Austin Skyline (Spring, Center, West: condos, clubhouse, mall)

[Stay By The Phone]

Hey guys, Im going on a trip down to Texas soon with stops in Austin, just wondering where the best cross street or location would be to get a nice photo of the downtown skyline? Thanks.

[atxcio]

Congress Avenue just north of Barton Springs Road offers a unique view of the capitol building surrounded by towers (actually right on the bridge over Ladybird Lake will work).

Then the Zilker Clubhouse (Zilker Park), Lou Neff point (Ladybird Lake trail), Butler Park (in front of the Long Center, Ladybird Lake), a spot called TMI Castle (google it), Joe's Crab Shack on Riverside, Red Bud Trail and Forest View in Westlake. The Ladybird Lake Trail in general offers many good spots. There are also some great spots off Riverside just east of I-35, but I'm not as familiar with those.

Slightly farther out views would be Mt Bonnell, Barton Creek Mall parking lot, and the highway 360 scenic overlook.

[Stay By The Phone]

Thanks for the help. I will stop by those spots on the trip.

[tongpa-nyi]

My favorite vantage points are from the far side (west/SW side) of Zilker Park's main lawn, looking across the park to the city; and from Cesar Chavez around Lamar St. or slightly west of there. From the Cesar Chavez perspective you see the line-up of tall condos that parallel the lake. You can easily get photos from the hike-and-bike trail that runs all along the lake beside Cesar Chavez.

[veloman777]

For a distant view, check Mopac feeder near Far West, or South Lamar near Oltorf area. Many good views from the Western hills.