Aesthetically, Austin has it all: iconic street art, unique architecture, and an eye-catching skyline.
So you can’t be blamed for the irresistible urge to emblazon your Instagram with all of the images that illustrate the glory of living in Austin. If you want to embrace that practice to the fullest and really go to town, here’s a round-up of the most Instagrammable places in Austin.
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden
605 Azie Morton Rd
The ultimate Austin spot to achieve zen and tranquility, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden presents plenty of photo ops to play statue or get some enviable greenery shots.
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rd.
Get green thumb envy and enjoy plenty of Austin’s finest wildlife at the Zilker Botanical Garden. Perfect for garden themed photo ops and fairy picnics.
Update: Open with advance reservations required.
Red Bud Isle
3401 Redbud Trail
Part amazing dog park, part hidden gem, Red Bud Isle is reachable via car, paddleboard, or kayak. The perfect place to take a swim with your 4 legged friend or watch the sunset.
Barton Springs Pool
2201 Barton Springs Rd.
Austin’s favorite natural spring is a little piece of utopia. Cool water, lounging on the grass, and epic scenery make it the ideal place to get your summer grams on.
Update: Open with limited capacity.
The Top of Mt. Bonnell
3800 Mt. Bonnell Rd.
The best views in the city are only a hop, skip, and jump away…well actually a leisurely climb along some stairs. But the climb is worth it for the most far-reaching views in the city.
Franklin’s BBQ
900 East 11th St
The lengthy lines at the ever so popular Franklin’s BBQ are well worth the wait for the juicy, tender goodness. Grab a cooler, some chairs and be prepared to get in line for meat heaven.
Update: Dining room closed, but curbside pickup service available.
Uncommon Objects
1602 Fortview Rd
Uncommon Objects Antiques and Vintage Shop is basically one giant store of Instagram opportunities. Bedecked with everything from a wall of antlers to taxidermy, antiques phones, signs and more; get ready to play cross-century dress up.
The Texas State Capitol
1100 Congress Ave
Get a healthy dose of Texas history with a tour through the stately Capitol building. Plus plenty of opportunities to pose with Bush portraits and historical statues.
Update: Temporarily closed to tourists and visitors.
You’re My Butter Half Mural
2000 E. MLK Blvd
Another great piece of street art, another chance to proclaim your love. Located on the side of the Greater United Austin Building, this bright mural is worth a stop in this neighborhood.
“I Love You So Much” at Jo’s Coffee
1300 S Congress
The “I love you so much” sign on the side of Jo’s Coffee has become the most iconic piece of street art in Austin. Perfect for engagement photos, wedding photos, or just waiting for coffee.
The W Hotel Pool
200 Lavaca St
The W Hotel rooftop pool is one of the hottest hangs in the city, literally bc it’s that much closer to the sun. Get your tan on all year round and ogle the B-list celebrities as you look down upon the plebeians of downtown Austin.
Update: Hotel is open but pool is temporarily closed.
Lamar Pedestrian Bridge
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
The pedestrian bridge connects the north and south parts of Lamar along the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail. Expect tons of fit Austinites jogging, scenic pup pics, and perfect sunsets.
The Long Center
701 W Riverside Dr
The Long Center Performing Arts Center is not only one of the most picturesque views of the city but also hosts some of the best artistic acts. Stop by for a selfie, stay for a ballet, musical, concert, or Do512’s own Sound & Cinema movie series all summer long.
Zilker Park
2100 Barton Springs Rd
Home to ACL, the Kite Festival, and many a Sunday volleyball game; Zilker Park is the pride and joy of Austin. From popular ‘Gram Zilker Bark to pics of Barton Springs or the Greenbelt, Zilker is sure to be tagged in many of your photos.
University Of Texas Tower
110 Inner Campus Dr
The statuesque tower is right smack dab in the middle of University of Texas. A focal point of the university to pay homage to football wins and other feats.
Update: Open, but all visitors need to complete a COVID-19 symptom screening online before entering campus.
Hi, How Are You
408 West 21st St
Daniel Johnston’s classic image has adorned this campus-area wall since 1993, when the Sound Exchange record store commissioned Johnston to paint a mural of his 1983 album cover, which had become widely recognizable after Kurt Cobain wore the image on a t-shirt during Nirvana’s promotion of Nevermind. When in Austin be sure to get your photo ops in here.
Auditorium Shores at Town Lake
800 W Riverside Dr
The Stevie Ray Vaughan Memorial is located at the intersection of Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail (South 1st and Riverside), first installed in 1994 and often has flowers and other devotions at its base. Plus, great views of the Austin skyline from this spot.
Do512.com |CONTRIBUTED BY PAGE JENSEN-SLATTENGREN