BEAUTIFUL PHOTO LOCATIONS IN HOUSTON, TEXAS PLUS FREE CITY GUIDE & MAP

On first look, Houston may not seem like a city that maybe draws in visitors for its photo worthy spots but look further than the concrete jungle metropolis and you’ll be surprised with what you find. Green spaces, street art, a fine mix of architecture, a variety of places of worship in the most beautiful intricately designed facades and then there’s that downtown skyline landscape. Read on to discover our round-up of the most beautiful photo locations in Houston with where to take the best shot, locations and a handy Google Map to help you craft your own photo spot tour!

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The Best Time of Year for Photography

Lets cut to the chase, if you are hoping for people free shots the busy summer periods and holidays times, especially at popular attractions, aren’t going to be great. We always recommend traveling in shoulder season so definitely out of the June to September months. You also don’t want to be taking photos in the summer, as it means more daylight and potentially harsh sun bleaching with the number of sunshine hours. 

We travelled to Houston in the first week of November and the weather was around 27°C to 30°C. We did walk around a fair amount and also used the METRO Rail in the hotter part of the day. It was perfect with hardly any crowds, a mix of cloud and sunny days at mangeable temperatures. Some days were cloudy whilst others were sunny but it was workable with photography for sure. Many locations we had to ourselves and able to take in the surroundings at leisure. We did feel pretty spoilt.

How to Get Around Houston 

Car – Houston is a city that seems to be pretty spread out and not compact like others in the US. If you are planning on visiting more places that are not just centred around downtown and the surrounding areas served by public transport, then we’d recommend hiring a car. We always suggest finding the best priced vehicle for your trip with Rentalcars.com.

METRORail – we would recommend this way of travel especially if like us you don’t really need to hire a car for your trip. You can get between the neighbourhoods of Downtown, EADO, the Museum District and the Texas Medical Centre. the latter two are on the red line which is pretty easy to manoeuvre.

Fares are around $1.50 for a three hour ticket or $3 for a day pass. We found this to be a pretty convenient way to travel. Head to the METRORail website for more information.

Be-lavie Tip: We’d recommend buying a $3 Metro pass if you plan to travel around all day. They can be used on all lines as well as buses. Each Metro stop has a ‘Fare Monitor’ who wearing high visibility vests and a uniform and are there to help. The fare ticket machine was broken on one day and the fare monitor kindly took us to the main station on the metro to get a pass. They are really helpful and knowledgeable and there to help you use the system safely and correctly.

Photography Equipment – What To use? 

We by no means are photography experts, but here is what we generally use. Infact, we used our iphone 13pro quite a bit on this visit for almost all videos as well as photographs. See all our linked products below 

• Smart Phone – As mentioned previously, we used our iphone quite a lot throughout our time in Houston and it was perfect to take out at night to restaurants as well as capturing almost all of our video content for social media. Also having Google Maps on their means it doubles up as our location companion.
• Camera & Lens – A good camera such as a DSLR or mirrorless camera will make all the difference in getting some fantastic quality images, especially The Nikon Zfc is a great mirrorless option with a vintage camera feel and is light too. The Nikon Z 24-70mm F4 S Lens is great as a grab and go everyday lens but also takes fantastic wide angle images.
• Tripod – Helps with evening and landscape photography to reduces shake and captures sharper images when attached to a tripod. Try and search for a lightweight tripod. Manfrotto generally have a great range of tripods., like this Manfrotto Element MII Camera Tripod. You can also get an iphone attachment for this.
• Iphone Tripod/Selfie Stick – The Atumtek Selfie Stick is the perfect companion for solo travellers with its extendable aluminium tripod. It’s also so easy to carry and has a rechargeable bluetooth remote control too.
• Memory cards & Spare Camera Battery– Remember to take a battery charger as well as a spare camera battery with you. You don’t want the camera battery to die in the middle of a wonderful wildlife, landscape, cultural dance or nightscape scene! Take a few memory cards with you such as the SanDisk Extreme PRO 64GB SDXC Memory Card up to 170MB/s, you can end up filling these quickly when there are great photo opportunities to be taken.
• Photography Backpack: If you’re looking to keep all your camera gear safe then this may be of help. The Bagsmart photography backpack has a waterproof cover and front open compartment for all your lenses and is also competitively priced.

