Let’s be honest: Some of the fun of vacation is reminding people back home that you’re in a warm and beautiful place, and they’re not. One subtle way to do that (no humble bragging required) is to post beautiful images on Instagram or Facebook. St. Augustine might be one of the best places on earth to find beautiful images–after all, Forbes recently named our small town one of the prettiest towns in the country.
Here are some of my favorite photogenic spots around town—guaranteed to make Cathy in Finance wish that you planned her vacation too.
1. Magnolia Avenue
Named one of the most beautiful streets in the United States, Magnolia runs in front of the Fountain of Youth, intersecting with A1A just west of the Usina Bridge to Vilano Beach. Live oak trees line the street, and the resulting canopy gives beautiful light and shadows. The Fountain of Youth is home to several showy peacocks, too. If you’re lucky, one might hop onto the coquina walls encircling the Fountain’s park as you are setting up your shot.
- Why is Magnolia Street so famous? Its iconic canopy of centuries-old live oaks creates a tunnel of dappled light and Southern charm, making it one of the most photographed streets in America.
2. Door at 15 Bridge Street
Located right around the corner from the inn, this vintage door is charming from its arched top to its custom ironwork. It’s a must-stop for all of our brides, and it has the prettiest lighting in the late afternoon.
- What is the significance of the door at 15 Bridge Street? Its vintage woodwork and wrought iron details make it a symbol of St. Augustine’s timeless beauty.
3. Sunrise from the Seawall
Every morning, the sun comes up over our picturesque piece of the St. Augustine seawall. You can catch a shot from your room, or cross Avenida Menendez and compose a shot with a few serene sailboats in the front, the stately St. Augustine lighthouse in the background, and the stunning Florida sky in between. It’s worth getting up early for!
- Where is the best spot along the seawall to watch the sunrise? For the most stunning view, head to the section of the seawall directly across from Bayfront Marin House. From there, you can capture the sun rising over Matanzas Bay, with sailboats in the harbor and the lighthouse in the distance.
4. The Main Square/Flagler College
If you take a left on King Street and walk two blocks, you’ll come to the most impressive four corners in the center of town. On one corner, you’ll find gorgeous Flagler College, a private school today, but previously the opulent Ponce de Leon hotel in the 1880s – 1970s. Walk inside the college, being sure to take some shots of the charming frog-adorned fountain, the impressive iron gates, and the over-the-top rotunda in the old hotel lobby.
- What is Flagler College known for? Flagler College is known academically for its strong focus on undergraduate teaching and its commitment to fostering a supportive and engaged learning environment
5. The Lightner Museum
Located just across the street from Flagler College, you’ll find the Lightner Museum. Walk through the entrance way gate, and find yourself in a beautifully landscaped courtyard, complete with a stone bridge and a large koi pond. On the third corner is the Casa Monica, the only building on the square still operating as a hotel today. Walk through their valet parking lane and check out the antique cars housed there for their weddings.
- What is the history of the Lightner Museum building? Originally the Hotel Alcazar, this grand resort was built in 1888 by Henry Flagler. It later became the Lightner Museum in 1948, housing a vast collection of 19th-century art and artifacts inside its stunning Spanish Revival architecture.
6. Aviles Street
Just behind the inn, Aviles Street is the oldest street in the country. At the southern end of the street (closest to the inn), you’ll find some beautiful Colonial homes, including one at 33 Aviles that still sports unfinished wooden siding and an always-artfully decorated door. Feel free to grab a photo of our super cute cottage at 31 Aviles as well–the red roof and textured walls make a great background for OOTD pics. Further towards King Street, you’ll find charming art galleries and al fresco dining at some of the cutest restaurants in town. A great place to grab some food on your photographic journey!
- What makes Aviles Street notable today? Today, it thrives as the heart of St. Augustine’s arts district, featuring a vibrant mix of art galleries, boutique shops, and courtyard cafés.
7. Memorial Presbyterian Church
Henry Flagler built this stunning European-style church in honor of his daughter, Jennie Louise Benedict, who passed away during childbirth. The church architects took inspiration from around the world, including from St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice. Memorial Presbyterian was recently named one of the 8 Religious Wonders in the US.
- What architectural style is the church built in? The church showcases a Venetian Renaissance style, inspired by St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice. Designed by Carrère and Hastings, it features a Latin cross layout and incorporates Spanish, Moorish, Italian, and Baroque elements. Notable details include a copper dome crafted in Italy, Italian marble floors, mahogany pews, and a baptismal font carved from a single block of Siena marble.
8. St. Augustine Lighthouse
Our beautiful lighthouse was built in the 1870s and has been lighting the way for the many ships coming into our harbor since that time. You can get a stunning picture from the top, but don’t forget the beautiful architecture from the inside of the tower (the winding staircase is particularly pretty in its symmetry).
- When was the St. Augustine Lighthouse built? The current St. Augustine Lighthouse was constructed between 1871 and 1874, replacing an earlier tower that was threatened by shoreline erosion. Standing 165 feet tall on Anastasia Island, it has served as a vital aid to navigation since its first lighting on October 15, 1874.
9. Colonial Quarter
The lookout platform in the Colonial Village would have offered a great vantage point to spot approaching enemy ships in the harbor back in the day. Today, it provides an excellent view of the Castillo de San Marcos, a national monument and the oldest masonry fort in the United States—and the only remaining 17th-century military structure still standing. The height of the platform lets you capture a photo that includes both the iconic stone fort and the surrounding bay. Note that there is a fee to enter the Colonial Village, but while you’re there, don’t miss the chance to snap a photo with the resident blacksmith!
- What is the Colonial Quarter? The Colonial Quarter is a two-acre living history museum in downtown St. Augustine that immerses visitors in the city’s colonial past. Spanning the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, the attraction offers an interactive journey through time, showcasing the evolution of St. Augustine under Spanish and British rule.
10. Vilano Beach
There are so many great photos at Vilano Beach! Walk past the Magic Beach Motel with its perfect neon signs and recently restored flamingo tiles. Plan a lunch on the rooftop deck at Pesca at Hyatt Place–you can capture miles and miles of ocean from its high perch (you can capture a really artsy shot of your lunch too–the sashimi tuna on forbidden rice is just beautiful). Before you leave, be sure to visit the Bluebird of Happiness at the public pier–he is a kitschy piece of old Florida that can sum up your vacation in just one shot.
- Can I drive on Vilano Beach? Yes, you can drive on Vilano Beach with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Vehicle access is available seasonally and is subject to beach and weather conditions. Read our guide to St. Augustine beaches for more information.
Ready to Capture the Perfect Vacation?
St. Augustine offers the kind of beauty that deserves to be shared. Whether you’re here for a romantic escape or a sunny solo retreat, Bayfront Marin House puts you steps from the most iconic photo spots in town. Wake up to waterfront sunrises, walk to historic streets and museums, and come home each evening to elegant rooms and Southern hospitality.
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