Imagine being on vacation with your family in historic St. Augustine, Florida. You’re having a great time exploring cobblestone streets and soaking in centuries of history — but the landscape photographer in you starts to itch for a sunrise shoot.

Admittedly, St. Augustine doesn’t usually make the bucket list for landscape photographers chasing dramatic mountain ranges or desert vistas. Yet the surrounding area offers its own quiet beauty — coastal dunes, tidal marshes, oak-lined preserves, and unique coquina rock beaches.

Here are ten of my favorite landscape photography spots within easy reach of downtown St. Augustine. Each offers something different, and all are worth a visit with camera in hand.

1. Marineland Beach

Location: 9805 N. Ocean Shore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise
Photography Tips: Check the tide charts. High tide offers opportunities for cascading waves over the rock; low tide reveals formations perfect for isolating compositions.
Why It’s Great: The abundance of coquina rock along the shoreline makes this stretch of beach truly unique for Florida. The changing tide reshapes the scene daily, and after storms you might even spot starfish in the tide pools.
Accessibility: Easy access from the parking lot.

*Cascading waves at high tide provide endless compositions*

2. St. Johns County Fishing Pier

Location: 350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine Beach, FL
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise
Photography Tips: Bring your ND filters and step just into the surf. Exposures around 0.5 seconds as waves recede can create stunning foreground movement. In spring, nesting shorebirds north of the pier offer bonus wildlife opportunities.
Why It’s Great: Piers make classic sunrise subjects — and this one delivers, especially with waves and soft pastel skies.
Accessibility: Paid parking at the pier. Walking on the beach below is free, and often where the best compositions are found.

3. Stokes Landing Conservation Area

Location: 5060 CR-208, St. Augustine, FL
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise
Photography Tips: Bring a telephoto lens for Osprey, Bald Eagles, and wading birds.
Why It’s Great: A short, easy trail leads to an elevated platform overlooking tidal waters and grasslands — a peaceful spot for capturing wildlife and marsh reflections.
Accessibility: Small parking area at the trailhead; easy, well-marked path.

4. Southeast Intracoastal Waterway Park

Location: 101 Coastal Oak Circle, St. Augustine, FL
Best Time to Visit: Sunset
Photography Tips: Use a mid-telephoto to compress the wide marsh scene. Golden hour light warms the tall grass beautifully.
Why It’s Great: Though small, this park offers expansive views of the marshlands. It’s a perfect quick stop before dinner or after a beach day.
Accessibility: Easy access from the parking lot and short boardwalk trail.

5. Princess Place Preserve

Location: 2500 Princess Place Rd, Palm Coast, FL
Best Time to Visit: Daytime or Golden Hour
Photography Tips: Explore the covered bridge, oak trees, and river views. Bring a portrait lens too — it’s excellent for lifestyle or environmental portrait work.
Why It’s Great: A Flagler County gem, this preserve features majestic oaks, salt marshes, and historic architecture.
Accessibility: Free admission; well-maintained dirt roads.

*Covered bridge within the park on a foggy afternoon*

6. Crescent Beach Dunes

Location: 6930 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise
Photography Tips: Look for wind-carved sand patterns and small clusters of dune grass to anchor your composition.
Why It’s Great: One of the few easily accessible dune areas near St. Augustine. Subtle textures and soft morning light make for excellent minimalist images.
Accessibility: Parking lot opens at 6 a.m. Early arrivals must park nearby and walk in.

7. Guana River Wildlife Management Area

Location: 505 Guana River Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or Sunset
Photography Tips: Bring both wide and telephoto lenses — the variety of habitats offers everything from grand landscapes to bird portraits.
Why It’s Great: Miles of trails traverse woodland, marsh, and riverbank scenery. There’s always something new here, whether foggy mornings or glowing evening skies.
Accessibility: $3 self-pay station; second parking lot provides easiest trail access.

8. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Location: 6400 N. Ocean Shore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL
Best Time to Visit: Daytime or Golden Hour
Photography Tips: Bring your macro lens for flowers, textures, and details throughout the gardens.
Why It’s Great: Split between manicured gardens and the beachside coquina rock formations, this state park offers incredible variety. The Matanzas River side provides calm reflections during sunset.
Accessibility: $5 entry fee; short walks to both garden and beach areas.

9. Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp

Location: 446 Ocean Vista Ave, St. Augustine, FL
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or Sunset
Photography Tips: Time your visit with the lunar cycle — moonrise over the lighthouse can make for dramatic compositions.
Why It’s Great: A versatile waterfront location offering both intercoastal landscapes and lighthouse views. The dock gives a perfect vantage for sunrise reflections.
Accessibility: Easy parking, though limited on weekends.

10. Vilano Beach Point

Location: 260 Vilano Rd, St. Augustine, FL
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or Sunset
Photography Tips: Use a telephoto to frame the St. Augustine Lighthouse from across the water, or include boats passing through the inlet as dynamic subjects.
Why It’s Great: The rock jetty makes a perfect leading line into the sunrise. The mix of motion, texture, and light creates endless opportunities.
Accessibility: Limited parking later in the day; arrive early for sunrise.

Final Thoughts

St. Augustine and its surrounding coastline might not have towering peaks or sweeping deserts, but it rewards those who slow down and look closely. From the quiet patterns in the sand to the glow of sunset on the marsh, there’s no shortage of inspiration here for a landscape photographer.

Whether you’re local or just visiting, get out and explore — and don’t forget to share what you capture. Florida’s natural beauty is waiting just beyond the historic city walls.

10 Landscape Photography Spots Around St. Augustine, Florida