The Most Beautiful Photo Locations In Houston 

We’ve broken down our best rated photo stops in Houston by areas so they’re easy to manoeuvre if you are travelling either by car or public transport. Many of the Downtown locations can be reached by walking quite easily.          

Related Article: How to Spend 3 Days in Houston: A Complete Guide

Map of Houston Photo Spots & More

Click on the graphic to reveal a Google Map of all the photo locations featured in this guide as well as hotels, food spots and much more.

Dowtown Houston

Avenida De Las Americas

**Where to get the shot** Head here during the evening and look for the colourful lit up sign, right outside George R. Brown Convention Center and walk through.

Location: Avenida De Las Americas I Map Location

Wings over Water

**Where to get the shot** We’d recommend going at night when the fountain is in a sequence of vivid colours. It’s possible to see from across the Avenida de la Americas, where the Discovery Green is or right in front for the best perspective.

Location: 1767 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX 77010 I Map Location. 

Discovery Green

**Where to get the shot** The interactive water features, colourful block buildings and the kinder lake makes for a great backdrop or alternatively, why not get under the fountains, if you don’t ming getting wet?!

Location: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010 I Tel. +1 7134 007 336 I Website I Map Location.

Related Article: Sustainable Houston Guide: 7 Ways To Be More Green

Monument Au Fantome

**Where to get the shot** Head over to the other side of the road or alternative take an alternate shot from inside the sculptor. 

Location: Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX 77010 I Website I Map Location.

Houston is Inspired Mural

**Where to get the shot** Being Houston’s oldest mural, this is a must snap. As this is a public car park, there are always cars parked here but on the weekends, especially Sundays, there are fewer or no cars parked here. 

Location: 313 Travis Street. Houston. Map Location.

Graffiti Park

**Where to get the shot** stand yourself in front of the ‘Sky’s the limit’ wings. There are lots of murals here so you’ll be able to take your pick!

Location: 1503 Chartres St, Houston, TX 77003 I Map Location.

We Love Houston Sign

**Where to get the shot** Head to the back of 8th Wonder Brewery and you’ll see the colourful ‘We Love Houston’ sign. You’ll have to get creative with the photos as there are a few trees in front of it so maybe try angling the shot or even getting down lower for a seated perspective.

Location: 2202 Dallas St, Houston, TX 77003 I Tel. +1 7132 290 868 I Map Location.

8th Wonder Brewery

**Where to get the shot** Grab a craft beer and head on into the yard where you’ll note the concrete sculptors of the Beatles! Pretty cool! It’s directly behind the road where the ‘We Love Houston’ sign is.

Location: 2202 Dallas St, Houston, TX 77003 I  Tel. +1 8323 711 666 I Website I Map Location.

Christ Church Cathedral and Cloister Garden

**Where to get the shot** The cloister is a beautiful place to photograph as are the gardens on the other side.

Location: 1117 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002 I Tel. +1 7132 222 593 I Website I Map Location.

Pennzoil Plaza

**Where to get the shot** take a seat inside the 1959 BMW Isetta but bear in mind, that these are offices and to be mindful of noise. There is a security guard in the lobby right next to the car.

Location: 711 Louisiana St, Houston, TX 77002 I Tel. +1 7132 245 930 I Website I Map Location.

Personnage & Birds 

**Where to get the shot** Stand right infront of the JP Morgan Chase building to get the width of the sculptor.

Location: 600 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002 I Map Location.

Main Street Square Reflecting Pool

**Where to get the shot** Stand on the paved part in between the two METRORail lines to get the best image of the tall buildings reflecting in the pool.

Location: 1002 Main St, Houston, TX 77002 I Map Location.

City Hall

**Where to get the shot** If you like the look of this almost Art-deco style of building, the best shot is from the stairs or head over to the other side of the road , where the reflection pool is for a full height perspective. 

Location: 901 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 I Tel. +1 7138 370 311 I Website I Map Location.

Sam Houston Park & Museum 

**Where to get the shot** The band stand (as we call it in the UK) or gazebo is a nice spot for a pretty photo or alternatively the white washed stairs and it’s door are a nice feature.

Location: 1000 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 I Tel. +1 8323 948 805 I Website I Map Location..

