It’s one of the best times of year in Texas, WILDFLOWER SEASON! There is nothing more iconic than the gorgeous Texas Bluebonnets. If you are looking to take some epic photos this spring here are the locations in the Texas Hill Country that you need to check out.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
As the name suggests the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a great spot in Austin, TX to view the wildflowers. Named after the former First Lady, this botanical garden celebrates native Texas plants and beautiful landscapes. This botanical garden is currently by reservation only so be sure to get your tickets in advance so you can enjoy the beautiful Bluebonnets.
Willow City Loop
If you want breathtaking views of Texas Bluebonnets then you need to head out to the Willow City Loop. This 13 mile two lane ranch road is wildflower heaven. Located just outside of Fredericksburg heading toward Llano, Texas this scenic drive is worth the trek from Austin. While this was once a bit of a local secret, more and more visitors make the drive to out to this part of the Hill Country. I recommend trying to avoid the weekend crowds which can result in bumper to bumper traffic.
Old Settlers Park
Heading north up to Round Rock, TX is Old Settlers Park. Stretching over 600 acres of land, there are plenty of great wildflower patches waiting to be the location of your next family portrait. The park is free to visit and there is a lot out here to explore.
Brushy Creek Lake Park
Over in Cedar Park, TX head out to Brushy Creek Park where not only can you enjoy trails of Bluebonnets but also ducks! The lake is a great spot for water activities so it would be easy to spend an entire afternoon out here.
Burnet, TX Bluebonnet Festival
If you are looking for the full small town Bluebonnet experience then mark your calendar for the second weekend in April to attend the Bluebonnet Festival in Burnet, TX. And yes, the festival is taking place in 2021! With live music, great food and drinks, and even a wiener dog race you are sure to have a great time celebrating the wildflowers.
Highland Lakes Bluebonnet Trail
While you are in Burnet for the Bluebonnet Festival you should also check out the Highland Lakes Bluebonnet Trail. This self-guided drive through the Texas Hill Country will take you through Marble Falls, Lake Buchanan, Llano, and Horseshoe Bay – just to name a few of the Hill Country towns on the itinerary. The drive can be quite long, covering over 100 miles of some of the most blooms in the Hill Country.
Wildseed Farms
Boasting the title of the Nation’s Largest Working Wildflower Farm you will be impressed with the over 200 acres of beautiful flowers. Wildseed Farms is located in Fredericksburg, TX and is a gem in the Texas Hill Country. While they could charge an arm and a leg to have access to these beautiful fields, admission is completely free! There are designated walking trails for visitors to explore and the fields are fenced off to protect the flowers and they request that photos take place from the trail.
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
Take a trip out to Spicewood Springs, TX to hike and mountain bike through miles of trails lined with Bluebonnets. The Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area has fields of wildflowers that extend all the way to Lake Travis. This park also allows for horseback riding, how beautiful of a trail ride would this be?! Be sure to make your reservations now to visit the park so you don’t miss out on a visit.
Things to Remember
- Many fields of Bluebonnets sit on private land, be sure you aren’t trespassing and be respectful of other people’s property.
- These fields are home to many critters. From fire ants to snakes to mosquitos, so be careful where you park your booty for a photo.
- While the urban legend that it’s illegal to pick Bluebonnets is just a myth, it’s best to leave them where you found them for others to enjoy.
- If you are pulling off a road to enjoy some wildflower viewing, be sure to completely pull out of traffic and be careful getting in and out of your vehicle.
- When venturing into a Bluebonnet field, be sure to use already existing paths and be careful not to trample the flowers.
Wildflower Forecast
Looking for the perfect days to visit the Bluebonnet fields? Be sure to check out the Texas Wildflower Report and the Texas Wildflower Watch.
