Discover Volusia
58 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Lighthouse Point Park
Historic Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, rugged shoreline, dunes and tidal pools offer classic maritime compositions. Golden hour and blue hour light accentuate the brick tower and Atlantic surf. Easy parking, paid entry for tower climb (seasonal hours). Wheelchair access limited; boardwalks provide beach access. Weekday sunrise offers calm water and fewer visitors.
Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Preserve
Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Preserve offers glassy estuary reflections, mangrove-lined channels, abundant wading birds and winter manatees — ideal for intimate wildlife and waterscape imagery. Best at sunrise or late afternoon for warm side-light and calm water; winter/early spring brings clearer air and more manatees. Access is primarily by kayak, canoe or from small public boat ramps near New Smyrna Beach; limited shoreline vantage points and parking at ramps. Respect wildlife, stay in designated,
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge
Lake Woodruff NWR offers wide freshwater marshes, cypress strands, boardwalks and winding canals teeming with wading birds, otters and alligators—ideal for wildlife and waterscape photography. Best at sunrise and late afternoon for warm light and active animals. Accessible via paved parking at the main trailheads; bring bug spray and long lenses. Refuge rules require staying on trails/boardwalks and respecting closures; weekdays and cooler months reduce mosquitoes and crowds.
1200 International Speedway Boulevard
Daytona International Speedway — iconic motorsports stadium with towering grandstands, banked tri-oval and pit rows. Photograph race-day atmosphere, architectural lines, long exposures of night lighting, and close-up mechanical details. Best at sunrise/sunset for soft light and reflections on asphalt; night races offer dynamic light trails. Accessible via public parking; large venue with paid entry during events and daily tours (check schedule). Weekdays/tours are less crowded; expect noise and浓
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
Iconic brick lighthouse (tallest in Florida) with historic keeper’s cottages, dunes and Atlantic beach — great for architectural details, panoramic coastal vistas from the lantern room, and shoreline long exposures. Best at sunrise and golden hour for warm side-light; sunsets work for dramatic skies over the inlet. On-site parking and paid admission; 203 steps to the top (not wheelchair accessible). Weekday mornings are least crowded; museum grounds open daylight hours.
Blue Springs
Blue Spring State Park: a crystalline first-magnitude spring and river corridor famed for congregating West Indian manatees in winter and emerald-clear water year-round. Photograph sunlit spring vents, reflections on the St. Johns River, boardwalks framed by cypress and moss, and intimate wildlife portraits. Best visited at sunrise or late afternoon for warm side light and calmer water; November–March draws manatees (park may restrict swimming). Park has paid entry per vehicle, paved parking, &
Blue Spring State Park
Natural spring with vivid turquoise water, a clear spring run, lush hammock forest and frequent West Indian manatees — ideal for wildlife, waterscape and intimate nature shots. Best light: sunrise or late afternoon for warm side lighting; manatees peak Nov–Mar (crowded then). Park open daily; entry fee and limited parking (arrive early on weekends). Boardwalks, river launch and accessible viewing platforms provide varied compositions. Respect wildlife rules — no touching or disturbing manatees.
Ponce Inlet Park
Coastal park at the Ponce Inlet with dramatic surf, sandbars, a rocky jetty, and views of the historic Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. Shoot sunrise over the ocean, dramatic cloudscapes, low-tide sand patterns and migrating shorebirds. Easy access from S Atlantic Ave with on-site parking (small fee likely); paths and boardwalks make beach access simple. Best light: golden hour sunrise and late-afternoon for inlet reflections; weekdays and early mornings mean fewer visitors. Sea-turtle nesting (m
Observation Tower
Compact coastal observation tower in Ponce Inlet offering wide panoramic views of the Atlantic, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, inlet channels and marshes—excellent for sunrise/sunset, bird migration and long-exposure seascapes. Best visited at golden hour for warm side-light on the lighthouse and low-angle reflections. Weekday mornings avoid crowds; expect stairs and limited parking at the lighthouse complex—entry to the lighthouse/museum may require a ticket. Wind and salt spray are common; bring lens
Kay and Ayres Davies Lighthouse Park
Small coastal park at the Ponce Inlet channel offering classic lighthouse/shoreline compositions: sand dunes, a wooden boardwalk, beach, inlet jetty and views of Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. Best at sunrise for soft light on the lighthouse and long pastel skies, and at golden hour for warm backlighting on dunes. Easy walk-in access from S Peninsula Dr with a small parking area—arrive early on weekends. Tidal changes reshape foregrounds; seasonal sea turtle nesting may restrict some beach access.