Tour Details: +1 713-655-1912 or e-mail emartin@heritagesociety.org. (Hours & Fees).

Teen How Taoist Temple

**Where to get the shot** Stand at the entrance to frame the courtyard or further through into the main temple entrance. Photography is also allowed inside as long as those worshipping are not interrupted and it’s respectfully done with minimal time. It’s not a place to pose and take numerous shots.

Location: 1507 Delano St, Houston, TX 77003 I Tel. +1 7132 361 015 I Website I Map Location.

Houston Post 

**Where to get the shot**  Head up to the skylawn for the best views of the Downtown skyscrapers. Evening is a particularly good time to see the city scape twinkle. 

Location: 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201 I Tel. +1 7139 992 550 I Website I Map Location. 

#MadeInHou Signs 

**Where to get the shot** These signs were produced by Pandr Design Co. to encourage people to snap a photo and pots it to their social media using #madeinhou. You can stand right in front of them, there’s three, Houston Love, Hey Y’all and Made in Texas, do a stride-by or a selfie.

Location: 1300 block of McKinney Stree at The Shops at Houston Center. TX 77002 I Map Location. 

Hotel Icon 

**Where to get the shot** This historic hotel that is a former bank, has an incredibly photogenic lobby and lift area. We stayed here, but if not ask the staff at reception and they really won’t mind you snapping a few shots quickly. Note the chandelier in the lobby and walk around the corner to the old world lifts and staircase with chandeliers. This has to be one of the most beautiful hotels in Houston.

Location: 220 Main St, Houston, TX 77002 I Tel. +1 7132 244 266 I Website I Map Location. 

Z on 23 Rooftop Bar

**Where to get the shot** The rooftop has great skyscraper views, especially at sunset with a drink in hand. 

Location: 1121 Walker St, Houston, TX 77002 I Tel. +1 3463 303 446 I Website I Map Location.

The Truckyard

**Where to get the shot** Neon lights, street art, food trucks, and a Ferris wheel, there are so many fun and quirky spots at The Truckyard for a photo opportunity. Don’t forget to try their craft beers and cocktails and come of the casual eats.

Location: 2118 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77003 I Tel. +1 8774 472 796 I Website I Map Location

Texas Medical Centre I Rice University I Hermann Park 

Rice University Lovett Hall 

**Where to get the shot** Lovett Hall is the oldest building at Rice University and is best photographed at the large archway which leads to the big courtyard. 

There are also several other buildings on the campus that you may like as well as the tree lined paths of the campus 

Location: Lovett Hall, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005 I Tel. +1 7133 480 000 I Website  I Map Location.

Hermann Park

 There are a few locations at Hermann Park which are perfect for photographing:

McGovern Centennial Gardens 

**Where to get the shot** Head to the man made waterfall mound which has a water feature running all the way down it with a spiral staircase that visitors can climb. There are also trellises and benches with training foliage which are great to use as alternative angles if the mound area is busy, being quite a popular spot with families and locals.

Location:1500 Hermann Drive, Houston, TX 77004 I Tel. +17135 245 876 I Website I Map Location.

The Friendship Pavilion

**Where to get the shot** Walk through one of the hedges of the Govern Centennial Gardens and you’ll see the Friendship Pavillion. It’s a cute spot for a photo, maybe try sitting on the stairs. It’s a little dark inside as it’s shaded by trees so make sure you shoot to get all the details of the architecture on the exterior.

Location: 1500 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77004 I Website I Map Location.

Museum District

Mecom Fountains 

**Where to get the shot** At the intersection of Main Street and Montrose these 1964 fountains are beautiful and a recognised point of interest in the city. Stand on the pavement on the other side of the road to snap the fountain as they are located on a very busy roundabout.

Location: Hermann Drive, Houston, TX 77005 I Tel. +1 7135 245 876 I Website I Map location.

Mecom Rothwell Colonnade

**Where to get the shot** Added in 1968 with the old limestone pillars of the original Miller theatre, this is a very popular spot for wedding photography as well as instagram shoots. It’s very pretty and many pretty perspectives to shoot from with the fountain in the centre. This has to be one of the best photoshoot locations in Houston.

Location: 1100-1102 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004 I Website I Map Location. 

