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

• Here’s a link to Google Maps

• 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:

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:

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/

• Google Maps Location

Photo Examples from 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

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:

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 34956

• Phone Number: 772-597-1717

Photo Examples from Kai Kai Farm:

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:

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!

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