Hontoon Island
Hontoon Island State Park offers river vistas, moss-draped live oaks, tidal marshes and plentiful wildlife (herons, ospreys, manatees). Accessible by park ferry or private boat; small visitor fee and limited parking at ramp. Best at golden hour for warm light and reflections; weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. Trails and riverbanks provide varied compositions; winters bring high bird activity.
Marine Science Center
Coastal marine center with rehabilitated sea turtles, shoreline boardwalks, inlet views and interpretive exhibits — great for close-up wildlife, environmental portraits and seascapes framed by piers and dunes. Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for soft light and active birdlife; check center hours and admission for access to tanks and educational encounters. Weekdays and off-season reduce crowds. Easy parking nearby; some boardwalks and viewing platforms are accessible but expect sandy paths.
Fairchild Oak
A huge centuries-old live oak draped in Spanish moss — excellent for intimate nature and environmental portraiture. Photograph sweeping canopy compositions, textured bark close-ups, and people-for-scale shots. Best at golden hour (sunrise or late afternoon) when warm side light enhances leaves and moss. Easy roadside access in a small park off Old Dixie Hwy; free parking nearby and no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter. Light sea breezes can move moss and leaves for motion blur.
Ponce Inlet Historical Museum
Small maritime complex beside Ponce Inlet Lighthouse offering classic coastal architecture, museum exhibits, vintage boats and dunes—great for detail shots and contextual lighthouse portraits. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light on red-brick structures and low crowds; late afternoon favors warm backlight on the inlet. Site is compact with limited parking and street spaces; museum has an admission fee and uneven surfaces/steps—be prepared for stairs if climbing the lighthouse tower. Mid
Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve
Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve offers tidal marshes, winding tidal creeks, mangroves and estuarine habitat rich in wading birds, raptors and reflections—ideal for intimate nature and waterscape photography. Best at dawn and golden hour for soft side light and mist; migratory spring/fall yields peak bird activity. Accessible via boardwalks and boat launches near Ormond Beach; limited parking, carry bug spray and waterproof footwear. Weekday mornings are quiet; no permit for shore photography, but尊
Sunset Park
Small waterfront park on a Daytona Beach Shores peninsula offering unobstructed Gulf-facing sunsets, sandy beach, dunes and palms. Ideal for wide seascapes, golden-hour skies and long-exposure surf shots. Free public access with small parking along S Peninsula Dr; arrive 30–45 min before sunset for changing light. Weekday evenings are less crowded. Light breezes common — bring wind protection for gear.
North Peninsula State Park
Barrier-island beach, tidal flats, coastal hammock and estuary converge here — ideal for sunrise seascapes, shorebird and wading-bird photography, dune textures and long, empty beach compositions. Best at sunrise and golden hour for warm light and reflections; low tide reveals sand patterns and tidal pools. Park has a small entrance fee, limited parking off High Bridge Rd, boardwalks and short trails; weekends get busy, bring insect repellent in summer.
Barberville Pioneer Settlement
A living‑history village of restored 19th‑ and early‑20th‑century buildings, dirt lanes, antique farm equipment and period gardens—ideal for textural architectural details, environmental portraits of reenactors (during events), and rustic landscape compositions. Visit golden hour or late afternoon for warm side‑light on weathered wood; weekday mornings are quiet. Grounds are mostly open with gravel paths and on‑site parking; modest admission may apply and some interiors are seasonal or event‑dr‑
Bulow Creek State Park
Ancient live-oak hammocks, a winding creek and the nearby Bulow Plantation ruins offer atmospheric compositions—gnarled roots, Spanish moss and dappled light through a dense canopy. Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for soft golden light and mist over the water. Trails and boardwalks provide easy access and multiple vantage points; a Florida state‑park day fee may apply and parking is available at trailheads. Weekdays and early mornings are least crowded.
