Discover Fort Lauderdale
48 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
RiverWalk Fort Lauderdale
RiverWalk Fort Lauderdale offers riverside promenades, yacht-lined canals, bridges and palms — ideal for waterfront, urban and sunset scenes. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm reflections; weekday mornings are quieter. Easily walkable from Las Olas Blvd, public parking garages nearby; no entry fee. Water taxis add dynamic subjects and composition opportunities; bring polarizer for glare.
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
Riverside promenade and open‑air art gallery along the New River with sculptures, bridges, yachts and a modern skyline — strong reflections, public art and lively street activity. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and mirror-like water; twilight also yields colorful reflections and lit bridges. Accessible paved paths, benches, nearby Las Olas parking garages and free water trolley/water taxi options. No entry fee; expect tourists and occasional panhandling — weekdays and early-mornin
Las Olas Beach
Wide sandy shore framed by swaying palms, a pedestrian boardwalk, colorful lifeguard towers and an Atlantic horizon — ideal for classic beach, sunrise and long-exposure seascapes. Visit at sunrise for soft golden light and minimal crowds; late afternoon offers warm side light and activity on Las Olas Boulevard behind the beach. Public access with ramps; paid street and municipal parking nearby (lots on A1A and garages on Las Olas Blvd). No admission fee. Watch weather/hurricane season and check⚠
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Historic Mediterranean-style house set within 35 acres of subtropical gardens, marsh and beachfront — ideal for architectural details, vintage interiors, lush palms, orchids and coastal water vistas. Best photographed early morning or late afternoon for warm side-light and fewer visitors; weekdays are quieter. Paid entry and guided tours apply; limited accessibility in some rooms and on garden paths. On-site parking available; check museum rules for flash and tripod restrictions.
15 Southeast 1st Street
Downtown Fort Lauderdale riverfront near the New River Riverwalk — mix of modern skyline, historic masonry, promenades and marina reflections. Excellent for skyline and waterscape compositions at golden/blue hour. Easily reachable on foot from parking garages; public sidewalks and bridges offer multiple vantage points. Weekday mornings are quieter; no special entry permits required for public areas. Watch for boat traffic that adds motion to long exposures.
History Fort Lauderdale
History Fort Lauderdale occupies Broward County’s oldest hotel on the New River — a compact, photogenic historic house museum with period rooms, exhibit displays and top-floor artist studios. Photograph ornate exterior details, verandas and riverside context at golden hour; indoors expect low light and intimate vignettes. Best visited weekday mornings for fewer crowds; modest admission and limited on‑street or nearby paid parking. Ground floor is accessible; stairs to upper floors. Respect no-fl
Jaxon's Riverwalk Scavenger Hunt
A lively stretch along Fort Lauderdale’s New River with canals, pedestrian bridges, public art and historic buildings — ideal for documenting urban waterways, reflections, street portraits and close-ups from the scavenger-hunt prompts. Best light is early morning or golden hour for warm tones and calm water; blue hour offers neon reflections. Easily walkable with flat surfaces and benches; metered parking and garages nearby. Family-friendly, casual street etiquette; no special permits for casual
Mills pond park Weston cup
Small urban park centered on a reflective pond with mangroves, boardwalks, a gazebo and abundant wading birds—excellent for intimate nature and waterscape shots. Best at sunrise or early morning for calm water, soft light and active birdlife; golden hour sunsets can yield warm backlight. Easy on-site parking and free entry; paths and boardwalks are wheelchair-accessible. Weekdays are quieter; bring bug spray in warmer months.
Huizenga Park
Small waterfront park on the New River at Las Olas Boulevard offering riverwalk perspectives, docked boats, marina reflections, public art and a skyline backdrop. Best light is golden hour and blue hour for warm river reflections and illuminated bridges. Easily accessible on foot from downtown; street parking and nearby garages are available. No entry fee; park can be busy during weekends and events—weekday mornings are quieter. Good for mixed urban/waterscape compositions and night scenes.
