Best Places to take pictures in Houston
The best places to take photos in Houston are Biscuit Paint Wall for its iconic look, Gerald D. Hines Water Wall Park for its cascading waterfall, and the Museum of Natural Science for its dinosaurs & butterflies.
Whatever mood you’re in for your photos, you’re sure to find just the right spot in H-Town. So if you’re searching for the best places to take pictures in Houston, we’ve got your back! Check out our list of the best Houston photo spots below.
Best Places To Take Pictures in Houston – Grouped By Type of Location
Outdoor Spots
Urban Art and Murals
Museums and Exhibits
Unique Sights
Quick Summary of the Best Places to Take Pictures in Houston
Houston’s vibrant energy spills over into its photogenic hotspots, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an art lover, or just crave quirky charm, you’ll find Insta-worthy corners all around the city.
For natural beauty, stroll through the sprawling Hermann Park, with its iconic Japanese Garden and serene reflecting pool. You can also capture the urban jungle vibe along Buffalo Bayou Park‘s picturesque trails.
Dive into Houston’s artistic side with the ever-evolving murals of Graffiti Park. Or immerse in the fun hues at the Color Factory.
So, grab your phone, get your creative juices flowing, and prepare to be wowed by these Instagrammable places in Houston!
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information is subject to change! As always, please verify with the organizer before heading out!
Also, remember to check out our other posts: Date Night Ideas Houston, Romantic Restaurants Houston, Pet Friendly Hotels Houston, and Drive Through Safari Near Houston!
Natural Beauty – Best Outdoor Photo Locations Houston
Hermann Park Conservancy
Image Credit: Hermann Park Conservancy
- Visual Appeal: The garden boasts natural beauty and diverse landscapes. The McGovern Centennial Gardens and Moody Mansion are both a photographer’s paradise.
- Accessibility: The park is well-maintained with paved paths, making it easy to get around on foot.
- Best time to take photos: Golden hours and blue hours are the best times to take photos here to get that glow on the park’s scenery. Springtime is also the best season as the park comes alive with the colors of all its blooms.
- Insider Tips: Enjoy a unique photography perspective of the park from the water by renting a paddle boat.
- Where: 1700 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004
- Hours: Daily: 6 am – 11 pm
- How much: Free
Buffalo Bayou Park
Image Credit: Buffalo Bayou Partnership
- Visual Appeal: The park’s combination of urban landscapes, natural trails, and waterways creates a visually stunning environment for photos.
- Accessibility: Most of the park’s trails are paved and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Best time to take photos: During golden hour, the park is bathed in a magical glow, ideal for those eye-catching pictures. Springtime is also its best season when all the plants are in bloom. If you want something more unique and dramatic, try taking photos on a rainy day but make sure to wrap up.
- Insider Tips: The park is close to several museums, like the Houston Museum of Natural Science, making it is easy to get photos from different photo hotspots in Houston in a day.
- Where: 1800 Allen Pkwy &, Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77019
- Hours: Daily: 6 am – 11 pm
- How much: Free
Smither Park
Image Credit: Smither Park
- Visual Appeal: Smither Park offers some of the best views of the Houston skyline. The park’s two bridges, the Waugh Drive Bridge and the pedestrian bridge are also popular spots for taking photos.
- Accessibility: There is limited street parking available near the park so taking public transportation is much more recommended. Plus, this is one of the free places to take pictures in Houston!
- Best time to take photos: Sunrise, sunset, and during the blue hour are all great times to take photos here since the lighting is soft. Cloudy days are also great for diffused lighting and interesting shadows.
- Insider Tips: If you want to avoid the crowds, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Where: 2441 Munger St, Houston, TX 77023
- Hours: Daily: 7 am – 7 pm
- How much: Free
Mercer Botanic Gardens
- Visual Appeal: Immerse yourself in themed gardens like the Asian Forest, the Victorian Maze, and the Rose Garden, each bursting with unique flora and enchanting greenery.
- Accessibility: Most areas are accessible, with ramps and designated parking available.
- Best time to take photos: The golden hour brings out the best colors in the garden. As for seasons, spring and summer offer bursts of color, while autumn’s fiery foliage creates a dramatic backdrop.
- Insider Tips: Special events like plant sales and art exhibits offer unique photo opportunities.
