On your next trip to Austin no doubt you’ll be snapping pictures all over town. Check out our guide to craft the perfect photo dump to post of your trip to Austin.
ON THE LAKE
Whether by kayak, paddle board, canoe or boat, exploring Austin’s waterways is a favorite pastime of locals and a picturesque activity for visitors and locals alike. So be sure to take your phone along to capture the spectacular views on each of Austin’s lakes.
Rent a paddle board or kayak and strike out on Lady Bird Lake. The view from the water provides incredible views of Downtown Austin and the iconic Congress Avenue bridge. Turn down a smaller tributary, Barton Creek, and be immersed in the large overhanging trees and blue waters. Hop on a motorized boat to explore Lake Austin and Lake Travis in West Austin. On Lake Austin, you’ll want to get your phone out and snap a photo relaxing on the boat with Pennybacker Bridge in the background.
FOOD
Everyone’s mouth will be watering after seeing a photo of the tasty bites you enjoyed in Austin. From trays piled high with barbecue to sweet treats almost too pretty to eat and colorful margaritas to mouthwatering street tacos, a photo of your food is sure to make everyone back home instantly jealous… and hungry.
Move through the line and load up your tray with smoked meats and comfort sides at Franklin Barbecue, where the blue cafeteria-style trays are almost as iconic as the highly-awarded meats. Try the viral fish-shaped waffle cone filled with your choice of colorful soft serve ice cream and toppings at OMG Squee, a combo that’s equally delicious and cute. No Austin foodie adventure is complete without visiting a food truck. The Mexico City-style street tacos at Cauntos Tacos in East Austin are picture perfect, topped with cilantro and a side salsa and a lime wedge you’ll want to dig in immediately.
Explore more iconic Austin eats.
LIVE MUSIC
Did you really visit the Live Music Capitol of the World® if you don’t have a photo to show you rocking out to a local band? At these iconic venues you’re sure to hear incredible music and have a great time.
Snap a pic two steppin’ to a live band on the recognizable red stage at The White Horse. The All Are Welcome motto at Mohawk is the truth, you’ll hear a mix of punk, rock and pop on the stages at Mohawk. To enjoy a more relaxed acoustic set, grab a coffee and pastry and hangout on the lakeside deck at Mozart’s for live music multiple days a week.
Check out more live music venues in Austin.
MURALS
Austin is known for its colorful murals that adorn walls throughout the city. Next time you’re strolling down South Congress, popping around the eastside, or exploring Downtown, don’t forget to take a photo in front of one of these iconic works of art.
Perhaps one of the most well known, the “I love you so much” mural on the side of Jo’s Coffee on South Congress is a popular spot for couples, friends and solo travelers alike. While in South Austin, the iconic postcard-esque mural “Greetings From Austin” is the perfect backdrop to commemorate your trip to the city. Head to East Austin to check out the color mosaic mural “Rhapsody” paying homage to the eastside’s musical roots and black icons.
Find more iconic murals around Austin.
OUTDOOR VIEWS
Whether you’re exploring McKinney Falls State Park or walking the Butler Hike & Bike Trail downtown, Austin has gorgeous outdoor views to admire. So, before you put your phone down to unplug in nature, snap a photo of the beautiful landscape to commemorate your visit.
At Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve explore the sprawling property complete with a historic cottage, lush gardens and walking paths. If you’re lucky you can snap a quick photo of one of the nearly two dozen peacocks that call the property home. Don’t miss the stunning Texas sunset over Lake Austin and Pennybacker Bridge from your picnic blanket atop the Pennybacker Bridge Overlook. Just a short drive down the road, Mount Bonnell is also a great spot to catch a sunset or scenic view of Downtown Austin.
Check out more hiking spots in Austin.
NEON SIGNS
Popular colorful, neon photo ops include South Congress Avenue staple, Austin Motel, for their iconic sign and colorful neon light bars that illuminate the motel’s carport, and Cheer Up Charlies, for the large neon installation on the outdoor stage. The Instagram famous marquee sign out front of El Arroyo is known for its funny sayings that rotate daily.
AUSTIN'S BATS
If you’re in Austin late March through early fall, you have to get a photo of the colony of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats emerging from the Congress Avenue Bridge. The largest urban bat population in North America, the bats fly out of their nests in large groups at dusk creating a ribbon like effect across the sky.
See Austin's Congress Bridge bats.
Whether you’re taking a photo of your cocktail at happy hour or snapping a pic of the Austin Motel sign on a sunny day on South Congress, use this guide to curate the perfect Austin photo dump that perfectly encapsulates your trip to the city! We want to see your photos! Tag @VisitAustin in your next Austin photo dump for a chance to be featured on our channels!