Snyder Park
Snyder Park offers oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, a small lake with boardwalks and canoe launches, trails and an equestrian area — ideal for intimate nature scenes, water reflections and local wildlife. Best at golden hour (sunrise and late afternoon) for warm light and long shadows; weekday mornings are quiet. Easy access with on-site parking, no gate fees, well-marked trails and wheelchair-accessible boardwalk sections. Expect humid subtropical weather; mosquitos in warmer months.
Historic Stranahan House Museum
Photograph a well-preserved 1901 riverfront trading post turned family home — interiors with period furnishings, detailed woodwork, and verandah views over the New River. Best visited weekday mornings or late afternoon for soft light on the river, low crowds, guided/self‑guided tours required. Small museum fee; street and paid lot parking on Las Olas; easy wheelchair access to some areas. Cultural context: intimate look at Fort Lauderdale’s founding family and early 20th‑century life.
Laura Ward Riverwalk Plaza
Compact riverfront plaza at the start of Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk and water taxi network. Shoot reflections, passing yellow water taxis, bridge movement and riverside palms; good mix of urban waterfront and green spaces. No entry fee; easy access by car (nearby paid lots) or water trolley. Best at golden hour or blue hour; weekdays and early mornings have fewer crowds. Watch for drawbridge openings that add motion and changing light.
Ellis Point
Small waterfront viewpoint beside the historic Stranahan House overlooking the Fort Lauderdale skyline and New River. Ideal for skyline compositions, reflections of buildings in the river, passing water taxi/water trolley subjects, and architectural shots of the Stranahan House. No entry fee; wheelchair-accessible Riverwalk path. Best at golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm light and glass reflections. Weekday mornings are quieter; metered street parking and nearby public garages serve the y
How We See The City!
A guided walking/trolley tour company that reveals Fort Lauderdale’s neighborhoods, waterways, murals and architecture — ideal for capturing curated urban scenes, canal reflections and local character. Best at golden hour or early morning for soft light and fewer people; book tours in advance (small groups) to access off-the-beaten-path viewpoints. Located near public transit and street parking; wheelchair-accessible options vary by tour. Guides provide local context and shortcuts to photogenic,
Jet Ski Tours
Fast-paced Atlantic and Intracoastal shots: riders, wake patterns, Fort Lauderdale skyline and sunlit water. Best at golden hour for warm light on water and long reflections; weekdays and early mornings have fewer boats. Launch from the marina — expect waivers, required life jackets and basic briefing. Street parking and marina lots nearby; Summer afternoons bring harsher light and more traffic. Drone use restricted near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport; check local regs.
Stranahan Park
Small riverside park on the New River across from historic Stranahan House. Offers river reflections, palm-lined walkways, city skyline and boat traffic—good for sunrise/sunset, long exposures and urban-waterscape blends. Easy downtown access, street or nearby garage parking, wheelchair-accessible paths. Best light at golden hour; weekdays and early mornings avoid joggers and tour boats.
Esplanade Park
Small waterfront park on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale offering riverfront paths, pavilion, gardens, event stages and skyline views. Best for golden-hour river reflections, evening lights and event/documentary shots. Easy street/garage parking; wheelchair accessible paths. Weekday mornings are quiet; weekends host markets, concerts and festivals—check event calendar and arrive early for vendor setups.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Coastal hammock, freshwater lagoon, mangrove boardwalks and a historic estate set between the Intracoastal and the Atlantic — ideal for reflections, shorelines, birdlife and intimate forest light. Visit at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-light on mangroves and calm lagoon reflections; weekdays and dry season (Nov–Apr) mean fewer bugs and crowds. Park has on-site parking and state park entry fee; most trails are easy walking and wheelchair-accessible boardwalks. Close to Fort Lauderdale’s A1
Parque
Small beachfront park offering palm-lined vistas, ocean and pier views, and colorful South Florida skies. Ideal for sunrise/sunset seascapes, silhouettes and lifestyle shots of surfers and beachgoers. Easy street parking and wheelchair-accessible paths; no entry fee. Visit at golden hour for dramatic light and on weekday mornings to avoid crowds. Expect warm, humid weather and quick-changing clouds that make for dynamic skies.
