Where to take graduation photos around Austin, TX

A view of the skyline from Auditorium Shores

When it comes to backdrops, you can’t beat this view. | Photo by ATXtoday team

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It’s graduation season, and you know what that means: lots of photo-taking.

And by lots, we mean lots. In addition to Austin ISD’s 74,000-student public school system, Austin is home to several universities, from UT Austin to Huston-Tillotson University and St. Edward’s University.

With UT’s graduation this weekend + AISD’s next weekend, we wanted to share where to go to get the most local graduation pics. Here’s where to go for unique, Austin-specific shots you’ll want hanging on your wall for years to come.

📍 Lady Bird Lake, Downtown

What better way to represent Austin in your graduation photos than with the full skyline behind you? Pro tip: Some of our favorite viewpoints include the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, the Boardwalk, and Auditorium Shores.

The Zilker Botanical Garden + gazebo

If you belong among the wildflowers, Zilker Botanical Garden is the photoshoot location for you. | Photo by ATXtoday team

📍 The Driskill, 604 Brazos St.

Downtown Austin’s 140-year-old hotel oozes old-school Texas charm. Grab a drink at the hotel bar and strike a pose for some luxe graduation portraits.

📍 Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd.

Pose among the flowers, in front of the Austin skyline, or next to the garden’s many water features + rock structures. Pro tip: We recommend trying on some wings by taking a seat in one of the garden’s butterfly chairs.

The view from Mount Bonnell

Pro tip: Pack some tennis shoes for the hike up to this popular photo destination. | Photo by ATXtoday team

📍 South Congress Avenue

What’s more Austin than an afternoon on South Congress? Highlight some of the 512’s most iconic businesses in your photos — may we suggest posing in front of the Austin Motel, Jo’s Coffee, or Allens Boots?

📍 Mount Bonnell, 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd.

Austin’s oldest tourist attraction offers panoramic views of Lake Austin + the rolling Hill Country. Pro tip: Be sure to pack sneakers for the 102-step rock stairway to the top.

Want to share your own graduation photos with us? We’d love to see them. Send them our way at hello@theatxtoday.com.