Discover Jacksonville
91 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Talbot Islands State Parks (Big & Little Talbot)
Big Talbot Island’s “Boneyard Beach” features sun-bleached oak skeletons on black sand, while Little Talbot offers pristine dunes and driftwood. Both are havens for dramatic, moody coastal scenes and rare ecological shots.
Big Talbot Island State Park (Boneyard Beach)
Boneyard Beach is known for its dramatic driftwood and shoreline. It provides a unique landscape for capturing abstract and natural beauty, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Big Talbot Island State Park – Boneyard Beach
A wild, moody coastline where ancient root systems and skeletal remains of oak and cedar trees lie scattered along the shore, swept by tides and sculpted by salt and wind. This dramatic, almost surreal beach is famous for its natural sculpture-like driftwood. The contrast between the pale sand, dark wood, and maritime forest is visually striking and offers creative possibilities for landscapes, portraiture, and abstract compositions.
The Timucuan Preserve
A large preserve with diverse landscapes, including beaches, forests, and historical sites. It offers many opportunities for nature and wildlife photography.
Big Talbot Island State Park
Known for its Boneyard Beach and scenic trails, offering unique natural landscapes and wildlife photography opportunities.
Hanna Park (Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park)
Offers diverse settings with wooden paths, moss trees, a lake, and multiple beach entries. Ideal for versatile photography sessions.
River Taxi
Offering scenic views of the St. Johns River and Downtown Jacksonville, this water taxi provides unique perspectives for cityscape and landscape photography.
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
Featuring beautiful gardens with sculptures, reflecting pools, and historic oak trees draped in Spanish moss, this location is perfect for artistic and portrait photography.
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
A zoo with a variety of animals and gardens. It offers opportunities for wildlife and nature photography, especially among the tigers and giraffes.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
A zoo offering unique wildlife photography opportunities, including interaction with tigers and giraffes.
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
A historic site offering a mix of nature, architecture, and historical significance. It is excellent for capturing wildlife, historic structures, and natural landscapes.
Lambert C. Ringhaver Park
This park spans over 500 acres and features a playground, picnic areas, and scenic views. It is perfect for family portraits and nature photography.
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Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
A picturesque location featuring beautiful gardens, sculptures, and reflecting pools. Ideal for wedding, portrait, and artistic photography.
Kingsley Plantation
A historic plantation within the Timucuan Preserve. Offers rich opportunities for historical and landscape photography.
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, Jacksonville
A nature preserve with historical sites and diverse wildlife, ideal for wildlife and historical photography.
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
Historic estate gardens overlooking the St. Johns River, with formal hedges, fountains, and centuries-old oak trees. Combines art, architecture, and meticulously curated nature—ideal for portraits and peaceful compositions.
Treaty Oak Park (Jessie Ball duPont Park)
A small urban park centered around a massive, ancient live oak tree—estimates suggest it’s over 200 years old—with a raised boardwalk winding beneath its sprawling canopy. This spot is intimate, magical, and particularly popular for wedding, family, and engagement sessions. The oak’s gnarled roots and thick branches create a natural frame, while the boardwalk provides easy access and clean backgrounds.
Downtown Jacksonville
A bustling area with a mix of modern and historic buildings, riverside views, and vibrant nightlife.
Northbank and Southbank Riverwalk
These riverwalks offer pleasant views of the St. Johns River and Downtown Jacksonville, making them ideal for landscape and cityscape photography.
San Marco Square
San Marco Square is known for its iconic statue of lions and offers a unique urban setting. It's great for capturing cultural and architectural photography.
Kingsley Plantation, Timucuan Preserve
This historic plantation offers a mix of nature, architecture, and history, providing excellent opportunities for landscape and cultural photography.
Riverfront Park in San Marco
A park with stunning views of the St. Johns River and Downtown Jacksonville. Ideal for sunset photography.
Friendship Fountain and Jacksonville Riverwalk
The Friendship Fountain is a stunning water feature located along the Riverwalk, offering dynamic and colorful photography opportunities, especially during sunset or nighttime.
Tieren Jackson Veterans Memorial Bridge (Main Street Bridge)
The Main Street Bridge offers a stunning urban view of Jacksonville, particularly at night when the city lights are on. It's great for capturing cityscapes and architectural shots.
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Treaty Oak Park
A unique park with a historical oak tree and a boardwalk, offering a woodsy background ideal for family photos.
Timucuan Preserve
Includes Kingsley Plantation and offers beautiful views of the marshes and beaches. Ideal for nature and historical photography.
Talbot Islands State Parks
These parks offer diverse natural landscapes, including beaches and marshes, suitable for landscape and wildlife photography.