Spring to Spring Gemini trail
A linear urban-nature corridor linking springs, wetlands and shaded hammock forest. Photograph winding boardwalks, reflective spring pools, herons and turtles, and layered tree canopies. Best light is golden hour and overcast mornings for even reflections; weekdays and early mornings minimize people. Several trailheads with free parking (no entry fee); some sections are wheelchair-accessible boardwalks. Summer brings mosquitoes—plan accordingly.
Pine island hiking trail
Pine Island Hiking Trail offers oak hammocks, pine flatwoods and riverfront edges—great for intimate nature compositions, birdlife and reflective waters. Best at golden hour or early morning for soft light and active wildlife; weekdays are quieter. Small parking lot at 2100 W French Ave; no entry fee but trails can be sandy/uneven—wear mosquito protection. The mix of wetland edges and trails makes it a compact, accessible spot for nature and landscape shots.
Dummett Sugar Mill Ruins
Weathered brick ruins of the 19th-century Dummett Sugar Mill sit beside tidal waterways and marsh, offering strong textures, arches, and reflections against river backgrounds. Shoot low-angle close-ups of crumbling mortar, wide compositions including mangroves and water at golden hour, or long exposures at twilight for mood. Best visited at sunrise or late afternoon for warm side-light; weekdays avoid locals and anglers. Small parking area; short walk from roadside—no entry fee but respect the C
Highbridge Hideaway
Small coastal access near the High Bridge in Flagler Beach offering shoreline, bridge silhouettes, tidal channels and marsh edges. Best at sunrise and golden hour for warm light on sand, reflective water and long shadows; sunsets can work for colorful skies behind the bridge. Easy roadside parking on High Bridge Rd; mostly public beach access with short walks over dunes — expect sea breeze, occasional birds and fishermen. Weekday mornings are least crowded.
Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park
Small riverside park on the Halifax River with boardwalks, mangroves, boat ramp and open views ideal for water reflections, golden-hour skies and local birdlife. Easy roadside parking and no entry fee; best light at sunrise and sunset. Weekdays and early mornings are quieter; some paths are wheelchair-accessible.
Bird Trail To Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park
Small coastal park and bird trail with dune, marsh and estuary views — prime for shorebirds, waders and dramatic sunrises over the water. Best at dawn and golden hour for soft light and active birds; migratory seasons (spring/fall) increase species variety. Easily reachable parking on Ocean Shore Blvd, no entry fee; short boardwalk trail and viewing platforms offer accessible shooting positions. Expect bugs in warm months and bring sun/rain protection.
New Smyrna Speedway
New Smyrna Speedway is a high-energy short track for photographing close-quarters stock car racing, pit crews, grandstands and neon-lit night events. Best for evening races (excellent contrast and stadium lights) and the January World Series of Asphalt. Public parking and ticketed entry; pit/behind-the-scenes access requires media or paddock credentials. Expect loud conditions—bring ear protection. Weekday practices are quieter for staged car portraits and detail shots.
Sunday Best Farm Arabians LLC
A private Arabian horse farm offering classic equine portrait and lifestyle opportunities: headshots, motion shots in paddocks, barn details, and pastoral landscape frames. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm backlight and rim light on coats; overcast days reveal muscle texture. Property is private—photographers should arrange permission in advance; on-site parking available. Early weekday visits reduce activity and yield calm animals; expect stable smells and quiet rural roads.
Halifax River
Halifax River (Intracoastal) offers wide water vistas, saltmarshes, boat traffic and abundant shorebirds — great for sunrise and sunset colors, reflections and long exposures. Easily accessible from Ormond Beach with street parking and public park access; no entry fee. Best at golden hour and early morning for calm water and active wildlife; weekdays are quieter. Summer brings lush mangroves and late light; winter is best for migratory birds.
