11 Best St. Augustine Photo Spots for Instagram (With a Map!)
St. Augustine is one of those places where history and charm collide in the best way possible. From stunning Spanish architecture to sprawling oak canopies, it’s hard to take a bad picture here. As someone who’s always on the lookout for the best St. Augustine photo spots, I can tell you: this city is a gold mine for snapping some beautiful shots!
I’ve visited some of the most photogenic Instagram spots in St. Augustine and rounded up a list of the best St. Augustine photo spots for you (including an interactive map!) Grab your camera and get ready to capture all of the historic landmarks and scenery the city has to offer!
This post may contain affiliate links.
Map: Best St. Augustine Photo Spots
Here is your quick reference list of the best St. Augustine photo spots to plan your visit. I’ve included an interactive map, and you can find all of the additional details on the top Instagram spots in St. Augustine, Florida in the post!
1. Flagler College
2. Lightner Museum
3. Fort Mose Boardwalk
4. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
5. Aviles Street
6. San Sebastian Winery
7. Castillo de San Marcos
8. St. Augustine Lighthouse
9. Anastasia State Park
10. Oak Canopy at Magnolia Road
11. Medici Lion Marble Statues
1. Flagler College
With its stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture and palm trees galore, Flagler College makes you feel like you’re wandering around Europe—without the jet lag. The orange hues of the buildings against the blue sky make this one of the most photogenic places in the city.
When to Visit: Weekends are best to avoid students. We visited around 10 a.m. on a Saturday and snagged a shot pretty easily.
Google Maps Location: Here
2. Lightner Museum
The Lightner Museum offers an experience of art, architecture, and history. One of my favorite parts of the museum is actually the gorgeous courtyard out front. Even if you skip going inside, the fountains and architecture will more than fill your photo quota. This is one of those easy, go-to spots for elegance with minimal effort.
When to Visit: Mid-morning worked great for us—quiet and not too crowded.
Recommended Tour: Guided Historical Tour of St. Augustine
3. Fort Mose Boardwalk
Fort Mose is more than just a pretty spot—it’s packed with history as the site of the first free African settlement in what is now the U.S. The boardwalk stretches over marshland, offering beautiful, moody views. It’s one of the best St. Augustine photo spots for nature lovers, and it feels like a hidden gem.
When to Visit: You can visit anytime during park hours. The afternoon was perfect for us, especially with some rain keeping other visitors away.
Google Maps Location: Here
4. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park Gazebo
Located about 30 minutes outside of St. Augustine, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park offers a mix of lush gardens, ponds, beaches, and the most picturesque gazebo I’ve ever seen. It’s peaceful and picture-perfect—ideal for a nature-filled day trip.
When to Visit: Anytime during park hours works well. We visited at noon and it was surprisingly chill.
Google Maps Location: Here
5. Aviles Street
As the oldest street in the U.S., Aviles Street is a must for both history buffs and photographers alike. The narrow, cobblestone lanes lined with colorful buildings are begging to be photographed. Just walking down this street feels like stepping back in time, and the vibrant colors make your photos pop.
When to Visit: Go early to avoid the inevitable tourist crowd that floods in later. You’ll also want to visit in the afternoon to check out the shops and restaurants!
Google Maps Location: Here
6. San Sebastian Winery
San Sebastian Winery is more about the wine than the photo ops, but hey, two birds with one stone, right? You’ll want to capture the rooftop view with a glass of wine in hand—it’s a great spot for sunset snaps if you can fit that in your St. Augustine itinerary!
When to Visit: Timing isn’t as important here, but sunset views are the way to go. Any time of day is good as long as you have wine though.
Google Maps Location: Here
7. Castillo de San Marcos
Castillo de San Marcos is an iconic piece of St. Augustine’s history, and it looks pretty epic on camera too. This old stone fortress is perched on the waterfront and offers dramatic photo ops from every angle. Whether you’re shooting from the inside or capturing the view from above, this is a photo stop you can’t miss.
When to Visit: Go early in the morning when it opens for the fewest crowds. There is also a Castillo after dark tour that goes around the exterior that allows you to experience the Castillo under darkness!
Google Maps Location: Here
Like this post?! How about…
8. St. Augustine Lighthouse
If you’re willing to climb all 219 steps (I’d highly recommend it), the St. Augustine Lighthouse rewards you with some of the best panoramic views. It’s one of the best St. Augustine photo spots – you can capture both the lighthouse itself and the stunning landscape around it. The lighthouse also has a classic, old-school charm that makes for some fantastic shots.
The lighthouse also has a ton of cool history, and if you have the time, I’d recommend you take a tour. They even have a ghostly tour, where you can experience a mix of history and haunted lore.
When to Visit: Early morning is the best time to avoid the rush.
Google Maps Location: Here
9. Anastasia State Park
For those dreamy beach shots, Anastasia State Park is the place to be. The wide stretch of beach feels endless, and there’s plenty of room to find your perfect spot. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend the entire day, soaking in the sun. Bonus points if you pack a little picnic for an afternoon adventure!
When to Visit: Anytime works. We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon there with plenty of space.
Google Maps Location: Here
10. Oak Canopy at Magnolia Avenue
This oak-canopied road is hands-down one of the best St. Augustine photo spots. The towering oak trees create a stunning natural arch over the road, making it look straight out of a fairytale. It’s peaceful, serene, and one of the most iconic shots you can get in the area.
When to Visit: The earlier, the better. We arrived at 9 a.m. and it was already starting to get busy with people and cars.
Google Maps Location: Here
11. Medici Lion Marble Statues
The Medici lions are an iconic part of St. Augustine’s landscape, guarding the Bridge of Lions like they own the place. These statues are one of those simple photo ops, and it is a quick stop on any St. Augustine itinerary.
When to Visit: Anytime works. We went early (just due to our schedule), but it doesn’t seem like it would be busy at any time of day.
Google Maps Location: Here
Where to Stay in St. Augustine, Florida
When it comes to planning your stay in St. Augustine, I cannot recommend a bed & breakfast enough. These cozy, historic spots capture the spirit of the city, offering a personalized touch and a bit of old-world magic. Here are a couple of my favorites:
Victorian House: Step back in time with a stay at Victorian House, a charming bed and breakfast in the heart of the historic district. Bonus points: it’s just a short stroll away from some of St. Augustine’s best attractions.
Casa de Solana: Casa de Solana offers a little slice of Spanish-inspired paradise right in downtown St. Augustine. This historic bed and breakfast has been around since the 1700s, giving it a unique blend of history and modern comfort.
The city offers endless opportunities for the perfect St. Augustine Instagram shots, whether you’re into historic landmarks, natural beauty, or just a good old-fashioned statue photo. These best St. Augustine photo spots will give you a chance to soak in the rich history and charm of America’s oldest city. Grab your camera and let’s get to snapping!
Read More:
If you enjoyed reading about the best St. Augustine photo spots, check out some of the posts below!
Sarasota, Florida: 7 Things I’m Loving in Sarasota, Florida
St. Augustine: 3 Days in St. Augustine: Your Perfect Itinerary
Beach Trips: 8 Beach Trips You Need Right Now
You May Also Enjoy:
