The Best Places to Take Outdoor Family Photos in Austin, Texas
As your photographer, Austin always inspires me with its incredible blend of natural beauty, relaxed charm, and picturesque parks. When planning an outdoor Lifestyle Family Session or a beautiful outdoor Lifestyle Maternity Session, the right location = everything! These Austin locations are the ones I absolutely love for their ability to provide the most authentic, warm, and natural backdrops for your story. They offer great variety, are easy to access, and help us capture those genuine, intimate moments.
Here are some of my top spots around the city, detailing the essential information on parking, addresses, and what makes each location perfect for your lifestyle photo session with Noëlle Westcott Photography.
1. Bull Creek Park
Location: Northwest Austin
Address: 6701 Lakewood Dr, Austin, TX 78731
Why I Love It:
Bull Creek Park is a serene natural getaway. We get to work with gorgeous lush greenery, dramatic limestone cliffs, and a scenic creek. It’s perfect for capturing those natural, candid moments with your family, significant other, or even your pets. The trails and water features make for dynamic, layered shots that feel truly Austin.
Things To Consider:
Bull Creek Park is absolutely stunning, but since I want all our sessions to be safe and comfortable, there are a few things we need to consider about the terrain and parking. Keep in mind that some of the trails and creek edges are covered in bumpy rocks and uneven limestone, which might not be ideal if anyone in your group—from small children to grandparents—has issues with balance or walking. Additionally, certain elevated areas near the cliffs or steeper creek banks can feel a little anxiety-inducing if we have small, quick-moving toddlers in the session. Finally, there have been some car break-ins reported in the parking lot over the last few years, so for your peace of mind and safety, please don't leave any valuables visible in your car, or consider leaving your windows cracked a tiny bit to discourage thieves. We'll focus on the safest, most accessible areas to make sure we have a relaxed and enjoyable shoot!
Parking Tip:
There’s a main parking lot right off Bull Creek Road. Plan to arrive early to snag a spot easily! I’ll send you a dropped map pin on exact meeting location right before our session.
2. Brushy Creek Lake Park
Location: Northeast Austin (Cedar Park Area)
Why I Love It:
This location offers a beautiful blend of open green spaces and sparkling water views thanks to the lake. It's a fantastic spot for sessions that need room to move, like fun family sessions with young kids (great for toddlers!). We get a great mix of wooded areas, trails, and scenic views, making it incredibly versatile.
Things To Consider:
Please note that the main parking area here is a bit of a walk from our prime shooting locations—it's approximately the length of a full football field. Crowds are also a factor at this location; it's a very popular spot for family photos, so we will likely have several other families and photographers working nearby at the same time. To help us snag a prime, less-crowded spot and make the most of our light, I highly recommend you arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled session time. This will give us a slight advantage!
Parking Tip:
There are multiple free public lots available within the park grounds, which makes it very convenient.
3. Butler Park
Location: Downtown Austin
Why I Love It: Butler Park gives us that vibrant, urban park feel with expansive lawns, decorative ponds, and striking modern sculptures. Its central location is ideal if you're looking to combine it with a downtown city session. Plus, we often get beautiful seasonal blooms that add extra charm in the spring!
Things To Consider:
Because of its central location near the Long Center, this area is known for hosting a lot of very large public events at both random and more predictable times throughout the year (hello, ACL Music Festival!). It can sometimes be a total gamble on what will be happening while we shoot, ranging from large concert setups to vendor fairs. While I will always do my best to check both the Long Center and City of Austin schedules ahead of time, sometimes major events are set up without being clearly listed. We'll be flexible and adapt to whatever the city throws our way, but please be prepared for the possibility of unexpected crowds or venue obstructions!
Parking Tip:
Access is a breeze with paid street parking and nearby garages. Arrive early as parking garage is about a 5 to 10 minute walk from where we will shoot.
4. Pease Park
Location: Central Austin
Address: 1100 Kingsbury St, Austin, TX 78703
Why I Love It:
Pease Park is a classic Austin favorite. It offers a wonderfully relaxed, natural feel under towering old oak trees with gorgeous hanging moss and along beautiful shaded paths. Its versatility means it’s great for both those joyful, candid family photos and more formal, posed portraits.
Things To Consider:
Pease Park is one of my absolute favorite spots for that classic Austin look, but since it's so beautiful, it can get quite busy! Be aware that some public events are also held here throughout the year, which might affect our session area. For family sessions, please note that this location requires a good amount of walking, including some small uphill sections. I highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes or bringing an extra pair to switch into between shots. It’s wonderful for families with younger kids who have energy to burn, but due to the distance and terrain, it’s often not the best choice if we have grandparents or other guests who have trouble with extended walking. Finally, parking can sometimes be tricky depending on the day, and we need to be mindful of all the active folks—occasionally, the many joggers and cyclists might throw a bit of attitude our way if we are blocking their path!
Parking Tip:
We can usually find spots in the small lots near park entrances or secure street parking along 31st Street and nearby residential streets.
5. Red Bud Isle
Location: Central Austin (Lady Bird Lake)
Address: 3401 Redbud Trail, Austin, TX 78746
Why I Love It:
This is an off-the-beaten-path gem! It’s one of the few places where we get beautiful views of lush greenery, wildflowers, and direct water views. Since dogs absolutely love it here (it’s an off-leash dog park), it’s my go-to for pet-friendly sessions or serene nature shots.
