Top Locations in South Florida for Photoshoots
One thing that I love about being a South Florida Photographer is that you have the best of both worlds. One day I can be photographing families on the beach. And the next day, I can be photographing them against greenery in nature. So many options!
It’s important to select the right location for your session. The backdrop of your location can help tell the story of your family and set the tone for your session.
A couple of summers ago we visited my dad’s farm in Tennessee. Among the hydrangeas and beneath the willow tree—what a dream! Not to mention, the open pasture where the boys could run. The farmhouse was a place we visit a couple of times a year. So, it had significance to us. It turned out to be a perfect location for our family photos.
When looking for a location in South Florida for your photoshoot, I think an important aspect to consider is how that location will aid in telling the story of your family.
With that being said, I am excited to help you give you my top locations in South Florida for photoshoots.
Table of contents
Fletcher Beach
House of Refuge Beach
Coral Cove Beach
Hobe Sound Nature Center
Dubois Park
Riverbend Park
Kai Kai Farms
White Trail Club
My Secret Spot
Fletcher Beach
Why I love it:
It’s small and doesn’t get crowded often
The rocks add a beautiful backdrop without being over bearing or difficult to walk on
Key Details:
Hardly ever crowded (avoid shooting here on weekends though)
Small parking lot, with soft sand…Beware!
No restrooms
No showers
Santa Lucea beach is right next door and has showers. Not a far walk.
Has a mix of both rocks and a sandy shore
Best time to shoot:
Sunrise and Sunset. Wondering when you should take sunset photos at the beach? <— this post breaks down the best time for sunset photos.
An hour before sunset
Within 30 mins of sunrise
I recommend shooting weekdays only. Weekends can get crowded, especially during spring break.
Hours of Operation:
No hours of operation listed
Directions
Address: Fletcher Beach, 45 NE MacArthur Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996
Photo Examples from Fletcher Beach:
House of Refuge in Stuart, FL
Why I love It:
There are three optional spots to shoot at:
The beach - The biggest draw to the House of Refuge is the amazing rocks that line the shore. If the tide is high enough, the water will crash into the rocks causing a huge spray of water. My kids love experiencing this! There’s also an old historic house with a tower that has some visual interest.
The dock - Keep in mind that people do fish from the dock so sometimes it can get crowded.
The river - as long as the tide is low enough, there is a cute spot right on the river. It’s the perfect spot if you have kids that love to explore.
Key Details:
Beautiful, historic beach with large rocks and old watch tower.
The parking lot, it’s small. And cars whiz by at lightning speed that it makes backing out scary at times!
Sadly there are no restrooms. And no showers.
Because the rocks can make the ground uneven, they can present as a potential hazard to those who are unsteady on their feet.
Not recommended for toddlers that like to run.
Best Time to Shoot:
Sunrise and Sunset. Wondering when you should take sunset photos at the beach? <— this post breaks down the best time for sunset photos.
An hour before sunset
Within 30 mins of sunrise
I recommend shooting weekdays only. Weekends can get crowded, especially during spring break.
Hours of Operation:
The beach is always open. There is a museum on site that is open Monday – Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm
Sunday from 1pm to 4 pm.
Website can be found here: https://hsmc-fl.com/house-of-refuge/
Directions:
House of Refuge Address: 301 Southeast MacArthur Boulevard, Stuart FL 34996
Click here to find House of Refuge on Google Maps.
Photoshoot Examples from the House of Refuge:
Sunrise photoshoot at the House of Refuge
More examples of a sunrise photoshoot at the House of Refuge
Sunset Photoshoot on the dock at the House of Refuge
Sunset photoshoot at House of Refuge
Riverside photoshoot examples from House of Refuge (captured at sunset)
Riverside photoshoot examples from House of Refuge (captured at sunset)
Coral Cove Beach
Why I love Coral Cove Beach
Located in Jupiter, the water is vibrant and blue. It’s close to the Jupiter Inlet. It offers beautiful rocks and a sandy shore. And, its a convenient location for my West Palm Beach clients.
Key Details:
Restrooms on site
Abundant parking
Playground for the kiddos (reward them after the session with some play time!)
