Discover North Miami
25 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
12035 Northeast 2nd Avenue
A mixed residential and waterside stretch in North Miami with canals, mangrove edges and low-rise buildings — good for intimate urban-nature frames, reflections and everyday Florida coastal scenes. Best light is early morning and late afternoon golden hour for warm tones and calm water reflections; sunsets can silhouette palms and houses. The area is publicly accessible from sidewalks and small parking pockets; be respectful of private property and quiet neighborhoods. Expect humid subtropical天气
Sunset Boat Tours Miami
Sunset Boat Tours Miami launches from a NE 151st St marina onto Biscayne Bay — prime for golden-hour shots of Miami skyline, pastel sunsets, silhouetted palm-fringed islands, and water reflections. Tours offer moving vantage points of Fisher Island, South Beach, and Miami Beach lights as twilight falls. Best visited on clear evenings 30–90 minutes before sunset for dynamic color; weekdays are less crowded. Small parking lot at the marina; prebook tours and arrive 20–30 minutes early. Boat decks/
Oleta River State Park
Mangrove tunnels, winding river channels and Biscayne Bay views offer intimate waterscape and nature shots — kayaks add foreground interest and motion. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side lighting and reflections; weekdays and dry season (Nov–Apr) mean fewer bugs and crowds. Main park entrance has a parking lot and boat/kayak launch; small state-park entry fee applies. Boardwalks and short trails provide accessible vantage points; bring insect repellent and waterproof gear for launches.
The Hidden Graffiti Ruins
A small abandoned concrete structure covered in layered street art and colorful murals — ideal for close-up texture studies, wide environmental shots showing decay vs. paint, and dynamic portraits. Best light is golden hour or soft overcast to saturate colors; blue hour works for moody frames. Site is informal and possibly on private property—confirm access, avoid trespass. Street parking nearby on NE 163rd; visit weekdays for fewer people. Be mindful of safety, insects, and respect artwork.
La Villa Azul (Historic Griffing Park Estates)
A vivid Mediterranean/Art Deco–tinged residence in the historic Griffing Park Estates, La Villa Azul offers colorful façades, decorative trim, arched openings and tropical landscaping — ideal for architectural detail shots and environmental portraits. Best light is golden hour (sunrise from the east, soft backlight at sunset). Located on a quiet residential street with street parking; respect that it’s private property so photograph from the sidewalk/curb or request permission for close access./
Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami
MOCA North Miami offers changing contemporary exhibitions, an airy glass-and-concrete gallery interior and an intimate outdoor sculpture courtyard — great for detail shots, installation photography and architectural lines. Visit weekday mornings or late afternoons for softer light on the exterior; golden hour adds warmth to the courtyard and façades. Check current exhibition photography policy and ticketing before visiting; the site has on‑site parking, is wheelchair accessible, and can be busy—
Oleta River State Park Alligator Pavilion
A compact raised boardwalk and viewing platform through mangroves and marsh at Oleta River State Park where photographers can capture American alligators, wading birds, reflections and close wetland details. Best at golden hour and early morning for soft light and active wildlife. Park has vehicle entry fee and parking lot; boardwalk is short and mostly accessible but stay on paths for safety and wildlife protection. Weekdays and early hours are least crowded; summer brings mosquitoes and humid,
Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park
Compact coastal hammock and mangrove preserve with winding boardwalks, overlooks and freshwater wetlands—ideal for intimate nature, bird and reflection shots. Visit at sunrise or after rain for soft light and mirrored water; late afternoon brings warm tones and migrating birds. Free entry and curbside parking nearby; boardwalks are mostly accessible. Weekdays and early mornings minimize families and dog-walkers.
Crescent Island B
Small mangrove islet in Biscayne Bay offering low, graphic shoreline, reflective water, Farallon/Brickell skyline silhouettes and abundant shorebirds. Accessible only by boat/kayak — launch from nearby marinas or parks. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and calm water; weekdays are quieter. No facilities — pack water, check tides, weather and local marine regs. Great for intimate nature + skyline combos and wildlife studies.
Arch Creek East Environmental Preserve (ACE Preserve)
Small coastal hammock and spring-fed creek with boardwalks, mangroves, native trees and abundant birds/insects. Shoot intimate nature scenes, reflections in clear spring run, boardwalk leading lines and wildlife. Best light: golden hour and soft morning light; late afternoon for warm tones. Weekday mornings have fewer visitors. Easy trails and boardwalks, free entry/limited parking off NE 135th St. Bring bug spray in warm months.
Historic Irons Manor Fountain
Small historic manor fountain set in North Miami's residential/park setting — great for architectural detail, water reflections and intimate environmental portraits. Best at golden hour or after sunset when lights accent water; mid-morning on weekdays avoids visitors. Easy street parking; public access likely but check local rules. Compact site with classic masonry, ornamental ironwork and nearby palms that add context.
