Best Parks in Houston for Family Photo Shoot

As a Dallas transplant, I've heard and so much well-nigh Houston- and most of it hasn't been dandy. Here'southward the thing (as explained by my native Texan friend): Dallas thinks it's meliorate than Houston and Houston thinks it's ameliorate than Dallas. But, as a non-native Texan, I wanted to meet Houston for myself. So I dragged my Dallas-born-and-raised married man to Houston with me, and together, we were amazed by Houston and how many Instagrammable places in Houston there are!

Simply put, Houston really impressed us! Despite my low expectations considering of what I had heard from Dallas locals, I now see that Houston is a fantastic place to visit. (Don't tell other Dallasites, but I retrieve information technology has much more than to offer than Dallas!)

From incredible parks and beautiful manmade waterfalls to delicious (and highly aesthetic) cuisine and neat architecture, you'll find it all in Houston. It's too an hr away from the beach (aye, it'south the gulf, simply information technology'due south still a beach!).

Y'all can get a quick sense of Houston from this video I made from my visit:

[If y'all don't see a video thespian beneath, y'all may demand to disable your ad blocker.]

So, allow me convince you of Houston's dazzler! I've compiled the best photo spots in Houston and the prettiest places in Houston to give you lot a listing of 50 spots!

And if yous want Instagram or photography tips, check out these posts:

• 31 Ways to Better Your Instagram This Yr
• How to Pose for Instagram Photos
• 15 Tips to Capturing the Perfect Photo

Now permit's become into information technology. Hither are the most Instagrammable places in Houston!

1. Buffalo Bayou Park

Houston views, access to Buffalo Bayou where yous can go kayaking, and green spaces are office of what brand Buffalo Bayou Park popular for locals. And all of those things make this one of the well-nigh Instagrammable places in Houston! This exact spot is at the Nau Family Pavilion off of Allen Parkway.

2. Dandelion Fountain

Located at Buffalo Bayou Park, the Dandelion Fountain simply begs to be photographed! It's also a great place to cool off a fleck from Houston's humidity as the mist from the fountain keeps you absurd. Information technology's one of the prettiest places in Houston to me!

iii. McGovern Centennial Gardens

This manmade waterfall is such a cool Houston photo spot. Nosotros got a drone shot from above which was so absurd- the mound you run into backside me has a path on it that spirals up! McGovern Centennial Gardens are free to enter.

4. Marvin Taylor Exercise Trail

Located just next to the McGovern Centennial Gardens, the Marvin Taylor Exercise Trail has picturesque benches and a dreamy alive oak tree tunnel. Visit in the morning or on a weekday for fewer people in your photos! As far every bit parks go, it's located in one of the prettiest places in Houston.

5. Hermann Park

Hermann Park contains the Marvin Taylor Exercise Trail; it's a large park with an obelisk (looks similar a mini Washington Monument), reflecting pool, Japanese garden, and more than. Just almost notably for photos, I think that the columns you see here are the most photo worthy thing in Hermann Park.

half-dozen. Mecom Rockwell Colonnade

The Mecom Rockwell Colonnade is in this same area, adjacent to Hermann Park. With its European flair, information technology's one of the all-time photo spots in Houston!

vii. Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park

This is one of my all-fourth dimension favorite Instagrammable places in Houston! Not merely is this waterfall wall incredibly beautiful, simply it volition absurd you off, too! Yup, if y'all get this close to the fountains, expect to get misted on. If you're bringing a DSLR and plan on spending time photographing this place, I recommend bringing a waterproof photographic camera jacket with you. Our camera got quite wet, and so did we! It was fine, but next time I'grand definitely bringing my camera's jacket and then we can spend longer shooting here. Hands down 1 of the prettiest places in Houston in my book!

8. Bayou Bend Garden

This is the get-go affair on this list that has an access fee. Part of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, $seven.50 per adult will get you lot into the beautiful xiv-acre garden at Bayou Curve. If you want to tour the art collection in the house as well, it costs $12.fifty, which includes access to the gardens.

ix. Mercer Arboretum

This arboretum is about xxx minutes north of Houston, making it the perfect finish if you're driving down from Dallas (similar nosotros were). Information technology is free to enter and has multiple dandy Houston photo spots. My favorites are the columns pictured to a higher place and the Cypress tree pond.