Kingsley Plantation, Jacksonville
A historic plantation with a well-preserved mansion and beautiful grounds, ideal for architecture and historical photography.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
A hidden gem near Mayport with beachfront, forested dunes, freshwater lakes, wooden trails, and wild, undeveloped landscapes. Hanna Park is versatile, offering everything from secluded lakes to dramatic seascapes, all within a large, natural preserve. The park’s wooden walkways, moss-draped trees, and dunes make it a favorite for nature and adventure photography.
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Little Talbot Island State Park
A pristine barrier island with five miles of undeveloped beach, maritime hammocks, and salt marshes. The park is popular for its natural, untouched landscapes, wildlife, and tranquil atmosphere, making it a favorite for nature, landscape, and wildlife photography.
Hanna Park
A large park with trails, beaches, and moss-covered trees. It offers a variety of environments for nature and landscape photography.
Florida Theatre
A historic theater with a grand facade, ideal for architectural and night photography.
St. Johns River Downtown Jacksonville
The St. Johns River, particularly around the Jacksonville Landing (currently being redeveloped), provides a picturesque urban waterfront for both daytime cityscapes and nighttime skyline reflections. The Main Street Bridge and Acosta Bridge are accessible for architectural shots, skyline panoramas, and long-exposure cityscapes.
The Lions at San Marco Square
Iconic landmark offering unique photo opportunities with its majestic lion sculptures.
Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens
The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens provides a serene natural setting with beautiful gardens and walking trails. It's perfect for capturing nature photography and portraits.
Mandarin Park
A waterfront park offering stunning views of the St. Johns River and the surrounding marina. It's ideal for capturing sunsets and waterscapes.
Riverwalk (Southbank and Northbank)
The Riverwalk offers scenic views of the St. Johns River and surrounding cityscape. It is perfect for capturing urban landscapes, sunsets, and river life.
Amelia Island Lighthouse
The lighthouse offers a historic and architectural backdrop for photography. It's a good spot for capturing sunrises and landmark shots.
Ortega Bridge
Built in 1908, this bridge offers views of the St. Johns River and the Jacksonville skyline. It's a great spot for sunset shots.
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, Jacksonville
A museum surrounded by beautiful gardens, ideal for nature and architecture photography.
Riverside Avondale Arts & Culture
Features a mix of historic homes, eclectic shops, and lively street art, making it perfect for capturing urban culture and architecture.
Blackrock Beach
A part of Big Talbot Island State Park, known for its unique driftwood formations, offering unique landscape photography opportunities.
Downtown Jacksonville Skyline
Offers a comprehensive view of the city's skyline, making it ideal for urban and architectural photography.
Riverfront Park (San Marco)
A quiet urban park on the south bank of the St. Johns River, facing the downtown skyline. The park’s grassy terraces and open sightlines make it ideal for skyline, cityscape, and sunset photography. At dusk, downtown Jacksonville lights up, reflecting across the river for colorful, dramatic shots.
Fort Caroline National Memorial
A historic French colonial site overlooking the St. Johns River, featuring a replica fort, interpretive trails, and panoramic river vistas. The location combines historical architecture, educational exhibits, and natural beauty, making it suitable for historical, landscape, and documentary photography.
EverBank Stadium's Jaguar Statue
An iconic landmark in Jacksonville, the Jaguar Statue outside EverBank Stadium provides a unique cultural and architectural photography opportunity.
Friendship Fountain
Currently under construction, but known for its dancing fountains and scenic views of the St. Johns River.
Ortega Bridge / Stockton Park
The Ortega Bridge, constructed in 1908, offers classic views of the St. Johns River and downtown skyline. Nearby Stockton Park features riverside paths, mature trees, and open lawns, making it a favorite for adventurous families and lifestyle shoots. The bridge itself is photogenic for architecture and cityscape enthusiasts.
Camp Milton Historic Preserve
A historical site with a Civil War-era fort, offering a unique blend of nature and history. It's perfect for capturing historical and natural landscapes.
EverBank Stadium
A large sports venue hosting various events like football games and concerts.
Camp Milton
A historic site with Civil War significance, offering a natural setting for photography with its forest and wildlife.
The Florida Theatre
A historic theater known for its grand marquee and architectural beauty. Best captured at night when the lights are on.
EverBank Stadium’s Jaguar Statue
This iconic statue offers a unique sport-related photography opportunity. It's a great spot for capturing sports culture and architectural details.
Mayport Ferry Terminal
A working ferry terminal with views of shrimp boats, the St. Johns River mouth, and the Naval Station. Offers gritty industrial, maritime life, and expansive waterway scenes—distinct from typical beach photography.
Mayport Village, Jacksonville
A quaint coastal village with a lighthouse and scenic views of the St. Johns River, ideal for landscape and historical photography.
Southbank Riverwalk
A scenic riverwalk offering views of the St. Johns River and downtown Jacksonville, perfect for urban and sunset photography.
Cummer Museum
A museum with beautiful gardens and a variety of art exhibits. It offers opportunities for architecture and nature photography.
