Unique St. Augustine Photo Opportunities

St. Augustine is one of the most unique cities in the country. Every time you turn around, there is something new to see. The Nation’s Oldest City is a destination for photographers and photo sessions alike. Whether you are taking pictures for yourself, scheduling an engagement shoot, or capturing images for your family’s Christmas card, St. Augustine is the perfect place to get a great photo you’ll keep for years to come. While every part of the city is photogenic, we’ve put a list together of some places you definitely won’t want to miss out on.

1. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Where: 1 S. Castillo Drive, downtown St. Augustine

What makes it unique: One of the most recognizable structures in the city, the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is more than just a landmark. It’s walls tell stories of St. Augustine’s history. Built between 1672 and 1695, the Castillo survived many attacks during the Colonial Era. It is the only surviving 17th century military construction in the U.S. It is made out of coquina, a type of limestone rarely used in construction.

Best spots: The fort green and the coquina walls of the fort facing the bayfront. If you’re lucky, you might see dolphins or sea turtles in the water!

Best time to go: Either early in the morning or at sunset. When the sunlight hits the fort in just the right way, it’s stunning.

2. The St. Augustine Municipal Marina

Where: 111 Avenida Menendez, downtown St. Augustine

What makes it unique: The St. Augustine Municipal Marina is right along the bayfront in downtown St. Augustine. Taking pictures on the dock of the marina will give you a backdrop of either the beautiful Bridge of Lions and the water or a charming view of the city.

Best spots: At the end of the marina looking back on the Oldest City, in front of the marina with a backdrop of all of the boats and Bridge of Lions

Best time to go: This spot makes for great shots any time of day.

3. Old City Gates

Where: The corner of Orange Street and St. George Street, downtown St. Augustine

What makes it unique: The Old City Gates symbolize the walls that once enclosed the city. When the city was about 150 years old, the Spanish military decided to start fortifying the city after surviving many attacks. The gates that remain were constructed in 1808, the time of the last reconstruction of the city walls.

Best spot: In between the gates with a backdrop of St. George Street.

Best time to go: The gates look lovely in the morning or as the sun is setting.

4. Mission Nombre de Dios

Where: 101 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine

What makes it unique: The Mission Nombre de Dios traces back to St. Augustine’s founding. On Sept. 8, 1565, Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed and proclaimed the site for the church. Spanish explorers founded the nation’s first permanent community and pioneer priests first planted the cross of Christianity.

Best spot: Any part of the Mission Nombre de Dios would be an amazing place to take photos.

Best time: Sunrise or sunset

5. Pier across from the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

Where: 442 Ocean Vista Ave., St. Augustine

What makes it unique: The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is the oldest surviving brick structure in St. Augustine. It is 165 feet above sea level and contains 219 steps to get to the top. If you want to take pictures inside of the lighthouse, it is open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Best spot: If you stand at the end of the pier, you can get a great view of the lighthouse in the background

Best time: Sunrise or sunset

6. Vilano Beach jetty

Where: Vilano Beach

What makes it unique: Not every beach has a jetty. Sailboats often frequent the area, and downtown St. Augustine is in the background.

Best spot: The rocks along the jetty are absolutely breathtaking. (Just be careful when walking on them!)

Best time: Sunrise or sunset

7. Old Spanish Quarry at Anastasia State Park

Where: Before the park entrance at 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine

What makes it unique: The Old Spanish Quarry was added to the National Register of Historic Places in September of 1970. Some of the coquina mined from the quarry contributed to the establishment of St. Augustine.

Best spot: There are plenty of great spots filled with greenery and wildflowers throughout the quarry perfect for unique photos.

Best time: Any time before the sun sets

8. Under the St. Augustine Beach Pier

Where: 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach

What makes it unique: Being underneath the pier gives your photo a unique perspective.

Best spot: Right where the tide reaches the beach. When the waves crash against the columns of the pier, it makes for a great image.

Best time: Sunrise or sunset

9. Lightner Museum courtyard

Where: 75 King St., downtown St. Augustine

What makes it unique: The courtyard is in the middle of the Lightner Museum. The Lightner Museum is housed in the former Alcazar Hotel built by Henry Flagler in 1888. The museum now houses a collection of fine and decorative 19th Century art.

Best spot: The bridge in the middle of the courtyard that overlooks the Koi pond.

Best time: The Lightner Museum is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Christmas.

10. Magnolia Avenue by the Fountain of Youth

Where: Magnolia Avenue

What makes it unique: Magnolia Avenue is infamous for its magnificent Oak Trees covered in Spanish Moss that frame the street. The tunnel of trees creates a backdrop like no other.

Best spot: Anywhere on the street

Best time: Anytime

11. In front of any historic building or cobblestone street

Where: Many cobblestone streets and historic buildings can be found in Downtown St. Augustine.

What makes it unique: St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S. Most of these buildings and streets have been around for hundreds of years.

12. Holiday photo opportunities 

If you are looking to take some photos this holiday season, pumpkin patches and the lights of Nights of Lights make great backgrounds as well.