10 Best Photo Ops in St. Augustine
St. Augustine is undoubtedly one of the most charming and picturesque towns in the United States, with gorgeous shorelines filled with fine, white sand and coquina rock, streets lined with towering ancient oak trees and brick-lined streets teeming with history. Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to capture a family photo, or just want to indulge yourself in the prettiest sights around town, here are our 10 Best Photo Ops in our beloved St. Augustine.
- Magnolia Avenue & The Fountain of Youth (at 11 Magnolia Ave.)
Magnolia Avenue is quite possibly the most magical four blocks in all of St. Augustine. Hidden under a canopy archway of enormous, 100-year-old live oak trees draped with Spanish moss, Magnolia Avenue has been dubbed as one of the most photographed and one of the most beautiful streets in the U.S. Located on the avenue is also The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, the original site of the Nation’s oldest city that was first explored by Ponce de Leon in 1513. It was originally a village called Seloy, and was home to the Timucua Native Americans. Legend has it that the healing waters here grant you eternal youth! Take in the beauty of the avenue any time of day (although sunset is particularly wonderful) and enjoy the waterfront park’s 15-acres of history every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Washington Oaks Gardens State Park & The Rocks (at 6400 N Ocean Shore Blvd)
A special place full of majestic, old oak trees, beautiful gardens full of flowers and native plants, and access to a quiet coquina beach, Washington Oaks is located 5 miles south of Matanzas Inlet. Its stunning formal gardens are filled with azaleas, camellias, roses and birds of paradise, and are surrounded by a live oak hammock. It’s nestled between the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and the Atlantic Ocean, which hides a unique shoreline of giant coquina rock formations, often called “The Rocks.” It’s one of Northeast Florida’s best-kept secrets. It’s open 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year.
- Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, aka The Fort (at 1 South Castillo Dr.)
The most notable landmark in St. Augustine by far, the Castillo de San Marcos, or what locals lovingly refer to as “The Fort,” is a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress that sits right on Matanzas Bay in downtown St. Augustine. It is the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S., and is more than 329 years old. Its unique architecture was crafted by coquina rock, a sedimentary rock composed of broken shells. The 20.5-acre national park is particularly scenic, with rolling hills that capture views of the bayfront, Bridge of Lions and the Old City Gates. The grounds are free to roam any time, and entry to explore the inside of the historic structure is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum (at 100 Red Cox Dr.)
The most expansive view of the old city is at the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse, which stands at a towering 165 feet tall and is wrapped in black and white stripes with a bright red top. Completed in 1874, the lighthouse features a spiral staircase of 219 steps to the observation deck at the top, where you can take in the most awe-inspiring panoramic views of the city, Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic Ocean, Anastasia Island and Vilano Beach. The grounds are also spectacular, with lawns and historic structures, as well as a park and fishing pier across the street. Take your photos at the top, and then head to the expansive grounds and nearby waterway to grab photos of the tower in the background. Hours depend on season and weather (visit here for more).
- Aviles Street, Charlotte Street and Palm Row (downtown St. Augustine)
To capture the European and Southern charm of St. Augustine, head downtown to the cobblestone streets of Aviles Street, Charlotte Street and Palm Row. Aviles is the oldest street in the U.S. (from the 1600s!), and in the 1930s became the city’s first formal arts district. The narrow cobblestone street is lined with Spanish colonial architecture made of coquina walls and quaint balconies – that still hold art galleries, shops, bars and historic landmarks. Charlotte is just one street north and is full of colorful pastel colonial architecture, and while very similar to Aviles, is more quiet and residential. Palm Row is located just two blocks away, and is a pedestrian-only brick path lined with soaring palm trees.
- Lightner Museum (at 75 King St.)
The palms on Palm Row lead you right to the Lightner Museum, which is located across the street from Flagler College. Once a Gilded Age resort built by Henry Flagler, the formerly known Hotel Alcazar is just as grand today as it was when it opened on Christmas Day in 1888. The vast four-story space was built in the Spanish Renaissance Revival style with Beaux-Arts architecture and features an elegant front facade. It has the first indoor swimming pool (now a restaurant), extravagant baths and lush courtyards filled with flowering plants, fountains and koi ponds. The building’s grounds are open to the public (as is the pool), and the museum is filled with Otto C. Lightner’s eclectic collection of artifacts (where tickets are needed for some interior spaces and exhibits.)
- Mission Nombre de Dios (at 101 San Marco Ave.)
A most peaceful place with a calming, old world atmosphere is located just north of downtown, at the Mission Nombre de Dios and the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche. Established in 1587 by Franciscan missionaries, it’s recognized as the oldest mission in the continental United States. The beautiful sanctuary is open from dawn to dusk and host gardens and grounds that are quiet and contemplative – with shady paths roaming from the Matanzas River to the Great Cross (a 208-foot stainless steel cross erected in 1965), the Rustic Altar (where the city’s first mass was celebrated) – and the most charming – the ivy-covered chapel and oldest shrine in the U.S., Our Lady de La Leche, built in the 1620s. Head here in the early morning or late afternoon, as the sun peers in through the old oaks and palms and glistens over the river.
- Anastasia State Park (at 300 Anastasia Park Road)
For those who enjoy the rustic outdoors, look no further than the 1,600-acre state park, Anastasia State Park, which offers beaches, marshes and trails perfect for a natural backdrop. The pristine beaches are untouched, with fine white sand and ancient sand dunes; the Intracoastal Waterway flows through Salt Run where you can spy wading birds and the delightfully pink roseate spoonbills, ospreys, eagles and warblers. There are trails through tidal marshes and maritime hammocks, all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. The captivating and expansive park is open 8 a.m. until sundown, every day of the year.
- Bridge of Lions (at 100 Bridge of Lions)
Stand over the sparkling Matanzas Bay on one of the most iconic landmarks in town, the Bridge of Lions, which connects historic downtown to Anastasia Island. Opened in 1927, the Mediterranean-style drawbridge is guarded by two marble lions, modeled after statues in Florence, Italy. The original lions still frame the west side (the downtown side) of the bridge and were gifted to the city in 1927. Two lions were added to the east side in 2015. Walk over, bike over or drive over for spectacular views of downtown, the Intracoastal Waterway, the Lighthouse, Fort, Cross and so much more.
- Florida Water Tours (at 107 Yacht Club Dr.)
And the BEST views of the city, with the best photo ops, is from the water of course! Saving the best for last, we invite you to experience St. Augustine with us at Florida Water Tours. Hop aboard one of our luxury watercrafts to see all of St. Augustine, including the Intracoastal Waterway and Tolomato/Matanzas River, brimming with wildlife and famous historic landmarks such as the Castillo de San Marcos, Mission Nombre de Dios, Bridge of Lions and St. Augustine Lighthouse. Take in the gorgeous natural scenery and rich history as you gaze over glassy waters with a bright blue sky overhead – where you’re likely to see dolphins gliding alongside the boat. With unique tours and private charters available, we welcome you to celebrate you and yours with us at Florida Water Tours. We’re located at the Windward Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor, 107 Yacht Club Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32084. We offer free parking and restrooms are on board. Our vessels are just a short walk from our boutique, located at Dock A-23, A-24 and A-25. Email us at [email protected] to book or inquire about your next sail.
