The Most Instagrammable Spots in South Florida

I live in one of the most beautiful places in the whole world. No, I am not biased. Ask the millions of tourists that pour in each and every year. They will agree.

I’ve lived right outside of Fort Lauderdale since Instagram was a thing. Here is some over-filtered, cringey proof that I’ve been in the game since the start:

Okay, so this picture is actually from 2014, but I deleted my account that I had from about 2011 to 2013 because it was wayyy too cringey and the evidence had to be destroyed. But anyway, I’d like to feel that I have stepped up my Instagram game.

Even though I’ve taken it easy on the harsh color editing and filters, I am still snapping pictures at the same Instagrammable spots in South Florida.

Today, I am sharing some of the spots that have served as my favorite backdrops for my Instagram pictures over the years. You have to check out these beautiful places when you’re in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Follow me on Instagram at @emilykrings!

1. Anne Kolb Nature Center

Anne Kolb Nature Center was introduced to me by my favorite photographer, Anton. It has a lookout tower with a phenomenal view of both the marshes and snippets of Hollywood!

In addition to the lookout tower, Anne Kolb Nature Center has tons of cute places to snap pictures on the water and on wooded walking trails.

Even if you’re not in the mood for a shoot, this park is one of the most peaceful in South Florida and I absolutely love it!

2. The Alchemist

Okay, so I love the Alchemist. It is one of the absolute cutest spots in Fort Lauderdale. It is tucked away in an adorable corner of the city called Wilton Manors.

So, the Alchemist is a pretty interesting venue. There are three restaurants on the property: The Alchemist, Voo la Voo Cafe and La Mexicana. The Alchemist is known for their house roasted coffee, “slicers” and pizzettas.

The Alchemist has grown to be a favorite spot for locals, especially on the weekends when there is live music and other vendors,

3. Dania Beach

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park at Dania Beach is one of my favorite spots in all of South Florida. It is a very quiet spot since tourists often miss it.

What I like about this beach is that it is generally pretty empty during the week. It is nice to enjoy a sunny morning with nothing but the beating waves as your company.

The relative seclusion of this beach also makes it the perfect spot to snap a pic or two for Instagram. You don’t have to worry about anybody photobombing your shots or staring with judgement as you get a little cocoNUTs.

This park also has nature trails if you’re looking for more wooded backdrops to your photos.

4. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Photo by @alexandra_isaza

When I asked my Instagram followers their favorite spots to take photos around Fort Lauderdale, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden was a popular one.

The Morikami Museum is one location that I have not been to, but I’ve loved all of the photos I’ve seen. It is super serene and beautiful with its traditional Japanese architecture.

I cannot wait to visit the Morikami Museum soon.

5. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Okay, so one of my favorite shoots ever took place at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. I had been dying to go to this park for years, but I didn’t make it there until a couple of my friends invited me to shoot with them there.

Birch State Park is a beautiful spot that offers a break from the hustle and bustle of Fort Lauderdale without having to leave the city.

The entire park is magnificent. It is mostly wooded, but there is a garden area and some really beautiful spots along the water.

I cannot wait to head over to Birch State Park again!

6. Fort Lauderdale Jetties

Photo by @emilee.bamf

When I was in high school, everybody was obsessed with the Jetties in Fort Lauderdale. It was sort of an “exclusive” beach. Although it is perfectly legal to be on designated spots of that beach, for some reason a lot of us thought we had to sneak onto it so it made the whole experience sort of exhilarating.

I’ve been dying to shoot here, but I haven’t had the chance to. I haven’t ever been photo-ready at the Jetties, but I hope to have a shoot there one day soon!

7. Flamingo Road Nursery

Flamingo Road Nursery is my absolute favorite place. It is a nursery, florist, BBQ restaurant, grocery store, Bonsai farm, deli and more!

In addition to the beautiful plants that frame every spot, they have photo spots set up around the property with waterfalls, beautiful benches, seasonal backdrops and even a life size Tow Mater from Cars!

I usually go to Flamingo Road Nursery for plants, garden supplies and sugar cookies, but sometimes I go just to admire the beauty and snap some pictures.

Want to see more of my favorite spots around Fort Lauderdale? Check out my Local’s Travel Guide to South Florida!

Gramming Around South Florida

I am constantly on the hunt for cute places around Fort Lauderdale. I actually use Instagram to scope out nice places around any city that I visit.

Which spots will you use as the backdrop for your Instagram pictures the next time you’re in Fort Lauderdale?