San Antonio is a beautiful city and is filled with great opportunities for sightseeing and photography. So wether you are a tourist taking pictures just for fun and to remember your adventures. Or a serious photographer looking for the perfect shot. San Antonio will deliver. And I am here to make it easy for you to get in some San Antonio sightseeing and find the most amazing photography spots in San Antonio. Many even are instagram worthy spots!
1- The Riverwalk
I don’t usually like the typical tourist stuff, but I must say the San Antonio Riverwalk is enchanting. It is a city park and network of walkways with an array of restaurant, bars, shops, nature and art. A great way for pedestrians to get around and it provides ample opportunities for photography. I especially love the colorful umbrellas, the many bridges, and watching the riverboats float by. This is definitely one of the best photography spots in San Antonio.
2- The Arneson River Theater & La Villita
Technically this is part of the Riverwalk but I think it deserves its own mention. They host musical and theater performances here and it is quite a picturesque location for photography. If you walk up the Steps you will find yourself in La Villita which is a fun little area filled with artsy shops and dinning. As far as San Antonio Sightseeing goes this is a must. And for photo enthusiasts looking for the best photo spots in San Antonio, I suggest getting up early to catch the sunrise here.
3- King William Historic District
The King William historic district dates back to the 1800’s when German Immigrants began to settle here and build their homes. It is a beautiful part of town with many majestic homes and romantic restaurants. You will find different types of architecture. From Greek revival to Italianate, and Victorian. It is also ranked as one of the prettiest neighborhoods in the country by Thrillist. Therefore, it is one of the most amazing photography places in San Antonio. And you should definitely add it to your San Antonio sightseeing list. Here is a self guided King William walking tour with a map.
4- San Fernando Cathedral
This location deserves your attention both during the day and at night. The architecture in itself is stunning. And during the day you can walk inside the church. But it is at night when it comes to life with a laser show display. Through the rest of 2019 “The Saga” with its incredible laser projection will have Free showings to the public Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 pm, 9:30 pm and 10:00 pm. Fingers crossed they will continue this incredible show in the future. It is located in the heart of the city on 115 W. Main Plaza.
5- El Mercado/Market Square
I don’t think there is a more instagramable spot in San Antonio than El Mercado. If you like color this is the place to be. So many creative places to photograph. With an exciting representation of colorful cultures and flavors that make up San Antonio. El Mercado is a three block outdoor plaza lined with shops and restaurants and is a must on your San Antonio Sightseeing itinerary. And don’t forget to check out the lights and decor or grab some food at the famous Mi Tierra Cafe and Bakery open 24 hrs a day.
6- Ocho Restaurant/Hotel Havana
Ocho is part of the historic Hotel Havana, which is on the National Register of Historic places. Not only is both the outdoor and indoor space stunning, but the menu is absolutely scrumptious. And if you come on a Thursday you can indulge in happy hour ALL day! So stop by for a bite to eat, a drink, a picture or two, or to purchase one of their unique, themed gifts in their store. A fabulously instagrammable spot in San Antonio and also a great place to stay.
7- The Japanese Tea Gardens
Take one look at this lush retreat and you will know why this made the list of best photography spots in San Antonio. The Japanese Tea Gardens are just a short distance from the downtown area and are a beautiful oasis. Restored in 2008 the gardens feature shaded walkways, stone bridges, a 60 foot waterfall, flowers, and ponds filled with Koi. It is a beautiful place for photography and has FREE admission to the public.
8- The Botanical Gardens
The San Antonio Botanical Gardens were named the South’s best botanical gardens by Southern Living Magazine in 2017. They have 38 acres of scenic trails, ponds, flowers, plants, conservatories and a cafe. Definitely a great addition to your photographic itinerary.
9- The Missions
On July 5, 2015, the World Heritage Committee inscribed San Antonio’s five Spanish colonial Missions on the World Heritage List. The Missions are operated by the National Park Service as San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The churches in all of the missions are active Catholic Parishes. Each of the Missions has its own unique architecture and worthy of photographing. If you are looking to do Some San Antonio sightseeing then the Mission trail should be an integral part of your list.