Tom Renick Park
Small oceanfront park with a boardwalk, dunes and wide sandy beach — excellent for sunrise seascapes, long exposures of waves, dune-and-palm compositions, and casual shorebird shots. Easy roadside parking and public restrooms; no entry fee. Best at sunrise for backlit surf and pastel skies, late afternoon for soft side light on dunes. Weekday mornings have the fewest visitors; watch for changing tides and onshore breeze.
Spring to Spring Trail, Blue Spring Trailhead
Small trailhead access to the Spring-to-Spring Trail and Blue Spring run — shoot oak-canopy corridors, calm spring-fed water reflections, boardwalk details and seasonal wildlife (herons, turtles; manatees in winter at nearby Blue Spring). Easy paved trails, roadside parking at 385 Magnolia Ave, wheelchair-accessible sections and a canoe launch. Best light: golden hour for warm rim light through trees and low-angle reflections; weekday mornings are quiet. Bring bug spray in warm months and a tele
Spring Hill Park
Small riverfront park on the St. Johns with moss-draped live oaks, cypress stands and calm water reflections — great for intimate landscape and wildlife shots. Best at golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm light and glassy reflections; weekday mornings are quieter. Easy roadside parking and no entry fee; expect mosquitoes in warmer months and some boat/park activity.
Boardman Pond Observation Platform
Small boardwalk platform overlooking Boardman Pond and saltmarsh channels — excellent for birdlife, reflections, and intimate wetland compositions. Visit at sunrise or early morning for soft light, mist and active wading birds; golden hour sunsets offer colorful skies reflected in glassy water. Site is roadside-accessible with informal parking nearby, no fee; the platform is compact and often quiet on weekdays. Bring insect repellent in warm months; respect wildlife and avoid trampling marsh.
Cassadaga After Dark: Find the Spirits Tour
Night walking tour through Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp: low-lit Victorian cottages, a small chapel, lantern-lit porches and elm-lined streets offering moody, atmospheric scenes ideal for long exposures and intimate detail shots. Tours run after dark—expect dim lighting, narrow sidewalks and a quiet, respectful community. Bring tripod, fast glass and ask permission before shooting people or private porches. Street parking near 1112 Stevens St; tours may have a fee and limited size—book in advance
Briggs Fishing Dock
Small public fishing dock on the Halifax River offering close water reflections, fishing activity, and coastal marsh backdrops. Best at sunrise and golden hour for warm light and glassy water; sunsets can silhouette anglers. Easily reached from Ormond Beach with street parking nearby; usually no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter. Expect seabirds, boat traffic, and changing tides that affect compositions.
James Ormond Park
Small riverfront park on the Halifax River offering water views, boat traffic, mangrove fringes and casual pier/boardwalk scenes—good for sunrise and sunset color, reflections, and local life. Easy street parking and short walks from the lot; mostly flat and accessible. Visit at golden hour for dramatic skies and weekday mornings to avoid families and anglers. Bring protection for salty spray and expect changing light with tides and passing boats.
French Landing Boat Ramp
Small public boat ramp on the St. Johns River (Lake Monroe) offering wide water vistas, boat activity, marshy shorelines and good sunrise/sunset reflections. Easy roadside parking, wheelchair-accessible ramp area, and no fee typical; expect anglers and occasional weekend boat traffic. Best at golden hour for warm light and mirror reflections, early weekdays for solitude. Good spot for birdlife (egrets, herons) and minimalist water compositions.
