The Best Scenic Views and Instagrammable Spots in St. Augustine
St. Augustine, the oldest city in the continental United States, is small, quaint, friendly, and highly Instagrammable. There are examples of architecture here that you will find nowhere else in the country and its beaches are some of the best in the Sunshine State. So, grab your camera, review the rule of thirds, and get ready to snap some of the prettiest scenic views on the east coast!
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CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS NATIONAL MONUMENT
Built on Florida’s coastline over 300 years ago by Spanish military engineers, this imposing fort is a remnant of the battle for global domination by the conquering powers of the day. The walls of the fort, composed of porous limestone, proved very effective in absorbing attacks by cannon fire for what stands today as the oldest masonry fort in North America. It’s towering walls, verdant grounds, tall ramparts, and, especially the canon demonstration conducted in Spanish (as it would have been back in the late 1600s) makes this one of St. Augustine’s most Insta-grammable photo spots!
CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS NATIONAL MONUMENT
Built on Florida’s coastline over 300 years ago by Spanish military engineers, this imposing fort is a remnant of the battle for global domination by the conquering powers of the day. The walls of the fort, composed of porous limestone, proved very effective in absorbing attacks by cannon fire for what stands today as the oldest masonry fort in North America. It’s towering walls, verdant grounds, tall ramparts, and, especially the canon demonstration conducted in Spanish (as it would have been back in the late 1600s) makes this one of St. Augustine’s most Insta-grammable photo spots!
THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
This place, enveloped in myth and mystery and referred to in songs and literature more times than one can count, was discovered by Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon in 1513. On his quest for gold, rumors of ‘healing waters’ surfaced and his unquenchable curiosity eventually led him to investigate the claims in St. Augustine. This historic, archeological park has plenty to point and shoot at such as the spring house, where visitors can drink water from 500 feet below the earth. The newest addition on the 15-acre property is a 600-foot observation dock over a marsh that transports you back in time to a replica of the first settlement site, the area’s indigenous wildlife, and even a planetarium. There’s plenty to super-charge your Instagram at this photo-ready attraction!
MAGNOLIA AVENUE BY THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
When National Geographic designates a location as one of the most photographed streets in America, shutterbugs take notice! Flanked by beautiful, ornate oak trees, the shafts of light that coax their way through the many twisting branches and leaves on Magnolia Avenue, conjure an ethereal glow that will put the ‘Wham’ in your Instagram!
ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE
What started out as a primitive watchtower erected by the Spanish to intercept enemy vessels approaching Anastasia Island, became the site of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. The lighthouse has undergone much throughout its tumultuous history, changing hands from Spanish, British, to, eventually, American rule in 1867. Beginning with the onsite maritime museum with its massive collection of 19,000 objects, archival documents and archaeological specimens, there is no shortage of Instagrammable content to capture here. The most dramatic photo-op, of course, is the top of the lighthouse itself with spectacular 360-degree scenic views that stretch for miles!
ST. JOHNS COUNTY OCEAN PIER
As one of Florida’s most beautiful coastal cities, no Instagrammable tour of this city would be complete without some sweet beach pics! If it’s scenic views of sand and sea you’re after, the pier, and its surroundings won’t disappoint. You can dip your pole off the side of the pier for some leisurely fishing, take in the people-watching, or just relax and watch the clouds roll by. The four acre beachfront park also offers arts and crafts shows, concerts, a farmer’s market, and festivals of all types.
HOLIDAY NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
If traveling to the ancient city from November through January (and who wouldn’t want to be in Florida during the winter?!), the best way to invoke that holiday spirit is with a resplendent ride on Old Town Trolleys Holiday Nights of Lights Tour! Businesses, homes, and public areas are spangled in millions of lights in a friendly, holiday-inspired competition to outdo one another. The tour features holiday music, hot cider, and homemade cookies along with a pair of complimentary glasses that intensifies the twinkling lights for an amazing, immersive experience! Talk about scenic views! Events like this are made for Instagram!
