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Where to Find Bluebonnets in Austin
Best Places for Bluebonnets in Austin | Spring Locations
Bluebonnet Season is a magical time in Central Texas lasting from late March to early April. If you want to take photos in the flowers – check out my recommended Spring-time patches below.
Reminder: the blooms change from year to year – so subscribe to the Wildflower Center updates or follow the Texas Wildflower Report for the latest news.
Where are my favorite bluebonnet fields in and around Austin?
Bluebonnets at Brushy Creek Lake Park
1) Brushy Creek Lake Park
Located in Cedar Park (about 20 minutes from Central Austin), this 90-acre park has nature trails, lake views and lots of Spring wildflowers.
Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, free to use, but expect crowds on Spring weekends.
Wildflower Center bluebonnets
2) Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Located in South Austin with over 900 native plant varieties. Several fields of bluebonnets are grown across their gardens and meadows.
Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, but professional photography has a location cost of $100 (M-F) or $250 (after hours / weekends)
If there’s a “sure thing” for bluebonnet season, it’s the Wildflower Center in southwest Austin.
McKinney Falls State Park bluebonnets
3) McKinney Falls State Park
Located in Southest Austin, the Upper Falls area has a nice patch of bluebonnets. Reservations are recommended.
5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, TX 78744
Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, but you need to pay for a day pass at the park. $6/adults. 12 years old and younger are free.
Bluebonnet Photo Session at Balcones District Park
4) Balcones District Park
Located in North Austin, there is a field near Duval Rd. as well as one near the playground on Amherst Drive.
12017 Amherst Dr, Austin, TX 78759
Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park.
Commons Ford Ranch Spring wildflowers
5) Commons Ford Ranch
Located in Southwest Austin, this 215 acre park has multiple fields of wildflowers. You can also explore their boat dock and rustic barn.
614 N. Commons Ford Rd, Austin, TX 78733
Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park.
Northwest District Park bluebonnet patch
6) Northwest District Park
Located in Central Austin, this 31 acre park has a field of blubonnets near the bridge that backs up to Shoal Creek. You can also sometimes find flowers near the parking lot by the pool.
7000 Ardath St. Austin, TX 78757
Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park.
7) Circle C Ranch Park
Located in South Austin, this park is home to trails, soccer fields and a disc golf course. I recommend parking off the Slaughter Lane entrance.
6301 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX 78739
Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park.
8) St. Edward’s University
Located in South Austin, their best field is located on the corner of St. Edwards and University Loop Drive.
3001 S. Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78704
Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park. You may have to pay to park on campus.
Bluebonnet Patch at Lady Bird Lake
9) Lady Bird Lake Trails
Located in South Austin, the trail around the water often has a mix of wilflowers including bluebonnets. I’ve found good patches by the Austin High School baseball fields.
Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park. You may have to pay to park nearby.
Old Settlers Park bluebonnet field
10) Old Settler’s Park
Located in Round Rock, this 670 acre park is home to multiple sports fields as well as the Dell Diamond and the Rock ‘N’ River water park.
3300 E. Palm Valley, Round Rock, TX 78665
Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park.
Other Hill Country Bluebonnet Spots outside of Austin:
Bluebonnet Field at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
1) Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
Located 40 miles from Austin in Spicewood, this park is on Lake Travis. It’s known for huge fields of bluebonnets each Spring. They even have their own Bluebonnet Festival called Bluem in March.
2820 Mule Shoe Bend Drive, Co Rd 414, Spicewood, TX 78669
Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, but there is a park entrance fee to pay ($5/adults, kids 12 and under are free).
2) Wildseed Farms
Located an hour and a half from Austin, this Fredericksburg farm has gardens to explore as well as a vinyard on site.
100 Legacy Drive, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, personal photography is allowed. Ask permission first for professional photo sessions. Their site also says they do charge an entrance fee during peak bloom times.
3) Pace Bend Park
Located in Spicewood, this 1,368 acre Park has over nine miles of Lake Travis shoreline. You can find some great bluebonnet patches as well as impressive limestone cliffs.
2805 Pace Bend Road, Spicewood, TX 78669
Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park. You will need to pay an entrance fee. $5/adult, kids 12 and under are free. CASH only.
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Please contact me if you’d like to book your own Family or Senior Portrait session among the bluebonnets. Explore more photo sessions on my blog.
Stephanie Friedman first picked up a camera in high school, went on to study photojournalism in college (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.
During all that, she’s been photographing Families and Seniors for the last 10 years. You can count on her to be communicative and organized before your session. She’ll help you feel relaxed and confident during your session. And you’ll have a smile on your face after your session once you see your new photos.
