18 Gorgeous Places in Florida for Nature and Travel Lovers

Florida is a paradise for nature and travel photographers, filled with incredible destinations just waiting to be captured through your lens. From the sun-soaked beaches along the coast to the untamed wilderness of the Everglades, Florida offers a greater variety of landscapes and wildlife than it’s often credited for (it’s more than just beaches!).

Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant cityscapes of Miami or the tranquil beauty of Dry Tortugas National Park, there’s no shortage of interesting places to visit and photograph. Florida’s birdlife and diverse ecosystems make it one of the best places in the U.S. for wildlife photography.

Use this guide to help you find the most beautiful places in Florida, so you can plan the perfect trip and create an itinerary packed with unforgettable stops. You’ll see some well-known places, as well as many hidden gems that are often overlooked. Also, check the map below to see exactly where all of these places are located, so you can combine multiple spots into one trip.

The Most Beautiful Places in Florida

1. Everglades National Park

The Everglades, southwest of Miami, is a must-visit for landscape and nature photographers. Covering over 1.5 million acres, this unique wetland ecosystem is home to dramatic skies, sawgrass marshes, and winding waterways. Capture serene reflections at sunrise or the park’s abundant wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and wading birds.

The park includes a variety of trails and easily accessible viewpoints. The Anhinga Trail, a popular choice for visitors, is a short boardwalk trail, complete with opportunities to spot alligators and a myriad of bird species up close. For a higher perspective, the Pa-hay-okee Overlook provides a stunning vista of this epic landscape.

For better access to the landscape, hop on an airboat tour or canoe the narrow trails for a perspective not available from the trails.

2. Big Cypress National Preserve

Just north of the Everglades lies Big Cypress National Preserve, another hot spot for photographers. This preserve shares the same waterways but features more forested areas. The cypress domes that create captivating reflections in still water are among the best scenes in Big Cypress.

One of the best ways to experience Big Cyrpess is the Loop Road Scenic Drive. This 24-mile route offers countless opportunities to capture the beauty of the preserve. Along the way, you’ll find cypress swamps, wading birds, and perhaps even an alligator or two basking in the sun. The drive is ideal for those looking to photograph wildlife in its natural habitat, with several pull-offs allowing for safe exploration.

Kirby Storter Roadside Park is another must-visit within Big Cypress. The half-mile boardwalk trail leads to a picturesque cypress dome, where light filters through the towering trees and reflects off still waters. This trail is perfect for capturing atmospheric shots of the forest interior filled with lush greenery, moss-covered branches, and possibly some glimpses of native wildlife.

3. J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Located on Sanibel Island in the Gulf of Mexico, west of Fort Myers, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge features a four-mile wildlife drive perfect for photographing flamingos, herons, and other coastal birds in their natural environment. The vibrant mangroves and tranquil lagoons provide a beautiful backdrop.

For better access, walk the Indigo Trail and consider visiting during low tide when wildlife activity is at its peak.

4. Dry Tortugas National Park

Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Dry Tortugas National Park feels like stepping into a secluded paradise. Located about 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, this small park is best known for its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and the historic Fort Jefferson.

Photographers can capture everything from the turquoise sea to the Fort’s brick walls that contrast strikingly with the surrounding ocean. Underwater shots of marine life are just as rewarding, so consider bringing a waterproof camera housing to capture the vibrant ecosystem below the waves.

Camping in the park is an option, but most visitors come just for a day trip. If you decide to camp, photographing the night sky is another excellent option.

5. Miami

Miami is a city of vibrant nightlife with a picturesque skyline. The Art Deco architecture in South Beach is perfect for color-themed shots, while the Wynwood Walls offer dynamic street art backdrops.

Sunrise and sunset shots at South Pointe Park provide dazzling lighting and striking views of the ocean and city skyline. For a more tropical vibe, visit the lush Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, where you can capture vibrant plantlife.

If you’re drawn to unique cultural scenes, Little Havana offers vibrant streets filled with rich history, colorful murals, and lively Cuban charm. Additionally, the city’s rooftop bars and observation decks, like the one at the Freedom Tower, are perfect for capturing sweeping panoramas of Miami’s cityscape.

6. Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park provides a blend of coastal beauty just south of Miami. One of the interesting things about this park is that about 95% of it is underwater. Key Biscayne, known for its coral reefs and aquatic life, is ideal for underwater photographers.

