic motorsport complex with a sweeping racetrack, sculptural grandstands, and the 251‑ft observation tower—strong graphic lines and motion opportunities. Best during events for dynamic pit/track action; non‑event days offer architectural and landscape shots at sunrise/sunset. Large public parking; many areas require event ticket or tour access. Texas heat midday—shoot mornings/evenings. Iconic for F1, MotoGP, and large concerts.
Ascensions at lake Travis
Hilltop event venue overlooking Lake Travis offering sweeping lake and hill views, dramatic sunsets, and curated architectural elements (terraces, pergolas). Best at golden hour and sunset for warm light and reflections; mornings are quieter for unobstructed landscape shots. Property is private—bookings or permission likely required for on-site access. Drive-up parking available; expect limited public access during weddings/events. Summer heat and glare midday—plan for seasons with clearer skies
Pedernales River
Pedernales River at Naumann's Camp offers classic Texas Hill Country scenes: oak‑lined limestone banks, riffles and small cascades, reflective pools, and seasonal wildflowers. Best at golden hour or after regional rains when flow and contrast increase. Spring brings bluebonnets and green hills; summer can be low and hot. Access is generally from a small trail/parking area—bring water, bug spray and waterproof shoes. Expect limited facilities and variable flows; check private‑land signage and any
Pace Bend Park - Kate's/Johnson Cove
Rugged limestone cliffs and oak-studded shoreline at Kate's/Johnson Cove on Lake Travis offer dramatic reflections, layered rock ledges and wide open skies—ideal for sunset and golden-hour landscapes. Arrive for sunrise or sunset for warm side-lighting and long shadows; late afternoon storms create moody skies. Trails to shore are uneven; parking is available at lot(s) near the cove and a park entry fee may apply. Weekdays and early mornings are least crowded; bring water, sun protection and a g
Pace Bend Trailhead
Pace Bend Trailhead on Lake Travis offers dramatic limestone cliffs, juniper-studded ridgelines, and wide lake vistas — ideal for cliffline panoramas, golden-hour silhouettes, and night-sky shots. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm side lighting and reflections; weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. Trail is moderate with some steep, rocky sections; bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes. Parking is limited at the trailhead; expect no formal facilities and variable cell service. Watch
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve offers limestone outcrops, oak-juniper savanna, shaded creek corridors and seasonal wildflowers — a compact Austin nature reserve ideal for landscape, macro and wildlife shots. Visit spring for blooms and migratory birds, early morning or golden hour for soft light and fewer people; weekdays are best. Trails are moderate singletrack; limited parking at the preserve entrance. Pack water, insect protection and respect habitat rules (stay on trails).
Southeast Metropolitan Park
Southeast Metropolitan Park offers open lawns, a pond, walking trails and mature trees — ideal for serene nature and waterscape shots, family portraits, and golden-hour landscapes. Best visited at sunrise or late afternoon for warm light and reflections. Weekday mornings have fewer visitors. Accessible paths and on-site parking; no entry fee. Seasonal wildflowers and migrating birds add variety; bring a polarizer for reflections and model-friendly shade near tree lines.
Sitagu Buddha Vihara - Buddhist Monastery
Photograph the monastery’s ornate Burmese-style architecture, gilded Buddha statues, and tranquil gardens. Best at golden hour or soft overcast light to avoid harsh shadows. Accessible grounds with free parking; respect quiet zones and modest dress. Weekday mornings are quieter; check visiting hours for ceremonies and limited interior access.
Indian Grass Prairie Preserve
A remnant native prairie with tall grasses, seasonal wildflowers, butterflies and scattered oaks — great for wide landscape frames, intimate botanical details and bird/wildlife shots. Best in spring for blooms and migratory songbirds; golden hour (sunrise or sunset) gives warm side-light on grasses. Trails are short, mostly flat dirt; small parking area on Sunset Valley with no fee. Weekday mornings offer quiet and dew/fog opportunities. Respect habitat closures and stay on paths.
Hummingbird House
A private sanctuary and garden hotspot for hummingbirds and pollinators—ideal for close-up bird action, feeder compositions and floral backdrops. Best light is early morning and late afternoon when birds are active and light is soft. Likely limited public access—check for visiting hours or events, park on Arroyo Doble Dr and approach quietly. Expect Texas heat in summer; bring insect repellent and a tripod for stability.
Kate's Cove (Camping Only)
Small, camping-only cove on Lake Travis offering intimate shoreline compositions, reflective water at dawn, and dark-sky opportunities after hours. Access is restricted to campers—confirm reservations and parking with the site. Visit at sunrise or sunset for warm side-light on limestone banks; clear nights work well for Milky Way. Expect limited facilities and rustic roads; bring mosquito protection in warm months.
Pace Bend RV Park
Pace Bend RV Park sits on the rugged shoreline of Lake Travis with limestone bluffs, wide water vistas and classic Texas hill country vegetation—great for sunset reflections, panoramic landscapes and lakeside lifestyle shots. Visit at sunrise or golden-hour sunset for rich light; spring and fall offer mild weather and clearer skies. The park is accessible by car with parking for guests and limited day-use spots—check entry/parking rules and fees before visiting. Expect mosquitoes in warm months;
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
Muleshoe Bend wraps a dramatic horseshoe of Lake Travis with steep limestone bluffs, shoreline coves and docked boats — ideal for sweeping landscapes, water reflections and intimate shoreline details. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm side-light and reflections; calm early mornings give glassy water. Accessible by car with parking and short trails to overlooks; expect some cliff-edge scrambling and seasonal wildflowers in spring. Check park entry rules and drone restrictions before visiting.
Turkey Bend Recreation Area
Shoreline, open water and low limestone bluffs on Lake LBJ offer reflections, dramatic sunsets and migratory waterfowl. Photographers can capture wide waterscapes, intimate shoreline details and seasonal wildflowers. Best at golden hour—sunrise for calm reflections, sunset for color on the bluffs. Accessible parking and boat ramp at the recreation area; mostly short walks from lot. Weekdays have fewer boats and anglers. Light is harsh midday in summer; spring and fall give milder light and more鸟
Gloster Bend Recreation Area
Small lakeside park on a bend of Lake Marble Falls (Lake LBJ) offering shoreline vistas, rock outcrops, waterfront trees and boats — good for sunrise/sunset reflections, long exposures of smooth water, and intimate landscape details. Easy roadside access and on-site parking off Hollingsworth Rd; mostly day-use and walkable terrain. Visit golden hour for warm light and colorful skies; weekdays or early mornings reduce recreational boat traffic. Bring insect repellent in warmer months.
Open Air Spicewood
Rural Hill Country event venue with open meadows, live-music stages, big oaks and wide western skies — excellent for sunset silhouettes, golden-hour landscapes and atmospheric night shots of string lights. Best at golden hour or during scheduled events (weekends) for energy; weekday mornings are quieter. Property is mostly flat but grassy; on-site parking available for events. Confirm access/entry for private bookings and expect uneven ground after rain.
Paleface Point RV Park
Small lakeside peninsula on Lake Travis offering open-water vistas, rocky shoreline, live oaks and classic Texas Hill Country light—great for wide lake panoramas, dramatic sunsets, and starry-night shots. Best at golden hour and after dusk for Milky Way; sunrise can bring calm glassy water. Site is an RV park—respect private property and check access/parking with management (guests have easiest access). Weekdays are quieter; summer heat and afternoon glare are factors.
Austin Zoo
Small rescue zoo with close-up opportunities of rescued mammals, birds and reptiles in naturalistic enclosures. Shoot intimate portraits, behavioral shots and habitat details. Best light is early morning (cool, active animals) and golden hour for warm rim light. Weekdays and mornings are less crowded. Paid entry and on-site parking; bring water and insect repellent. No flash near animals; check staff for any restricted areas or photo-permit rules for commercial work.
Vernardo's Circus
Vernardo's Circus offers colorful big-top tents, performers, costumes and dynamic action in the ring — ideal for environmental portraits, motion action and moody low-light scenes. Best to shoot during show evenings for dramatic stage lighting and smoke effects, or arrive at golden hour for tent exteriors. Venue is ticketed with on-site parking; check show schedule and photo policies (flash often restricted). Weekday rehearsals can be quieter for behind-the-scenes shots.
