Photo by Denys Kostyuchenko on Unsplash
Miami and surrounding cities area are one of the most popular destinations in the USA with more than 16 million overnight visitors. Furthermore, there are also a lot of very picturesque locations, so the best photo spots in Miami offer a lot of opportunities to travel photographers for great shots.
This guide is not a “classic” tourist guide you will find on Lonely Planet or TripAdvisor. Instead, we’d like to present your guide from the photographer’s point of view.
That said, you shouldn’t use this guide to organize your whole trip in Miami and the surrounding area, but to have an additional guide for where you should take great photos and footage, in which time of day, and which gears are the best suited.
So, when you read this guide till the end you will find which are the best photo spots in Miami. Also besides that, you will know what’s the best season for visit, the easiest way to get photo spots, and our tips for travel photographers.
Table of Contents
Essentials for Photographers
Photo by Tuan Nguyen on Unsplash
Before we jump in into photo spots let’s first quickly overview the destination in order to help you prepare your trip easily.
Miami is a city with population of about 478.000. Although it’s not the largest city in Florida (the largest city is Jacksonville), but Miami metro area is the largest. Also, most visitors consider Miami and Miami Beach as a single city. This is the reason why we also in this guide consider photo spots in Miami, but also in Miami Beach.
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Miami is from late autumn to spring. In other words, somewhere between late November/early December and the end of April. In that period weather is warm and dry Summers are hot, but also wet, with occasional thunderstorms and high humidity.
From August till October is hurricane season on East Coast, and it can influence bad weather in Miami as well.
However, we can not say that summer is a worse time to visit because it’s hot and sunny most of the days, but you simply need to count on high humidity and the possibility of thunderstorms.
Tips for Getting Around
We are pretty sure you won’t be focused only on a single location. Therefore, you probably want to explore the area and take shots at different photo spots in Miami. So, we recommend you hire a car in order to be more comfortable in getting around.
Simply, it is the easiest way to go from spot A to spot B in the city. There are a lot of options for car rentals in Miami and car rental is not expensive in general. Also, there are a lot of Turo hosts if you prefer more car-sharing instead of classic car rentals.
For folks that don’t like driving or are more comfortable if don’t think about driving in the new destination, there are 2 other options: public transport and taxi/ridesharing. Public transport consists of buses (Metrobus), trolleys, and light rail (Metrorail).
We recommend you buy the Easy card to pay a fare easily. However, with public transport, you need to be aware that the trade-off is more time you need to get from one spot to another.
The good thing is that Miami is a flat area, so you can easily use the bike to move around. But also it’s very good according to pedestrians, and when you are in a single district the most convenient way to move around is walking. Especially if you are in the most attractive part of the year when humidity is low and the weather is warm.
A Few More Travel Photo Tips
Miami is a fantastic destination for spring breaks. In other words, if you like crowd and street life photography, and want to feel the spring break vibe, you should think about visiting between mid-February and mid-March.
Also, there are a lot of opportunities for sport fishing in and around of Miami area, so if you want to take kind of action and adventure photography we recommend you hire a fishing charter.
In the end, we need to let you know to pay attention to yourself if you visit Miami during a hurricane season and if a hurricane reaches an area where you are. Taking photos outside in very bad weather conditions is nothing you should do because the risk is high. Therefore, follow local authorities and do what they advise you to do.
Miami Photo Spots
Photo by Guzmán Barquín on Unsplash
We divided photo spots in Miami into the 3 areas:
- Miami Beach & surrounding;
- Downtown & surrounding;
- South neighborhoods.
Also, we ordered photo spots not by priority, but by geographical order to make it easier to you to plan the routes. Let’s move on:
Miami Beach Photo Spots (+ Surrounding)
1. Pier Park at Sunny Isles Beach
Sunny Isles Beach is not a part of Miami Beach, but it’s located north of it. Pier Park is the most photogenic location in Sunny Isles Beach. In addition, when you walk to the top of the pier, you will be able to take fantastic photos of a nearby skyline and beaches around you.
