Looking for a place to snap that perfect shot while exploring Houston? With its many green spaces, museums, sculptures and street art, you don’t have to look too hard to find an interesting backdrop for your photos and selfies. Read on to discover some of the coolest spots to take pictures.

Smither Park

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This Instagram-worthy Smither Park in south Houston is covered in fun and colorful mosaic art. The park’s Lindley Fish Amphitheater, created by Nashville artist Matt Gifford using street signs, scraps of metal, and a giant disco ball, is just one of the whimsical structures you won’t resist taking a shot of. You’ll also find a rocket ship, octopus, and a goldfish among the park’s hundreds of mosaics.

 

The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall


Nestled between office buildings in busy Galleria area, the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall is a 64-foot u-shaped wall with water rushing down both sides. Designed by architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee, the water wall is one of Houston’s most photographed sites and a dramatic backdrop for your pictures.

Houston Is Inspired Mural


The popular mural created by graffiti artist Mario E. Figueroa, Jr., aka GONZO247, is a must for pictures if you’re visiting downtown. Located on the corner of Preston and Travis, across from Market Square at the beloved Treebeards restaurantthe mural was unveiled in 2013 and shows the Houston skyline amidst a colorful background.

McGovern Centennial Gardens


Hermann Park has plenty of photo-worthy places, from the Japanese Gardens to the reflection pool, but it’s also worth visiting the park’s 30-acre McGovern Centennial Gardens. Get a good shot of the gardens from above the 30-foot garden mound or even as you go up to the top. You’ll also find a rose garden and a sculpture promenade.

 

Montrose Paint Wall


Designed by French, Houston-based artist Sebastien “Mr. D” Boileau, the Montrose Paint Wall can be found alongside the parking lot of Biscuit Home, a home goods store in the heart of Montrose. The colorful wall (1435 Westheimer Road) debuted in 2014 and was clearly meant to be photographed. As the #MontrosePaintWall hashtag imprinted on the awning above the door will remind you, make sure to tag your pics.  

Discovery Green


This green space across from the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston offers many sites for cool photos. The colorful art boxes of Synchronicity of Color are a favorite, but also check out artist Jim Dine’s The Heart, a mounted bronze cast, and Monument Au Fantome, a wavy red, white and blue sculpture by Jean Dubuffet, on Avenue of the Americas.

The Mural at the JW Marriott

If you're in need of a colorful backdrop to brighten up your Instagram feed, look no further than the murals outside of the JW Marriott Downtown. Artist Michael C. Rodriguez took terrific care to design a beautifully cool Houston-themed mural right outside this fabulous hotel leaving plenty of spots for a quick snap.

The Mural at the Homewood Suites and Hampton Inn

This mural for a cause raises awareness for world hunger problems and is a fabulous photo opp for those looking to snap a photo and also help a cause. The artist is New York-based street artist Dragon76, and we can't get enough of this powerful imagery.