Top 5 Places to Take Photos in St. Augustine

St. Augustine photo spots

St. Augustine, Florida proudly holds the title of the nation’s oldest city. The charming pedestrian streets in the historic district are lined with abundant Spanish-era architecture, adding to its distinction. Regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the US, St. Augustine is a haven of photo opportunities. The city not only boasts centuries-old historic sites but also lots of greenery, a bayfront with breathtaking views of the Matanzas Bay and pristine beaches that are among the best in the Sunshine State. ☀️ To help you decide where to start, here are the best places to take photos in St. Augustine.

Here at ​​Flytographer, we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. Today, we asked our local photographers in St. Augustine to show us around all the very best spots for pictures. 📸

TLDR

(A little sneak peek just for you 😊)

1. Magnolia Avenue: a street where century-old oak trees create a mesmerizing arch and the legendary spot of The Fountain of Youth.
2. St. George Street: a bustling street filled with shops, restaurants, art galleries and stunning historic sites.
3. St. Augustine Lighthouse: St. Augustine’s oldest surviving brick structure, this beautiful lighthouse feels like something straight out of a Wes Anderson movie.
4. Downtown St. Augustine: this charming, pedestrian-friendly area is filled with architectural gems, including remarkable examples of the Spanish Renaissance.
5. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park: the perfect spot for a relaxing photo shoot with unique coquina rock formations.

Photo: Keely in St. Augustine for Flytographer. Danielle and family capture memories in St. Augustine with a family photoshoot.

1. Magnolia Avenue

Considered the city’s most iconic street, Magnolia Avenue has been recognized as one of the most photographed streets in the US by National Geographic. It’s easy to understand why. The street is a true heaven of greenery, thanks to the magnificent oak trees that have stood there for a century and create a beautiful natural arch over the pavement. 🌳 It gets better: Spanish moss cascades down from their branches, adding an idyllic charm to the street.

Early morning and late afternoon sunlight gently illuminates the moss, creating a magical and radiant atmosphere. These are the best times to visit. With this tip, you only need to pick an outfit and strike a killer pose (and we can certainly help with some great ideas for that too!). 😉

On the eastern side of the street, you’ll find the Fountain of Youth, an archaeological theme park showcasing the history of a once-thriving settlement. The place is also believed to be where Spanish adventurer Juan Ponce de León discovered magical healing waters that would keep you young forever. 💦 Fact or fiction, it doesn’t hurt to take a sip, does it? The park’s grounds also offer educational exhibits and more great places to take photos in St. Augustine.

Photo: Keely in St. Augustine for Flytographer. Gina and family capture memories in St. Augustine with a family photoshoot on Magnolia Avenue.

2. St. George Street

St. George Street is a historic pedestrian-only thoroughfare boasting a wide variety of boutiques, restaurants, bakeries, art galleries and historic sites. The street has been the heart of the city since its beginnings, and it’s a mandatory stop for anyone visiting. Marking its entrance are the Old City Gates, another iconic site of the city and a riveting background for photo shoots. Stroll along the street and find the Oldest Wooden School House, a picturesque wood structure that looks like a shed from a fairytale. 😍 Another historic spot that will look great in your pics is Pena-Peck House, one of the city’s few remaining buildings from the Spanish period. 

A short walk from St. George Street is Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the oldest masonry fort in the US. It features majestic architecture with prisoners’ and soldiers’ rooms, and a massive interior courtyard. The highlight, though, is the gun deck with marvellous views of the surroundings with towering palm trees. 🌴 From there, you can also spot the Bridge of Lions that connects downtown to Anastasia Island. The bridge makes for a perfect place to admire the sunrise. Don’t forget to say hi to Fiel, Firme, Pax and Peli: the four Lion statues that adorn the bridge. 🦁

3. St. Augustine Lighthouse

On Anastasia Island, surrounded by sprawling oak trees, this lighthouse is one of the best places to take photos in St. Augustine. The tall and majestic structure alone is a sight to behold. Restored to its 1888 appearance and adorned with a striking black and white spiral design, it stands out against the backdrop of vibrant blue skies. It’s truly something out of a Wes Anderson movie! 🎥

Inside the lighthouse, you’ll find the Maritime Museum, where you can delve into its captivating history. ⚓ The museum remains furnished with old objects and will transport you back to a bygone era. Climb the 219 steps to the top and get unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean, Matanzas Bay and the city of St. Augustine.

While in the area, try to explore Anastasia Island further. This picturesque barrier island is home to some of the city’s best beaches and other amazing attractions, such as ​​St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Anastasia State Park. 👍

Photo: Keely in St. Augustine for Flytographer. Hannah and partner celebrate their honeymoon in St. Augustine with a honeymoon photoshoot.

4. Downtown St. Augustine

Downtown St. Augustine is a feast for the eyes, filled with Instagrammable spots. The best way to explore this charming area is on foot. A not-to-be-missed attraction is the Lightner Museum, housed in the historic Alcazar Hotel building. The building itself is a masterpiece of the Spanish Renaissance Revival style and a truly beautiful photo spot. Another glorious architectural gem is the Flagler College on Cordova Street, regarded as one of the most beautiful unis in the world. 🎓

The heart of downtown is Plaza de la Constitucion, a square surrounded by gorgeous buildings, such as the stunning Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. Find more historical gems on Palm Row, a row of six Old City South homes built in 1910, and on Aviles Street, the oldest street in the US, today a thriving spot with several art galleries and antique shops. 🎨

If you are in Downtown St. Augustine between November and January, you’re in for a treat: the area becomes the stage of the Nights of Lights, a festival with millions of tiny white lights adorning every building and street, bringing an even more magical vibe to this beloved part of town. ✨

5. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Just a 30-minute drive from downtown, this state park is the perfect opportunity to experience Florida’s awe-inspiring nature and offers photo backgrounds that will make your social media feed pop. 👌There are formal gardens featuring a wide variety of plants and flowers and lovely trails under exuberant oak trees along the Matanzas River. Charming waterways and fountains add to the tranquillity and beauty of the place. ⛲ Whether you want to find a spot for a picnic or go biking around, natural beauty will always surround you.

For a little something extra, head to the park’s shoreline, which boasts impressive coquina rock formations. These rocks along the Atlantic Ocean have been shaped by winds and waves over thousands of years, and today they look like natural sculptures. Along the shore, you’ll also find tidal pools where you can just chill and admire the dream-like landscape. 😌

Photo: Keely in St. Augustine for Flytographer. Dylan and celebrate a proposal in St. Augustine with a proposal photoshoot in Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.

Capturing memories in St. Augustine

Combining historic sites with pristine nature, St. Augustine really is the full package. 😁 There’s a lot more to see and do; here are some honourable mentions:

• For more Atlantic-Ocean splendour, visit Vilano Beach, a local’s favourite for years, thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and the Vilano Beach Pier. Great for sunsets over downtown St. Augustine.
• A 30-minute drive from the historic district, the Riverfront Park on the St. Johns River is another nature escape filled with oak trees and water activities. 
• Take a day trip to Jacksonville, just a 45-minute drive, for a mix of untouched beaches and modern city life.

To make the best of your trip, connect with one of our local Flytographers and let them capture all the magical moments in some of the best places to take photos in St. Augustine. 💙