Whether you’re an Austin native, a recent transplant, or just heading to town for a weekend with friends, Austin has some of the best backdrops for your perfect kodak moment. Below are my top 20 spots for fun and creative photos around town!
1. Mural: Joe’s Coffee “I Love You So Much”: Located on South Congress, this wall is a must for anyone looking for an iconic Austin moment. Bring your friends for a girls photo, your significant other for a romantic shot, or just pose by your lonesome and send it off to someone you love!
2. Mural: The Only Magic I Still Believe in is Love: This little gem is located in a parking lot on the corner of 5th and Congress and it’s by far my favorite mural in Austin. It’s just so sweet and perfect and I may or may not take a photo of it every time I pass–which is a lot! Update: This is where we got engaged!
3. Mural: Smile. Even If You Don’t Want To: Climb up on top of this wall and put on the biggest smile you can. Located on the corner of South Congress and Elizabeth Street, this mural is such a treasure. For an added bonus, stop by the Hello Cupcake truck next door for a little treat and another sweet photo op.
4. Mural: Greetings from Austin Postcard: Located at 1720 S 1st St, this mural is must for anyone visiting! It’s a blown up version of a classic Austin postcard and the perfect addition to your Instagram feed.
5. Austin Motel Pool: Pick up some heart shaped sunglasses in their gift shop and snag a photo in the pool! With the Austin Motel sign in the backdrop and pops of red everywhere, your photo will be just as cool as the location.
6. Mount Bonnell: Grab your camera and a hot coffee and head up to Mount Bonnell as early as you can. The photos of Austin and the Colorado River at sunrise are pure perfection.
7. The Blue Wall: This wall is next to Barley Swine and is so dang cute! Make sure you go in the morning to get the best lighting!
8. The Capitol: The Capitol building is beautiful and admission is free! Whether you grab a photo on the front steps, in the gorgeous interior or out on the lawn, you can’t go wrong.
9. The Westin Downtown Rooftop: The spot to go if you’re looking for a city skyline backdrop. Grab a drink at the rooftop bar and capture the sunset with the Frost Tower behind you!
10. Barton Springs Pool: Barton Springs is so iconically Austin and is the perfect place to snap a shot. Get there early if you can, by noon the place will be buzzing with people!
11. Deep Eddy Pool and Pool Burger: Deep Eddy Pool gives off those old school vibes that translates so well onto film! Once you’re done there, head up to Pool Burger and grab a photo with one of their many tiki drinks!
12: Paddle Boarding on Lady Bird Lake: Make sure your camera or phone is in a waterproof case, but once that’s done, snag a picture of your paddle board from the lake. The downtown backdrop is swoon worthy.
13. Home Slice: I love Home Slice for a good photo op! With a red exterior, cool signage and South Congress in the background, you really can’t go wrong.
14. Le Politique: If you follow any Austin bloggers, chances are you’ve seen the lovely pastel backdrop of Le Politique in some of their photos. Located on Second Street, the inside and outside of this French inspired restaurant are gorgeous and would make any photo lover squeal!
15. Taco Ranch: One of my favorite walls in town! Make sure you swing through the drive through after for a burrito and some chips and queso.
16. The Austin Central Library: The architecture is breathtaking and their rooftop garden is oh so perfect. Channel your inner Rory Gilmore and head on over!
17. Irene’s: Their chic outdoor ivy wall has graced many of Instagram feeds and yours could be next!
18. ATX Sign at Whole Foods: Relatively new to the Austin signage scene, this 3D ATX sign is located outside of 5th Street Whole Foods and has been a hit since it was installed!
19. The Domain: Ohh the Domain. An outdoor shopping mecca with some very cute walls. The is one of my favorites, but make sure you check out the Sprinkles Cupcake ATM and the floral wall on the Erin Condren store.
20. Taquero Mucho: I recently discovered this spot and I’m obsessed. Everything-and I mean everything-is pink. Swing by for a photo in their pink telephone both or by their cherry wall!
There are so many more that I would love to share with you and new spots that I find every day! I plan to create a new list every few months with fresh spots so that you can #doitforthegram
Happy hunting!