Riverfront Plaza, Jacksonville
Downtown Jacksonville's riverfront area with scenic views of the St. Johns River, perfect for urban and waterscape photography.
Northbank Riverwalk
Similar to its counterpart, this riverwalk offers stunning views of the river and city skyline, ideal for urban and sunset photography.
The River Taxi
A ferry service offering scenic views of the St. Johns River, providing opportunities for urban and waterscape photography.
Avondale Historic District
A charming, early 20th-century neighborhood known for its Mediterranean Revival and Prairie-style homes, tree-lined streets, and boutique shops. The area is ideal for street, architecture, and lifestyle photography, with a relaxed, vintage atmosphere and plenty of color and texture.
Little Rock Seafood Shack
A colorful, old-school fish camp with a weathered dock and rustic signage overlooking the intracoastal waterway in Mayport Village. Offers nostalgic maritime life, fishing boats, and classic Florida vernacular architecture.
Flower Fields (near Jacksonville)
Although not directly in Jacksonville, nearby flower fields offer vibrant colors and unique opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
Jessie Ball duPont Park
A scenic park with views of the St. Johns River and the city skyline. It offers opportunities for waterscape and urban photography, especially during sunset.
Mayport Village
A charming fishing village with a lighthouse and historic buildings. It offers a quaint setting for capturing maritime culture and architectural details.
St. Johns River Taxi
A unique perspective on Jacksonville’s skyline and riverfront from the water. The taxi provides dynamic, ever-changing views of the city, bridges, and wildlife. A great opportunity for candid, street, and cityscape photography with a sense of movement and local flavor.
Stockton Park
A riverside park with a huge tree and plenty of parking, offering shady spots for family photos.
Riverside and Avondale Historic District
A charming neighborhood filled with historic homes, eclectic shops, and a vibrant arts scene. Ideal for architecture and street photography.
Riverside Arts District
An area in Jacksonville featuring vibrant street art, perfect for capturing urban and artistic photography.
Riverside Arts Market
A bustling marketplace with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for capturing street life and urban culture.
Dames Point Bridge
Another architectural landmark in Jacksonville, this bridge offers excellent views of the St. Johns River and surrounding landscape.
Friendship Park & Fountain
Located in the heart of downtown, this park features a beautiful fountain and surrounding greenery. It's a great spot for capturing urban life and candid moments.
Jacksonville Public Art
Jacksonville is filled with public art installations across the city, providing unique and colorful backdrops for urban and street photography.
St. Johns Town Center, Jacksonville
A large outdoor shopping center with modern architecture and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for urban and street photography.
Tree Hill Nature Center
A nature preserve with walking trails, offering opportunities to photograph local flora and fauna.
Blue Cypress Park
A nature preserve with a focus on wildlife and natural scenery, suitable for landscape and wildlife photography.
James Weldon Johnson Park
A beautiful park in Jacksonville offering a variety of sceneries, from natural landscapes to man-made structures. It is a popular spot for portraits and family photos due to its picturesque walking paths and playgrounds.
Mayport Naval Station Beach
The beach at Mayport Naval Station offers a secluded spot for landscape photography, with opportunities to capture ocean views and wildlife.
Riverside Arts Market, Jacksonville
A vibrant market with local artisans and street food, perfect for street and candid photography.
River City Brewing Company
Located by the St. Johns River, this spot offers views of the river and city skyline, making it good for urban and architectural photography.
LaVilla Park
A community park with a vibrant atmosphere, offering opportunities for street and urban photography.
Friendship Fields
Located in the surrounding areas, Friendship Fields offer vibrant sunflower fields during the summer, perfect for capturing bright and joyful photography.
Mandarin
Removed to avoid duplication.
Timber Creek Trail
This trail offers a serene natural setting with opportunities to capture wildlife and scenic views. It's suitable for nature and landscape photography.
Mayo Clinic Florida
While not a traditional photography spot, the Mayo Clinic Florida offers clean lines and modern architecture for those interested in urban photography.
Cedar Point Naval Outlying Landing Field (NOLF), Jacksonville
A military airfield with a unique landscape that offers opportunities for aerial photography.
Cecil Field Lake
A serene lake with a peaceful atmosphere, suitable for nature and landscape photography.
Carl Seahurst Butler Park
While not as well-documented as other parks, Carl Seahurst Butler Park offers scenic views of the surrounding area and is a peaceful spot for nature photography.
Downtown Jacksonville Riverside Arts Market
A vibrant market offering opportunities for street and cultural photography.
Jacksonville International Airport (Accessible from Kings Bay)
While not a primary photography location, JAX offers opportunities for capturing aircraft and airport activity, especially during sunrise or sunset when the lighting is optimal.
Jacksonville Naval Air Station
The Jacksonville Naval Air Station offers opportunities for aviation and military photography, though access may be restricted for security reasons.