We’re living in the 2019th century (This is a joke… it’s a reference to MTV’s The Challenge, which is my addiction) and that means we’re constantly looking for places to take photos at for our ‘gram, graduations, or engagements. I’ve recently created a list of Instagram-worthy coffee shops in San Antonio. Now this time I’m sharing my list of Instagram-worthy spots to fill your heart with joy.

updated 3/2021

Old San Antonio Charm

McNay Courtyard and Garden

All offer a selection of great shots. From the fountains to the stairs you’ll be gaga for the vibe. While you can shoot quick pics with your phone if you’re hiring a photographer you’ll need to get permission. 

Mission San Juan Capistrano

I grew up with the SJC in California. It’s to die for gorgeous so when I found out we had one here- I held it to the same standard- while not as “gardeny” as its CA sister- this mission if you choose to accept it is a charm for a great photoshoot. Again, this is an easy phone shoot but if you’re hiring a photographer you’ll need to ask permission. Also, note this is a National Park- respect it and leave a couple of bucks in the donation box. While here make sure you capture the hidden murals up the road.

Landa Library Gardens

This is one of my favorite photoshoots in the city and chances are you’ve seen many a shot taken here. You’re able to play a lot with lighting here and the golden hour is a must. The Landa Library Gardens loves photographers but encourages you to reach out to find out if any other photogs are gonna be around so you’re not photobombed. Keep in mind they have specific daily hours when they are open so check the website to find out more information. 

Denman Estate Park

It’s no secret that I love Denman Park, it’s one of the best-kept secrets in the city but since I have a love for it. I gotta keep braggin’ about it. This lush park has plenty of angles for you- plus the pavilion is just gorgeous.

La Villita

Located right on the River Walk is La Villita filled with plenty of different nooks and corners spread out so you can grab those walking/ look down lifestyle shots.

The Majestic Marquee

Warning! Getting a shot in front of the Majestic Theatre marquee is a San Antonio Instagram Classic. It’s also dangerous, hard to capture and can cause angry drivers. So plan for this accordingly and by that I mean practice all your poses in front of the mirror for hours.

San Antonio River Walk

I can’t believe I almost slept on the River Walk mostly because everyone uses it. Here’s the catch, walk away from the touristy part. There’s a gorgeous ivy jungle wall, lots of amazing stairs and bridges to add dimension and depth to your shots. This shoot is best to get on location and scout for your shots beforehand. Most places will be between the Paramour and the Iron Cactus. I guarantee this will easily give you content for one month if you’re tactful. Pro-tip shoot through things like leaves to add dimension and depth.

King William Street

Y’all already know I live for King William Fair- but the actual Kind William St in the King William District makes an amazing place for shots. If you’re lucky and there are no cars- you’re able to stand in the middle of the street and capture Instagram gold. There are also a lot of buildings with different colored walls that you might be able to take a few shots at. Do not trespass on anyone’s property it’s illegal so pay attention. 

The Steps at Omni La Mansion del Rio

Here at San Antonio Lovelist we love to promote depth in all your shots. We’re looking for great photos that are alive. I don’t like how some shots look so flat- granted if you’re working with a talented photog they’ll direct you accordingly. I suggest the steps of the Omni La Mansion del Rio because of the wrought iron railings. The courtyard is cute too but we’re not talking about that just yet. 

Cool Crest Mini Golf

We’ve really been sleeping on Cool Crest. Play a round of mini-golf, get something great for the ‘gram and support a local business. It’s super cute and you’ll have fun.  

Market Square

The earlier the better is when you should be making your way downtown to find some great photo quality in this downtown San Antonio location. From shots under the papel picado to the various colorful walls- Market Square really lets you get some great photography. Come early for this hotspot. 

Quadrangle Fort Sam Houston

Attention any recently graduated servicemen and women from tech school or any other military training or if you want to grab a great military-inspired shot? The Quadrangle is a historical museum but the grounds are a dream. Take some shots with the watchtower, the deer, and the peacocks. 

Instagrammable Industrial Look

The Hays Street Bridge

One of the most iconic monuments in the city, the Hays Street Bridge has become an easy choice for a location for photo shoots. With the skyline of San Antonio perfectly in the background, it’s an amazing place to capture that perfect image.

Blue Star Art Complex

I’ve got some pictures at Blue Star before the IG was cool like think back when Brick was the Jumpstart Theatre. This awesome location in Southtown is perfect for Instagram. It’s filled with different textures and levels that you can bring in multiple changes of clothing and have content for days.

The Historic Pearl

What’s a ‘gram without the Historic Pearl? Is it really a good grid? I mean this place is just a right of passage as an Instagrammer in San Antonio.

