Best Places to Take Pictures in Houston

Are you looking for places to take pictures in Houston? Good places to take family photos in Houston? Find them below!

More than any other time of the year, this is when I see families posing for photographers out around Houston. So what are some good backdrops for great pictures and holiday cards?

See below for a map, pictures, links and ideas for your next family photo in Houston. (And note, all places are okay for your own personal photos. If you are a professional photographer, check the rules before you go.)

Places to Take Pictures in Houston:

1. Buffalo Bayou Park: 

There are many many spots for great photos in Buffalo Bayou Park. You have trails, skyline and cool equipment and sculptures.

1A. Sabine Street Bridge:  

From this fancy bridge, you have a great view of the skyline. Park at the  Water Works building parking lot or on the street, for free. There is no parking on the bridge, but the walk is very short.

1B. Fish Family Play Area:  

This nature playground has tree stumps, slides and climbing equipment… all right along the bayou and with a view of downtown. Park at Water Works building parking lot or on the street, for free.

1C. Eleanor Tinsley Park:

This park has an amazing view of downtown! You can pose for photos away from the street… so it can be easier for parents with kids that like to run. Park along Allen Parkway (in the newly added parking spots) for free.

1D. Wortham Waterfall:  

At the other side of Buffalo Bayou Park from the playground is the Theater District. Behind the Wortham Theater, at the bayou, is this waterfall. Park in a paid garage or at metered street parking.

2. Menil Collection:

You will see a lot of families and photographers out at the Menil Collection Campus. There are trees, sculptures and the distinctive gray buildings, benches and bungalows. Parking is free along the street or in the parking lots.

2A. Menil Collection Building

2B. Menil Collection Trees

3. Sam Houston Park:

Take photos by the historic buildings and church… with the downtown skyline in the background. Metered parking is available along the street.

4. Murals:

Houston is full of colorful walls! Find a MAP here.

5. Hermann Park:

With trails, trees, bridges, trains and water features, this is another popular spot for family photos. You can park for free in the lots or pay for metered parking on the street.

5A. Marvin Taylor Trail:

This Hermann Park trail has giant trees lining the path. There are good photo back drops right by the parking lot (near the health museum) and also by the driving range.

5B. McGovern Centennial Garden:

This Hermann Park beautiful garden is right by the Museum of Natural Science. There are flowers, arches, water and benches.

5C. The rest of Hermann Park:

The park is so big, you will find many more spots for good photos. The zoo and train station part of the park has a cool bridge and lake… but can get very busy. The rest of the park has trees and benches and water that will work well and be less busy.

6. Discovery Green:

Big trees, colorful block walls and lots of sunshine make this another great spot for photos. Parking is paid in lots and metered on the street.

6A. Promenade:

Early in the morning, before for field trips, playdates and lunch-breakers fill the park, you can get the promenade to yourself.

6B. Art:

Take a photo by the famous block walls or the other art around the park!

7. Water Wall Park:

In the Galleria, take pictures by the giant wall of water or by the giant trees the line the park.

8. South Boulevard:

In the Museum District, giant oak trees line the street. On North and South Boulevard, west of Menil, the median has a cool brick sidewalk and even more trees than the rest of the neighborhood. Parking is free along the street.

9. Fleming Park:

Want more big trees? Try this museum district playground. Parking is free along the street.

10. Sister of Charity Park:  

This park is the most surprising thing in downtown Houston. Paths, plants and covered walkways.

11. Bethel Church Park:

Just look at this place. It’s a city park in an old burned down church.

12. Helen’s Park:

Water, rocks, pergolas and paths. Parking is free in the library parking lot.

13. Wortham Park:

This Medical Center park is popular with photographers. The trick is parking. There is no attached parking so you need to find a paid garage along the street. If you are up for taking the train, it is close to the tracks.

Places to Take Pictures in Houston: