Best photography Location in Florida

Best Places for Photography in Florida

From the immaculate sandy beaches, emerald green waters, incredible coastal landscapes, and picturesque palm trees to the awe-inspiring tropical gardens, state parks, national parks, and natural spring, Florida is without a second thought a photographer’s paradise. If you are a wannabe photographer, a budding one, or an expert, we have got some real inspiration for you.

Guys, get your camera ready because Florida is calling.

35 Best Places to Photograph in Florida

In this article, I have covered 35 awesome spots to photograph in the Sunshine State.

  1. Blue Springs State Park: This massive 2,600-acre park is undoubtedly one of the best natural freshwater springs in the state. Also, keep in mind that the state park is one of the highly concentrated parks fully-packed on weekends, summer, and winter months. If you want some great clicks, take my suggestion to go early. It mainly gets bombarded with fish, sea cows, and a wide range of bird species (kingfishers, ospreys, wading birds, and eagles). Hike along the spring or the Pine Island and get snaps of your choice.

    Blue Springs State Park Florida

  1. Everglades National Park: The 3rd largest national park in North America (only after Death Valley and Yellowstone), Everglades National Park is a network of forests and wetlands fed by a river flowing 0.25 miles per day out of Lake Okeechobee.
  2. Biscayne National Park: Biscayne National Park is located east of the Everglades and south of Miami. The national park is replete with mangrove forest and water. It has some of the best South Florida photo shoot locations.
  3. Big Cypress National Preserve: Adjacent to the Everglades is this nature paradise, Big Cypress National Preserve boasts hiking trails, exotic wildlife, and multiple campgrounds.
  4. Captiva Island: Located just offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, Captiva Island is quite often associated with Sanibel Island, the neighboring island. Travelers to this beautiful island experience magical feel. Also, it is known for great outdoors – water activities, biking, birding, etc.
  5. Sanibel Island: Beaches, wildlife, and awe-inspiring scenery, Sanibel Island is a unique barrier island blessed with award-winning beaches, abundant shells, sunsets, lighthouse, and crystal clear water. It is just a short drive from Fort Myers.
  6. Dry Tortugas National Park: Surrounded by abundant wildlife, glittering water, and natural beauty, Dry Tortugas National Park entices teenagers and novice photographers who want to keep their Instagram page well- adorned. West of Key West, the park is right in the Gulf of Mexico.
  7. Ocala National Forest: The best way to get some great pictures in Ocala National Forest is to follow the hiking trails, go kayaking, and canoeing. This natural heaven is located between Orlando and Gainesville, in central Florida.
  8. J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge: On Sanibel Island, the Wildlife Refuge is an inviting place for birdwatchers. A haven for migratory birds, Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge encompasses an area of 5,200 acres that protects one of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystems of America.
  9. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge: Inhabited by the fox, coyote, bobcat, otter, snakes, alligator, black bear, and raccoon, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge welcomes wildlife and bird lovers. It covers 68,000 acres of the area between Taylor, Jefferson, and Wakulla Counties and is considered one of America’s oldest wildlife refuges.
  10. Caladesi Island State Park: What have you here to capture? The sun-kissed beaches, sugary white sand, emerald waters, unblemished beauty, and fewer people, what else you could ask for to have a perfect photo session?
  11. Key West: Spectacular scenery, quaint beach towns, and, of course, the unspoiled beaches, Key West makes outstanding landscape photography in the Florida Keys. Quite small in size, you could easily get around the island city.
  12. Bunche Beach Preserve: Just across Sanibel Island, Bunche Beach Preserve is right on the mainland, pretty close to the Sanibel Causeway. Replete with plants and wildlife, photographers go gaga over the breathtaking setting. The preserve boasts salt flats, pristine beaches, and mangrove forests.
  13. Venice Area Audubon Rookery: It is home to various bird species such as great egrets, anhingas, blue herons, glossy ibises, snowy egrets, etc. It is situated along the west central coast of the Sunshine State. You can even capture photos of alligators.
  14. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: One of the amazing places to head out for some craziest nature photographs, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park gives you pure Old Florida feel.
  15. Dry Tortugas National Park: Mainly accessed by seaplane or boat, the park takes pride in its small island that is marvelously sprinkled with beautiful trees, clear water, diverse marine life, and coral reefs.
  16. Naples Pier: If you have been longing for a beautiful landscape with an incredible sunset, Naples Pier will surely catch your creative imagination. Here, you can stop admiring the glistening Gulf of Mexico.
  17. Wynwood Walls: Needless to say, Wynwood Walls is a great Instagram-friendly place. It is magnificently decked with graffiti art spreading the entire arts district.