Museum of Fine Arts Houston

**Where to get the shot** A museum definitely worth heading to if you love art and the lobby has a big ergonomically designed staircase that you may like to snap.  

Location: 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005 I Tel. +17136397300 I Website I Map Location.

Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Gardens (Museum of Fine Arts Houston) 

Cloud Column (+Other Sculptures)

**Where to get the shot** Head to the garden at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and see the many sculptures but the most notable to capture is the Cloud Column, Which is Houston’s version of Chicago’s The Bean or Cloud Gate. 

Location: Calumet St, Houston, TX 77004 I Tel. +1 7136 397 300 I Website I Map Location.

Montrose District

Montrose Paint Wall

**Where to get the shot** A multi stripe wall with what looks like paint dripping down it. Very effective although it’s in a car park so there are usually cars there. You may be able to get the odd gap when a car leaves though!

Location: 1435 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77006 I Map Location

Rainbow Crosswalk

**Where to get the shot** The most prominent place you’ll see, the rainbow crosswalk is right outside the vintage store Leopard Lounge, where there is also a lovely multi stripe wall. 

Location: 399 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006 I Map Location.

Galleria & Uptown District

G. D Hines Waterwall Park

**Where to get the shot** Unfortunately the front side of the waterwall was closed on our visit for maintenance so we had to get creative and use the outer side. It’s still pretty dramatic but walking up to it or walking in a curvature parallel to it also works. Be aware that there is a lot of water spraying out so a waterproof camera case may be a good idea. 

Location: 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056 I Tel. +1 7138 508 841 I Website I Map Location.

Other Photo-Worthy Locations Around Houston

Buffalo Bayou Park

Rosemont Pedestrian Bridge

**Where to get the shot** This crosses the Bayou River, and is also a good spot to get the park landscape on one side but also the Downtown city view on the other.

Location: Montrose Boulevard, Houston, TX 77019 I Website I Map Location.

Nau Family Pavillion (Eleanor Tinsley Park)

**Where to get the shot** Walk to the Nau Family Pavilion, just off Allen Parkway which does give a fantastic view of the Downtown Skyline. On our visit it was closing for a private event which happened to be a proposal!

Location: Houston, TX 77019 I Website I Map Location.

Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern

**Where to get the shot** The most obvious place would be to head to the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, however this was closed on our visit. We’ve included all the details on our 3 Day Houston Guide including opening times and entry. Click on the Google Map location below to see images of the Cistern’t structure.

Location: 105-B Sabine St, Houston, TX 77007 I +1 7137 520 314 I Website I Map Location. 

**Book a history tour of the Cistern here**

For those who like nature and park photoshoots then the Buffalo Bayou Park is a great option.

Related Article: Sustainable Houston Guide: 7 Ways To Be More Green

Love Lock Bridge

**Where to get the shot** En route to Bayou Buffalo Park, there’s a bride right over Allen Parkway full of Love Locks. It’s one of the only ways to cross over to the other side of the road where the park is. We captured a beautifully framed photo of the downtown skyline buildings with locks around the mesh. It’s quite a popular perspective on instagram and you’ll see many versions of it on there.    

Location: Above the Allen Parkway, 18-3600 Allen Parkway, Houston TX 77019 (Precisey at 500 Allen Parkway) I Map Location.

BAPS Swaminarayan Temple. 

**Where to get the shot**  A 30 minutes Uber ride away from Houston Downtown, this Hindu place of worship is a beautiful photo location in Houston. Photography is not allowed inside the temple as to not disrupt the peace and tranquility of prayers but photos can be taken from outside. The sides are cordoned off so stick to the guidelines and you’ll get some great shots. We recommend right in front of the temple, with the water feature and also the sides a little further away are a good spot to capture the details in the carvings.

All are welcome to enter the temple but shoes must be left in the gender specific shoe rooms at either side of the stairs. 

Location: 1150 Brand Lane, Stafford, TX 77477 I Tel. +1 2817 652 277 I Website I I Map Location.

Where to Stay in Houston

The best place to stay invariably for visitors is Downtown due to its proximity to attractions as well as the fact that it’s a good base to get public transport like the MetroRAIL or buses. Hit the article below to see a round-up of our personal selections of hotels to suit all budgets in the different neighbourhoods and districts of Houston that are amenable for first time visitors based on things to do in the vicinity.

