Get the photos with the ones you love the most. There really is no better time than now.

Kids change overnight, and getting time with our family is such a blessing.

That’s why I love family photography so much. Photos don’t freeze time… but they bring you back. They remind you how little they once were, how close you held them, and what this season of your life felt like.

Whether you’re local to Palm Coast/Flagler Beach/Ormond/Saint Augustine or visiting on vacation, here are my favorite spots for family photos!

Enjoy the tour!

Quick Answer: Where can I take family photos in Palm Coast or Flagler Beach?

If you want variety, comfort, and beautiful light, these are my top picks:

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park (gardens + oak trees)
Washington Oaks Beach (coquina rocks + dunes)
River to Sea Preserve / Marineland Beach (quiet + accessible + hidden gem)
Flagler Beach + Flagler Pier (coastal town + fun vibe)
Princess Place Preserve (oaks + history + sunsets)
Mantazas Inlet (Intracoastal sunset + driftwood + beach access)
At-home lifestyle sessions (cozy + meaningful + easiest for kids)

Now let’s break them down so you can pick the one that fits your vibe.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park (Gardens + Oaks + Dreamy Variety)

Best for: classic portraits, lush greenery, “storybook” gardens, and tons of variety in one spot.

Washington Oaks is one of the most loved locations in Palm Coast for family photos and for good reason. It’s full of beautiful landscaping, seasonal blooms, a gazebo area, and the most majestic oak trees. Every time I shoot here, I find new little corners that feel fresh.

Paola’s tip: If you can, book your session during the week. It’s one of the most visited parks, so weekdays feel calmer and easier for families.

Hours: typically sunrise to sunset
Entrance fee: $5 per vehicle
Planning note: You can pay at the park or pay ahead on the Florida State Parks site.

Washington Oaks Beach (Coquina Rocks + Dunes + Sunset Magic)

Best for: beach photos with texture, drama, and variety (without having to drive far).

Right across A1A from the gardens is the beach side — and it’s stunning. You get dunes, water, soft sand, and the famous coquina rocks. If you walk a bit to the left, there’s a rock wall area that adds contrast and so many photo opportunities.

Best time: sunset (that golden light here is incredible)
Paola’s tip: If your kids love exploring, this is such a fun spot because there’s always something to look at.

River to Sea Preserve (Marineland Beach) My Favorite Hidden Gem

Best for: quieter beach sessions, easy access, and families who want comfort + beauty.

This is honestly one of my favorite beaches for family photos. It feels like a hidden gem, and it’s a great option if you want a beach session that isn’t overly crowded.

What makes it amazing for families is how easy it is:

parking nearby
restrooms
boardwalk
ramps (very accessible for strollers and grandparents)

You also get rock walls, dunes, coquina rocks, and boardwalk textures — which means your gallery has tons of variety.

Best time: sunrise or sunset
Paola’s tip: This is a fantastic location for toddlers because we can move quickly and keep it fun.

Flagler Beach + Flagler Pier (Coastal Town + Fun + Personality)

Best for: families who want photos that feel playful, candid, and full of life.

Flagler Beach is such a cute beach town — murals, surf shops, ice cream spots, and that classic coastal charm. This is the perfect place if you want your session to feel like a little family adventure.

The Flagler Pier makes an iconic backdrop for portraits, and yes, it can get busy sometimes, but that’s nothing a little planning (and a little Photoshop if needed) can’t fix.

Best time: weekday evenings or sunset
Paola’s tip: Plan something fun afterward (ice cream is a classic), it keeps kids excited and attentive.

Princess Place Preserve (Oaks + History + Sunset Views)

Best for: nature lovers, big open space, golden sunsets, and a calm, timeless feel.

Princess Place Preserve is a beautiful historical site with acres of land, giant oaks, marsh views along the Matanzas River, and the Princess Lodge. It’s peaceful, spacious, and makes sessions feel relaxed, especially for families who want room to roam.

Best time: late afternoon into sunset
Paola’s tip: Great option for kids who need space to move without feeling “posed.”

Matanzas Inlet (Sunset Over the Intracoastal + Driftwood + Beach Access)

Best for: families who want something a little wilder, more natural, and so Florida.

Matanzas Inlet is one of those spots that feels like a little adventure, in the best way. You get sunset over the Intracoastal, beautiful driftwood, and beach access all in one place, which means your gallery ends up with a ton of variety without needing to drive around.

If you love the idea of photos that feel a little more organic, think barefoot, wind in the hair, kids exploring driftwood, parents soaking it in. It is so much fun!

Best time: late afternoon into sunset (that glow over the water is unreal)

My tip: This location works best when we keep expectations simple: lots of movement, lots of connection, and letting the kids explore while I guide you into the prettiest light.

It can get busy, especially on weekends!

At home family sessions (my soft spot)

Best for: families who want something meaningful, cozy, and completely “you.”

I’m going to say something that surprises people:

Some of the most beautiful family photos happen at home.

Not in a fancy, staged way — but in the way your kids climb onto your lap, how they cuddle on the couch, how they hang out in the kitchen while you’re doing your normal life.

And please hear me: your house doesn’t need to be perfect.
You don’t need a spotless home. You just need a little space to be close.

It can be:

the couch
the bed
the kitchen counter
your back porch
the nursery/playroom chaos

Big perks of at-home sessions:

outfit changes are easy
breaks are easy
Kids feel safe, and the photos feel like your real story

If you’ve already done beach photos before, this is also the perfect “something different.”

How do you choose the best spot?

Here’s the easiest way to decide:

Want classic portraits + variety? → Washington Oaks Gardens
Want beach + coquina rocks? → Washington Oaks Beach
Want quiet + easy access? → Marineland / River to Sea
Want fun + town vibes? → Flagler Beach & Pier
Want nature + open space? → Princess Place
Want the most personal story? → At-home session

And if you’re torn? Tell me what you’re imagining, and I’ll help you pick.

Ready to plan your family photos?

If reading this made you feel even a tiny bit emotional… you’re not alone. That’s kind of the whole point.

These days are a big deal, even the messy ones. Especially the messy ones.

If you’re ready, I’m here to make it easy. I’ll help you choose the location, pick the best time for light, plan outfits, and guide you through a session that feels relaxed, fun, and real.

Next step: Fill out my inquiry form and tell me:

How many people
your ideal dates
and what vibe you want (beach, gardens, cozy at home)

I’ll take it from there.

Book yours here!

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