Bluebonnet season is admittedly a Texan’s favorite time of year. Even though our winters are mostly mild, families look forward to this coveted first sign of spring. The best part about bluebonnets in Austin? Taking photos in them! While many wildflowers are scratchy and itchy, bluebonnets are soft and fluffy – especially in the best patches. Here are a few of my favorite bluebonnet fields in Austin, from an Austin family photographer!
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
This is my absolute favorite place to take bluebonnet photos. Though they tend to pop up later here than in other spots, with the water views and amazing fields, they are absolutely worth the wait. Things to know about this spot:
*It is deep in Spicewood, almost to Marble Falls
*It is $5 per adult to enter
*It gets crowded, so if you’re taking photos, be flexible on your spot or don’t mind editing out others
Brushy Creek Lake Park
The bluebonnets here can be extremely lush, and the park itself is also right on the water! Things to know about this spot:
*It is located in Cedar Park
*It can get very crowded in peak bluebonnet season, so plan accordingly
*There are a lot of park goers and bikers around the trails, so be cognizant of them
*It is free to enter and has a cute playground on the other side of the flowers!
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
This is an incredible spot to visit with friends and family, but it is not the best place for photos because of the cost. One of the coolest parts about it is just the variety of wildflowers. It is located in South Austin, and wildflower season can get pretty slammed! One thing to know, though, is that if you’re a photographer, it can cost quite a bit to shoot here. In fact, I was once quoted $250 to shoot for an hour before sunset.
Circle C Ranch Park
Another South Austin gem, this park is often swarmed with bluebonnets in peak season. Just like Brushy Creek Lake Park, it is free to enter and also has playgrounds on part of the property. Just like others, it can get crowded during peak season!
McKinney Falls State Park
This gorgeous state park is located close to the Austin Airport and is an absolute dream to visit. With water, creeks, beautiful rocks, and a bluebonnet/wildflower field in the back of the park, this is a spot that should be on your radar. Things to know:
McKinney Falls fills up fast, so snag a reservation in advance!
The wildflower spots back to a parking lot, so make sure you’re good with angles or don’t mind photoshopping cars.
These are just some of my favorite bluebonnet fields in Austin! The tricky thing about wildflowers is that they’re different every year, so make sure you get outside and try to find your own beautiful locations!