- Where: 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble, TX 77338
- Hours: Daily: 8 am – 5 pm
- How much: Free
Photoshoot Locations in Houston that Have Artsy Vibes and Murals
Graffiti Park
Image Credits: Leeland Street Graffiti Park
- Visual Appeal: The vibrant murals and quirky installations that cover the walls of the abandoned buildings provide a perfect backdrop for eye-catching photos.
- Accessibility: Street parking is available around the park, but it can be limited on weekends. Consider alternative transportation like biking or public transit.
- Best time to take photos: If you want the colors of the artwork to pop, go on the golden hours. If you want something softer, go on cloudy days.
- Insider Tips: There are no food or drink vendors in the park, so pack your own snacks and water if you plan on staying a while.
- Where: 2102 Leeland St, Houston, TX 77003
- Hours: Open 24/7
- How much: Free
Biscuit Paint Wall
Image Credit: homesbylaurenfrazer on Instagram
- Visual Appeal: A dazzling cascade of colors greets you, with bold stripes and drips creating a mesmerizing visual feast.
- Accessibility: The wall is located on the side of a building, readily accessible to the public during daylight hours.
- Best time to take photos: During sunrise or sunset, the colors on the wall are at their most vibrant. If you want them to look a little more pastel, you can go on cloudy days.
- Insider Tips: Aside from this wall, explore the other murals around the Montrose neighborhood to make your visit worth it.
- Where: 1435 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
- Hours: Open 24/7
- How much: Free
Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
- Visual Appeal: The 67-foot waterfall is the main draw of the park and makes for a dramatic and eye-catching backdrop for photos.
- Accessibility: There is limited street parking around the park, so it’s best to take public transportation or ride-sharing if possible.
- Best time to take photos: Early mornings are great for softer lighting and fewer crowds but for that warm magical glow, golden hour is still the best time.
- Insider Tips: The park can be mosquito-y, especially in the summer, so be sure to bring bug spray.
- Where: 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056
- Hours: Open 24/7
- How much: Free
Places to Take Photos in Houston – Museums and Exhibits
Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Visual Appeal: The museum’s exhibits are designed to be visually stunning, with vibrant colors, dramatic lighting, and captivating displays.
- Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible with elevators, ramps, and wide doorways.
- Best time to take photos: Early mornings and weekdays are some of the best times to take photos in a relaxed setting.
- Insider Tips: Plan your route beforehand to maximize your time and capture all the must-see exhibits.
- Where: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
- Hours: Daily: 9 am – 5 pm
- How much: $16 – $25
Color Factory
Image credit: Color Factory
- Visual Appeal: Dive into a kaleidoscope of colors across 15 interactive installations. From a ball pit overflowing with 50,000 plastic spheres to a confetti storm room, Colour Factory is a feast for the eyes.
- Accessibility: Colour Factory is situated in Houston’s vibrant Montrose neighborhood, close to shops and restaurants.
- Best time to take photos: Opt for weekday mornings or afternoons for softer, diffused light that won’t overpower the vibrant colors.
- Insider Tips: Aim for weekdays or early weekend mornings to avoid larger crowds. Tuesdays offer special discounts!
- Where: 3303 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
- Hours: Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday: 11 am – 5 pm | Friday & Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm | Saturday: 10 am – 8 pm
- How much: Starts at $29
Good Places to Take Pictures in Houston – Unique Sights
Sugar and Cloth Color Wall
Image Credit: sugarandcloth.com
- Visual Appeal: The towering, 20-foot wall painted in a rainbow of candy-coated stripes is the main attraction and a photographer’s dream backdrop!
- Accessibility: The Sugar and Cloth is easily accessible by car or public transportation.
- Best time to take photos: The golden hour casts a warm glow on the wall and makes the colors more vibrant.
- Insider Tips: Arrive early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid waiting in line for photos.
- Where: 1102 Pinemont Dr, Houston, TX 77018
- Hours: Open 24/7
- How much: Free
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
- Visual Appeal: See exquisite pink sandstone hand-carved with intricate floral and geometric patterns and explore the lush gardens and reflecting pools surrounding the place.
- Accessibility: The temple complex is wheelchair-friendly with ramps and elevators.
- Best time to take photos: Early mornings are the best time to take serene shots in soft lighting. Festivals and special events can also add a splash of color to your photos.
- Insider Tips: Visit during weekdays for a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds.
- Where: 1150 Brand Ln, Stafford, TX 77477
- Hours: Daily: 9 am – 12 pm and 4 pm – 6 pm
- How much: Free
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