10. Southampton Alive Oaks

It took me quite a bit of digging and research to find this spot. And about a half hour scouring Google Maps! But it worked! You'll observe this stunning live oak tree archway in the Boulevard Oaks neighborhood adjacent to Rice University. Specifically, this sidewalk is right where South Blvd meets West Blvd. You really don't want to miss this spot, it's another of the prettiest places in Houston!

eleven. Cockrell Butterfly Garden

The Cockrell Butterfly Garden will transport y'all to the jungle with a iii-story rainforest and waterfall. There are butterflies everywhere and an iguana named Nacho! It's located in the Houston Museum of Natural Science but is in a separate area, so you lot can go hither without having to enter the HMNS admission area. Tickets are $12 per person, just you lot can go 25% off here!

12. Houston Museum of Natural Science

While you're already at the Houston Museum of Natural Science for the Cockrell Butterfly Middle, it's worth checking out the science museum itself. It's one of the best in the Usa and is full of incredible exhibits. Whether you desire to explore Pompei, run across thousands of carats of gems, or buy tickets to the planetarium, at that place is and so much to explore hither. For great photo ops, check out the dinosaur exhibit.

thirteen. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

I call back this Houston photo spot speaks for itself! BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Houston is hands down one of the most Instagrammable places in Houston! In fact, I recollect information technology's not but one of the prettiest places in Houston but all of Texas (encounter more Texas gems hither!)! This temple will transport you to India in seconds! It was closed for all of 2020 in one case the pandemic started, but reopened its doors on an appointment-only basis just a couple of weeks before we visited in May. (It'southward still costless, just requires scheduling a time to visit). Hopefully, shortly, it'll get back to normal, where visitors can take in its beauty anytime they're open. Check their website hither for upwardly-to-date information.

xiv. Teen How Taoist Temple

Asia, or Houston? This unique temple is located merely a few minutes east of the business district in Downtown Houston.

15. Friendship Pavilion

Don't be misled by the compages hither- while information technology is in the Hermann Park area, the Friendship Pagoda is not in the Japanese Garden at Hermann Park. Instead, it'southward all the way to the left when you lot enter the McGovern Centennial Gardens. We tried finding this identify in the Japanese Garden after seeing it posted on Instagram under the wrong location tag. Luckily, we ran into some gardeners working at the Japanese Garden who pointed u.s. in the right direction. So we ended up walking in the farthermost humidity (that humidity is no joke, y'all!) for almost ten minutes to the Centennial Gardens.

16. Rice University

Rice University boats one of the prettiest campuses in Texas! With stunning compages and live oak trees everywhere, it makes for one of the almost Instagrammable areas in Houston! This edifice, Lovett Hall, is one of the best on campus for photography. If you're coming here for a couples or graduation photoshoot, I recommend coming on a weekend morn, or before classes start during the week.

17. Cloud Column

Houston has its ain spin-off of the Chicago Bean: The Cloud Cavalcade! I absolutely love how information technology reflects the clouds in the sky, hence its proper name. Located at the Museum of Art Houston, this is just located on the Glassell School of Art's grounds, so no tickets are needed to come across this cool sculpture.

eighteen. Color Factory Houston

Color Manufacturing plant Houston is just begging to exist photographed! In fact, you're given a photo chip that you insert into their cameras as you walk through the museum. And so, by the time yous leave, y'all accept a agglomeration of photos! Of grade, y'all can also take your ain photos. The museum is organized room by room, with a specific story, theme, or activity in each room. At that place are besides treats to collect throughout (I'm talking candy, macarons, mochi, and frozen yogurt to proper name a few!). Weekdays are all-time if yous want to avoid the lines! I'd block off at least an hour for this experience. This Instagrammable photo spot in Houston is perfect for couples, families, and friends. Get your tickets here.

19. Rainbow Sidewalk

To add more than colour to your Instagram feed, how about photographing the rainbow sidewalk right past El Tiempo'due south Westheimer location? Obviously, this is a drone shot that nosotros got, but you lot can get some very cool shots from ground-level while walking on the sidewalk. This Instagrammable spot in Houston is located at the intersection of Taft St and Westheimer Rd.

20. Elephant Mural and El Gato Coffeehouse

We initially visited El Gato Coffeehouse to check out if they actually accept cats roaming around their coffee shop. But, alas, it was closed! Fortunately, we institute something just as cool: this epic elephant mural in their parking lot! How sweetness are these two elephants?