Mills Pond Recreation Area
Small urban wetland with a tree-lined pond, wooden boardwalks and shoreline trails — great for reflective water shots, birdlife, and intimate landscape compositions. Best at sunrise and golden hour for low light and calm water; weekday mornings avoid families and anglers. Easy parking at the lot on Wells Port Dr; no fee. Trails are a mix of paved paths and boardwalks; bring insect repellent in warm months.
Texas Music Ranch
Texas Music Ranch is a rustic outdoor music venue with a timber stage, string lights, open fields and hilltop views — ideal for concert atmosphere, candid musician portraits and golden-hour landscapes. Best visited at late-afternoon into sunset for warm light and stage backlighting; nights offer moody concert shots under string lights but check event schedule and buy tickets. Rural site with on‑site parking; weekends and show nights are busiest. Ask staff or artists for permission for close-up/fi
Mirador del lago parque
Small hilltop overlook with sweeping views of a neighborhood lake and Austin skyline silhouettes — strong for sunrise/sunset, reflections, and long-exposure water shots. Easy roadside parking and short walks; no entry fee. Best light is golden hour or blue hour; weekdays and early mornings are quieter. Trails and benches offer multiple compositions; expect wind and occasional local visitors.
Bull Creek Bluff Neighborhood Park
Small neighborhood park on Bull Creek featuring limestone bluffs, shaded oak and cedar canyons, and a shallow clear creek — great for intimate landscape and waterscape shots. Best at golden hour or after spring rains when pools, reflections and moss are vivid. Accessible via Spicewood Springs Rd with limited roadside parking; short uneven trails and rock scrambles require sturdy shoes. No fee. Weekday mornings are quieter; summers bring harsh midday light and bugs.
Austin Rock & Roll Car Museum
Indoor museum of rock‑and‑roll–themed classic cars, stage props and memorabilia — ideal for closeups of chrome, colorful liveries and nostalgic signage. Visit weekdays or early afternoons to avoid groups; lighting is mixed (spotlights and ambient fluorescent) so expect contrasty scenes. Located in a business park with on‑site parking; ticketed entry and occasional special exhibits/events—check hours before visiting.
Tournament Point
Tournament Point (Spicewood, TX) offers classic Texas Hill Country overlooks: rolling oak-studded ridges, expansive sky and dramatic sunsets. Best at golden hour and blue hour for warm light and long shadows. Accessible by car; small roadside pullouts or neighborhood streets — check for private property and parking restrictions. Weekday mornings or late evenings reduce local traffic. Light seasonal wildflowers and storm-front skies add drama.
Indian Springs Ranch
A private ranch with rolling pastures, mature live oaks, seasonal ponds and long Texas skies — ideal for golden-hour landscapes, dramatic sunsets and intimate nature details. Visit at sunrise/sunset for soft light and colorful horizons. Property may host events; call ahead for access and parking details. Weekdays offer fewer people; expect rural dirt roads and limited facilities.
Willow Bend Park
Small Austin greenbelt with mature oaks, creek-side trails and pond reflections—good for intimate landscapes, water reflections, seasonal wildflowers and birdlife. Free, day-use park with parking off Sauls Dr; wheelchair-accessible paths in parts. Best at golden hour (sunrise for soft light and mist over water; sunset for warm backlight). Weekday mornings have fewer people; spring brings wildflowers, winter draws migratory birds.
Sign Bar
Sign Bar is an intimate Austin taproom filled with vintage and neon signage, colorful murals, and a lively bar counter — ideal for neon/night street photography, moody interiors and candid portraits. Best visited after dusk when signs glow; early evenings on weekdays are less crowded. Small parking lot and street parking nearby; standard 21+ entry to drink — always ask staff before shooting close portraits or tripod setups. Accessible ground-floor layout.
NPAT Dowell Ranch
Small protected ranch just south of Austin offering open grasslands, scattered live oaks, seasonal ponds and native prairie — strong for sunrise/sunset color, long-grass textures, and birdlife. Best at golden hour and during spring wildflower season; late-winter can give dramatic low sun and long shadows. Trails are unpaved; bring water, bug spray and sturdy shoes. Small parking area on FM 1626; generally low crowds. No heavy infrastructure, so plan for carry-in gear and quick setups.