Summerland House
Historic Summerland House on Lake Helen offers classic vernacular architecture framed by live oaks and a reflective lakeshore — ideal for compositional pairings of building details and water reflections. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and calm water; weekday mornings minimize visitors. Access may be roadside or limited parking; check for private property signs and respect local residences. Light breezes can ripple reflections in afternoons; mosquito season (summer) can be an issue
Horseshoe Park and Fairy Trail
Small, shady park with a meandering Fairy Trail, moss-draped oaks and a horseshoe-shaped pond — great for intimate nature details, whimsical fairy-house scenes, reflections and soft woodland light. Best at golden hour or early morning for mist and quiet; weekdays have fewer visitors. Trail is short and mostly flat; limited parking at Chauncey/Seneca. Respect nearby Cassadaga Spiritualist community and keep noise low.
Annie Oakleys Saloon
Annie Oakleys Saloon is a vintage American biker-bar on US‑1 with neon signs, rustic wood interiors, mounted memorabilia and a lively exterior perfect for character-driven urban/night photography. Best visited at dusk to capture neon and warm interiors; evenings for live music and candid portraits. Street parking and a small lot available; expect dim interiors and 21+ crowds after dark. Weekday early evenings are less crowded. No special entry fees but check age/ID rules for inside shooting.
Glenview Ave- Beach Access
Small public beach access at Glenview Ave on Ponce Inlet — wide Atlantic shoreline, sand dunes and native grasses, with the iconic Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse visible a short walk north. Best for sunrise and long-exposure seascapes, simple compositions of waves, footprints, and dune textures. Arrive at dawn or late afternoon for soft light and fewer people; weekdays in shoulder seasons (spring, fall) offer calmer seas. Limited street parking; boardwalk/path from curb to sand. No entry fee; be
Roberta Rd Park
Small waterfront park on the Halifax River offering open water vistas, mangrove-lined shore, and riverboat traffic—great for sunrise colors, reflections, and intimate nature scenes. Easy roadside parking and ADA paths make gear transport simple. Visit at golden hour on weekdays to avoid locals and capture calm water; light sea breezes and occasional cloud banks improve compositions.
High bridge Park
Small coastal park with views of tidal flats, mangroves and open water — great for sunrise/sunset skies, reflections and shorebird/egret shots. Easy access and free parking; flat, short walks from lot to shoreline make gear transport simple. Visit at golden hour for warm light and at low tide for exposed foreground textures; weekdays/early mornings are least crowded.
Audubon Park
Small suburban nature park with ponds, marshy edges and wooded trails—excellent for photographing wading birds, water reflections and intimate wetland scenes. Best at sunrise and golden hour for warm light and calm water; weekdays and early mornings minimize people. Easy roadside parking and no entry fee; expect mosquitoes in warmer months and bring water. Accessible paths and boardwalks offer varied vantage points.
Encore Sunshine Holiday Daytona
Oceanfront condominium complex at Ormond Beach offering beach, dune, pool and coastal road views. Photograph sunrise over the Atlantic, long- exposure surf shots, resort architecture and palm silhouettes at golden hour. Easy access from US-1 with on-site parking; best visited at dawn for soft light and fewer people or late afternoon for warm side-lighting. No special entry fees to beach; respect private property and seasonal crowds (spring/summer).
Horse Creek Equestrian Center Inc
Small private equestrian facility on rural State Road 40 offering classic horse, tack and barn subjects against oak/pasture backdrops. Best for action shots of riders, environmental portraits, and pastoral landscapes at golden hour. Weekday mornings or late afternoons have softer light and fewer activities; weekends may host lessons or shows—ask permission before shooting. Parking on-site; grounds are flat and easy to walk but expect mud in rainy season and insects in summer.
C. Green’s haunted history museum
Small haunted-history museum in Cassadaga showcasing Victorian-era spiritualist interiors, portraits, artifacts and wood-paneled rooms — great for moody interiors, close-up detail shots and atmospheric exteriors. Visit late afternoon/blue hour for dramatic exterior light; interiors are dim and may require permission for tripod or flash. Parking available on Stevens St; call ahead for entry times and photo policy. Respect the site's spiritual/cultural context.
Noah's Landing Petting Zoo & Pony Rides
Small family-friendly petting zoo and pony-ride area offering close-up animal portraits, candid child–animal interactions, and rustic barn details. Best on weekday mornings or late afternoon golden hour for soft light and fewer crowds. Easy roadside parking; casual admission/ride fees. Bring wipes, ask staff before photographing children or behind-the-scenes areas; commercial shoots may need permission.
400 Goodall Avenue
A riverfront/urban stretch in Daytona Beach offering water views, palm-lined streets and nearby beach/boardwalk access. Photographers can capture sunrise colors over the Halifax River, reflective water compositions, and local street scenes with palms, boats and low-rise coastal architecture. Easily reached by car with on-street parking and small public lots; wheelchair accessible promenades in places. Best at dawn and dusk for dramatic light and fewer people; midweek mornings are quiet. Typical,
Colby-Alderman Park
Small community park with lakeshore, shaded live oaks and walking paths — good for intimate nature scenes, birdlife, water reflections and golden-hour landscapes. Easy roadside parking at 1099 Massachusetts St; no entry fee. Best at sunrise or late afternoon for warm light and calm water; weekdays are quieter. Flat, accessible trails suit handheld or tripod work; bring insect repellent in warm months.
Valentine Park
Small community park on a waterfront setting offering lakeside vistas, mature trees and open lawns — good for sunrise/sunset reflections, intimate nature shots and relaxed landscape compositions. Public, no entry fee; small parking lot on site and street parking. Best at golden hour for warm light and calm water; weekdays and early mornings are least crowded. Casual local spot with easy accessibility and short walks between photo points.
Drive In Dog Park
Small rural dog park with open grassy runs, shade trees and a relaxed community vibe — ideal for candid pet action, portraiture of owners with dogs, and environmental scenes showing interaction. Visit early morning or late afternoon for soft golden-hour light and cooler temps; weekdays are quieter. On-site parking and informal entry (check local hours); expect informal, friendly locals and fast-moving subjects that reward fast shutter speeds.
154 Rockefeller Drive
Quiet residential stretch on the Halifax River with waterfront homes, private docks, mangrove edges and wide river vistas — good for reflections, boat traffic and shorebird portraits. Best at sunrise for soft light and calm water; sunsets can work across the river. Easily reached by car with street parking but respect private property—shoot from public right-of-way or the shoreline. Low crowds; check tide and seasonal bird migrations for wildlife interest.
Beach St- Beach Access
Small public beach access at Beach St. in Ponce Inlet offering clean sand, dunes, and direct views of the Atlantic — ideal for sunrise seascapes, wave action, and compositions that include the nearby Ponce Inlet Lighthouse visible to the north. Best at sunrise for soft, golden light and dramatic skies; weekdays and low tide give more foreground space. Access is via a street-side lot/boardwalk; permitless public entry but parking can be limited in season, so arrive early. Watch for changing tides
Happy Dayz Inflatables LLC
A local inflatable rental and party setup yard featuring colorful bounce houses, slides and event gear — great for capturing bold colors, candid children’s action and behind-the-scenes prep. Best visited during booked events on weekends for lively moments, or weekday mornings for staged product-style shots. Easy street parking at the business; request permission before photographing staff or children. Afternoon light is harsh in Florida—golden hour or overcast days soften colors and reduce blown
2450 West French Avenue
A quiet, small‑town suburban block in Orange City featuring low-rise buildings, single‑family homes, mature trees and typical Florida light. Photographers can capture intimate street scenes, vernacular architecture, porches, palms and warm golden‑hour light. Easy to access by car with curbside parking; no entry fees. Best at sunrise or late afternoon for side‑lighting and long shadows; weekdays are calmer. Expect residential privacy—respect homeowners and avoid trespass.
2330 Gateway North Drive
A commercial/office park address on the north side of Daytona Beach near I‑95 and Daytona Beach International Airport. Photographers can capture clean modern corporate architecture, reflective glass, landscaped grounds and commuting patterns. Best visited at golden hour for warm side-light on façades or after rain for reflections. Site is car‑accessible with on‑site parking; weekday mornings show commuter activity while evenings are quiet. Note proximity to the airport—no drone flights without F