72 Hours In St. Augustine

shoreshooters on February 22, 2024

There are so many things to love about St. Augustine, Florida!

Just south of Jacksonville, St. Augustine sits on the east coast of Florida. It claims to be the first settlement in America, so as you can imagine, it is rich in history! From the stunning architecture downtown to the beautiful beaches, we think St. Augustine is one of the most special beach towns that we do business in and It’s not hard to see why.

Here’s how we think you should spend 72 hours in St. Augustine

BREAKFAST

If you only have a couple of mornings for breakfast in St. Augustine, you have to go to SUNDAY!

They have a small menu and everything on it is worth trying! You can also get a French press coffee for two and fresh squeezed orange juice.

This restaurant is very involved in the community. It’s an old home that’s been renovated so it’s super cozy with beautiful lighting. Not to mention the aesthetic is on point! local artist, Jenna Alexander has a studio in the back and you can also purchase her artwork inside of Sunday.

Ragga Surf Cafe

You definitely want to visit this Schooley that’s positioned in the perfect quiet beach spot called Marineland. They have excellent coffee and the homemade pop tarts are to die for! We would highly recommend getting to this place for a sunrise. You can’t beat the view! Check out their Instagram here.

BEACHES

If you plan to spend the day on the beach, head south about a mile past Ragga and enjoy the local coquina. Across the street, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is also worth exploring, especially if you’d like a break from the sunshine. It’s loaded with history and beautiful gardens right along the Matanzas River.

We’d pretty much recommend any spot along A1A for a beach day. Don’t forget you can drive on the beach in St. Augustine. You’ll just want to make sure you’re checking in and paying any fees involved. You’ll see booths along the beach area for information.

Another thing to love about St. Augustine beaches is that they are pet friendly. No need to leave your four legged family members at home.

Accommodations:

We highly recommend booking one of the four villas from locally owned and managed St. Augustine Homes.

This couple lives and breathes St. Augustine! I guess someone would even consider Gabe Kling a local celebrity in the surf world. Sorry Gabe, we aren’t trying to embarrass you.

Their villas are located right across the street from the beach and are in walking distance from everything you need. It’s also a convenient drive to the St. Augustine lighthouse, and over the bridge of Lyons for a night downtown.

BEACH PHOTOS

Of course, a trip to St. Augustine wouldn’t be complete without a sunrise or sunset beach photography session with us! Visit this page to book with us.

Best Places To See A Sunrise In The St. Augustine Area

shoreshooters on January 14, 2024

If you’re visiting St. Augustine, Florida, you’ll want to get up early and see the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean. Our co-owner April Creighton has found some of the best places to do this! So here’s April’s list of the 3 best places to see a sunrise in the St. Augustine area.

The Rocks At Washington Oaks State Park, Palm Coast

This beach across from Washington Oaks State Park has a very different look than most beaches in Florida. This is due to the Coquina rocks, a soft rock made of ancient marine reefs and limestone. However, you may or may not see the rocks due to the weather and tide. At times, you may just see a few bumps in the sand. At other times, the coquina rocks form caves, nooks and crannies in the sand.

Bonus: Just 3 minutes north of the rocks in Marineland, you’ll find Ragga Surf Cafe, a converted school bus serving coffee and food!

St. Augustine Lighthouse

The iconic Saint Augustine Lighthouse is a must see! It sits in a historic neighborhood that’s loaded with quaint little cottages that showcase what Florida used to look like long ago.

Just a short walk or drive east of the lighthouse is Anastasia Island State Park. This is number 2 on our list of places to catch a sunrise. Be sure to grab a smoothie at Juicy and pack a bag for the day. The park is large enough to stretch out and has clean bathrooms. It does not offer free parking so make sure you get your pass early on in your trip!

Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach is located along A1A on Anastasia Island, just south of St. Augustine, The community gets its name from the natural shape of the coastline. Minimal vehicle traffic is allowed on Crescent Beach. There is a fee for vehicle access between March 1 and September 30. Horseback riding is also allowed at certain times and subject to an access fee.

Family Photography And A Proposal In Gulf Shores

shoreshooters on December 19, 2023

Alex contacted us to book a family session in Gulf Shores, but there was a twist! Her sister’s boyfriend was planning to propose on the beach during their session. As you’ll see from the photos, the family was prepared for the big event by having a big sign that said “Madelyn Will You Marry Me?”

