Looking for some iconic Austin backgrounds to take photos with your family? Here’s a list of our Top 5 Austin Photo Spots. Whether you’re new to the city and wanting to commemorate your family’s new home or just take some great pictures of the kids for loved ones out of town, these spots will help you capture the fun vibe this city is famous for.

 

Roadhouse Relics: 1720 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704 (currently being renovated)

The mural on the side of Roadhouse Relics is a hand painted tribute to Austin.  It’s appeared in countless photos commemorating visits and makes an awesome backdrop for family photos. Bonus points: it’s easy to get to, is set off the road behind a sidewalk so it’s safer for pictures with little ones, and has easy street parking on Annie Street.

 

Jo’s Coffee: 1300 South Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78704

Perhaps no wall in Austin has gotten more attention than the side of Jo’s coffee. The graffiti, a surprise personal love note to the owner from her girlfriend, is now an iconic part of Austin. It has been the backdrop for countless photos commemorating proposals, marriages, new babies, and other joyous occasions and is the perfect place for family photos. Bonus points: it’s easy to get to, street parking is available, and you get to enjoy the South Congress vibe.

 

Daniel Johnston Mural, “Jeremiah the Innocent”: Corner of 21st and Guadalupe, Austin, TX 78705

Painted on the side of what is now a Thai restaurant on the Drag, this mural has been an iconic part of the Austin landscape since 1993. Made famous by a t-shirt worn by Kurt Cobain, the mural was commissioned by a local record store. When the store closed, the mural was saved by the neighborhood and is now one of the most famous spots in Austin.  Now, parents can get great photos and relive fond memories of 90’s alt rock with their kids. Since this is the busy university area, parking can be a little tricky, especially during the semester.

 

Historic 6th Street Mural: 4201 S Congress Ave #317, Austin, TX 78745

Although it’s one of the newer murals to grace Austin’s walls, this wall in the historic 6th Street area is one of the coolest. Modeled after old hand painted signs, and painted by Sanctuary Printshop, the wall is a tribute to the cheerful and proud spirit of Austin.  Its bright colors and sidewalk access make it a great spot to get photos with the family. Look for metered street parking on 6th street.

 

Butler Park Observation Hill: 1000 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

Get an impressive view of downtown from the top of this hill. It features a spiraling sidewalk from the ground to the peak and a granite engraving of Texas and its cities at the top. Bonus points: you can use both the beautiful downtown view and the engraving of Texas as backdrops for family photos. Free parking can be found off Riverside drive and Barton Springs Road.

Do you have some favorite photo spots in Austin? Let us know! And while you’re out taking your amazing photos in front of these iconic Austin spots and posting them to Instagram, please tag us #do512family, and follow us @do512 family.

– Ava

Ava Love Hanna is a writer, performer, and mother of a super awesome 5-year-old. She loves exploring Austin’s best kid-friendly places with her husband and son. Read about her adventures in writing, parenting, and being obsessed with Doctor Who at avalovehanna.com.