San Antonio Best Photography Locations: Complete Guide

📍 Pearl

Pros: Trendy, historic + modern mix, lots of variety.
Cons: Crowded, some private areas.
Fees: Usually Free
Hours: Public outdoor areas generally open daily, dawn–dusk (individual shops/restaurants vary).

📍 Éilan (Éilan Hotel & Residences)

Pros: European-style architecture, fountains, courtyards, stone arches — looks like Italy/Spain.
Cons: Private property
Fees: Varies — Usually free
Hours: Public courtyards typically open daily, daylight hours; hotel grounds open to guests/events.

📍 La Villita

Pros: Historic charm, colorful walls, cobblestones.
Cons: Small, tourist traffic.
Fees:  Parking Fee, and Permit required if you use stobes and stands, 
Hours: Mon–Sat 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

📍 Confluence Park

Pros: Modern design + nature, river views.
Cons: Limited space, event use.
Fees: Generally Free to enter. According to the website – $50 portrait, $20 student. 
Hours: Daily 8 a.m.–11 p.m.

📍 Brackenridge Park

Pros: Large, natural, bridges + rivers.
Cons: Lots of walking, can be busy.
Fees: Free for portraits, permit for commercial shoots.
Hours: Daily 5 a.m.–11 p.m.

📍 Japanese Tea Garden

Pros: Waterfalls, koi ponds, stone bridges.
Cons: Crowded, tight walkways.
Fees: Free for portraits, permit for commercial shoots.
Hours: Daily dawn–dusk

📍 Botanical Garden

Pros: Flowers, desert + tropical areas, glass conservatory.
Cons: Can be crowded, curated feel.
Fees: Permit required, about $50–$100.
Hours:

• Mar–Oct: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. daily, Sundays open until 8 p.m.

• Nov–Feb: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily

📍 San Antonio Missions (San José, Concepción, etc.)

Pros: UNESCO World Heritage Sites, rustic stone, history-filled backdrops.
Cons: Some restrictions on posing; harsh light midday.
Fees: Free outdoors; check NPS for rules.
Hours: Grounds open sunrise–sunset; Visitor Centers open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily

📍 McNay Art Museum (grounds)

Pros: Spanish-style mansion, pretty courtyards, sculptures.
Cons: Smaller space, can be crowded.
Fees: Grounds permit fee often $30–$50.
Hours (Museum):

• Wed & Fri: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Thu: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

• Sat: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

• Sun: 12 p.m.–5 p.m.

• Mon & Tue: Closed
  Grounds: Daily, about 7 a.m.–6-7 p.m. (depending on daylight)