Congratulations to the newly engaged couple and thank you Alex for choosing

Family Photography On Honeymoon Island

shoreshooters on November 29, 2023

When the Lynch family got together for a family reunion in the Sunshine State, they contacted us for family photography on Honeymoon Island. Their group consisted of 4 couples and 5 children ranging in age from 6 months to 7 years old.

Honeymoon Island is north of Clearwater on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The island features a variety of birds, a couple of small cafes, kayak and paddle board rental, and a state park.

St. Augustine Beach Photography

shoreshooters on November 22, 2023

A few from the Gingerich family’s St. Augustine beach photography session.

Family Photography At St. Pete Beach

shoreshooters on November 17, 2023

Family photography at St. Pete Beach with the Garrett family. Kellie said it had been a long time since they’ve had family pictures made with their two adult sons. Since they were getting together at Pass-A-Grille (the southernmost end of St. Pete Beach) to celebrate their oldest son’s birthday, this was the perfect opportunity.

There was a big surprise in store for the birthday boy. He did not know that his younger brother was going to be there! Although the Garretts only spent a couple of days together in Florida, their family photos on the beach will provide them with lifetime memories of their time spent at Pass-A-Grille!

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Destin Proposal Photography

shoreshooters on November 1, 2023

Ryan and his girlfriend are both in the Army. He is going to be out of the country for a year, so he wanted to book a Destin proposal photography session before he leaves. Of course, she said yes! We love being a part of special moments like this!

Whether it’s Destin proposal photography, engagement, or a family reunion, we’re here for all of your special moments. To book your session, just go

Destin Beach Proposal

shoreshooters on October 27, 2023

We love this Destin beach proposal! Carson proposed to Gracyn with a big “Marry Me” sign on the beach. Gracyn’s family and her childhood best friend and her family were there to help celebrate the proposal. Gracyn said “Our families have always vacationed together each year. Our mothers work together and they have always been like our second family. Their daughter Ellee is like a sister I never had. I am an only child and she is whom I would consider my sister!”

We also asked Gracyn to tell us a little more about her and Carson. She said “Carson and I started dating 5 years ago in January. We dated my junior and senior year of high school! We come from a small town in Scottsville KY where there is not even a Walmart lol! Everyone here knows everyone and all goes to the same school system. We have always loved going to the beach in Destin/ 30A area of Florida. I have been visiting there ever since I was a child, it’s my favorite place to go! We plan to come back to the Destin area for our wedding in the future! We loved our experience with Shore Shooters, Josh was amazing! He made the experience so comfortable and exciting. Carson did a wonderful job surprising me with all of this”

She also said that she has always dreamed of having a beach wedding in Destin, so we’re looking forward to working with them again when they set a date!

Fall Beach Photography In Gulf Shores

shoreshooters on October 25, 2023

Fall beach photography in Gulf Shores with the Guffey family. We were so happy to see this family for the second year in a row. When they visited us in October of 2022, Megan was pregnant with Daisy. This year, Daisy was a part of the family’s beach photos along with mom, dad, and her 5 siblings.

Senior Portraits In Destin

shoreshooters on October 23, 2023

The Knapp family scheduled a session with us for family photography and senior portraits in Destin. We’re here for any occasion! Whether it’s family photos on the beach, an engagement, proposal, anniversary, or senior portraits, let us capture it for you.

Family Photography At Martinique On The Gulf

shoreshooters on October 20, 2023

Family photography at Martinique On The Gulf on the Fort Morgan Peninsula along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. This beautiful resort offers luxury condos, cozy cottages, and rental homes along 600 feet of sugar-white sand beaches. It’s away from the crowds, but still close to Gulf Shores, so it’s the perfect peaceful retreat on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

This family needed to update their photos because they have added a grandson and daughter-in-law since their last vacation.

Panama City Beach Family Photography

shoreshooters on October 18, 2023

A Panama City Beach family photography session at St. Andrews State Park. Florida has a lot of beautiful state parks, but this one is one of our favorites! When you enter the park, you’ll see plenty of deer and other wildlife as you’re driving to the beach. Once you arrive at the beach, there’s plenty of space to have your own private beachfront area away from everyone else.

