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Best Austin Skyline Locations for Photo Sessions
Best Downtown Skyline Locations in Austin | Austin Photographer
You’re planning a Senior or Family Photo Session in Austin and wondering where to go. If you’d like a beautiful view of the downtown skyline, check out my Top 10 recommendations below.
Where are my favorite downtown Austin skyline views found?
Butler Park
1) Butler Park
Located in South Austin, this 50-acre metro park has docks, skyline views and the Doug Sahm hill.
1000 Barton Springs Road. ATX 78704
Tips: Works best at sunset for that golden glow on the downtown buildings. Can get crowded on weekends. Pay to park before 5pm. Public Restroom available. Great children’s playground.
Long Center
2) Long Center
Located in South Austin, this event space has lots of interesting architectural details. I also like to go to their parking garage roof for other angles. You can also catch great reflections on the rotunda.
Tips: Check their Events page for conflicts. Go at sunset for the best light. Make sure to go to top floor of the parking garage as well.
Pedestrian Bridge
3) Pfluger Pedestrian Brige
Spanning 700 feet over Lady Bird Lake, this bridge connects the North and South parts of the hike and bike trail.
Tips: Park near the Zachary Scott Theater and walk over the bridge. Aim for sunset when the light is best.
Zilker Rock Island
4) Zilker Rock Island
Located in Zilker Park, the rock island is found near the soccer fields and the Great Lawn.
Tips: Super crowded on weekends with families and sports. May be closed during festivals and events.
Tau Ceti Rooftop
5) Austin Convention Center Garage Rooftop
Located in Downtown Austin, start at the Tau Ceti mural and then head to the top floor of the Austin Convention Center garage.
Tips: Check the Convention Center events listing first. Make sure to go to all corners of the garage rooftop for different views in each direction. Great at sunset.
Rowing Dock
6) Retro Rental Boat Dock
Why not get some downtown views from the water? Rent a boat and cruise along the water. Make sure to get some pics from the dock as well.
74 Trinity St. ATX 78701 (first floor of the Waller Creek Boathouse)
Tips: Rowboats start at $35/rental. Retro boats start at $160/rental. Must have a 21+ driver. Check their operating hours.
Butterfly Bridge
7) Butterfly Bridge
Located near the Austin Central Library, this rainbow-shaped bridge goes across Shoal Creek.
Tips: Park at the Austin Central Library nearby. Have a spotter checking for cars as you take photos on the bridge. Best at sunset.
South Congress
8) South Congress
Full of fun murals, great storefronts and downtown views, visit the South Congress Avenue neighborhood.
South Congress around W. Gibson Street. ATX 78704
Tips: Aim for weekdays when it’s less crowded. Plan to pay for parking in the neighborhood or neaby parking garages.
Lady Bird Lake Trails
9) Auditorium Shores Dog Park
Bring your pet and get some skyline views near the water at the Auditorium Shores Dog Park across from the Long Center.
Tips: There are several openings near the trails with downtown views. Park at Auditorium Shores or at the Long Center across the street.
Seaholm District
10) Seaholm District
Located in Downtown Austin, this mixed-use development centers around the decommissioned Seaholm Power Plant.
800 W. Cesar Chavez St. ATX 78701
Tips: Park at the Austin Central Library or the Seaholm Parking Lot under Trader Joe’s.
Lou Neff Point
Other great spots for Austin Skyline views include:
1. The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake – 1820 S. Lakeshore Blvd
2. Mount Bonnell – 3800 Mount Bonnell Road
3. Lou Neff Point – Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
4. Cidercade – 600 E. Riverside Dr.
5. St. Edward’s University – 3001 S. Congress Ave.
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Please contact me if you’d like to book your own Family or Senior Portrait session with the Austin skyline in the background. 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.