Walnut Creek Trailhead
Trailhead onto Walnut Creek's rolling oak savanna and creekside corridors — shoot winding trails, seasonal wildflowers, textured live oaks and calm creek reflections. Best at golden hour or after rain for saturated colors; spring brings bluebonnets. Easy dirt paths, small parking at Manor, no fee typically; bring bug spray and water.
310 Congress Avenue
Downtown Austin office building on Congress Avenue offering strong urban and architectural compositions: glass facades, reflections, street-level activity, and easy sightlines toward the Colorado River and Congress Avenue Bridge (bat flights seasonally). Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and city lights. Public sidewalks and nearby garages make access easy; building interior is private so shoot exteriors and street scenes. Weekday mornings are quieter; sunset draws tourists and bat
The TARDIS of Wells Branch
A whimsical full-size TARDIS-style police box in the Wells Branch neighborhood — a quirky pop-culture subject for portraits, street-style shots, and detail studies. Easy curbside access in a residential park area; street parking and short walk. Best at golden hour or blue hour for rich sky contrast and to capture any internal lighting; weekdays and early mornings mean fewer passersby. No entry required; be mindful of residents and do not climb or deface the structure.
Elm Creek Park
Elm Creek Park offers creek-side trails, open meadows, mature trees and small wetlands—good for intimate landscapes, waterscape reflections and seasonal wildflowers. Best light is early morning or golden hour; weekdays are quieter. Easy street parking and paved trails make gear transport simple. No entry fee; expect local joggers and dog walkers. Spring brings bluebonnets and migratory birds; summer has harsh midday light.
Stoney Creek Park
Small suburban park featuring a winding creek, ponds, oak-lined trails and open lawn — good for intimate landscape, waterscape and nature shots. Visit at golden hour for warm light on water and trees; spring brings wildflowers and migratory birds. Park is publicly accessible with free parking and no entry fee; paths are mostly flat and kid-friendly, though bring waterproof shoes after heavy rain for muddy banks.
Stinson Park
Small neighborhood park with mature oaks, open lawns, a playground and a creekside feel — good for intimate landscape, environmental portraits and local life. Best light at golden hour for warm backlight through trees; weekday mornings are quiet. Easy street parking, paved paths and wheelchair-accessible areas. No entry fee; bring a polarizer for wetland reflections. Good for capturing Austin’s suburban green spaces and candid family scenes.
Austin's Colony Dino Park
Small neighborhood park featuring life-size dinosaur sculptures set among trees and paths—great for playful, narrative shots and scale studies. Best visited at golden hour or overcast for even skin tones; weekday mornings avoid families and school groups. Free entry with limited street parking; paths are walkable and accessible. The quirky subject matter and proximity to Austin neighborhoods make it a quick, easy shoot for themed portfolios or travel content.
Austin East KOA Holiday
A family-friendly KOA campground on Austin's outskirts offering classic Americana — RVs, cabins, campsites, mature oak trees, and evening string lights. Shoot campsite compositions, campfire portraits, starfields and blue-hour scenes. Best at golden hour and after dark for Milky Way or light trails; weekdays and early mornings are quieter. Park and access require campground check-in or permission for day visits; book in advance on busy weekends. Expect typical Texas hill-country light, seasonal
Remington Pet Ranch
Small animal ranch offering hands-on animal portraits and farm scenes — capture goats, sheep, chickens, ranch buildings and candid interactions. Best light is golden hour (sunrise/sunset) for warm tones; weekday mornings are quieter. Property access may require appointment or event booking—confirm entry and any fees. Parking typically on-site; wear dust-proof shoes. Great for intimate pet/farm lifestyle shots and environmental portraits.
Traffic Circle Park
Small landscaped park built around a roundabout offering tidy lawns, seasonal plantings, public art and clear sightlines—good for intimate urban-landscape and civic-detail shots. Best at golden hour or blue hour when warm light highlights textures and any decorative lighting. Easy curbside parking nearby; accessible sidewalks make tripods practical. Weekday mornings are quieter; check for community events that add activity but may restrict access.
Lewis Mountain Ranch Neighborhood Park
Small neighborhood park with open lawns, mature trees and subtle hill-country views — good for intimate landscape, golden-hour and family-styled environmental portraits. Easy access from Lewis Mountain Dr; free entry and street parking. Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for warm sidelight and fewer people; weekdays are quieter. Paths and benches offer stable shooting positions and compositional foregrounds.