You can also hop on a boat tour or capture the striking scenery at Convoy Point, where you’ll have wide-open views of the bay framed by palm trees.

One of the most picturesque spots in Biscayne National Park is the Boca Chita Lighthouse, a charming stone structure.

7. Cape Florida Lighthouse

Just outside of Miami, Cape Florida Lighthouse is another point of interest in the area. Located on Key Biscayne’s southern tip and within Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, this historic landmark stands tall against the Atlantic Ocean and is surrounded by beautiful bayside beaches.

8. Naples Pier

Head west to Naples Pier (northwest of Big Cypress National Preserve) for some of Florida’s best and most iconic sunset scenes. This photogenic boardwalk extends into the Gulf of Mexico and provides a perfect subject for golden-hour photography.

9. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

This coastal landscape in northern Florida, just south of Tallahassee, is a mix of salt marshes, tidal creeks, and pine forests—all bordered by the stunning Gulf of Mexico.

The St. Marks Lighthouse, one of the oldest in Florida, is a popular photo subject. Visit in the fall or winter for the best chances of spotting migratory birds like colorful warblers and sandhill cranes.

10. Crystal River

Crystal River, northwest of Tampa, is synonymous with its charismatic manatee population. Kayakers and snorkelers have prime opportunities to photograph these gentle creatures in crystal-clear springs. Three Sisters Springs is especially popular for its striking aqua tones and secluded atmosphere.

Crystal River Preserve State Park provides trails winding through diverse habitats, from salt marshes to pine flatwoods. The vibrant wildlife, both in and out of the water, makes Crystal River a true gem.

11. St. Augustine

Known as the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine is rich with history and ideal for travel photos. Stroll along cobblestone streets and capture Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the country.

Consider visiting Flagler College, an architectural gem blending Gilded Age charm with vibrant modern life.

The city’s beaches, such as St. Augustine Beach and Vilano Beach, offer beautiful stretches of sand and ocean views. Visitors can also explore the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, which provides excellent panoramic views from the top.

12. Key West

Famous for its sunsets and laid-back energy, Key West is an endless source of photo opportunities. Driving to Key West is as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself. The iconic Overseas Highway, a spectacular 113-mile route, connects the Florida Keys, ending at Key West.

Along the way, you’ll cross the breathtaking Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the world, offering stunning views of picturesque waters and scattered islands.

13. Ocala National Forest

In Central Florida, Ocala National Forest offers a blend of unique landscapes, including natural springs, pinewoods, and subtropical flora. Spanning over 600 square miles, it’s the southernmost national forest in the continental United States. Visitors can explore an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that weave through dense pine forests and open prairie landscapes.

The forest is also home to wildlife from deer and black bears to countless bird species.

14. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples is a hidden gem. Its diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, prairie, and pine uplands, make it an excellent location for nature and wildlife photography. It’s one of the best places in Florida to spot rare and fascinating wildlife, such as the ghost orchid, alligators, and the elusive barred owl.

Birdwatchers love the abundance of species, from colorful woodpeckers to graceful herons and egrets. Bring a telephoto lens to capture the wealth of bird species such as wood storks and snowy egrets in their natural habitat.

Beyond the wildlife, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary provides an untouched environment. The 2.25-mile boardwalk loops through ancient cypress forests dripping with Spanish moss, creating a dreamlike setting.

15. Cocoa Beach Pier

Cocoa Beach Pier, east of Orlando, is another photo-worthy subject. With the pier extending over crystal-clear Atlantic waves, it’s an ideal place for coastal sunrise shots.

16. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Located near Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary for landscape photographers drawn to natural wetlands and a wide diversity of birdlife.

Visit Black Point Wildlife Drive for some of Florida’s best marsh photography, or capture vivid reflections in the water during calm mornings.

17. Jonathan Dickinson State Park

On Florida’s southeast coast, north of Fort Lauderdale, Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a paradise for minimalist landscape photography. Its unique sand dunes, twisty pine forests, and the Loxahatchee River offer plenty of possibilities.

Hike to the top of Hobe Mountain, an 80+ foot-high sand dune for a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Plan Your Next Photography Adventure in Florida

Florida is bursting with postcard-perfect landscapes waiting to be captured. From stunning beaches and vibrant wetlands to towering dunes and winding rivers, the state’s diverse ecosystems offer endless inspiration for photographers.