Sandspur Island
Small mangrove island in Biscayne Bay offering intimate waterfront compositions: mangrove roots, tidal reflections, distant Miami skyline and passing boats. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-light and long reflections; sunsets can silhouette mangroves against colorful skies. Island is reachable only by kayak, paddleboard or small boat—no formal parking on the island; launch from nearby boat ramps in North Miami. Expect bugs and tidal changes; bring insect repellent and waterproof gear
Claude Pepper Park
Small waterfront park on Biscayne Bay with a fishing pier, mangrove-lined shoreline and open lawns — great for sunrise/sunset reflections, bay panoramas, and shorebird shots. Easy street parking and free entry; paved paths and wheelchair-accessible pier. Best at golden hour or early weekday mornings to avoid crowds. Expect typical South Florida light and brief afternoon storms in summer.
Owl Island
Small, low-lying island in North Miami offering intimate waterscape and mangrove scenes, migratory and resident birds, and skyline/reflection shots at golden hour. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm light and calm water; mornings bring active birdlife. Access can be limited—check for public shorelines or boat launch points; parking usually along nearby streets or at local parks. Respect private property and local wildlife regulations.
Diver Mansion
Diver Mansion is a small historic waterfront mansion on Biscayne Blvd offering classic architectural details, mature palms and landscaped grounds that work well for architectural and portrait work. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm facades and soft shadows. Check ahead for private‑property access or event rentals; street parking and nearby lots are typical. Weekday mornings are quieter. Expect humid subtropical weather—late afternoon storms in summer.
Alfred Besade Park
Small waterfront park with mangroves, shoreline views and neighborhood greenery — good for intimate waterscape and nature shots, birding and low-key sunrise/sunset compositions. No entry fee; limited on-site parking (street parking common). Best at golden hour for warm light and reflections; weekdays or early mornings avoid local foot traffic. Lightweight walkable routes make it easy to scout different angles.
Oleander Park
Small neighborhood park featuring oleander plantings, shady paths and open lawns — good for close-up floral studies, intimate landscape frames and community street-life shots. Best at golden hour and early mornings for soft light and fewer people; afternoons can be harsh and buggy in summer. Easy access off NW 13th Ave with street parking and no entry fee. Compact size makes it walkable with lightweight gear; respect local residents and quiet-use rules.
North Miami City
North Miami City center offers clean civic architecture, palm-lined boulevards and multicultural street scenes—good for urban composition, civic portraits and environmental details. Visit at golden hour for soft light; weekday mornings reduce traffic. Onsite parking and public transit access make gear transport easy. No entry fees; respect local businesses and events. Expect tropical weather—bring shade/rain protection.
Griffing Park
Small neighborhood green space with mature trees, waterfront edges and open lawns—good for intimate landscape, nature and community-scene shots. Best at golden hour for warm side-light and sidewalk shadows; blue-hour reflections along canal edges can be striking. Easy street parking and walkable paths; no entry fee. Visit weekdays or early morning to avoid local activity; expect bugs in summer. Good for practicing compositions that mix urban elements with greenery.
Dezerland Action Park Miami
Indoor action-entertainment complex with neon-lit arcades, go-kart track, trampoline/parkour zones and the Dezer auto collection nearby — great for energetic, high-contrast interior shots and colorful detail work. Visit weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid crowds; evenings offer dramatic neon and motion but are busier. Parking available in the plaza lot; entry requires ticket purchase for each attraction and some areas restrict photography (ask staff). Accessible facilities and family‑f
Enchanted Place
Enchanted Place is a compact, tropical residential pocket in North Miami known for lush landscaping, mature palms, and charming front-yard architecture — ideal for intimate nature and architectural detail shots. Best at golden hour or after brief rain when foliage looks saturated. Street parking is usually available but much of the site is private property — respect residences and ask permission before entering yards. Weekday mornings are quieter for unobstructed compositions.
Cagni Park
Small community park offering shaded lawns, mature trees, playgrounds and neighborhood street scenes — good for intimate green-space compositions, candid family and lifestyle shots, and low-key sunset skies. Easy street parking, free entry, accessible paths; best light at golden hour and quietest on weekday mornings. Respect local residents and kids playing; no special permits for casual photography.
North Miami City
North Miami City around 1400 NW 135th St offers suburban-urban scenes: colorful low-rise municipal architecture, neighborhood streets, parks and nearby waterfronts for skyline and waterscape shots. Best light is golden hour and blue hour for warm facades and soft highlights; weekdays and early mornings mean fewer cars and people. Street parking is typically available; no special entry requirements. The area reflects Miami’s diverse cultural mix—good for environmental portraiture and documentary-
Rotary-Overbrook Shores Tot Lot
Small neighborhood tot lot with colorful playground equipment, shady palms and glimpses of North Miami waterways. Good for intimate environmental portraits, low-angle details of play structures, and golden-hour shots with warm light and bay reflections. Easily accessible by car with street parking; no entry fee. Visit weekdays at sunrise or late afternoon to avoid families and catch soft light; summer afternoons can be harsh and buggy.
Buzzy kids
Indoor children’s play center with colorful soft-play structures, murals and activity zones—good for candid family and event photography. Best visited on weekday mornings or off-peak hours for fewer crowds and freer composition; weekend parties are lively but busy. Lighting is predominantly mixed artificial (warm LEDs/fluorescents) so expect high-contrast zones and saturated colors. Bring compact gear—wide-angle for play areas, fast prime for low light and portraits. Always get parental/manager,