23 Picture-Perfect Secret Spots to Snap a Photo in Jax

Here are some of our favorite #onlyinjax locations to take the ultimate photos. Whether using the highest quality lenses or just your phone, these local sites speak for themselves.

1. A1A drive (Heckscher) from Amelia Island to I-295. It isn’t referred to as the A1A Scenic Highway for nothing!

Almost every spot along this drive overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the St. Johns River and the Timucuan Preserve offers unbelievably gorgeous views.

2. Public art is popping up all over this city.

From Downtown to Riverside to Brooklyn you can find some amazing murals that have been painted over the last few years. Check out the alley behind 1904 Music Hall, Burrito Gallery in Brooklyn, the wall on Lomax Street and so many more.

3. Jacksonville Beach.

Delight in close up views of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the scene of the miles of remarkable beaches before you. Iconic Jacksonville spot.

4. The River Taxi.

The awe-inspiring view of the Downtown and skyline will meet you as you capture the shot from the River Taxi along the scenic banks of the St. Johns.

5. The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.

It is one of the best museums in the South with a unique collection that spans from ancient Greek to modern art. The Museum features impressive waterfront gardens, a world-renowned art collection and the hands-on Art Connections activity center. Do not leave without taking a stroll through the Cummer’s gardens.

6. The Southbank Riverwalk.

Renovated in 2015 and featuring the Roux Arts: Mirrored River art installation under the Main Street Bridge, this walk is easily accessible to all and breathtaking from so many different spots.

7. Black Rock Beach

Eerie fallen oaks line the shore looking like massive skeletons on the water. Boneyard Beach is a favorite with professional photographers in the city and a must see spot for visitors. If you’re lucky there will be some dolphins swimming along the shore to greet you.

8. Memorial Park

Come on a sunny, clear day and enjoy this tribute to World War I veterans with the sparkling St. Johns River as your backdrop.

9. The Timucuan Preserve

Pretty much anywhere in the preserve can be a stunning photo. Whether it’s the bird watching, the hiking, the beaches or Kingsley Plantation, beautiful views abound.

10. Riverfront Park in San Marco

Visit this park around dusk and relish in the bright pink and yellow hues of the sunset as you witness Downtown Jacksonville light up before you.

11. Ortega Bridge

Built in 1908 this bridge has a splendid view of the St. Johns River and the Jacksonville skyline. Take a seat on the soft green grass next to the palm trees to catch the perfect shot. Or swing by Stockton Park located south of the bridge for views of the river and the skyline.

12. The Florida Theatre

The majestic Florida Theatre is truly a sight to see. Be sure to stop by at night to catch the flashing lights of the marquee, a testament to the theatre’s grand past.

13. At the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens with the tigers…or the giraffes

Experience the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens like never before. Enter the Land of the Tiger where you can capture a selfie with the Malayan and Sumatran tigers pacing above you or get a great shot of the tigers bathing under the waterfalls from inside the glassed in viewing room. Another great spot is in the Giraffe Overlook where you can feed the giraffes or take up close photos of others feeding them.

14. Treaty Oak in Downtown Jacksonville

This magnificent live oak is one of the single oldest living things in Jacksonville. Capture a killer shot from underneath the shade of this octopus-like beauty with long, outstretched branches.

15. Castaway Island Preserve off San Pablo Road

Hike, bike or kayak the 300-acre estuary to find tons of nature’s hidden beauty along the Intracoastal Waterway.

16. Dreamette

Looking for the perfect ice cream cone pic? This is the place to do it! You’ll get an amazing shot, and then get to eat some amazing ice cream. This charming little ice cream stand in Murray Hill has been serving it up for over 60 years. There are additional locations in San Marco and Springfield.

17. Mini bridges at FSCJ

Can’t make it to all of our stunning bridges? No problem. Drive or walk over to the Cancer Survivor’s Park on W. State Street and snap a pic at this park featuring scale replicas of Jacksonville’s seven Downtown bridges.

18. The MOSH mouth at James Weldon Johnson Park

Who doesn’t want to walk through a giant mouth right outside of city hall, right? The long standing resident of MOSH’s “The Body Within” just recently made its debut in James Weldon Johnson Park bringing with it a whole new cool photo op.

19. Mandarin Park

Offering gorgeous views of the water and marina, Mandarin Park is a perfect spot to catch a picturesque Jax sunset.

20. Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens lagoon and sculptures

Hidden off of Monument Road in Arlington, you would never expect to find this perfectly photogenic arboretum and gardens. The lagoon offers beautiful views of lily pads and, if you can catch him, the resident alligator along with miles of hiking trails dotted with sculptures.

21. Aardwolf Brewing Company

Located in a former ice plant along the rail road tracks in San Marco, Aardwolf is one of the most beautifully decorated breweries you will ever see.

22. CoRK Arts District in Riverside

This 80,000 square foot warehouse space turned art studios has outside walls that are an open canvas for artists to decorate. Murals and graffiti art cover the walls - it’s quite a sight to see.

23. The Bleachers at the Baseball Grounds during a game at sunset

It may seem like a funny spot to mention – we know – but if you have been there to see it you know what we mean.

6 Extra Not-So-Secret Spots

And for those of you who have never visited Jacksonville before, we want to be sure you know all the best standard shots that are breathtaking on their own, just maybe not so super-secret.

1. Friendship Fountain with the Jax skyline behind you. Take a trip during the day and see the water dancing up and down, or come for a night light show and snap a photo in front of this iconic fountain, with the St. Johns River and Downtown skyline in the background.

2. Sunrise at the beach. Whether it’s Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, or Mayport Beach, these stunning gems of Atlantic Ocean paradise are the ideal to place to take a sunrise photo. From the beach with the pier in the background? AMAZING!

3. With the lions at San Marco Square. Located right in the heart of the San Marco Square are the impressive bronze lions. Take a selfie by these kingly cats while checking out the magnificent culture and shops in San Marco.

4. Main Street and Acosta Bridge Downtown. Two of the most memorable bridges in Jacksonville, and you can access both by foot. Snap a pic by the aqua hues of the Main Street Bridge and Acosta Bridge at night, and get a gorgeous view of the St. Johns River from high up in the air.

5. The jaguar statue at TIAA Bank Field. As you approach TIAA Bank Field from the west, a massive bronze jaguar sculpture will greet you, a great photo op.

6. The largest video scoreboards in the world at TIAA Bank Field. Jaguars will roar for you as you enter the home of the annual Florida vs. Georgia Classic, TaxSlayer Bowl, and of course the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. Take a selfie beside the two massive 362-foot-long scoreboards, the largest HD LED screens of their kind in the world. Or hop in the pool at the end zone for a one-of-a-kind snapshot, just be sure to keep your camera dry. On game days you can see your social media selfies on the large screens, just use the hashtag #JagsGameDayLive.