Family Beach Photos In Gulf Shores

shoreshooters on October 16, 2023

The Hershbergers contacted us to get updated family beach photos in Gulf Shores. How long has it been since you got the whole family together for photos? If you’re planning a vacation to Gulf Shores or any of the other beach communities we serve, we hope you’ll contact us get those amazing beach photos at sunrise or sunset. We make your beach photography session a fun experience that you’ll remember forever!

Extended Family Photography In Gulf Shores

shoreshooters on October 13, 2023

The Farley family spent their Fall Break vacationing on the Alabama Gulf Coast and scheduled us for extended family photography in Gulf Shores. Their group consisted of 11 people, including a couple of 2 year-old cousins.

If you are looking for a photographer for your extended family vacation, we would love to be your beach photographer! To book your session with one of our experienced, fun photograph

Fun Gulf Shores Engagement Photography

shoreshooters on October 11, 2023

This couple was a dream-come-true for photographer Brianna. They were very much in love, very relaxed, laid back, and down for anything! Brianna said it was one of the most fun Gulf Shores engagement photography session she has ever done!

Extended Family Photography On 30A

shoreshooters on October 7, 2023

The Keane family spent their fall break vacationing along the beaches of 30A in the Florida Panhandle. The grandparents along with their 6 kids, 2 in-laws, and 2 grandkids took advantage of the cooler temperatures and less-crowded beaches of 30A by visiting in early October. Honestly, we feel that fall is the best time to visit the beaches!

Thank you, Keane family, for choosing us for your extended family photography on 30A.

Outer Banks Family Photography

shoreshooters on October 5, 2023

Another Outer Banks family photography session from photographer Jessi. This family rented a vacation home in the Four Seasons community of Duck, North Carolina.

If you’re planning a family vacation to Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, or any of the other beautiful towns along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, we’d love to be your beach photographer!

Pensacola Beach Vacation Photography

shoreshooters on October 4, 2023

This was our second time photographing the Case family and we were so happy to see them again during their beach vacation in Pensacola Beach, Florida! They are so photogenic and their three children are so adorable! We loved everything about this session, from the outfits to the way the family enjoyed the beach without “posing” for their photos. This is our favorite kind of session because it just shows a family having fun and enjoying their time together on vacation.

Thank you for choosing us for your Pensacola Beach vacation photography!

Senior Portraits For Twins – Gulf Shores Photographer

shoreshooters on September 25, 2023

We are often asked if we do senior portraits and the answer is “Yes!”, but this one was a little different. It’s senior portraits for TWINS! Lance and Courtney both had their senior pictures done in the same session and it was their first time having beach pictures done! Here are a few of Courtney’s senior photos captured by Gulf Shores photographer Haleigh.

Senior Portraits For Twins - Gulf Shores Photographer 55

Hilton Head Family Photography

shoreshooters on September 22, 2023

Since this family had an 11-month old, they chose to have their Hilton Head family photography session in the grassy, tree-lined areas around the Palmetto Dunes Resort community.

Why We Love The Outer Banks

shoreshooters on September 19, 2023

If you’re looking for a unique vacation experience, look no further than the Outer Banks of North Carolina!

Here are a few reasons why we love the Outer Banks…

WILD HORSES

Take a safari tour to see the wild horses in Corolla. These mustangs are descendants of the horses brought here by the Spanish more than 500 years ago.

BODIE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE

We think it’s one of the most beautiful lighthouses in America. The Bodie Island Lighthouse stands 156 feet tall.

DUCK TOWN PARK BOARDWALK

This mile-long boardwalk is lined with shops and restaurants.

CAMPING ON THE OCEAN

Cape Hatteras National Seashore features four campgrounds, plus there are several other RV parks in the area offering oceanfront camping.

WRIGHT BROTHERS NATIONAL MEMORIAL

Air travel began in 1903 when the Wright Brothers flew their airplane over the Outer Banks for 12 seconds. The Wright Brothers National Memorial is located in Kill Devil Hills.

HORSEBACK RIDING ON THE BEACH

Ride a horse through the forest of Frisco and along the beach. Rides last about 2 hours.

PLENTY OF FREE PARKING AND BEACH ACCESS LOCATIONS

There are plenty of free parking lots all along the beaches of the Outer Banks. Just pick one, park, and go enjoy the beach!

These are just a few of the reasons why we love the Outer Banks. It’s a beautiful place for beach photos, so we hope you’ll contact us to book a session when you visit the area! Here are a few pictures from one of our recent family sessions.