Built in 1858, this 7’3” tall coffee pot could hold 740 gallons—enough for almost 12,000 cups of coffee. It was created by tinsmiths Julius and Samuel Mickey as a business advertisement for their shop on South Main Street. Today, it sits at the northern end of the Old Salem historic district and welcomes visitors and locals alike as they pass by. It's convenient location and historic roots make this the perfect stop for a photo op as you stroll the beautiful brick sidewalks and learn more about the Moravian heritage at Old Salem Museums & Gardens.

As the last Shell Station of its kind, you won’t find a more unique photo opportunity than this. It was built in 1930, served as a gas station for decades, and was then restored in the 1990s by Preservation North Carolina. 

The yellow clamshell design continues to attract visitors far and wide for that one-of-a-kind photograph. Since this landmark is located so close to the rest of the action in downtown Winston-Salem, this is a quick add to your trip itinerary that will give your grid the glow up it deserves.

Right in the heart of downtown, Artivity on the Green is one of Winston-Salem’s most recognizable photo spots and connects the Downtown Arts District with the Innovation Quarter. 

The red towers make up a “Tower Cloud” and are inspired by the iconic R.J. Reynolds building, giving a nod to the city’s industrial past. You’ll also find an ever-changing mural wall, spliced into distinct showcases of local artists, so there will always be something new to discover and photograph.

Reynolda Gardens is a picture-perfect spot. The formal gardens are full of color, especially when the roses are in bloom, and you can get creative with shots around the Japanese Teahouses and fountains. Don’t miss the greenhouse either. It makes a beautiful backdrop for portraits or you can get fun detail shots.

If you’re looking for one spot that captures multiple elements of Winston-Salem, this mural is it. Featuring local favorites like the Shell station, Moravian star, and Texas Pete, it’s colorful and full of character. You’ll find it at the corner of Fourth and Spruce Streets. 

While you’re downtown, keep an eye out for other photo-worthy murals like the Space Man, “Looking Back”, and “La Luz de Diversidad”. Just a few streets over, the iconic downtown arts district is buzzing with galleries, public art, unique buildings, dive bars, and eclectic restaurants. There’s plenty of public art in downtown Winston-Salem to explore!

This scenic pedestrian bridge connects the Old Salem Visitor Center with the historic district. It’s a favorite photo spot—especially during the holidays, when dozens of glowing Moravian stars light the way. The bridge provides great leading lines in your shots, the wooden trusses offer a rustic look, and the Moravian stars really make the background pop.

Just across the bridge, you can wander through the Old Salem historic district and find even more backdrops for your next profile picture. No matter the season, the streets are a picturesque walk through the lives of the early Moravian settlers. You never know what street corner or building will inspire you to snap a pic! Before you leave, be sure to pop into Lot 63 Coffee & Taproom, a coffee shop meets neighborhood taphouse. Featuring historic details and tons of natural light, this spot is perfect for casual candids and good conversations.

These distinctive smokestacks anchor the Winston-Salem skyline, and sunset is one of the best times to capture them. For a great photo, head to Bailey Park where they tower in the background. Grab a spot on the grassy lawn for a picnic, whether you bring your own aesthetic picnic basket or opt for take-out from one of the nearby restaurants like Barcelona Burger Bar or Alma Mexicana.

Just steps away is another uniquely Winston-Salem spot called the Coal Pit. Once used to store the coal that powered the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, this industrial space is now a community gathering place and makes for an edgy, urban photo backdrop. It doubles as the outdoor patio for Cugino Forno and Incendiary Brewing.

Quarry Park offers one of the most scenic views inside the city limits. The standout feature is the viewing platform that stretches over the old Vulcan quarry, giving you a clear look at the city skyline in the distance. Couples often visit to attach their “love locks” along the bridge railing, which adds a romantic touch. Sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to visit for that golden-hour glow.

You’ll also find other overlooks throughout the park that offer unique angles of the quarry below, as well as a paved walking path that connects to the rest of Winston-Salem's greenway system. Did we mention this spot is also kid-friendly? Arguably the most unique playground in Winston-Salem sits at the base of the observation deck, so don't be afraid to make this a family affair! 

In front of Fratellis Italian Steakhouse, you can get your picture made with Winston the Bull, who stands 11 feet tall and weighs almost one ton. His original location was at Thrift-Way Meats where he was on top of 20-foot steel poles. Now you can come dine at one of Winston-Salem’s best steakhouses and enjoy a fun photo experience.

If you still haven't captured enough photos here, or you're simply looking for a unique shopping experience, head to nearby Reynolda Village. This charming and historic shopping center is located on the Reynolda House grounds, with ample spots for artsy photo ops. This is part of the greater Reynolda Road shopping district, which you can learn more about here!

Head to Kaleideum’s rooftop for a city view with the Truliant and historic R.J. Reynolds buildings in the background. You can get creative with the swings or climbing structures up there. While the entire museum is geared toward children, they open their doors to "children of all ages". 

Adults find themselves engaging in play activities and taking advantage of the iconic backdrop of the city skyline from the rooftop. Be sure to check out our event calendar for kid and adult friendly events, like their Try It Studio days, or Kaleideum After Dark, which is an adult-only event that takes place on every second Saturday including live music, alcohol, and plenty of chances for the perfect photo.

Are you a history buff, always on the hunt for a historical marker or statue? Head downtown to the intersection of Second and North Main Streets where you can snap a photo in front of the Richard Joshua Reynolds Equestrian Memorial. 

This monument shows Reynolds on his horse as he rode into Winston when he was just 24 years old, signaling his search for fertile ground to build his tobacco empire. If you look closely, you'll also find many other historical markers near this area, and if you want to dig deeper into the history of the area, we recommend taking a walking tour!

Learn more about more things to do in Winston-Salem and places to stay while exploring these unique spots by downloading or requesting a Visitor Guide and signing up for our e-newsletter.