5 Perfect Beaches for Family Photos Near Jacksonville
The Best Backdrop For Your Next Family Photo Session
Image courtesy of Michelle Cencich
It’s important to make family memories in a special place, but choosing the right spot isn’t always easy. Whether you’re celebrating a new baby or planning your annual holiday photos, you probably want a spot that feels unique. When you want to capture special moments, it helps to find a laid-back setting with fewer people and a calm, relaxed feel.
Luckily, Northeast Florida has lots of great options. Fernandina Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach, for example, have everything from historic forts to coquina-sand shores. Here are five beaches that local photographers often recommend for family photos.
#1 Premier Photography Location in Ponte Vedra Beach
Image courtesy of Josh Moore
If you’re close to Ponte Vedra Beach, Mickler’s Landing Beach is a favorite. The pink coquina sand, tall dunes, and Atlantic sunrises make it stand out. Photographers like the wooden boardwalk for creative portraits and scenic views. The Dune Walkover is perfect for “mommy and me” sessions and family portraits because of its classic beach look and higher viewpoint. The pink-orange shell sand adds a pop of color to sunset or sunrise photos. This spot is great for capturing fun moments during golden hour.
#2 Diverse Backdrops
The Guana Tolomato Matanzas Research Reserve is another great place for family photos. Here, you’ll find tall coastal dunes and shady oak hammocks, giving it a more private and wild feel than Mickler’s Landing. The 30-foot sand dunes make a dramatic backdrop, especially at golden hour, when the sun is low in the sky, producing soft, warm, diffused light that creates a beautiful golden hue that enhances colors and textures in photographs. Wooden boardwalks and stairs are popular for portraits, and the Guana River Dam and Gazebo offer even more photo spots. The oak hammocks add a lush, green touch to your pictures. For a peaceful waterfront view, try the Tolomato River Estuary and the trails with benches overlooking the salt marshes.
#3 Surreal, World-Class Location
Image courtesy of Daniel Lincoln
Boneyard Beach at Big Talbot Island State Park, about 14 miles south of downtown Fernandina Beach, is a top choice for families on Amelia Island who want a dramatic, driftwood-filled spot for photos. The beach is known for its huge, sun-bleached driftwood trees that look like skeletons along the shore. Unlike most flat beaches, it has 30-foot bluffs and tangled tree roots, adding height and interest. The driftwood is the main draw, and families often pose by the bigger trunks for unique photos. There’s also a shoreline trail that winds through scrub oaks and saw palmettos, giving you a green forest background before you reach the beach. At low tide, pools of water and wet sand create a mirror effect, which is great for sunrise or sunset photos.
#4 Tranquil and Expansive Setting
Image courtesy of Tomi Saputra
Peter Point Beachfront Park on Amelia Island is another excellent place for family photos. The beach is known for horseback riding on the sand, which adds a unique and timeless touch to portraits. Since Amelia Island Horseback Riding operates here, guides often stop to take photos, making it a great spot for special family action shots. For more variety, try the wooden boardwalks through the natural dunes. They create a classic coastal look and stand out against the white sand. The beach is also very wide, which is perfect for candid shots of kids running or big family groups. You might even see gopher tortoises or signs of sea turtle nests, adding a bit of Florida’s wildlife to your session.
#5 Most Versatile Location
Fort Clinch State Park is often called one of the best places for family photos in Fernandina Beach. It has a unique mix of historic brick buildings, moss-covered oak trees, and clean coastlines. Canopy Road is a favorite for moody woodland shots, with its tunnel of live oaks covered in Spanish moss. If you want a more structured, architectural background, the Historic Fort with its 19th-century red brick walls, tunnels, and bastions is a great choice. For wide sunset views and space for kids to run, visit the East Beach and dunes. If your family prefers more “woodsy” images, the Willow Pond Trail, with its views of a freshwater marsh and lush green setting, is a great option.
After a Long Day at the Beach, Don’t Forget to Stop by Timoti’s
Taking family photos can be tiring, especially for parents. After your session, stop by Timoti’s Seafood Shak for a shrimp bowl and a cocktail to relax. You’ll enjoy tasty food and a welcoming atmosphere for the whole family.