Top 9 Unique Photography Locations in St. Augustine, FL

by Kevin Howard

If you’re looking to capture the true essence of St. Augustine, it's essential to seek out some of the city’s more unique photography locations. These spots offer a fresh perspective and are perfect for anyone aiming to create memorable images. Whether you're an experienced photographer or simply enjoy capturing beautiful scenes, these locations will provide the ideal backdrop for your photos.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is just a short drive south of St. Augustine, and it’s a must-visit for photographers seeking something different. The park is known for its distinctive coquina rock formations along the beach. These formations are a standout feature, offering a unique contrast to the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a perfect spot for both landscape and portrait photography, especially during sunrise when the light casts a golden hue on the rocks.

But the park isn't just about the beach. The manicured gardens offer a variety of settings for photography, from blooming flowers to ancient oak trees. The garden's layout, featuring a mix of formal and informal styles, provides endless opportunities for creating beautifully composed shots.

Visit during the golden hour to make the most of the natural light, which adds warmth and depth to your photos.

Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

The Fountain of Youth may be one of St. Augustine's most famous attractions, but it's also an incredible spot for photography that often goes overlooked. Beyond its historical significance, the park features peaceful gardens and historic structures that offer a variety of photo opportunities. The ancient trees and pathways create a serene environment, perfect for capturing both wide-angle shots and detailed close-ups.

One of the best aspects of this location is the scenic waterfront views along the Matanzas River. These views, combined with the resident peacocks that freely roam the park, add a unique element to your photos that you won’t find elsewhere.

Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the park's tranquil beauty in soft, natural light.

Anastasia State Park

While Anastasia State Park is widely known for its beautiful beach, the real photographic treasures lie in its quieter areas. Beyond the sandy shores, you'll find marsh areas and nature trails that offer a more tranquil and diverse setting for photography. These less-traveled paths provide opportunities to capture the serene beauty of St. Augustine’s natural landscapes.

The park’s marshlands are especially photogenic in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and the colors are more vibrant. The interplay of water, tall grasses, and distant trees creates an ideal setting for landscape photography.

With over 195 species of birds, Anastasia State Park is a prime location for bird photography. Bring a zoom lens to capture these creatures in their natural habitat.

Mission Nombre de Dios

Mission Nombre de Dios is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of downtown St. Augustine, making it an excellent spot for photography. The Great Cross is the most iconic feature here, towering over the landscape and providing a striking focal point for your photos. However, the mission grounds have much more to offer, including statues, historic structures, and serene parkland.

This location is perfect for capturing a mix of historical and natural elements in your photos. The tranquil atmosphere adds a sense of calm to your images, making it a great spot for more introspective photography.

Don’t limit yourself to just photographing the Great Cross. The surrounding areas are full of hidden details and unique perspectives worth exploring.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm’s Rookery

While the St. Augustine Alligator Farm is a popular destination, its rookery is often overlooked. This area is a bird sanctuary, especially during the spring nesting season, making it an excellent spot for wildlife photography. The combination of lush vegetation and active birdlife creates a dynamic environment for capturing stunning wildlife images.

The vibrant plumage of the birds, set against the backdrop of the greenery, makes for captivating photos. Whether you’re capturing a great egret in flight or a roseate spoonbill tending to its nest, the Rookery offers plenty of opportunities for wildlife photography.

The Rookery hosts up to 500 nests each spring, making it one of Florida's most densely populated bird sanctuaries. Be sure to bring a long lens to capture the details from a distance.

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

While the St. Augustine Lighthouse is a well-known landmark, the surrounding grounds are often less crowded, providing excellent photography opportunities. The area around the lighthouse includes hidden paths, gardens, and historic buildings that are perfect for exploring with your camera. The contrast between the lighthouse and the natural surroundings makes for striking compositions.

One of the best things about this location is the variety of subjects you can capture. From the towering lighthouse to the historic buildings' intricate details, there’s no shortage of inspiration here.

Don’t miss the chance to climb the lighthouse for panoramic views of St. Augustine and the coastline. It’s a bit of a climb, but the view is well worth the effort.

Fish Island Preserve

For those looking to escape the more crowded spots in St. Augustine, Fish Island Preserve offers a quiet, natural setting perfect for photography. The preserve features trails that wind through marshlands and forested areas, providing a peaceful environment for capturing the area's natural beauty.

The marshlands are especially striking, offering expansive views ideal for landscape photography. The mix of water, vegetation, and sky creates a tranquil scene perfect for capturing Florida’s natural beauty.

Early mornings are the best time to visit Fish Island Preserve. The soft light and morning mist add a special touch to your photos, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Pena-Peck House

The Pena-Peck House in downtown St. Augustine is a historic site offering a unique photography setting. The house is a beautiful example of colonial architecture, and the surrounding gardens add color and texture to your photos. This location is perfect for capturing the elegance and charm of old St. Augustine.

The gardens, with their variety of flowers and trees, provide a lovely backdrop for your photos. Whether you’re photographing the architectural details or the natural surroundings, the Pena-Peck House offers a timeless setting that’s rich with history.

Don’t overlook the interior of the house. The period furnishings and decor offer additional opportunities to capture the historical essence of St. Augustine.

Avenida Menendez

Avenida Menendez is a scenic avenue that runs along Matanzas Bay, offering beautiful views of the water, boats, and historic buildings. This area is perfect for capturing the combination of St. Augustine’s natural beauty and historic architecture. The avenue is lined with grand buildings, each with its own character, making it an excellent spot for photography.

The waterfront views are incredibly captivating at sunrise or sunset when the light casts a warm glow over the bay. The mix of water, sky, and historic structures provides various options for creating stunning images.

Take your time walking the length of the avenue to find different angles and subjects. The variety of views along this stretch makes finding something unique to photograph easy.

Conclusion

St. Augustine is full of unique locations that allow photographers to capture the city’s true character. By exploring these spots, you’ll take beautiful photos and gain a deeper appreciation for the history and natural beauty that make St. Augustine such a special place. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these locations will provide the perfect settings for creating unforgettable images.