Looking for the best places to take family photos in North Austin? Garey Park, Brushy Creek Lake Park, Georgetown Square, Blue Hole Park, Lakewood Park and Old Settlers Park offer settings for family pictures, senior portraits and engagement photos. For an Austin skyline backdrop, add the Long Center just south of downtown to your list.
Whether you’re updating family photos, celebrating a graduation or planning pictures for your holiday cards, choosing the location helps set the tone. These seven spots span Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander and Round Rock, with one downtown Austin option worth considering.
Here’s where to go based on the look you have in mind.
1. Garey Park | Georgetown
A good fit for: Natural portraits with a Hill Country feel
Garey Park offers a spacious outdoor setting along the South San Gabriel River, with trails, ponds, and picnic areas. If you’re hoping for a relaxed session with natural scenery, this Georgetown park is a lovely place to consider.
For family pictures, ask your photographer to choose a short route with a few nearby backdrops. That keeps the session manageable while giving your gallery variety.
Plan ahead: Check admission fees, park hours, and photography requirements before booking. If you want photos at Garey House, contact the venue about access and arrangements rather than assuming a park visit includes the house grounds.
Official Garey Park information
2. Brushy Creek Lake Park | Cedar Park
A good fit for: Lakeside family photos and casual outdoor portraits
Brushy Creek Lake Park combines lake views with hike-and-bike trails and a nature trail. It’s an option to consider when you want an outdoor setting for family pictures, maternity photos, or senior portraits.
A walking session can work especially well here: pause for a portrait, then let your photographer capture a few moments as you move along the path. The mix of water and trails gives you more than one look without changing locations entirely.
Plan ahead: Meet at Brushy Creek Lake Park at 3300 Brushy Creek Road. Confirm the exact meeting point with your photographer so everyone arrives at the same entrance.
Official Brushy Creek Lake Park information
3. Historic Georgetown Square | Georgetown
A good fit for: Classic portraits with small-town character
If you prefer architecture to an all-green backdrop, Georgetown Square is worth a look. The historic Williamson County Courthouse anchors the Square, giving downtown portraits a recognizable Georgetown setting.
Consider a mix of courthouse views and surrounding downtown streetscapes. This setting lends itself to dressier family photos, graduation announcements or engagement pictures with a classic feel.
Plan ahead: Check downtown events before choosing a date, keep storefront entrances clear and ask permission before photographing inside a business. A quieter weekday may offer more flexibility than an event weekend.
Explore Georgetown’s official visitor guide
4. Long Center | Near Downtown Austin
A good fit for: Portraits with the Austin skyline
For a distinctly Austin backdrop, consider the Long Center at 701 W. Riverside Drive. Its terrace faces downtown, offering a different look from the parks and historic streets on this list.
Choose this location if you want the city to be part of the story—whether for senior portraits, engagement photos, or family pictures celebrating your Austin chapter.
Plan ahead: The Long Center sits just south of downtown, so allow for the drive from North Austin. Check the event calendar and confirm terrace access and any requirements for your planned session.
Long Center visitor information
5. Blue Hole Park | Georgetown
A good fit for: Outdoor portraits with limestone and river scenery
Blue Hole Park brings a different natural backdrop to the list: limestone bluffs and the South Fork of the San Gabriel River. It’s a setting to consider for couples, seniors, or families who prefer a little texture in their outdoor photos.
Located near downtown Georgetown, it also gives you the possibility of pairing natural scenery with Square portraits. Discuss timing and travel between the two with your photographer before planning a combined session.
Plan ahead: This is Blue Hole Park in Georgetown, not Blue Hole Regional Park in Wimberley. Check weather and river conditions, and choose secure footing for portraits near the water.
Blue Hole Park in Georgetown’s visitor guide
6. Lakewood Park | Leander
A good fit for: Lakeside portraits close to home in Leander
Lakewood Park offers trails, a fishing pier, and lakeside pavilions at 2040 Artesian Springs Crossing. For Leander residents, it’s a local option to explore before committing to a longer drive for family pictures.
Consider a simple session built around a walk and a few lakeside portraits. Ask your photographer to scout a meeting point that suits your group’s walking needs and the light at your chosen time.
Plan ahead: Share a specific parking and meeting location. Leave active recreation areas and the fishing pier available for other visitors.
Official Lakewood Park information
7. Old Settlers Park | Round Rock
A good fit for: Outdoor family pictures in Round Rock
Old Settlers Park offers Bright Lake, paved trails, and picnic areas, making it a Round Rock option for portraits with a relaxed outdoor feel.
Rather than trying to cover the whole park, choose one area for your session. A lake backdrop followed by a few walking portraits can give you a varied gallery while keeping things simple for children and larger groups.
Plan ahead: Old Settlers hosts sporting events and community gatherings, so check the calendar and agree on a specific parking area. Build in extra arrival time on busy days.
Official Old Settlers Park information
What is the best time to take outdoor photos around Austin?
For softer light, consider a session shortly after sunrise or during the hour before sunset. Your photographer can help choose the best start time based on shade, weather and the location.
Check opening and closing times before booking; the best light isn’t useful if the park is closed. Bring water, comfortable walking shoes, and a simple backup plan for rain.
For professional sessions, confirm current photography rules, fees, and any reservation requirements directly with the property manager.
Looking for an Austin-based photographer for your session?
One of the joys of living in North Austin is discovering the places where everyday memories happen, from a favorite walking trail to the spot where you take family photos each year.
Have a question about life in Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, or Leander? We are happy to share local resources and help you get to know the communities we call home.
