Last Updated on March 14, 2021
San Antonio is chocked full of history and amazing locations for photographers. San Antonio offers a vibrant city culture surrounded by an awesome natural setting perfect for photographing.
The city offer vibrant colors as well as many high energy festivals perfect for street photography and interesting architectural lines. Once you move out of the city limits you will find a plethora of amazing natural photography opportunities as well.
Where To Take Great Photos In San Antonio Texas
You can spend a great deal of time in San Antonio and only scratch the surface of what’s to offer us photographers. So pack up your gear and book your travel because you are about to learn the best spots for photographers in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Just south of the city you find one of the most history rich parts of the area. Four separate 18th century missions converge in a remarkable display. Offering beautiful architecture and and a very humble setting this site is one of the best you will find in the San Antonio area.
San Fernando Cathedral
Right in the heart of downtown San Antonio is the San Fernando Cathedral and it’s Main Plaza. This spot is great for architectural and street photographers. The area is usually full of interesting people and numerous photography opportunities. The site has been used since at least the 1700’s and the fountains are absolutely gorgeous. For the street photographer, the local community is well worth exploring as well.
Five Mile River Walk
Walk this popular San Antonio destination for some exciting images. There are a number of pedestrian bridges that are perfect for vantage points to capture the area and interesting sites. Go above and below these bridges for an interesting perspective. There are cafes that line the area and you can capture some beautiful images of the colorful umbrellas they have outside.
Government Canyon State Natural Area
Located at 12861 Galm Rd, this state preserve offers over 12,000 acres of natural beauty to explore. There are over forty miles of hiking trails that offer some amazing scenes for you to photograph. This area is ideal for the landscape and nature photographers looking for a day long excursion.
Natural Bridge Caverns
Travel to 26495 Natural Bridge Cavern Rd for this amazing array of caves. With over two miles of caves to explore the photography opportunities are nearly endless. When I went there was a tour offered that took us about 180 feet down over the course of a 75 minute hike. Bring your gear and be prepared to be impressed.
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Located at 555 Funston Place you will find a gorgeous 38 acre garden filled with a ton of great settings. They have a children’s garden, cactus, and a Japanese garden that provides plenty of closeup photography opportunities. My favorite is the Texas native plant trail which boasts over two hundred and fifty native Texas plants to photograph.
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo
When the rodeo is in town and you’re free you need to attend. It is a spectacular show full of amazing photography opportunities. The rodeo is a true Texas tradition and any photographer shooting an authentic San Antonio image should take in the rodeo. There are tons of events, competitors, animals and festivities to capture.
San Antonio Zoo
If you love photographing animals then this is the place for you. With over 9,000 animals residing here you are sure to get some great shots. They have over 700 species and have giant anteaters and adorable wallabies. The animals are treated with great care by the staff and it’s a wonderful way to spend a day behind your camera.
Conclusion
And of course there is the Alamo. While you can only shoot the exterior of this historic site, it’s still a must stop if you’ve never been. San Antonio is such a lively city I can get lost just wandering around snapping interesting things I find along the way. But if you are looking for some truly epic locations then visit the locations on this list for some amazing photography opportunities.