The Alamo
Before heading to San Antonio and doing my own research on photography spots in San Antonio, The Alamo was probably the one place I already had on my list. What I failed to understand was how small it is and how crowded it gets. It is nearly impossible to get a decent picture with no-one in it in the middle of the day. So I did what any other insane photo person does and got up early enough to watch the Sunrise at the Alamo. I think it is the perfect time to visit.
Mission Concepcion
About 3 miles south of the Alamo is Mission Concepcion. Dedicated in 1755, Mission Concepción appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. Mission Concepción still retains its twin bell towers, arched hallways and several fresco paintings and is an excellent example of Spanish Colonial architecture. It is a great spot in San Antonio for photography.
Mission San Jose
Know as the Queen of the missions, mission San Jose is the largest of the missions. “Its imposing complex of stone walls, bastions, granary, and magnificent church was completed by 1782”. Mission San Jose is also now the park headquarters and they offer ranger led tour of the entire property.
This is one of my favorites to photograph because there is so many options and angles. The architecture of the mission lends itself nicely to unique shots. A must see for photography in San Antonio.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
The chapel and bell tower of this mission is still in use and hearing the sound of the bells is very peaceful. Mission San Juan is surrounded by farmlands and a 1/3 mile-long nature trail. It is a very serene location and has a great space for photography.
Mission Espada
This was the first mission in Texas and the smallest of the 5 churches. But although it is not a large mission it sure is pretty, with a beautiful garden that provides nice shade in the hot San Antonio sun. If you like unique architecture and doors then you must check out the beautiful and a bit unusual door here as well as the stone archways. A cool fact is that a loom was brought in to spin wool from the sheep at nearby Rancho de las Cabras. Today, visitors can watch a live demonstration of the process on Tuesdays.
10 – Tower of the Americas/Angel Wings
The Tower of the Americas is a 750-foot observation tower and restaurant located in the southeastern portion of Downtown San Antonio. The views from the top of the tower are great and will give you good panoramic photography shots of San Antonio. I also love the quirky golden wings sculpture that is outside as it is a fun place to take some pictures.
11- Confluence Park
I came across this park while biking the mission trail and immediately fell in love with the unique design. It is such a cool place in San Antonio for photography and I was really happy to come across it. I later discovered that the main purpose of the park is environmental education and that made me love it even more. Confluence park is definitely a must for San Antonio photography.
12 – Majestic Theater
It is not called the Majestic Theater for nothing. I simply love how atmospheric this old theater is and it makes for great pictures. I recommend coming early morning when the streets are empty so you can get a variety of shots at different angles. Definitely a fun place in San Antonio for photography.
13- The McNay Museum
The first modern art museum in Texas, the McNay Museum is a great place for photography in San Antonio. It sits in a lovely campus and the morning light is just beautiful here. The grounds have beautiful art structures with lush manicured landscaping. I also quite like the Spanish colonial-revival mansion with is a great backdrop for a photoshoot. And if like me you enjoy art then step inside and enjoy the exhibits while taking shelter from the harsh Texas sun.
14 – The Pearl
Plenty of spots here for Photography. The Pearl is a unique experience as it was a former brewery converted into a mixed use space. With beautiful green spaces that mix urban, contemporary and industrial design elements. It features retail shops, restaurants, an amphitheater and part of the Culinary Institute of America campus. Do not leave without checking out Hotel Emma, sampling some food in the food hall and having coffee and a pastry at Bakery Lorraine. For a list of food options click here.
15 – Blue Star Complex
Another unique spot in San Antonio. The Blue Star Complex is known as the Anchor of San Antonio Art and it features some cool casual hang out eateries, and creative art. Love the mix of brick and steel, the colors and textures make for great photography. Plus I had an amazing coffee and breakfast burritos at Halcyon – worth a stop just for that.
Pin Now: San Antonio Sightseeing – Best Photo Spots in San Antonio
1 comment
Omgg thank you! I’m in love I’m going to San Antonio so I appreciate the great ideas!