21. Paint Wall

Another cool landscape that y'all'll find in Houston is the pigment wall at Biscuit Dwelling house on Westheimer. It's located in their parking lot, then you tin't miss it!

22. Houston is Inspired Mural

This is ane of the most Instagrammable murals in Houston. This colorful wall has a huge mural that reads "Houston is Inspired," surrounded by intricate colors and patterns. The parking here is for designated street working crews only, so you'll accept to find street parking nearby.

23. Graffiti Park

Graffiti Park is your one-stop-shop for murals galore. The "Sky's the Limit" mural is my favorite ane here, but there are so many options for you lot here!

23. Pink Wall

Disclaimer: I have no idea what store used to exist here, and I'm non sure if this adorable pink storefront is coming or going! But information technology's worth checking out if you're in the area and if you lot want a popular of pinkish on your Instagram! Information technology'southward located at 609 Richmond Ave, next to the Ono Poke. We took this photo in May 2021, so if yous do end up visiting later on and run across that it is all the same in that location or that it has been removed, please let me know in the comments!

25. Nosotros Love Houston Sign

When in Houston, you lot've gotta get a shot with the "We <3 Houston" sign!

26. Wings Above H2o

This absurd sculpture is located in a fountain and is surrounded by downtown buildings, giving y'all both city and artsy vibes.

27. Smither Park

This is one of the most unique art-themed parks I've visited. I'd describe it as Gaudi'due south mosaics meets Nightmare Before Christmas. The tiled path you lot come across here could brand for a very cool flat lay backdrop, or you could take a photo inside the pavilion, surrounded by tiles.

28. The Menil Collection

There's definitely no shortage of art in Houston. The Menil Collection is free to enter and puts some remarkable art collections on display. Since photography is merely allowed in the hallways, it's worth noting that even the hallways are Insta-worthy!

29. Skyspace by James Turrell

I dearest James Turrell's masterpieces considering of how they often incorporate nature into their blueprint. Skyspace at Rice University does just that. Whether you get a shot like this from the within or step outside for a whole new perspective, this piece of work of art is one of the prettiest places in Houston.

xxx. Kinder Edifice

At present we're getting into the cool compages section of this list of Instagrammable places in Houston. The Nancy and Rich Kinder Edifice is home to this absurd antechamber, complete with curved hallways and hanging fine art mobiles.

31. Glassell Schoolhouse of Fine art

The architecture at the Glassell Schoolhouse of Art gives you more industrial vibes with its hard lines and concrete and metallic materials.

32. Primary Street Square

For a cool view of the compages in Downtown Houston, look no farther than Master Street Square! Yous'll be surrounded by towering downtown buildings- it'south definitely an Instagrammable spot in Houston!

33. Rosemont Span

For more not bad metropolis views, how about this downtown view from the Rosemont Pedestrian Span? You'll find information technology at Buffalo Bayou Park.

34. Honey Lock Span

The locks on Love Lock Bridge frame downtown Houston perfectly! The bridge crosses over Allen Parkway, giving you lot remarkable views of downtown.

35. Le Colonial

When in Houston, you tin't miss out on all the great nutrient Houston has to offer! First up on the list is Le Colonial, located in River Oaks. Le Colonial blends Vietnamese and French cuisine perfectly- their food is absolutely delicious! Try their Cha Gio titbit- it'south a crispy shrimp & pork gyre that I could literally swallow every unmarried day. Other than their yummy food, you lot've got to go hither for the decor, also! Their patio is stunning, with gorgeous tiles and french-mode bistro tables.

36. Amorino

Amorino is located in the same shopping area as Le Colonial, then don't forget to cease hither, too, while y'all're in the area! This chain serves up the prettiest gelato cones. I don't know if there are many foods out there that are more than Instagrammable than a flower-shaped water ice cream cone!

37. Bebidas

Pink walls, plants, southwestern-patterned booths, white marble tables, and a cursive neon sign- the owners of Bebidas knew what they were doing when they decorated! That combo makes for the perfect Instagram shot!

38. Tiny Boxwoods

Tiny Boxwoods is a very trendy, pop brunch spot- the number of people who take recommended information technology to me is very, very large. After visiting, it's piece of cake to encounter why! How charming is their ivy-covered patio? Yous feel more like you lot're in a garden than at a eating house in the city.

39. EggHaus Gourmet

EggHaus Gourmets wins most Instagrammable breakfast spot in Houston if you inquire me! With their gorgeous croissants, floral wallpaper, white marble table tops, and overall vibe, you lot won't want to miss this place!