Loggerhead Park
Small coastal park centered on the Loggerhead Marinelife Center and a sandy beach — prime for sea turtle rehab shots, close-up marine life in viewing tanks, dune and sea‑oat silhouettes, and longshore sunrise scenes. Visit at sunrise for soft gold on the water; turtle nesting season (Mar–Oct) offers conservation activity but observe rules. Park has a public lot and paid/volunteer-run center entry; weekends are busier. Respect no‑flash and barrier restrictions.
Earl Lifshey Ocean Park
Small public beach on Fort Lauderdale’s A1A offering classic Atlantic sunrise vistas, palm silhouettes, lifeguard stands and beachfront textures (sand, dunes, boardwalk). Best at dawn for pastel skies and calm water; winter and spring offer clearer sunrises but more visitors. Street parking and metered lots nearby; wheelchair-accessible ramps and restrooms available. Weekday mornings are quiet; no entry fee. Great for intimate seascapes and local coastal character.
26.097510
A South Florida coastal spot at 26.09751, -80.16964 offering classic beach and palm-lined compositions — sunrises over the Atlantic, long sandy foregrounds, low dunes and occasional piers or lifeguard stands. Best at golden hour (sunrise for clean water and fewer people); expect humid, changeable skies and afternoon sea breezes. Easy street parking nearby in residential blocks; no special permits for casual shooting but respect private property and local beach rules. Great for simple, bright seā
Sea Turtle OP Headquarters
Small sea-turtle conservation HQ and rehab site focused on rescues, education and nesting-season operations. Photograph rescued turtles in tanks, staff at work, educational displays and (when permitted) beach releases or nesting activity. Best visited during nesting/hatchling season (May–Oct); early morning or late afternoon light provides warm side-light and fewer visitors. Night beach work occurs during nesting — always check public access rules and obtain permission for on-site or after-dark撮
Chair of Fort Lauderdale
A large sculptural chair anchored on the Fort Lauderdale waterfront — a playful landmark framing the New River and downtown skyline. Photographers can capture bold shapes, reflections on the water, and people interacting with the piece. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and skyline backlighting; night offers illuminated city reflections. Easily accessible from the Riverwalk/Pamela’s Pointe with no entry fee; street and paid lot parking nearby. Weekday mornings are quieter for unobt
Colee Hammock Park
Small, shady waterfront pocket park on the New River featuring an impressive old tree, benches, a historic plaque and clear boat traffic — great for intimate environmental portraits, river panoramas and quiet sunset/blue hour scenes. Free entry but only a few parking spots; best visited at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-light on the tree and soft reflections. Easy walking access from nearby Brickell Dr; low crowds on weekdays.
Smoker Family Park
Small, tree‑shaded park on the New River offering framed views of the historic Stranahan House, passing boats and downtown Ft. Lauderdale skyline. No entry fee; limited parking. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light on bronze Seminole Girl and reflections. Weekday mornings are quieter; watch for dogs and occasional waterfront crowds. Easy access from Water Taxi and downtown; bring a polarizer to tame glare off the river.
Pioneer House Museum
A small restored 1900s bungalow showcasing turn-of-the-century Florida life: ornate woodwork, period furnishings and a shaded garden by the New River. Photograph detailed interiors, vintage fixtures, and the home’s facade framed by palms. Visit weekday mornings or late afternoon for soft light; interiors may be dim—check museum hours and entry rules; street parking and nearby paid lots available. Respect exhibit rules and low flash policies.
Middle River Terrace Park
Small riverfront park on the Middle River offering waterfront vistas, mangroves, palm-lined paths and occasional boat traffic — good for reflective waterscapes, intimate nature scenes and low-key sunrise/sunset shots. Easy street parking on NE 7th Ave, no entry fee, wheelchair-accessible paths; best light at golden hour and quieter on weekday mornings. Check local drone rules and be mindful of residential surroundings.