Instagrammable Nature Look

San Antonio Botanical Gardens

So have you seen those pictures where people look like they’re in tropical locations but then surprise it’s not? You can fake it at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. Make sure your instabae is willing to squat, kneel, lay down, jump or do whatever to get that perfect angle.

Japanese Tea Gardens

This is another must-have when it comes to photos. As a location scout, I recommend you walk the grounds before your shoot and explore the areas around the gardens as well because you’ll find some good little nuggets. 

La Cantera Resort

If you haven’t been to La Cantera Resort then please add it to the bucket list. We’re specifically focusing on the Lomo de Vida Spa. Something about being zen is a perfect place to grab some shots. This is a private property so why not book a mani/ pedi and grab some shots on the way out. 

Chris Park

If you drive too fast you’ll miss this little oasis in the middle of Southtown opened up in 2005 as a memorial from a mother who lost her son. It’s super gorgeous and it also has daily operating hours so peep the website to make sure you don’t go when it’s closed. 

San Pedro Springs Park Garden

The last one on my list is the San Pedro Springs Park from the garden to the library to the public theatre you’re gonna have a blast taking all the shots. Plan the day around them after grabbing a coffee at PhiloÇoffee. 

Ivy Wall

The Green Ivy Wall on 9th and Broadway

Ok, so this isn’t really a spot. It’s actually the side of a building that’s covered in ivy but like what more can you ask for.

Ivy Wall behind Kung Fu Tea

Psych! Here’s a bonus wall! Behind the Kung Fu Tea in Alamo Heights is a cement wall with great ivy.

The Ivy Wall on LaChapelle by Kuntsler

I will never steer away from a good ivy wall. They’re great as backgrounds and allow you to have a solid place to add some depth. But since the original wall on Broadway and 9th might be full- I got you on a second location. Come early, shoot, and then have a cold one at Kuntsler. The ivy wall is located near the end of the street. 

Murals of San Antonio

Essex Modern City

You’ve seen the IG posts in front of the “You Belong Here,” mural by Ruben Rojas, Essex Modern City’s art project is home to San Antonio’s art installation that hosts some of the world’s best and most talented artists all in close proximity for your aesthetic pleasure. Ideally, you could probably Tommy Lundberg this place and it would work.

The Underpass at Quincy and St. Mary’s

The Murals on the beams in the underpass is one of the cities newest installations for art curated by Los Otros. San Antonio is filled with so much beautiful street art that the fact that we’re lucky enough to have it all here is just magical. There are works for phase two so follow along on the ‘gram.

Murals

With the city growing and encouraging the creation of art. We’ve got plenty of murals around town ready for your poses. I have made it my mission to make the best map of all the murals in San Antonio. With over 150 murals this is the ultimate list of local art you can find.

Instagrammable Centered Walls

Flower Vault

Who would have known that a year ago a place specifically made for backgrounds would have been so successful? I mean Flower Vault has a personal place in my heart because well I wrote the first article about it about a year ago. Since then Sarah and Robbie have kept creating sweet, elegant rooms perfect for the ‘gram or as I call it… my bumble profile. (currently they’re not in SA)

The Wall Flower Experience

Located just a block from The Pearl is this totally brand new set of instagrammable walls in SA. They have everything from festive walls to classic ones. Book here to check them out.

Wonder Chamber

The last one of the instagrammable spaces in San Antonio is The Wonder Chamber. They’re still in the process of construction but if you’re following their ‘gram you’ll be up to date on when they open. From what I hear they’re looking to open late spring/ early summer.

Road-trip Bonus 

Wildseed Farms

Open all year round this flower heaven is just the shot you need for that photo envy. Located in Fredericksburg, this Instagram-worthy spot is free of charge but like respect the flower beds and follow the rules. If you ruin this for the rest of us- the flower God’s will send wasps after you. 

Gruene

Road-trip time! Sure this isn’t in San Antonio but at the rate we’re growing it’ll feel closer than you think. This small town in the Hill Country will be perfect for your Instagram feed. 

Willow City Loop

It’s been known for years as the scenic drive to take near Fredericksburg is a wildflower spot. If you wanna take a picture. Do so from your car or away from the flowerbeds. You can get closer in the top spot but if you’re looking for that landscape sunset shot go here! There is a lot of private lands around so don’t risk it. 

Texas Tulips San Antonio

Actually located in La Vernia this is the newest spot opening up in Spring 2020. We’re talking tulip fields forever and in all the colors. You’re able to pick the flowers if you wanna bring the memories home with you. The entry fee is $5 a person and $25 for an all-day photographer pass. 

Hope you use this list of most instagrammable spots in San Antonio to the fullest extent! Make sure you tag me in your posts so I can see them and as always be sure to follow my san antonio foodie instagram @sanantoniolovelist.