Related Article: Places To Stay in Houston By Neighbourhood

As a quick guide, here are our top three picks for Downtown Houston (for more click the link above)

• $$$ I Hotel Icon. A luxury Boutique historic hotel in the heart of Downtown. 
• $$ I Magnolia Hotel Houston. Boutique style mid-range hotel, recently renovated.
• $ I Hampton Inn Houston Downtown. Good family friendly option with pool.

Alternatively find a hotel that suits your style by inputting the dates of your stay below.

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Where to Eat & Drink in Houston

Hit the link below to read our guide on where to eat and drink in Houston. It’s not just for veggies!

Related Article: Where To Eat The Best Vegetarian Food In Houston

Photo Locations That Require an Entry Fee to Visit 

One of the best things about Houston is just how many places you can visit for free and wander around whilst being able to take some great photography. Virtually all of the photo locations we’ve included in this guide are free to visit except for the ones listed below:

• Bayou Park Cistern.
• Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
• Baps Swaminarayan Temple (Free to visit but a donation is a kind gesture).
• Teen How taoist Temple (Free to visit but a donation is most welcomed).

Tips on Photography in Houston

• Be Organized – We recommend making a list or Google Map of the locations you’d like to shoot at or visit to maximise time on your visit.
• Perspectives – If you want a subject in the shot like yourself, plan out how you’d like to stand or even wear as this will make things easier if it is crowded and you can quickly take your shot before other people enter your frame. 
• Time of Day – Always choose either sunrise or golden hour for the best time to take your photography.
• Alternative Angles – Always look and think about alternative perspectives of outdoor spots incase the weather doesn’t play ball.
• Reflect Personality – Try and individualise your photos with placement and personality so they are unique to you.
• Busy Time of Day – If you plan to shoot at sunset, just bear in mind the evenings can often be busy in Houston with people heading out post work so plan accordingly. 
• There’s no perfect shot – Don’t beat yourself up about getting that ‘perfect shot’, there is no such thing! Be original and do it your way. Many of the landmarks like The Cloud column will be crazy busy, just walk around the back, look for alternatives and make it happen in your style! 

Recommended Tours In Houston

Here are some of the tours we’d highly recommend in Houston and have been on ourselves or researched for our own visit. These are particularly good if you are short of time in the city and include transport or hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Houston Photography Locations FAQ

Where are the best places to take pictures in Houston of the Skyline?

Buffalo Bayou Park, POST Houston skylawn and the Z on 23 Rooftop to name a few will give you a great cityscape of the Downtown views. These locations at dusk are also great for twinkly shots of the city.

What is the best time of day for taking Photos in Houston?

We’d recommend early morning or just before sunset. This is definitely the case for summertime and in peak season. In mid-November, it was pretty quite so most locations were not busy at all. The midday sun may be a little bleaching for the photography though.

Is The Bayou Park Cistern Worth Seeing for Photography?

As it was closed on our visit we didn’t get a chance to go but the photographs are pretty cool and they often have events down there such as illumination trails. If you have the time and are in Bayou Buffalo Park, we would recommend it based on other travellers comments. 

What are the most photographed places on Houston (The Most Instagrammable)

• Houston is Inspired Mural.
• Buffalo Bayou Park (The Cistern and Downtown Skyline).
• The Downtown skyline from numerous points in the city.
• The Gerlad D Hines Waterwall.
• McGovern Centennial Gardens.
• I Love Houston Sign.
• Biscuit Paint Wall in Montrose.
• Graffiti Park.
• The Cloud Column.

Photography Locations Round-Up 

Houston has ample photography spots as you can see from our guide, so if like us on first look you thought, Houston is not photogenic, you’d be very pleasantly surprised. From the Downtown skyline to public parks, galleries, waterfalls plus places of religious worship, Houston really does have many varied things to do and see. Refer to our top photo tips which we’ve learnt over the years for capturing photography as well as heading to our related articles, which will help with further information about each location and planning where to stay, eat and more. 

Related Articles

• Where to stay in Houston by Neighbourhood.
• Where To Eat The Best Vegetarian Food In Houston
• How to best spend 3 days in Houston: A complete Guide.
• Sustainable Houston Guide: 7 Ways To Be More Green

Resources To Help Plan Your Trip

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