We recommend you have both wide and telephoto lenses with you, because the pier is a fantastic choice for cityscapes where wide angles have more sense. But also you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to catch some beach vibes with telephoto angles. So, we can say that this location is a school example where an all-round lens is an ideal travel photo companion.
Also, this location is perfect for both daylight and night photos. But, if you want to take photos of skyscrapers’ silhouettes try picking this location somewhere around sunset.
How to get there
Address: 16501 Collins Ave
The nearby bus stop is Collins Av & Sunny Isles Blvd. If you go by car, there are 2 parking lots in Collins Ave and Sunny Isles Blvd.
More information
To find some inspiration
2. Indian Beach Park
It’s another great spot for beach life photos. Don’t miss taking photos of colorful lifeguard stands.
How to get there
Address: 4601 Collins Ave
The easiest way is by car if you are not accommodated nearby. There is a parking lot in a front of the beach. Also, there is a bus station nearby.
To find some inspiration
3. Art Deco Historic District
This is one of the most vibrant areas in Miami Beach. It’s located in South Beach and there are 800+ candy-colors art deco buildings. Therefore almost every spot in the Art Deco district will be good for taking photos.
If you have enough time we recommend you explore this area first and take photos later. The best way in Art Deco district exploring is by walking. In any case, we recommend you visit this area both during daylight and at night.
How to get there
Address of Art Deco welcome center: 1001 Ocean Dr
It’s very close to the city center of Miami Beach. There are a few bus stations on Washington Ave, and also parking garages nearby if you go by car.
More information
To find some inspiration
4. SoBe is Love
SoBe is love sculpture is located at the intersection of Washington Ave and 6th St in a front of Angler’s Hotel. It’s an art public project with the goal to send a message of love.
How to get there
Address: 600 Washington Ave
There are a few bus stations on Washington Ave, and also parking lots and garages nearby if you go by car.
More information
To find some inspiration
5. South Beach
This is one of the most popular areas in Miami. Besides beaches, you will find a lot of nightclubs, hotels, and restaurants. Also, it’s one of the best photo spot in Miami for beach life and street life photos during both daylight and night.
One of the most picturesque things is numerous lifeguard stands. So, we recommend you try picking golden hour to make the most vibrant photos of lifeguard stands, considering their colors are warm.
How to get there
It’s located alongside Ocean drive. You can site your photo walking from this spot.
There are a few bus stations on Washington Ave, and also parking lots and garages nearby if you go by car.
More information
To find some inspiration
6. Ocean Drive
It’s one of the most famous streets for its art deco building but also for its palm trees. Also, Ocean Drive is famous for a lot of movies and music videos filmed there.
If you like taking street life photos it will be a paradise for you. However, we need to say that this street is crowded most of the time (with a peak on weekends). During the night buildings are decorated with neon lights so don’t miss visiting Ocean Drive both day and night.
How to get there
We need to stress that as from July 2020 it’s a pedestrian area, but there are bus stations on Washington Ave, and also parking lots nearby. However, you can start your walking from the corner of 14 st and Ocean Drive and then go down toward South Pointe Park.
To find some inspiration
7. South Pointe Park
South Pointe Park is located on the south peak of Miami Beach and it’s one of the best photo spots in Miami for the cityscapes of Downtown and Miami Beach. Actually, the best panoramic photos you will take from the South Point Pier, but interesting angles you will find among the whole park.
You could also take shots of the rocks beside the walking area. Also, if you like taking photos of cruise ships that left the port of Miami. The best shots will be around golden hour, but it’s also a great location for a night view of the Miami skyline. Furthermore, don’t miss also taking photos of South Pointe Park Lighthouse.
How to get there
Address: 1 Washington Ave
There are few bus stations at South Pointe Dr & Washington Av. Also, you will find a few parking lots, if you go by car, but they could be pretty busy during weekends.
More information
To find some inspiration
Downtown Miami Photo Spots (+ Surrounding)
8. Miami Design District
Miami Design District is located north of Downtown Miami. There are a lot of building with interesting and innovative architecture, and a lot of fancy boutiques and restaurants. So, you can count on a lot of photo spots in this neighborhood for both daylight and nighttime photos.