Showers on site
Beautiful rocky shoreline and open beach space for the kids to run
Best Time to Shoot:
Sunrise and sunset
Weekdays only, as weekends can be very crowded
Hours of Operation:
The beach is open sunrise to sunset
Directions:
Google maps link here
The address is Coral Cove Park, 19450 County Hwy 707, Tequesta, FL 33469
Photo Examples from Coral Cove Beach:
A morning session at Coral Cove Beach
Hobe Sound Nature Center
Why I love Hobe Sound Nature Center
Hobe Sound Nature Center is great because it offers both a rustic/nature vibe and a coastal vibe. Since it’s right on the river, you can take advantage of the white sandy shoreline as well as the rustic trails of a beautiful Florida Scrub.
Key Details
Parking is abundant
Restrooms are available, but only open during their business hours
Fairly easy to access. There is a long staircase that leads to the beach, so keep that in mind if you have anyone in your group that is unsteady on their feet
Scrub trails are fun for the kids to explore and the beach is gentle. There’s lots of room for the kids to run and play.
Best Time to Shoot
It’s great to shoot at year round. Sunrise and sunset would be my preferred time of day for a photoshoot.
Hours of Operation
The trails are open sunrise to sunset
The gift shop and nature center are open during the following times:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Directions
The address is: 13640 S.E. Federal Highway (U.S. 1) Hobe Sound, Florida 33455
Phone number: 772-546-2067
Website: https://hobesoundnaturecenter.org/
Photo Examples from Hobe Sound Nature Center:
Hobe Sound Nature Center at sunset captured on their little white sand beach.
Stairway leading down to the beach at Hobe Sound Nature Center
Dubois Park
Why I love Dubois Park:
This is such a fun location for young families. There are tide pools, lagoons and a cute, shingled, historic Pioneer House reminiscent of something you would see in Maine. It also has great views of the Jupiter Lighthouse. I just love how it’s surrounded by water and palm trees. It’s a Florida gem!
Key Details:
Abundant parking
Restrooms and showers
Beautiful Floridian vibes
Lagoons and tidepools make for great visual interest in photographs
The nearby ocean breeze is refreshing
Best Time to Shoot:
Sunrise and Sunset
WEEKDAYS ONLY!! Avoid the weekends and spring break at all costs. It is swarming with people on the weekends and holidays. We went one time for Mother’s Day and it was a zoo.
Fall season gets busy with other photographers
Hours of Operation:
Sunrise to Sunset
Directions:
Here’s a link on Google Maps
The address is: DuBois Park, 19075 Dubois Rd, Jupiter, FL 33477
Website: https://discover.pbcgov.org/parks/Locations/DuBois.aspx
Photo Examples from Dubois Park
Evening session: Dubois at golden hour. This particular image was about 30 minutes before the sun went down.
Morning session: Dubois about 30 minutes or so after sunrise
An evening session at Dubois. The Pioneer house at Dubois about 30 minutes before sundown.
Riverbend Park
Why I love it
Every time I visit Riverbend Park, I feel like I am stepping into the ‘real’ Florida. The Florida that I imagine would have existed years ago. The park has so much room for life to flourish. From the oak hammocks, to the tall grass and open fields. One of my favorite things about Riverbend is the granddaddy oaks that provide so much shade and a sense of grandeur.
Key Details
Multiple places to shoot ie: oak hammock, dirt roads, open fields, tall grass
No pets allowed
Distraction-free environment and lots of room to capture images of the kiddos exploring
Crowds are low during the week and fairly spread out during the weekend. Although, fall photographer season can be teaming with photographers everywhere.
My biggest gripe would be the mosquitos. Bring bug spray and be prepared to use it!
Best Time to Shoot
If shooting in the oak hammock, I prefer about 2-3 hours before sunset.
If shooting in the tall grass, 1 hour before sunset is great.
Weekdays are always preferable because you’re guaranteed to have fewer people around.
Hours of Operation
Park is open sunrise to sunset
Directions
Google maps link here
Address: Riverbend Park, 9060 W Indiantown Rd, Jupiter, FL 33478
Photo Examples from Riverbend Park:
Riverbend in the afternoon under the oak hammock.
Golden hour at Riverbend
Kai Kai Farms
Why I love it
One word: peaceful. Kai Kai Farms is located out in the middle of the country and is a privately owned vegetable farm that boasts beautiful eucalyptus trees. Walking in, you will hear the leaves wrestling in the breeze. I guarantee your stress level will drop when you step out of your car!
Key Details
Parking is just a few steps away from our spot.
Restrooms nearby for use.
Private access to our location so we have our area all to ourselves!
The Farm charges a $75 fee to shoot there—it’s worth it though!
Tall eucalyptus trees and a sunn hemp flower field that blooms in the summer and early fall.