40. Tiny'southward Milk and Cookies

Remember Tiny Boxwoods? (Hint: I just mentioned information technology.) Well, Tiny'due south Milk and Cookies is a Houston Staple, located right next to the Rice campus. And it's a must for their chocolate chip cookies! The decor is cute, too, so come for both! Nosotros also had ice cream here, and the milk chocolate coconut ice foam was astonishing.

41. Fiori

Unremarkably Fiori features gorgeous plants along its white facade and ivy creeping up its fence, simply I think the 2021 snowstorm affected those poor vines nosotros photographed here. (As well a event of the 2021 snowstorm: it seemed like almost all of the palm trees in Houston suffered from it, unfortunately. I don't think we saw a single good for you palm tree when we visited in May 2021! Simply hopefully, they'll regrow or get better over the adjacent few months!) Anyway, when it's at its best, Fiori is 1 of the prettiest restaurants in Houston!

42. Matcha Cafe Maiko

Whether matcha is a fad or here to stay, Matcha Buffet Maiko is one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Houston! Complete with a matcha mural and 23.75K gilt-leaf matcha toppings, don't miss this fun buffet when you're in the area.

43. Z on 23 Rooftop Bar

Looking for somewhere to consume with killer views? The rooftop bar at Z on 23 can't be beat!

44. Café Poêtes

The afternoon tea at Cafe Poetes comes at a somewhat steep cost indicate, merely the experience will be worth every penny! Here's the grab: after talking to the manager on the phone while doing my research for our Houston trip, it turns out yous're non allowed to take photos with a DSLR into the eating place since other people could exist in your photo. (Honestly, I'm not sure of the logic there since phone photos are allowed?) But regardless, this still remains an Instagrammable buffet in Houston if you're looking to take phone photos!

45. Batanga Houston

The umbrella-covered patio makes Batanga'south another of the virtually Instagrammable cafes in Houston!

46. Four Seasons Houston

If you're looking for a place to stay while visiting Houston, the 4 Seasons Houston is a newly-renovated Instagrammable hotel! With urban center views, an on-site spa, in-room dining, a Peak Golf feel, and a pretty pool, it's the perfect place to stay if yous're looking for a luxury stay in Houston.

47. Hyatt Regency Houston

The Hyatt Regency is perfect for those looking to stay in Houston who are looking for luxury on a budget. This hotel is located in the business commune and has very absurd architecture in its master lobby! Nosotros stayed here as well and got this shot from the 27th floor!

48. Marriott Marquis

The Marriott Marquis has a Texas-shaped lazy river. Enough said.

49. Galveston

Houston is the perfect Texas city to visit if y'all're planning a trip to the coast! Just an hour away yous'll notice Galveston and the Galveston Pleasure Pier, pictured above. My favorite times to photograph Galveston are at sunrise and sunset since the h2o appears less brown than during the daytime.

50. Kemah Boardwalk

Last only not least, Kemah Boardwalk is another fun photograph-op simply waiting to happen! Of form, we got this with our drone, but you can become all sorts of fun amusement park-themed photos here. Find more information about Kemah Boardwak here!

Map of Instagrammable Places in Houston

Here is a map of the most Instagrammable places in Houston, divvied upwards by location.

I've categorized the locations past color equally well:

• Orange: Food
• Majestic: Murals and sculptures
• Light-green: Parks, gardens, and nature
• Dark blueish: Cultural places
• Light blueish: architecture, museums, and other points of interest
• Yellow: Galveston area

In decision…

Have I convinced y'all of how beautiful Houston is? I hope yous enjoyed these Instagrammable places in Houston!

Which are you most excited to visit? Let me know in the comments!

And if y'all're from Houston or have been to Houston and know of more great photo spots, let me know in the comments as well! I'd dear to visit them on my side by side visit to Houston!

Also, hither are some more posts you might find helpful:

• Dallas vs Houston vs Austin: Which is Best For You to Visit?
• The 50 Most Beautiful Places in Texas
• 20 Subconscious Gems in the Texas Hill Country
• 51 Most Instagrammable Places in Austin
• 53 Well-nigh Instagrammable Places in Dallas

Happy exploring,

Jasmine

PS. If you found this postal service helpful, please share it to Pinterest! Y'all tin employ either image below for easy pinning!

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Source: https://www.jasminealley.com/instagrammable-houston/

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