My Top 5 Beaches for Photography Locations near Jacksonville, Florida

Melody Coarsey
Sep 14, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Jul 28

Living in Florida means we can go to the beach 365 days a year.

Which also means, we can do a photography session on the beach year round as well.

Does it get cold? Sometimes. Do we have hurricanes? Um, yes.

BUT, especially if you are new to Florida or vacationing here and a Beach Photoshoot for your Maternity Photos or Family Photography session is your dream I am HERE TO HELP. We have many options in our area here near Jacksonville and St Augustine, Florida, so let me give you my....

TOP 5 BEACHES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS near Jacksonville, Florida

children run in the tide while parents walk behind them smiling during a sunrise family photoshoot

1. BLACK ROCK BEACH

When thinking of my Top 5 photography locations near Jacksonville, Florida this beautiful beach north of Jacksonville Florida in Big Talbot Island State park is AMAZING. Not only is there driftwood which is amazing for family photos BUT also an area of compacted sand that looks like black rocks (hence the name). Yes, I said they are not actually rocks. But in the photos, you can't tell at all.

Family of three walks hand in hand across a rocky beach at sunset, with calm sea and a pastel sky.

Smiling parents hold their baby on a sandy beach with driftwood under a cloudy sky, creating a warm, tender moment

Young couple with baby sitting on driftwood at a sandy beach amid weathered trees, smiling softly.

2. RIVER TO SEA PRESERVE

This beach located just south of Marineland, Florida in Flagler County never disappoints.

Sunrise Family Photos? Gorgeous.

Sunset Maternity Photos? Gorgeous.

It may be a bit of a drive, but it's always worth it and the boardwalk always gives me California vibes and I LOVE it.

Father hugs smiling young boy on a rocky beach, with calm waves in the background and a warm, tender mood.

Pregnant woman in pink dress embraced by partner on a beach boardwalk at sunset, calm ocean and palm trees behind them

3. The Beaches at Guana Preserve

The Guana-Matanzas Preserve offers three different beach access points. Though each is a little different, the tall grassy dunes and wooden boardwalk areas always make for beautiful images. Add in there is limited parking so less people walking around makes it even better. Whether it's an overcast sky, soft summer haze or the bright golden light before sunset, this beach never disappoints.

Family of four walking hand in hand on a sandy beach at sunset, parents smiling as two children near the shoreline.

Pregnant couple embraces on a sunny beach, her flowing yellow dress glowing at sunset, creating a tender romantic mood.

4. Vilano Beach

This beautiful beach just across the intracoastal from downtown St Augustine features grassy dunes, large rocks and beautiful light at sunrise or sunset. It's an easy spot to get to for both Jacksonville and St Augustine, Florida residents or visitors which makes it a favorite for sure! (especially at sunrise)

Woman in floral dress leads smiling girl in white on rocky beach; father and boy play by the waves at sunset.

Couple embracing on a sunny beach at sunset, smiling at each other near rocks and ocean.

Family on rocky beach at sunset, mother in pink holding a baby while a man stands beside them, ocean behind.

5. Butler Beach, Florida

Located a little south of St Augustine Beach is the small town of Butler Beach, Florida. Very popular area for visitors to our area with the many condo and vacation homes available. I found this little spot as it was near where clients were staying and now I suggest it often. Family Pictures, Maternity Photos this location works great for whatever kind of photography you are wanting to do.

Smiling family of four with two young children on a sandy beach, parents holding the kids near dunes and a wooden boardwalk.

Pregnant woman and man hold hands on a wooden boardwalk through dunes at sunset, smiling at each other.

Pregnant couple holding hands walking barefoot on a sunny beach, with seagulls flying overhead and resting on wet sand.

Did I miss your favorite beach? Don't worry it's probably a beach I didn't want to share to keep it secret, lol. But I LOVE all the amazing beaches in our area and am lucky to be a Family Photographer in Jacksonville and St Augustine, Florida for sure.

To book your own Beach Photoshoot CLICK HERE to grab all the info!

~Melody