Best Photography Spots in St. Augustine Florida
- Paul Farace Photography
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Whether you are visiting or a local these spots offer the best photography views in St. Augustine Florida!
From cobblestone pathways lined with Spanish colonial architecture to dramatic Atlantic sunrises framing ancient fortresses, the "Ancient City" offers diverse backdrops for landscape, travel, portrait, and architectural photos. Whether you are a professional photographer or a casual Instagram traveler, this article highlights the top spots to point your camera lens.
Here are the best photography spots in St Augustine, Florida!
Be sure to check out the full St. Augustine photo gallery at the end!
All images by Paul Farace Photography
Paul Farace is an award winning Florida based landscape photographer and author with 20 years of experience, specializing in capturing the state's coastlines and waterways. Operating out of St. Augustine, he shares his expertise through fine art prints, adventure videos, educational workshops, and digital content. Explore his work and bio details at Paul Farace Photography.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States. Constructed by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695, this star-shaped fortress was built to protect Spain's Atlantic trade routes and defend its territorial claims in the New World against British forces and pirates
Key points of interest: A wide view from near the road, San Marco Ave, with a backlit sunrise can be excellent. Capture the fort, walls and details in direct light on the east facing side during sunrise for crisp images.
Best time to photograph: Before and during sunrise usually offers the best conditions and least crowds.
Camera gear considerations: Bring a wide angle lens to capture as much as you can in one frame. Or utilize a panoramic technique for wider views.
Flagler College
Flagler College was formerly Henry Flagler’s luxury Hotel Ponce de León, this college campus epitomizes Gilded Age Spanish Renaissance architecture.
Location: 74 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Key points of interest: The Palm Garden. The West Lawn. Ponce de Leon Hall Courtyard. Walking the entire perimeter offers endless shots of amazing architecture.
Best time to photograph: Mid morning and afternoon light provide sharp shadows within the courtyard and arches.
Camera gear considerations: A telephoto zoom lens can be very helpful here to isolate sections of the architecture with light and shadow.
Need a budget Telephoto lens? Check out my review of this excellent lens from Tamron.
The Lightner Museum
Located at the heart of St. Augustine The Lightner Museum is an iconic downtown building. It is housed within the historic Hotel Alcazar, a magnificent 1888 resort commissioned by tycoon Henry Flagler. The museum pairs breathtaking Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture with an exceptional collection of fine art.
Location: 75 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Key points of interest: The Historic Pool. The Courtyard area. I have shot many weddings there! Be ready to doge brides! Get reflection shots from the small ponds. The columns along Cordova St are excellent too. There is a lot here so enjoy and walk around.
Best time to photograph: Mid morning and later afternoon for the courtyard so light begins to show over the walls. Sunset is best for the front view to get great lightning. The columns along Cordova street are awesome during sunrise too, for soft light wrapping around the pillars. Be aware there are usually several weddings going on during any given weekend.
Camera gear considerations: The Lightner Museum has so many spots to photograph. From the fountain, the courtyard and all the intricate architectural details. You could use almost any lens, but your standard mid range around 24-70mm works great here. Also utilize a telephoto to isolate subjects and details.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse
The St. Augustine lighthouse was completed in 1846 and stands 165 ft. tall. It features a black and white spiral design with a vibrant red top. 219 cast iron stairs will take you to the top for some amazing views.
Key points of interest: The Lighthouse of course! But, the best spots to photograph are not right there on top of it. Do some exploring and find different views a bit further away. And with Florida being so flat that isn't always an easy task. I give you a couple down below so get going!
Best time to photograph: You can capture the lighthouse in any kind of conditions. From sunrise to mid day to sunset. From dusk to dawn. In calm and in stormy weather. The lighthouse always makes a great subject. There are many places in St. Augustine to get a great view of the lighthouse, but it's not always as easy as it seems to find them.
For example the shot above was taken from Carver Street. Another great spot that is a bit further away is the Anastasia Island State Park Dunes . From there you can get a great telephoto shot just make sure you have at least 300mm reach.
Camera gear considerations: You can't get a clean shot from right up close. There are trees and buildings all around the immediate area. Your best bet is to go mid to longer telephoto from one of the various spots around the lighthouse and surrounding areas.
Magnolia Avenue
Magnolia Avenue is famous for it's beautiful oak trees and hanging Spanish moss. Situated right near Ponce De Leon's Fountain of Youth this beautiful road is heavily photographed and for good reason. You will often find travel, portrait and wedding photographers here taking advantage of the beautiful backdrop.
Location: Magnolia Avenue St. Augustine, FL 32084
Key points of interest: Look near the Fountain of Youth entrance for the best canopies and light.
Best time to photograph: Mid morning and later afternoon offers the best light when the light cuts into the canopy. You can photograph both directions, so back lit Spanish moss is always ready if the sun is out.
Camera gear considerations: A wide angle can capture the most of the oaks and moss, but a telephoto works well to compress the scene for another wonderful, and different, look. Watch out for cars!
Anastasia State Park
Key points of interest: The sand dunes, the ocean, the scrub oaks and the wildlife. Get on the beach and start walking!
Best time to photograph: Anytime! Sunrise to sunset there is always something to shoot in Anastasia State Park. Beach, dunes, oak scrubs, wildlife you name it.
Camera gear considerations: Wide and telephoto shine here, but honestly any focal range will work great to capture amazing images. Sand will get into everything so be careful if and when changing lenses. If the sun is bright make sure to use a Circular Polarizing filter to cut through the glare and really make your photos pop.
Check out post on Circular Polarizers for any budget: 5 Best CPL Filters
The St. Augustine Pier (St. Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier)
The St. Augustine Pier, or the St. Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier to be exact, is located on Anastasia Island, specifically on St. Augustine Beach. Just south of Anastasia State Park. Arrive early to avoid the beach crowds.
Watch me take the above photo here: Legendary Fog Conditions! This Is Florida! Vlog
Key points of interest: The Pier is the star of the show here. There is plenty of parking especially if you arrive early for sunrise.
Best time to photograph: Sunrise. In the winter you might catch fog for some epic god rays too!
Camera gear considerations: Mid range works well to isolate the pier without including too much extra in the scene. For example the above photo is 67mm. If the sky is very interesting then a wide works great from different angles too.
Use an ND Filter with your camera on a tripod to slow your shutter and get silky water. Around 1/4 second shutter works great.
Vilano Beach (Ocean Front Park)
Vilano Beach is very popular with the locals and for good reason. You will often find people walking the beach, fishing and others just enjoying sunrise on any day. You have tide pools, jetty rocks, vast views and more here to photograph. You have reaching views across the inlet and out into the vast Atlantic. Be sure to take a walk down the Vilano Pier too for some great views near the bridge.
Location: Anahma Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Key points of interest: The Vilano Jetty, Porpoise Point and check out the Vilano Pier over on the west
Best time to photograph: Sunrise is my favorite for great lightning and least amount of people on the beach.
Camera gear considerations: Wide angle to capture the whole scene and telephoto to isolate distant subject such as the lighthouse across the inlet. As always with water photos use an ND Filter and CPL Filter when the light gets brighter.
Check out my wide angle lens here: Viltrox 16mm f1.8 (Landscape & Astro) Review
I hope this helps you navigate the best photo spots in St Augustine Florida!
Here is some more stuff to check out!
St Augustine Florida Photo Gallery
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