Things To Consider:
Since it’s a dedicated off-leash dog park, your furry friends will love it here, making it my go-to for pet-friendly sessions or serene nature shots. However, please note that because dogs are off-leash and roaming freely, this might not be a comfortable location for you if anyone in your group is not comfortable with dogs. Parking is VERY limited near the trail entrances, and we often see a line of cars waiting for a spot. Because of this, it is essential that you arrive 10 to 15 minutes before our scheduled session time to secure parking.
Parking Tip:
Parking is limited near the trail entrances. We may need to use street parking on Windsor Road and enjoy a short, scenic walk into the isle.
6. Seaholm District
Location: Downtown Austin
Address: 500 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Why I Love It:
For a truly urban vibe, the Seaholm District is a must. The mix of sleek, modern architecture, industrial backdrops, and pops of street art creates an edgy, contemporary feel. It’s excellent for family sessions with teens.
Things To Consider:
Since we'll be shooting in a central downtown location, please expect that parking is all paid and can sometimes be expensive depending on the nearby garage or street meter you choose. Also, it’s important to know that you must be comfortable with running into or being around unhoused people. They often camp out in some of the more secluded areas that are popular for pictures. While I've never personally encountered a problem, sometimes their presence can add a different, unexpected vibe to the immediate area. We'll stick to the public and well-lit areas, but please keep these urban realities in mind.
Parking Tip:
Paid street parking and public garages are readily available nearby.
7. The University of Texas at Austin Campus
Location: Central Austin
Address: 2515 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712
Why I Love It:
UT Austin is full of iconic spots that instantly add character to your photos. From the Tower and Main Building to the lush Forty Acres grounds, your family photos will have a mix of classic architecture and natural beauty. Many areas on campus are pedestrian-friendly, with quiet spots for relaxed family portraits. The Union terraces, Littlefield Fountain, and Faculty Council Room gardens offer calm, accessible locations without crowds during off-peak hours. Plus, if your family has any connection to UT—alumni parents, children attending, or just long-time Texas residents—the campus adds a sentimental or celebratory element to the session.
Things To Consider:
UT Austin is always bustling, especially near iconic spots like the Tower, Littlefield Fountain, and Main Mall. Pedestrian traffic can make it harder to get clean shots without strangers in the background. Visitor parking garages can fill up quickly, especially during events, weekdays, or football season. Football games, graduations, concerts, or campus events can restrict access to popular locations. Ongoing construction projects might block certain areas or detract from photo aesthetics.
Parking Tip:
The campus has several visitor parking garages that are safe and convenient. My go-to garages are San Jacinto Garage, Medical/Dean Keeton Garage and Gregory Garage. There are also lots of metered parking spots along Speedway, San Jacinto, and Dean Keeton streets.
7. The Blanton Museum of Art
Location: Central Austin
Why I Love It:
The Blanton Museum of Art makes a fantastic spot for family photos because it combines striking architecture, open outdoor spaces, and curated visual interest in one location. Its modern glass-and-stone façade provides a clean, elegant backdrop, while the spacious terraces, walkways, and sculpture gardens offer variety for candid and posed shots. The museum’s art-inspired environment adds subtle sophistication and texture to images without being distracting, and the surrounding green lawns and shaded areas create soft, natural light that’s perfect for families.
Things To Consider:
Taking family photos near the Blanton Museum of Art comes with a few potential downsides. The area can get crowded with tourists, students, and museum visitors, making it harder to capture clean, uninterrupted shots. Parking nearby is limited and can fill quickly, especially on weekends or during events.
Parking Tip:
The most convenient parking options are the San Jacinto Garage (200 E 24th St) and the Gregory Garage (2101 San Jacinto Blvd), both within a short walk of the museum and central campus. Visitor parking is typically pay-by-plate, with rates around $2–$3 per hour, and daily maximums of about $15, though prices can vary slightly depending on time and events. Metered street parking is also available along nearby roads like Dean Keeton and Speedway, but be mindful of time limits and active enforcement. Arriving early, especially on weekdays, helps secure a spot and ensures a smoother start to your session.
9. Circle C Metropolitan Park
Location: Southwest Austin
Why I Love It:
This is a local favorite, especially for family and outdoor sessions. The native plants and beautiful oak trees create a peaceful, expansive setting that translates beautifully into lifestyle photography.
Things To Consider:
The parking lot there is quite small, which can make securing a spot a little tricky. I highly recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before your scheduled session time to ensure you find parking without stress. Also, because this is such a beautiful location, it's very popular for family photos! Please be prepared to be amongst other families and photographers, which makes finding and holding an ideal spot for our pictures a bit more competitive. We'll be quick to find the best light, though!
Parking Tip: If the small parking lot right after the park entrance is full — there’s a main, easy-to-access large parking lot a little further down.
My Tips for Your Perfect Photoshoot in Austin
Best Time of Day: We’ll aim for early morning (sunrise) or late afternoon (golden hour). This timing offers the softest, most flattering light and generally means fewer crowds to work around.
Seasonal Considerations: Spring and fall give us the most comfortable weather and the best greenery/blooms. Summer can be hotter, but the sun is vibrant!
Crowd Awareness: Popular parks like Pease and Butler can get busy, so I always recommend we plan to arrive early to secure the quietest spots for us.
Bring Essentials: Please remember to bring water, sunscreen (especially for sessions before sunset), and comfortable shoes for walking between scenic spots!
Pets: Most locations are pet-friendly. If you’re bringing pets, a treat or toy can be incredibly helpful for keeping them happy and engaged.
Ready to pick your spot and book a date? Learn more HERE.
