It’s not that you’re a mean person, but 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 SnapChat. 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.
What You Must Do in St Augustine, FL
1. Magnolia Avenue. Named one of the most beautiful streets in 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 showoff peacocks, too—if the photography Gods are with you, one might hop onto the coquina walls encircling the Fountain’s park as you are setting up your shot.
2. Door at 15 Bridge Street –pictured at right. Located right around the corner from the inn, this vintage door is charming from its arched top to its custom iron work. It’s a must stop for all of our brides, and it has the prettiest lighting in the late afternoon.
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!
4. The Main Square. 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. Across the street is the Lightner Museum. Walk through the entrance way gate, and find yourself in beautifully landscaped courtyard, complete with a stone bridge and a large koi pond. On the third corner is the Casa Monica today, 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.
5. 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. 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!
6. 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.
Pack your bags and join us at our St. Augustine boutique hotel. Experience the beauty of the city and all the wonderful attractions.