SEE IT ALL WITH OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS
For a comprehensive overview of the ‘Ancient City,’ your best bet is to hop on America’s Favorite Trolley! Friendly and knowledgeable conductors will take you on a fully narrated journey filled with humor and history, sharing the best of the city’s sights ensuring you visit the most Instagrammable, scenic spots in town. Included among the many trolley stops is the notorious Old Jail, the Oldest Store Museum, full of curiosities and inventions from ages past, the iconic brick-lined promenade of St. George Street, and that’s just for starters. All these locations are photo-ready for a great Insta-story you’ll cherish forever. The Old Town Trolley in St. Augustine not only provides a convenient way to explore the city’s historic sites but also guides you to the best scenic views and Instagrammable spots.
St. Augustine is awash in Old World charm with evidence of its many cultural influences embedded virtually anywhere you go. Its warm climate and excellent light make it ideal for photographers, amateur or otherwise, looking to capture a scene they can fall in love with. Enjoy your visit (and let everyone else enjoy it too when you post your favorite moments on Instagram!)2px);” data-instgrm-captioned=”” data-instgrm-permalink=”https://www.instagram.com/p/B4LEA5PFzFZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading” data-instgrm-version=”12″>
THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
This place, enveloped in myth and mystery and referred to in songs and literature more times than one can count, was discovered by Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon in 1513. On his quest for gold, rumors of ‘healing waters’ surfaced and his unquenchable curiosity eventually led him to investigate the claims in St. Augustine. This historic, archeological park has plenty to point and shoot at such as the spring house, where visitors can drink water from 500 feet below the earth. The newest addition on the 15-acre property is a 600-foot observation dock over a marsh that transports you back in time to a replica of the first settlement site, the area’s indigenous wildlife, and even a planetarium. There’s plenty to super-charge your Instagram at this photo-ready attraction!
MAGNOLIA AVENUE BY THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
When National Geographic designates a location as one of the most photographed streets in America, shutterbugs take notice! Flanked by beautiful, ornate oak trees, the shafts of light that coax their way through the many twisting branches and leaves on Magnolia Avenue, conjure an ethereal glow that will put the ‘Wham’ in your Instagram!
ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE
What started out as a primitive watchtower erected by the Spanish to intercept enemy vessels approaching Anastasia Island, became the site of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. The lighthouse has undergone much throughout its tumultuous history, changing hands from Spanish, British, to, eventually, American rule in 1867. Beginning with the onsite maritime museum with its massive collection of 19,000 objects, archival documents and archaeological specimens, there is no shortage of Instagrammable content to capture here. The most dramatic photo-op, of course, is the top of the lighthouse itself with spectacular 360-degree scenic views that stretch for miles!
ST. JOHNS COUNTY OCEAN PIER
As one of Florida’s most beautiful coastal cities, no Instagrammable tour of this city would be complete without some sweet beach pics! If it’s scenic views of sand and sea you’re after, the pier, and its surroundings won’t disappoint. You can dip your pole off the side of the pier for some leisurely fishing, take in the people-watching, or just relax and watch the clouds roll by. The four acre beachfront park also offers arts and crafts shows, concerts, a farmer’s market, and festivals of all types.
HOLIDAY NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
If traveling to the ancient city from November through January (and who wouldn’t want to be in Florida during the winter?!), the best way to invoke that holiday spirit is with a resplendent ride on Old Town Trolleys Holiday Nights of Lights Tour! Businesses, homes, and public areas are spangled in millions of lights in a friendly, holiday-inspired competition to outdo one another. The tour features holiday music, hot cider, and homemade cookies along with a pair of complimentary glasses that intensifies the twinkling lights for an amazing, immersive experience! Talk about scenic views! Events like this are made for Instagram!
SEE IT ALL WITH OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS
For a comprehensive overview of the ‘Ancient City,’ your best bet is to hop on America’s Favorite Trolley! Friendly and knowledgeable conductors will take you on a fully narrated journey filled with humor and history, sharing the best of the city’s sights ensuring you visit the most Instagrammable, scenic spots in town. Included among the many trolley stops is the notorious Old Jail, the Oldest Store Museum, full of curiosities and inventions from ages past, the iconic brick-lined promenade of St. George Street, and that’s just for starters. All these locations are photo-ready for a great Insta-story you’ll cherish forever.
St. Augustine is awash in Old World charm with evidence of its many cultural influences embedded virtually anywhere you go. Its warm climate and excellent light make it ideal for photographers, amateur or otherwise, looking to capture a scene they can fall in love with. Enjoy your visit (and let everyone else enjoy it too when you post your favorite moments on Instagram!)
