The Bluebonnets Are Coming...
Naturally, we’re ready to grab the camera and take the pals (or the dog) to snap some Instagrammable photos in these pretty fields of wildflowers. You'll want to make sure you don't miss them this year, because according to the experts at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the 2024 wildflower season here in Central Texas is expected to be an eight on a scale of ten, and possibly even better for bluebonnets in particular, according to Andrea DeLong-Amaya, the Center's DIrector of Horticulture. While you're getting your pics, be extra cautious near busy roads, and watch out for creepy critters. Here are the best places where you can typically find bluebonnets during spring. Hurry, take a photo while they're perfect!
For tons more constantly updated info on Bluebonnets in Austin, click here!
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Pepper
Croft
Brisket
Tucks
Sadie & Pete
Bertie
Dog photos by Roger Ho
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WHERE TO SEE BLUEBONNETS NEAR AUSTIN
4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
ON GOOGLE MAPS
A great starting point for your wildflower adventure, the Center offers labeled displays of wildflowers and plenty of photo opportunities. With 279 acres displaying over 800 native plants (including Bluebonnets), the Wildflower Center is a wonderful place to explore. They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with reserved advance tickets. From March 19 - May 14 you can stay late every Tuesday for their Tuesday Twilights event featuring live music, food trucks, and drinks.
Photo via Hatched Photography
Highway 360
Hwy 183 to Mopac
ON GOOGLE MAPS
Bluebonnets line this beautiful, scenic highway, best seen between Hwy 183 to Mopac.
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Photo via trip advisor
5805 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, TX 78744
ON GOOGLE MAPS
McKinney Falls is the perfect spot year-round for hikes, biking, and picnics, but especially Insta-worthy during bluebonnet season. You can make a reservation ahead of time to be sure you get in!
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Photo via Stephanie Friedman Photography
12017 Amherst Dr, Austin, TX 78759
ON GOOGLE MAPS
You can normally find a large field of bluebonnets that runs against Duval Road, as well as near the playground closer to Amherst Dr.
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photo via wildseed farms
100 Legacy Dr, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
ON GOOGLE MAPS
Take a scenic drive out to the Texas Hill Country and visit Wildseed Farms, the largest working wildflower farm in the country. Not only can you see picturesque bluebonnets, but you can also do wine tastings, shop, grab lunch, and even buy some bluebonnets of your own to bring home! Check out their bloom update before you go to see what's currently growing.
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Photo via Hatched Photography
3001 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
ON GOOGLE MAPS
Bluebonnets bloom next to historic buildings and you get a great view of downtown. Take a walk around campus to find the perfect spot. The corner of St. Edwards and University Loop Drive is known to have a dreamy field of bluebonnets.
photo via yelp by Annie N.
Marble Falls, TX
801 Hwy 281, Marble Falls, TX 78654
ON GOOGLE MAPS
This cozy town is a short road trip from Austin - we recommend making the Bluebonnet Cafe a destination to order a delicious slice of pie. On your drive through the Hill Country to get to Marble Falls, you're likely to see some of the Bluebonnet Cafe's eponymous blooms. There's even a bluebonnet trail in Marble Falls - you can pick up a map at the Marble Falls Chamber Visitor Center.
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Photo via University of Texas
10100 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78758
ON GOOGLE MAPS
In North Austin on Burnet Rd, you’ll usually find a sea of bluebonnets as you drive past the University of Texas’s J.J. Pickle Research Campus.
The Intersection of Manor & Tilley (in Mueller)
Manor Road & Tilley St, Austin, TX 78723
ON GOOGLE MAPS
This quiet field at the crossing of Manor and Tilley in the Mueller neighborhood has a large field of bluebonnets, as well as various other Texas wildflowers, that spread for several dozen yards.
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1715 Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78703
ON GOOGLE MAPS
Park near Austin High School (1715 Cesar Chavez St.) and walk on the trail towards the baseball fields to find a large patch of wildflowers just beyond the fields.
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6301 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78749
ON GOOGLE MAPS
Visit South Austin’s Circle C Metropolitan Park where you’ll find large patches of bluebonnets along their trails.
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10100 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78758
ON GOOGLE MAPS
In North Austin on Burnet Rd, you’ll usually find a sea of bluebonnets as you drive past the University of Texas’s J.J. Pickle Research Campus.
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OTHER GREAT LOCATIONS FOR BLUEBONNETS:
- Roy Guerrero Park (Metropolis Rd) (MAP)
- Brushy Creek Lake Park (MAP)
- Park Hill Church (2222/Mopac) (MAP)
- Hwy 71 (MAP)
- FM1431 (MAP)
- Quinlan Park Rd. in Steiner Ranch (MAP)
- Hyatt Regency Lost Pines (MAP)
- Concordia University (MAP)
- Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area (MAP)
- Pace Bend Park (MAP)
- Old Settlers Park (MAP)
Do you have other favorite locations to share? Please let us know!