Old Dillard Museum
Photograph a well-preserved 1907 schoolhouse exterior, period architectural details, and intimate interior exhibits that tell Fort Lauderdale’s African‑American history. Best during weekday mornings for soft light on the façade and fewer visitors; interior lighting is low—expect mixed color temperatures. Small site with guided tours and special events (Black History Month market); confirm opening hours, entry fees, and photography permission with staff. Street parking nearby; wheelchair access有限
George English Park
Small waterfront park on Bayview Drive offering unobstructed water views, palm-framed compositions and city-skyline/reflection opportunities. No entry fee; roadside parking and paved paths make it accessible (wheelchair friendly). Best at golden hour—sunrise brings warm light on the water, evenings offer colorful skies. Weekday mornings are quieter; check tide and wind for reflections. Informal fishing and boating activity add local life to shots.
Florida Panthers Art Mural
Large, colorful street mural celebrating the Florida Panthers on a downtown Fort Lauderdale wall — bold graphics and team iconography make striking wide-angle and detail shots. Street-level, free access along SE 2nd St near the Riverwalk; parking in nearby municipal garages or metered street parking. Best light is golden hour or slightly after sunset for saturated colors; weekends and game days draw crowds and parade activity (adds atmosphere but can block shots). No entry fees; fully accessible
Vista Park
Small waterfront park offering clear views of the Intracoastal and Atlantic environs, palm-lined foregrounds and boat traffic—great for sunrise/sunset colors, reflections and intimate coastal landscapes. Easily accessible from N Atlantic Blvd with street parking; no entry fee. Visit at golden hour for warm light and calmer water; weekdays are quieter. Check local drone rules and tide/boat schedules for cleaner compositions.
Joseph C. Carter Park
Small waterfront community park offering river/Intracoastal views, palms and open lawns — good for sunrise/sunset skies, reflections and casual environmental portraits. Easy roadside parking and flat, accessible paths make gear transport simple. Best light at golden hour; weekdays are quieter. No entry fee.
Annie Beck Park
Small, well-kept neighborhood park with ponds, resident ducks and a striking red 'shaving brush' tree—excellent for intimate nature and portrait shots. Free, easy access on foot; no formal entry. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and calm water; weekdays/early mornings avoid local foot traffic. Limited on-site parking—use nearby Victoria Park spaces (3–4 spots) or street parking; flat paths and shady pockets make it easy to move gear.
Xtreme Action Park
Indoor/outdoor action sports complex offering karting, skate ramps, trampoline parks, ropes course and seasonal events — great for high-energy, motion-focused images and neon-lit night scenes. Best visited on weekday evenings or event nights for dramatic lighting; weekday afternoons are quieter. Lighting is mainly artificial (fast shutter/ISO needed), exteriors work well at golden hour for low-angle shots. On-site parking and ticketed entry; many activities require signed waivers and helmets. Be
Willingham Park
Small waterfront park with palm-lined lawns, walking paths and views across a calm waterway — good for intimate landscapes, boat-and-sky compositions and casual portraits. Best light is golden hour at sunrise or sunset for warm skies and reflective water; weekday mornings are quieter. Easy public access with informal parking on nearby streets; no entry fee. Expect local families and occasional boat traffic — bring a polarizer to control reflections.
Palm Aire Village Park
Small neighborhood park with a calm lake, mature shade trees, walking paths and a playground — good for reflective waterscapes, intimate landscape shots and local birdlife. No entry fee; small parking lot and street parking. Best at golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm light and mirror reflections; weekday mornings are quieter for wildlife and families. Paved paths and accessible areas make gear transport easy.
Events & Adventures South Florida
Events & Adventures South Florida operates tours, boat charters and outdoor events from Fort Lauderdale — photograph dynamic action (boating, kayaking, paddleboarding), candid group shots and waterfront cityscapes. Bookings often required; the office is in a commercial building with street parking and nearby public marinas. Best light is golden hour for warm water reflections and blue hour for illuminated city/boat lights. Weekdays are quieter for shore logistics; check tour routes and any park/
Twin Lakes North Park
Small neighborhood park centered on twin ponds with palms, walking paths and reflective water — good for intimate waterscape and urban-nature shots. Best at sunrise or late afternoon for warm light and calm water reflections; weekdays are quieter. Easily accessible with street parking, no entry fee, and flat paved paths for tripods. Expect local joggers and birdlife; respect residents and leash rules.
