On the road again
Resources →
Instaworthy views: Austin
July 7, 2021

Instagrammable places in Austin

The highest point in Austin is only around 880 feet, but there are still plenty of instagrammable spots. While the area is certainly hilly, it’s the meandering creeks and mighty Colorado River that lay the groundwork for FOMO-inducing photos. Here are our picks for Instaworthy views in Austin, TX.

Mount Bonnell

Mount Bonnell, aka Covert Park, is a lookout point above the Colorado River on the northwest side of Austin. The path is paved all the way to the rocky summit. It’s not super secluded, but you can watch the sun set behind the horizon while painting the sky and illuminating the river below. If the weather is hot, there’s an opportunity to swim in the river at the bottom of the path.

Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake

Stroll directly above the river and get lovely views of the Austin skyline. Lady Bird Lake is a small, man-made reservoir just off the Colorado River. The surrounding park makes an excellent place for a jog, picnic, or kicking back in the hammock. 

ATX Sculpture/Tau Ceti/Greetings from Austin Mural

Three awesome murals that scream “I’m in Austin”. Hit it up in this order if you’re looking to do all three: ATX, Tau Ceti, Greetings from Austin. The Greetings From Austin Mural is a bit farther away (2.7 miles to be exact), but all there are relatively close together in the downtown area. Tau Ceti is the newest and most abstract, a massive, colorful, 103-foot tall mural that stretches up the side of a parking garage.

Oasis on Lake Travis

Located in Hill Country, The Oasis on Lake Travis is a Tex Mex restaurant overlooking the serene Lake Travis. While the food is solid, the main draw is watching the sunset from one of The Oasis’ three huge outdoor decks while kicking back with a refreshing drink and some chips and salsa. There are no reservations accepted, so make sure you get there with plenty of time to spare.

Pennybacker Bridge

Scramble on up to the Pennybacker Bridge Overlook, a short but steep trail that leads up to a point overlooking the river, bridge, and boat launch below. Parking can be a bit tough, and the trail up isn’t well maintained. Past hikers have reviewed the trail as “a nice Instagram moment”. Even apart from sunrise and sunset, a nice picture of Pennybacker bridge is sure to rake in some likes.

Austin’s exploding art scene, winding river views, and rolling, rocky hills make it an album-worthy destination. While the landscapes and parks are great for some shots, Austin’s spontaneous character and carefree southern vibes make for the best, unplanned Instagram moments. Be sure to let loose but keep your phone handy, you never know when your next viral gram might pop up.