In case you don’t already know, we have an incurable crush on Austin, Texas. We’re hopelessly, head over heels in love and we’re more than okay with that fact. We’re proud of it! Why?
Because Austin looks amazing from basically every angle and is perfectly suited to urban and outdoor adventuring and chronic nomming of really, really good food. Because, as a community, we’re fighting hard for equal pay for women and we’re committed to saving as many rescue animals as possible.
With all this in mind, what’s not to love about Austin, Texas?!
If you share our affections, then you’re definitely going to want to follow our 10 favorite Austin Instagram accounts — all of which revel in ATX’s beauty and get us excited about local happenings:
10. You’ll find a bunch of beautiful pics from Austin’s top creatives at @visitaustintx.
Run by the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau, @visitaustintx is a collection of Austin-themed images that were created by some of the best photographers in town. Just take a peek at their most recent posts — you’ll be oohing and ahhing in no time, all while discovering new local artists whose work resonates with you.
Similar: @365ThingsAustin, @Do512, @Citygrammag, @ilovetexasphoto
9. For current news, follow the Austin-American @STATESMAN.
If you prefer to take your local news in small doses, follow the Austin American-Statesman‘s Instagram profile — @statesman — and those of other local news channels and daily magazines. That way, you’ll get all the important highlights with minimal distractions.
Similar: @KVUEnews, @kxan_news, @austinmonthly, @thedailytexan
8. If you want to see Austin from different perspectives, add @CVSHERMAN.
This here’s the official Instagram account of Chris Sherman, the mastermind behind those gorgeous “Over Austin” aerial photos you’ve been seeing a lot of lately. His work is so stunning that you’d be crazy not to follow him.
Similar: @mikeholp, @jtype, @saneimpala, @jmichael_hopkins
7. @THENICOLAI’s account will make you very hungry.
As an Austinite, you’re probably more than a little obsessed with food. Fortunately, @thenicolai’s food photography will make that much worse. Just let it happen.
Similar: @coupleinthekitchen, @dine_atx, @bestfoodaustin, @keepaustineatin, @512_eats, @austinfoodstagram
6. Let @ACLradio Update you on all things music.
Sure, we’re still adjusting to the Austin institution that was KGSR becoming ACL Radio, but if Willie Nelson is down for the ride, then so are we. From show announcements to information about ticket sales to interviews with your favorite bands and musicians, ACL Radio is on top of this Live Music Capitol of the World thing. ACL Radio’s Instagram has definitely got you covered.
Similar accounts: @SXSW, @ACL Live, @austinchronicle, @danafalconberry
5. Keep your Instagram feed weird with @JACKIELEEYOUNG.
Austin-based photographer Jackie Lee Young specializes in creating surreal portraits. Essentially, that means her art is really strange. Which is wonderful.
Similar accounts: @drewanthonysmith, @hotelsanjose, @tribeza, @chriscodyyy
4. Like a little ATX mixed with your whimsical adventure photos? enter @EMILYBLINCOE…
3. … and @THEVUVOBANDIT!
In the interest of broadening your horizons and instilling in your heart an irresistable thirst for adventure, we highly recommend that you follow @emilyblincoe and @thevuvobandit on Instagram. Blincoe and Chase Daniel mix lovely photographs of ATX with images from their world travels and because of them we have come down with a serious case of wanderlust (the kind that broadens our horizons but always brings us home to Austin).
Similar accounts: @edsel, @danieldav_is, @nomadfotos, @geoffduncan, @chaninator, @pingzer
2. There’s no way that @ZilkerBark won’t make you whine with joy…
Run by professional dog photographer, Alex Hopes, @zilkerbark features a collection of portraits depicting Austinites’ furry companions during their adventures in Zilker Park, along with captions containing breed and age details about each pup. It’s safe to say that flipping through Hopes’ portfolio will definitely get your tail wagging.
Similar accounts: @austinpetsalive, @austinanimalcenter, @atxhumanesociety
We’ve also got this full list of local Instagram accounts for dog lovers.
1. … And we’re pretty sure @humansofaustx will make you cry (in a good way).
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s viral “Humans of New York” photography project, @humansofaustx publishes portraits of Austinites, captioned with interesting, funny, and often incredibly poignant quotes that provide insight into subjects’ lives. Have a tissue box handy if you plan to browse this popular account.
Similar accounts: @5dollarstories, @thebabegang, #PeopleofATX
Bonus accounts: The Austin.com network!
Now that our list is over, we’re definitely not going to subject you to a shameless plug vouching for our own Instagram accounts, which are brimming with news about local events, great deals, and awesome new Austin.com articles and photos (and lots of tacos and coffee). In addition to our Austin.com account, you’ll want to follow Free Fun in Austin and ATX Gossip, all important parts of the Austin.com Network!
@austindotcom
@freefuninaustin
@atxgossip
We’re also not promoting our contributors’ profiles: @rlbennettwrites, @mamamakaimoku, @arcieoracola, @phatfoodies, and @vodkagirlatx. We wouldn’t even think of it…
But seriously, follow us. Tweet us! We would love to connect with you.
Featured photo from ATX Gossip, with permission.