Gazebo At MILLS POND PARK
A small wooden gazebo on Mills Pond offers classic pond reflections, marshy foregrounds and tree-lined paths — ideal for intimate landscape and waterscape shots. Visit at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and calm water; weekdays and early mornings reduce walkers and dog traffic. Park is public with free parking along NW 15th Ave and paved paths; easy wheelchair access to the gazebo. Expect mosquitoes in warm months and occasional anglers.
Moon Rock Exhibit
Small indoor exhibit on the 6th floor showcasing a genuine Apollo-era lunar sample and mission artifacts. Ideal for detail shots of the moon rock, interpretive panels and contextual portraits. Visit weekday mornings to avoid crowds; lighting is museum-style and often low — expect glass cases and controlled spotlights. Entry is typically free with library hours; accessible by elevator. Downtown paid parking or street meters nearby. Check exhibit rules (no flash or tripod) and library opening days
Osswald Park
A small neighborhood park with shaded lawns, mature trees and paved paths — ideal for intimate environmental portraits, candid street-style scenes, and close-up botanical studies. Best visited at golden hour or early weekday mornings for soft light and fewer people. Easy street parking and no entry fee; wheelchair-accessible paths in many spots. Community events can add color — check local schedules.
Làm Kiến
Small, authentic Vietnamese restaurant with colorful signage, textured interior and plated food that photograph well. Shoot exterior neon and street-facing facade at dusk, interiors midday for natural window light, and close-ups of steaming dishes for texture. Accessible from NW 23rd Ave with street parking and nearby lots; no entry fee but ask before photographing diners. Weekday evenings are lively but less crowded mid-afternoon. Great for intimate food, environmental portraits, and urban-stre
Escapology Escape Rooms Fort Lauderdale
Indoor themed escape rooms with detailed sets, props and mood lighting — great for environmental portraits, action sequences of teams solving puzzles, and close-ups of textured props. Visit on weekdays or off-peak afternoons to avoid crowds; book a private session and request photographer permission. Lighting is low and colored (practicals, LEDs); spaces are compact so expect restricted movement. Public parking and beach-area lots nearby; easily wheelchair accessible common areas but check rooms
Coolfish Inc.
Coolfish Inc. is an industrial seafood distributor with a utilitarian storefront, loading docks and refrigerated interiors — a good subject for gritty urban and market photography. Shoot textured surfaces (wet floors, stacked ice, crates), colorful signage, delivery action and close-ups of seafood on ice. Best light for the exterior is golden hour for warm highlights on corrugated metal; weekday mornings capture deliveries and less pedestrian traffic. Interior access may be restricted for health
Revista aérea
Revista aérea is an industrial/retail storefront along S Atlantic Blvd offering strong urban and architectural lines, signage and street-life opportunities. Shoot exterior facades, signage details and passing traffic at golden hour for warm side lighting. Easy street parking and sidewalk access; weekdays and early mornings have lighter traffic. No entry required for exterior shots; respect private property if attempting interior images.
Think Escape Games - Fort Lauderdale
Compact indoor attraction featuring themed escape-room sets, vintage props and moody lighting—good for detail shots, environmental portraits of teams solving puzzles, and low-light atmosphere. Visit on weekdays or midday lulls to photograph without guests; request permission from staff for interior access and tripod use. Located on busy E Oakland Park Blvd with street parking and nearby lots; accessible entrance. Best photographed during off-peak hours or staged private bookings to control light
Evolution Escape Rooms
Capture the bold exterior signage, industrial storefront and themed interior vignettes at Evolution Escape Rooms. Best photographed late afternoon for warm sidelighting on the facade or after sunset to include illuminated signs. Book a session in advance and request short access for photos — interior sets are the draw (moody lighting, props, textures). Parking available on-site; easily reached by car. Weekdays are quieter; expect active groups during evenings and weekends.