How to get there
Few bus stations are in the Miami Design District. Also, there are few parking garages nearby.
More information
To find some inspiration
9. Museum Garage
It’s one of the parking garages in the Miami Design District. But the design of its facade is unique and very picturesque.
How to get there
It’s in Miami Design District and it’s easily accessible by car and by bus.
More information
To find some inspiration
10. Buckminster Fuller's Fly's Eye Dome
This is one of the oldest sculptures in the Miami Design District designed in 1965. So, it is one of the interesting photo spots you shouldn’t miss.
How to get there
Address: 140 NE 39th St
It’s in Miami Design District and it’s easily accessible by car and by bus.
More information
To find some inspiration
11. Wynwood
Wynwood is the artistic neighborhood north of Downtown Miami. It’s interesting for photographers because of the colorful murals on walls.
How to get there
It’s easily accessible by car and by bus.
To find some inspiration
12. Venetian Bridge
This is one of the best photo spots in Miami for taking shots of cityscape and skyline of the Downtown. You are even able to take distant photos of Miami Beach, so we recommend you have both wide and telephoto lenses.
How to get there
Address: North, Atlantic Ave
It’s easily accessible by bus and light rail from the Miami side (Adrienne Arsht metromover station). If you go by car we recommend you to park in one of the garages nearby and take a photo walking on the Venetian Bridge.
More information
To find some inspiration
13. Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
If you like science we highly recommend you to visit this museum. Also, there is a fantastic aquarium with a lot of wildlife animals, so there are a lot of opportunities for great photos.
Regarding lenses, we recommend you take a fast & bright lens because lighting conditions won’t be ideal, especially if you are going to take photos of animals when you need to set short exposure.
How to get there
Address: 1101 Biscayne Blvd
The easiest way is to catch metromover (light rail) and take off at Museum Park station. If you are going to drive a car, there are parking lots nearby.
More information
To find some inspiration
14. Downtown Miami Skyline
There are a lot of spots from where you can take photos of Downtown Miami.
The best spots from near distance photos are between MacArthur Causeway, Miami Children’s Museum, and Miami Seaplane Base. Regarding lenses, we recommend you try both wide and mid to telephoto in order to be able to get different perspectives. Also, if you get there during the golden hour you can take great shots of the skyscraper’s silhouettes.
If you want to take closer pictures of the Downtown Miami skyline, we recommend you find the perfect spot walking beside the Miami River. Also, we recommend you visit the Miami River in both daylight and night. But the best time is somewhere around sunset and night (actually in twilight). In this period you will be able to take nice images of skyscrapers full of light, while you will still have blue sky.
The third option for taking nice photos of Downtown Miami is Brickell Key. It’s a small island connected with Downtown Miami with a bridge. Around the whole island, there is a nice walking area. From the east, you will have a fantastic view of Downtown Miami. While from north and west the view is great toward Miami Port. However, the best time for taking photos is the same as from Miami River. So, try picking a time between sunset and night. Of course, it’s location-worthy also for daylight photos.
How to get there
Location near MacArthur Causeway on Google Maps
Miami river location on Google Maps
Brickell Key location on Google Maps
Parking and bus station are nearby every spot in Downtown Miami.
More information
To find some inspiration
15. Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel
It’s not a classic observation deck, but this is a great option for taking photos from 200 feet above. If you want to avoid waiting in a row, you can buy tickets here.
How to get there
Address: 401 Biscayne Blvd
Nearby metromover station is College Bayside. Also, there are bus stations nearby. There are also 2 parking lots nearby.
More information
To find some inspiration
16. Little Havana
It’s a very vibrant neighborhood west of Downtown Miami. If you want to take a taste of Cuba, Little Havana is the perfect spot. So, this location is great for street life photos.
If you want to take a break it’s also a great location to do so because of a lot of cafes and restaurants. Also, don’t miss taking a walk at Domino Park – it is the main place where locals play domino.
How to get there
The easiest way is by bus. Most parking spots are in east Little Havana, to be precious around LoanDepot Park stadium.
