Taking pictures of your vacation is a great way to memorialize your trip and make sure it lives on in the future. And between our granite boulders and sparkling lakes and historic buildings, Llano County has plenty of places that deserve a spot on your camera roll.
Whether you're looking for classic Texas scenery, a quirky roadside photo op or a beautiful place to watch the sunset, these 12 spots offer plenty of inspiration for your next Hill Country adventure.
1. The Giant Highland Lakes Map in Kingsland
You might not expect one of Llano County's most colorful photo opportunities to be painted across the side of a bank building.
In Kingsland, a giant mosaic map of the Highland Lakes is a local landmark and an unexpectedly great backdrop for photos. The map dates back to the 1960s and was preserved when the bank building was rebuilt.
It's especially fun for visitors because you can photograph yourself standing in front of the map while pointing out the places you've visited or are planning to explore.
Photo tip: Step back and capture the entire map rather than just taking a close-up. The sheer size is part of what makes it interesting.
2. The Llano County Courthouse
For a classic Texas Hill Country photograph, head to the historic courthouse square in Llano.
The Llano County Courthouse is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, with its distinctive tower, stone construction and historic surroundings. The courthouse was completed in 1893 and, although it’s undergone various rebuilding and repair efforts, remains the seat of county government and the center of the Llano community.
Walk around the square to find different perspectives, and don't forget to photograph the historic buildings and storefronts surrounding it. You might find some great treasures in a local shop (we love 1892 Emporium!) that could enhance your photo shoot.
Photo tip: Try a shot from across the square so you can frame the courthouse between the trees.
3. The Llano River & Roy B. Inks Bridge
The Llano River running through town provides one of the easiest ways to get that unmistakable Hill Country look.
The historic Roy B. Inks Bridge adds another layer to the scenery, with its steel trusses contrasting against the river, granite and surrounding landscape.
Head to the riverbanks around downtown and experiment with different angles. Depending on the season and water level, you can capture everything from sparkling water to exposed granite and reflections.
Photo tip: Get low to the riverbank and use the rocks in the foreground to frame the bridge.
4. Lake Buchanan
Lake Buchanan, the largest of the Highland Lakes, offers broad expanses of blue water surrounded by Hill Country.
The lake is beautiful from just about every angle, whether you're photographing the shoreline, boats on the water, a dramatic sunset or the surrounding hills.
For an easy scenic stop, look for viewpoints around Buchanan Dam, or spend the day on the lake. You’ll also be likely to see wildlife, including many different species of birds that call the lake home.
Photo tip: Sunset and golden hour are hard to beat. Put the camera down occasionally, too. There’s so much to enjoy and you want to store some mental images of yourself enjoying spending time out in the area and enjoying the views in real-time.
5. Barrelin’ Bulls Mural
The Barrelin’ Bulls mural is located in The Barrel House in Llano.
The artwork features prominent Texas Longhorn bulls, matching the rustic Texas Hill Country aesthetic of the restaurant and adding a great visual point of interst to go along with your meal.
Photo Tip: Pay attention to the mural’s reflections in the mirror, which adds a completely new dimension to the work.
6. Buchanan Dam Bridge
For another great Lake Buchanan photo opportunity, check out the historic bridge near Buchanan Dam.
The old steel-truss bridge crosses the Colorado River near the point where Lake Buchanan flows toward Inks Lake. It's a distinctive piece of infrastructure with great views of the surrounding water and dam area.
Photo tip: Photograph the bridge itself, then turn around and look for a shot that incorporates the water and surrounding Hill Country.
7. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre House
For something completely different, head to Kingsland and visit the historic house made famous by The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.
The house was originally built in Round Rock and was used prominently in the 1974 horror film. In 1998, it was carefully moved to Kingsland and restored. Whether you're a horror movie fan or simply fascinated by unusual Texas history, it's an unforgettable photo stop.
Photo tip: Get a photo of the exterior before heading inside for a meal. For horror fans, the location offers an especially fun way to recreate the atmosphere of the movie. The restaurant also hosts occasional horror-themed events which can add to the creativity of your photos.
8. The Kingsland Slab
The Kingsland Slab is one of those places that feels quintessentially Central Texas.
The Llano River flows over huge expanses of smooth granite, creating natural swimming and wading areas surrounded by trees and Hill Country scenery.
The landscape changes with the seasons and water levels, so no two visits necessarily look exactly the same. It’s such a peaceful spot and is beautiful to photograph.
Photo tip: Photograph the river from the granite slabs to capture the textures of the rock, water and surrounding landscape. We also love capturing video in this area because there are so many nuances of sight and sound.
9. Grenwelge County Park
For an easy photo stop close to downtown Llano, head to Grenwelge County Park.
The park sits along a particularly scenic section of the Llano River, with granite outcroppings and views of the water.
It's a great place for a picnic, a leisurely walk or simply sitting beside the river with your camera ready.
Photo tip: Look for reflections in the water or use the granite formations as a natural foreground.
10. Lookout Mountain
If you want a photo that shows off just how beautiful the Highland Lakes region can be, find your way to Lookout Mountain along RR 1431 near Kingsland.
The overlook provides a sweeping view of the Hill Country, with Lake LBJ below and Packsaddle Mountain in the distance.
It's the kind of vista that makes a good reminder that sometimes the best Instagram photo requires doing absolutely nothing except pulling over and looking around.
Photo tip: Visit near sunset for warm light across the lake and surrounding hills.
11. Castell & the Llano River
Finish your photo tour farther west in Castell, one of Llano County's smallest and most distinctive communities.
The historic Castell General Store sits along the Llano River and has become a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The surrounding landscape provides a wonderful combination of historic Texas buildings, river scenery and wide-open Hill Country.
Take your time exploring the area and look for details rather than just big vistas—the old storefronts, river rocks, wooden fences and rural landscape all make great subjects.
Photo tip: Capture the contrast between the historic buildings and the natural landscape around the river.
12. Enchanted Rock
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a must-do for the photos and for the experience. The massive pink granite dome is one of the Hill Country's most recognizable natural landmarks and offers spectacular views from the summit.
It’s the site of engagements and celebrations, as well as just a beautiful place for a hike with a sunrise or sunset view.
Photo tip: Go in the late afternoon and let the setting sun do the work. The warm light brings out the pink tones in the granite and creates beautiful shadows and texture.