  18. Three Sisters Springs: Filled with natural wonders, Three Sisters Springs boasts plenty of photo opportunities. It is regarded as the largest winter refuge for West Indian manatees.
  19. Bok Tower Gardens: The Gardens in Lake Wales is renowned as one of the most visually stunning destinations in Florida. The enchanting subtropical gardens remain a perennial photograph hotspot.
  20. Lighter Museum: The picture-perfect historical landmarks are peppered throughout the ancient city of St. Augustine. The Light Museum remains one of the most sought-after in the city.
  21. Fort Walton Beach: A small city in the Florida Panhandle, Fort Walton Beach is flourished with pristine white-sand beach on adjacent Okaloosa Island. It is peaceful, family-friendly. Power-packed with museums and numerous parks, the beach town is a perfect spot for some laid-back clicks. When tired, lounge on the pristine beach without getting interrupted.
  22. Ca’ d’Zan Mansion: The Mansion in Sarasota brags about a colorful rose garden, a beautiful Renaissance courtyard, and classical statues of Michelangelo’s David. To have some great shots, you may like to sit under a Banyan tree and grab amazing snaps of the tropical grounds and exquisite architecture.
  23. Juniper Springs: Imagine you are hiking through 360,000 acres of the picturesque subtropical setting for incredible outdoor photography. Juniper Springs, located between Ormond and Ocala Beach, is magnificently dotted with cypress trees, gum swamps, and pine forests. You will come across 100 miles of natural habitats.
  24. Ichetucknee Springs State Park: Feb by natural springs, Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a 6-mile-long river meandering along the wetlands and hammocks. Offering awe-inspiring photography opportunities, the state park intrigues all types of visitors including adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers. Thinking of taking underwater scenes? Scuba diving seems to be the best thing for you. Or else, you can count on hiking, swimming, canoeing, and go tubing.
  25. Walt Disney World: Too commercial for adventurous photographers? Not really! The incredible landscapes, thrilling rides, the fireworks, and Cinderella’s Castle are some of the reasons why you should visit Walt Disney World for super-stunning photos.
  26. Molasses Reef: It is the underwater wonder. Molasses Reef houses the most outstanding and stunning collections of reefs in the state. A popular holiday site in the Florida Keys, the Reef entices snorkelers and scuba divers to get up close with coral reefs. Experts can take pictures of rays, turtles, etc.
  27. Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: North of Naples, the swamp sanctuary protects one of the largest remaining stands of pond cypress and bald cypress from excessive logging. The sanctuary was established in 1954 and boasts nearly 45 sq. km. of wetlands. A visit to the swamp park is a trip into the heart of Everglades National Park ecosystem. The sanctuary brags about rugged beauty, wet prairie, and flatwoods.
  28.  Stuart: If you are a nature photographer, mangroves of Stuart could make a great place as it boasts awesome opportunities for nature photography. Heading to the historic downtown, the small town more photo facilities.
  29. Mount Dora: The sleepy city of Mount Dora is known for gorgeous boutiques and antique shops. Monthly festivals are the main crowd pullers. If you are more into American culture, this could be the spot for you. Moreover, the city is nicely lined-up with skyscrapers listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Paddle through on the Dora Canal and take some great shots of the city.
  30. Florida Polytechnic University: University? Yes, this is true. Various social media sites like Flickr is flooded with tons of incredible photos of the IST Building. Locals say that photographers turn up in massive number like moths to a flame.
  31. Destin: Destin is a great destination in Florida. Travelers to this beautiful city love to capture each and every moment that will last a lifetime. Most people, particularly families and couples, schedule a beach portrait session. Undoubtedly, this is a great spot for professional photography along the Emerald Coast.
  32. St. Petersburg: Want amazing snaps? Go to St. Petersburg. Right on Florida’s gulf coast, St. Petersburg delights in pleasant weather, thus a popular beachcombing, fishing, boating, and golfing destination in the Sunshine State.
  33. Panama City: For killer photos, I would recommend you drive to Panama City. There are numerous best photography spots in Panama City, Florida. City Pier, Carillon Beach, St. Andrews State Park, Goofy Golf, Shell Island, and Conservation Park are some of the places in Panama City.
  34. Osceola National Forest: Made up of about 200,000 acres of cypress-hardwood swamps and pine flatwoods, Osceola National Forest makes an ideal weekend getaway for nature and romantic lovers. It is just 50 miles west of Jacksonville. Swamps and woodlands offer numerous opportunities including photography, wildlife viewing, swimming, hiking, camping, hunting, and riding horse trails.

If you are visiting this south-easternmost state in the U.S., consider Florida vacation rentals to stay. Available in villas, apartments, condos, and houses, these vacation rental properties are ideal for every occasion.

This article will continue to be work in progress. You are most welcome to give your feedback and suggestions in the comment section.

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