Ben Fisher Park
Ben Fisher Park is a compact community park with open lawns, mature trees and a small pond—good for landscape compositions, reflections and intimate nature shots. Visit at golden hour for warm light and dramatic skies; weekday mornings minimize families and dog walkers. Free entry with on-site parking; paths are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. Expect typical Central Texas weather—bring sun protection and mosquito repellent in summer.
Spanish Oaks Pool Pavilion
A small community pool pavilion with Spanish-style architecture, shaded oak trees and manicured grounds—good for compositional shots of arches, tiled roofs and pool reflections. Best at golden hour or just after sunrise for soft light and calm water; evenings offer warm artificial light. Access may be restricted to residents/guests—confirm permission and parking at the community lot. Weekday mornings are least crowded; summer days are hot and bright.
Train Quest LLC
Indoor model-railroad shop with detailed layouts, vintage rolling stock and miniature scenes—great for close-up texture shots, wide compositions of dioramas, and candid portraits of hobbyists. Best visited on weekday mornings for low crowds and steady indoor light; ask staff permission before shooting and check opening hours. Free parking likely along Colfax Dr; wheelchair access varies by storefront. Artificial lighting dominates—bring a fast lens or tripod and respect display signage.
Scenic overlook
Small Hill Country overlook in Wild Basin offering layered limestone ridges, oak/cedar-clad slopes and occasional skyline slivers; great for golden-hour color, cloudscapes and intimate nature foregrounds. Trails are short but uneven; arrive at sunrise or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds. Free parking at preserve lot; trailhead and interpretive signs at entrance. No permit for casual shooting; respect wildlife and stay on marked paths.
Hidden Park
Small community park with pond, boardwalk, open lawn and mature trees — great for reflections, birding and intimate landscape/composition studies. Best at golden hour or after rain for reflective water; weekday mornings offer fewer people and active birds. Easy street parking and flat, accessible paths; no entry fee. Expect Texas light and seasonal wildflowers in spring.
Jake’s Place
Jake’s Place is a low-key Austin bar/roadside spot offering characterful interiors, neon signage, and candid local portraits. Shoot moody night scenes of neon-lit façades, intimate bar details, and patrons; daytime captures work for textured exteriors, signage and surrounding roadside vibe. Best at evening blue hour for neon contrast or golden hour for warm façade light. Easily accessible by car with on-site parking; expect casual crowds—weeknights quieter. No special entry requirements but be礼敬
Tom Hughes Park
Small neighborhood park with open lawns, mature trees and walking paths — good for intimate landscapes, tree compositions, and local wildlife/urban-nature scenes. Free entry with a modest on-site parking lot; easily accessible by car. Visit at golden hour for warm side-light through trees or early spring for wildflowers; weekday mornings are quiet. Summer evenings can be buggy; no entrance fees or permits for casual photography.
Elm creek north pool
Small creek pool and riparian corridor east of Elgin offering calm water reflections, oak-lined banks, and seasonal flows — good for intimate waterscape and nature shots. Visit golden hour for warm side lighting; after rains the current and contrast improve. Site is roadside with modest parking; confirm public access and any hours before shooting. Weekdays are quieter; bring polarizer for reflections and waterproof shoes for creek edges.
Gatling Gun Park
Small neighborhood park with a shaded playground, mature oaks and a pleasant trail — great for candid family/child portraits, intimate landscape shots of tree canopies and trail-leading lines. No entry fee; street parking and sidewalks; accessible paths. Best light: golden hour or soft overcast; weekday mornings are quiet. Friendly local vibe — expect families and kids.
Wunneburger Neighborhood Park
Small neighborhood park in Golden Lake Estates offering ponds, open lawns, mature trees and walking paths—good for intimate landscape, waterscape and bird photography. Visit at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and glassy reflections; late winter/early spring brings migratory birds and blooming understory. Easily accessible from residential streets with free street parking and level paths; no entry fee. Weekdays and early mornings are least busy.
Pocket Park
Small neighborhood pocket park with lawns, mature trees and benches — good for intimate nature, lifestyle and minimal-people landscapes. Best at golden hour or after rain for saturated greens and reflections. Easy street parking; no entry fee or facilities. Weekday mornings are quiet; spring brings wildflowers. Compact size makes tripod and low-light work simple.