Best Time to Shoot:
Mid-morning, no later than about 10am
1-2 hours before sunset is my preferred time
The most popular season to shoot here is during the summer and early fall when the sunn hemp flowers are blooming. If you love the eucalyptus trees then year round works great!
Hours of Operation:
Photographers: By Appointment only
Directions
Google maps link here
Address: 8006 Southwest Kanner Highway
Indiantown, FL 34956Phone Number: 772-597-1717
Photo Examples from Kai Kai Farm:
Kai Kai farms an hour before sunset
Vegetable garden at Kai Kai Farms at sunset
Sunn Hemp field at Kai Kai farms. This session was photographed in the morning.
Morning light at Kai Kai Farms
White Trail Club
Why I love it
Your session will be completely private, as the venue rents out time slots to photographers by appointment. The grounds are spectacular. It’s super clean. Well manicured. And they even play music for you during your session!
Key Details
25 acres of beautiful scenery
No crowds
Private venue
Lots of room for the kids to run and play to capture those candid moments
$250 venue fee applies, the client is responsible for payment
Best Time to Shoot
1-2 hours before sunset
Mid morning can also work
Directions
Google Maps link here
Address: White Trail Club : A Flower Farm, 18877 131st Trail N, Jupiter, FL 33478
Website: https://www.whitetrailjupiter.com/
Hours of Operation
By appointment only for photographers
Photo Examples from White Trail Club
My Secret Spot 🙊
Why I love it
It’s quiet. It’s a newer location that I’ve been photographing a lot at lately. I love the Floridian nature landscape and the gravel paths.
Key Details
Convenient parking
Distraction-free environment for the kids
No crowds
Convenient location for clients to meet me if they are coming from West Palm Beach area
Best Time to Shoot
2 hours before sunset
Any day of the week
Any season of the year
Directions
I’ll give you those details at time of booking :) For now, I’d like to keep this spot on the down low!
Photo Examples from My Secret Spot:
2 hours before sunset
2 hours before sunset
Conclusion
I am hoping that sharing my top locations in South Florida for your next photoshoot will be helpful to you.
Here’s a wrapup…
Fletcher Beach
Rarely Crowded: Avoid weekends.
Small Parking Lot: Soft sand can be tricky.
No Restrooms or Showers
Nearby Santa Lucea Beach: Showers available, a short walk away.
Mix of Rocks and Sandy Shore
House of Refuge
Historic Beach: Large rocks, old watch tower.
Limited Parking: Tricky with fast traffic.
No Restrooms or Showers
Uneven Ground: Hazardous for unsteady footing.
6/10 Toddler-Friendly
Coral Cove Beach
On-Site Restrooms & Showers
Abundant Parking
Playground for Kids
Beautiful Rocky Shoreline & Open Beach for Running
Hobe Sound Nature Center
Abundant Parking
Restrooms (Open During Business Hours)
Fairly Easy Access: Note the long staircase to the beach.
Kid-Friendly: Fun scrub trails and a gentle beach with plenty of space to run and play.
Dubois Park
Abundant Parking
Restrooms & Showers
Floridian Vibes
Lagoons & Tidepools for Visual Interest
Refreshing Ocean Breeze
Riverbend Park
Diverse Shooting Spots: Oak hammock, dirt roads, fields, tall grass.
No Pets
Kid-Friendly, Distraction-Free
Low Weekday Crowds; Busy Fall Season
Bring Bug Spray for Mosquitoes
Kai Kai Farms
Close Parking
Nearby Restrooms
Private Access to Our Spot
$75 Farm Fee (Worth It!)
Tall Eucalyptus Trees & Sunn Hemp Flower Field
White Trail Club
25 Acres of Scenic Beauty
Private, Crowd-Free Venue
Plenty of Space for Kids to Play and Capture Candid Moments
$250 Venue Fee (Client Responsibility)
My Secret Spot
Easy Parking
Kid-Friendly, Distraction-Free
Private, No Crowds
Convenient for West Palm Beach Clients
I hope that you will consider these locations in South Florida for your next photoshoot!
Want to know more info about my family sessions?
And Just Who am I?
I’m a wife and mama of two boys living in Stuart, FL. I am passionate about preserving family legacies by creating classic and timeless family portraits for those who wish time stood still. I created my portrait sessions to show busy mamas that having a perfectly natural-looking family portrait in their home was not only obtainable… but also a joyful experience!
Additional Tips
