The 10 Best Photo Spots in Houston, Texas

Looking for the best photo spots in Houston, Texas? You’ve come to the right place, then!

With all its bold graffiti artwork and lush green spaces, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to this southern city.

In this article, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best places in Houston that will make for a great backdrop that will make great additions to your Instagram profile or travel portfolio.

So grab your camera and get ready to rock out!

The Best Photography Gear to Bring to Houston

 

When first planning your trip to Houston be sure to bring the necessary gear. This includes:

• a camera of choice
• the holy trinity of lenses (wide, standard, and telephoto zoom)
• square or circular ND filters to create long exposure shots

 

In addition, you can also bring the following:

• a remote trigger shutter release
• a tripod for steady shots and panoramic views
• extra battery packs/chargers
• flashes

 

Drones can provide an additional perspective with aerial shots – however, you need to register it with the proper authorities beforehand. You can check more about Texas Drone Laws at this link right here.

Leeland Street Graffiti Park

 

Located in East Downtown District, the ever-changing artwork here is nothing short of amazing – ranging from creative text graffiti to political art pieces and everything in between.

Plus, there are pieces by both emerging and famous artists, so don’t miss out on adding a few photos showcasing them to your portfolio.

It’s also not just a day scene either; at night, things really heat up as the area bustles with life, revving engines, boxing matches, and more –perfect conditions for some great photo ops!

 

Hermann Park

Hermann Park is an ideal hotspot for any photographer looking to capture some casual shots. The park boasts a golf course and Japanese garden, a natural science museum, and a kiddie train that offer plenty of photo ops.

Plus, with millions of visitors coming and going to the park each year, you will find interesting subjects around every corner.

Speaking of photo ops, Hermann Park is home to sections of sunny vistas and shady spots alike, with its most photogenic spot being the Mecom Rockwell Colonnade. Its iconic limestone columns really help in making your subjects stand out.

 

Smither Park

Smither Park is home to a massive collection of stunning mosaics and vibrant sculptures coupled with an amphitheater, swing set, and meditation area.

Due to its unique design, the pavilion is a hotspot for flat-lay photographs or portrait shots. Keep an eye out, too, for the fun figures that are scattered around the picnic benches.

If you peek through the field beyond the fences, you might get a glimpse of some unique art cars – so keep your camera at the ready!

 

Mercer Botanic Gardens

Located about 30 minutes north of Houston, the Mercer Botanic Gardens is a sprawling 300-acre paradise for photographers.

Visitors enjoy an incredible array of plants and trees from around the world at no cost to enter while being one of the best photo spots in Houston.

From beautiful seasonal floral displays in spring, summer, and fall to towering arboretum trees like cypresses and oaks, you will surely find something to capture your eye.

But if you’re looking for more unique photo ops, look no further than the ancient columns or tranquil Cypress tree pond – both make perfect portrait backdrops.

 

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

This traditional Hindu temple can be compared to a little slice of India while still staying on American soil. Its unique carvings, idols, and carpets are beautifully presented, and ample parking is nearby.

For just $2, plenty of photo ops are waiting to happen inside their walls. In particular, the priests sometimes perform the Abishek– a Hindu ritual of pouring water over an idol as a holy offering– capturing this moment on camera would be priceless!

Since it is a house of prayer, visitors are strongly encouraged to dress modestly (no bare shoulders or anything above the knee) and leave their shoes and bags at the temple’s in-house locker while they head inside.

 

Main Street Square

Surrounded by towering buildings, this plaza offers some of the best photo spots in Houston because of its 250-foot-long reflecting pool, complete with 13 jump jets soaring 40 feet into the air and 39 smaller ones in the perimeter.

The square also serves as Houston’s open art space, where art pieces will occasionally be displayed. One of the most common pieces you can see is the Trumpet Flower by local artist Patrick Renner.

This place is not just about looks either; it comes equipped with masterfully planned landscaping full of flowering plants, trees, and public seating with a light rail transit running through it.

 

Houston Zoo

 

For wildlife photographers, the Houston Zoo is practically heaven on Earth, with over 6,000 animals and 900 species in Hermann Park’s easy-to-navigate sections.

it has something for everyone – from tigers to monkeys and everything else you can imagine – all bathed in Texas’ picture-perfect lighting.

Aside from pictures, you can do plenty of activities in the zoo; visitors and photographers alike are encouraged to explore the various sections, which feature unique themes that showcase the beauty of each natural habitat.

There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants scattered around the zoo, so there’s no difficulty in relaxing in between your shots.

 

Teen How Taoist Temple

Tucked away in Houston’s old Chinatown area, one can find a hidden gem – The Teen How Taoist Temple. Its traditional Chinese architecture– seen on its grand entrance– serve as an oasis of serenity and peace to those who step foot within.

Inside, visitors can admire the honoring of the Goddess Tian Hou (Mazu) as well as a separate building dedicated to the Pure Reality School of Taoism’s Three Supreme Divinities & Patriarchs.

This place truly has a feeling of tranquillity; the staff is friendly and welcoming (allowing people to take pictures even after closing time), and the koi pond and its garden area offer some of the best photo spots in Houston.

It’s recommended to come during the Lunar New Year or the holidays when it gets more lively, bringing you plenty of photo ops and showcasing the unique Chinese culture thriving in the heart of Houston.

The groundskeepers at the temple recommend dressing modestly by avoiding anything too revealing or black/white clothing due to the thick smog caused by incense burning.

 

The Z on 23 Rooftop Bar

If you’re looking for an evening of exceptional skyline views and a great atmosphere in Houston, look no further than the Z on 23 Rooftop Bar.

Located atop a hotel just a short walk from the Metro rail, this open-air bar is your ideal spot to wind down and watch the city lights twinkle below.

Even if it’s your first or thirteenth visit, photographers will still be in awe due to how captivatingly gorgeous Houston looks from up there. We recommend coming here during the summer months since the atmosphere inside the bar is particularly perfect for balmy nights.

The space can also get very crowded, and drinks may take some time due to high demand, so be sure to arrive early if possible, or even better—give them a call ahead of time to reserve a spot.

 

Kemah Boardwalk

 

Whether you’re looking for a great spot to take some casual pictures while enjoying the trip, the Kemah Boardwalk is an excellent option.

Just outside the amusement park lies the Kemah Boardwalk Marina, which offers plenty of opportunities to photograph all sorts of vessels, from yachts to fishing boats.

Then, when you walk onto the boardwalk itself, you’ll be presented with all sorts of lights, rides, and attractions like roller coasters and Ferris wheels – perfect testing grounds if you want to improve your low-light or long-exposure photography.

Visitors can explore Margaritaville restaurant and Frankie’s Crab House, then enjoy evening rides on The Century Wheel Ferris wheel and other attractions such as the Aviator ride and Boardwalk Tower.

If you’re an avid drone enthusiast, Trinity Bay is a great choice to fly over and take some of the best photo spots in Houston (possibly even Texas.) However, the Boardwalk can get heavily crowded depending on the occasion, so be careful not to hit any bystanders.

With something for everyone here, there’s no doubt this experience will make for an unforgettable trip (and some seriously amazing pictures!)

 

Ready to Visit Houston?