More information
To find some inspiration
South Neighborhoods Photo Spots
17. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Vizcaya Museum is one of the oldest estates in Miami (built in the early 20th century). It looks so Mediterranean in terms of architectural style, so you will have a feeling that you are somewhere in southern Europe.
How to get there
Address: 3251 S Miami Ave
You can go there by bus, but it’s more comfortable getting there by car.
More information
To find some inspiration
18. Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne is located on a barrier island it’s connected with Miami with bridges. There are 3 parks and a nice dog-friendly beach. Also, don’t miss Cape Florida lighthouse, located in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Moreover, this is one of the most popular places to get married.
If you can, try picking times around golden hour for the best shots.
How to get there
Of course, there is an option to get there by bus, but locations like this are reasons why we recommend you to rent a car because it’s the most easier way to reach destinations like this.
More information
To find some inspiration
19. Matheson Hammocks Park
Matheson Hammocks is a 630 acres park that opened in 1930. Also, it’s one of the most popular locations for weddings and engagements. However, if you want walking and rest from the urban life of Miami, it is fantastic place. For those who like taking shots of forests and less-urban beach life, this is a perfect choice. Also, try picking afternoon for the best shots.
How to get there
Address: 9610 Old Cutler Road
The easiest way to get there is by car.
More information
To find some inspiration
20. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
If you like taking photos of flowers and animals, you shouldn’t miss Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. There are also a lot of rare tropical plants you will enjoy taking photos of them. You can find their actual working time and buy a ticket on their official website.
How to get there
Address: 10901 Old Cutler Rd
The easiest way to get there is by car.
More information
To find some inspiration
Additional Ways to Find Unique Angles
Photo by Diego van Sommeren on Unsplash
Plane/Helicopter Flight
If you want to have an opportunity to get aerial shots without a drone, you shouldn’t miss helicopter or plane rides. Usually, you will be able to arrange a custom route.
However, you should be aware that these tours are not cheap in private tour offers, but those are definitely pay off. Group tours are cheaper, but in that case you won’t have the same flexibility as when you are on a private tour.
Also, once you are on the flight don’t presume that you should have a wide lens and keep exposure as fast as possible because this kind of shoot will be more like action photography. So, your settings will be different than when you take the usual landscape shots.
Plane/helicopter tours
Boat Tours & Fishing Charters
Another option to get unique angles is to take a boat tour. Also, if you like trying sportfishing as an activity while you are on a boat we recommend you instead of a classic boat tour to take a fishing charter instead.
Boat tours
Fishing charters
Rooftop Bars & Restaurants
Miami has a lot of skyscrapers, but there is no public viewpoint from the top of any of these skyscrapers. So, if you don’t have a hotel room or Airbnb on a high floor with a panoramic view, we recommend you take a look at rooftops to visit rooftop bars and restaurants.
Also, you could use them to take a break, enjoy delicious meals and drinks, plus take some interesting shots above.
List of the best rooftop bars in Miami by The Rooftop Guide
List of the best rooftop bars by the official travel and tourism site of greater Miami & Miami Beach
List of rooftop bars by TimeOut
Conclusion
Miami and Miami Beach are the most visited destinations in Florida. Those are great places to have a family holiday, but also fantastic choice to get some winter sun. Also, those are one of the best choices for spring break on the East Coast.
We let you know which is the best time to visit Miami and share with you some tips to getting around. However, we didn’t go too much into other things to do, because we wanted to write it solely to be focused to photo spots. There are a lot of other websites where you will find general information, and some of them we featured.
The heart of this guide is photo spots in Miami and Miami Beach. But to make it easier for you to follow we order our favorite photo spots geographically (from north to south). So, we were primarily on photo spots located in Miami Beach and Downtown Miami.
However, we added also some interesting options in southern neighborhoods that are easily reachable by car. Of course, this is not a “full list” of every interesting photo spot, but something with which you will start exploring the city. Also, we wanted to give you some inspiration with some nice examples from Instagram.
We are more than glad to hear from you about your favorite photo spots in Miami? If there is any other place that travel photographers shouldn’t miss? Let us know about it in the comment section below.
