Anglin's Fishing Pier in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea may no longer be open to the public, but it remains a photogenic feature along Florida's southeastern coast. Stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean the weathered structure continues to offer strong compositional lines for photographers working from the beach. Its repeating supports, aging timber, and simple silhouette give you a clean and focused subject to build around. Morning is the best time to catch soft light and open skies, though even midday shots can work well here thanks to the unobstructed beach setting. The pier may be closed, but the view remains open, offering something familiar to locals and new to visitors.
Best Photography Opportunities
• Sunrise
With the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Anglin's Pier lines up perfectly for sunrise photography. Standing on the beach before the sun breaks the horizon, you can frame the pier as a dark shape cutting across a sky full of soft predawn color. As the sun rises, the light filters through the gaps in the supports and gradually warms the scene. Long exposures help smooth out the surface of the water, giving the pier even more presence as the sharp contrast to a calm ocean. Arriving early gives you enough time to adjust your position and capture several stages of light.
• Repeating Patterns
From the sand or shallow surf, you can angle your camera to shoot through the repeating supports of the pier. This creates strong lines and symmetry, leading the eye toward the vanishing point at the horizon. These compositions work especially well during golden hour, when soft side light gives shape to the shadows under the pier. Make sure to watch the tide, as higher water levels might limit your movement near the base. A low shooting angle can help emphasize the length and rhythm of the structure.
• Long Exposures
For a cleaner, more minimal approach, you can use a tripod and neutral density filter to extend your shutter speed and flatten the ocean into soft gradients. The pier becomes the only solid element in the frame, stretching out into a calm, simplified sea. This approach works well under soft morning light or just after sunset when the sky still holds color. Cloud cover helps balance the exposure and gives the scene a more even tone. You don't need dramatic conditions, just quiet light and patience.
• Beach Activity
If you're photographing later in the morning or during the day, include people, footprints, or beach gear in your composition to show how the pier fits into the larger scene. This gives a more documentary or lifestyle feel and works well with a slightly wider lens. You can step back and frame the full beach with the pier as a backdrop, or move in and use the structure as a visual anchor. The area around the pier often has visitors walking the shore, swimming, or enjoying the sand, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Sky and Palm Trees
From the northern or southern edge of the beach, you can photograph the pier side on, letting it run horizontally across the frame. These shots work well in the late afternoon when light comes from the west and begins to warm up the scene. You can include palm trees, street lamps, or nearby buildings to give more depth and color contrast. This angle also helps show the structure's weathered condition, which adds texture and character. A polariser can help control glare off the water if you're working in strong sunlight.
Best Time to Visit
The best light for photographing Anglin's Pier comes in the early morning, especially around sunrise. The sun rises directly over the ocean, creating ideal conditions for silhouettes, long exposures, and soft pastel skies. The beach is quieter at this time, with fewer visitors and less movement in the water. Wind is typically lower before noon, which makes for smoother reflections and steadier camera setups.
Late afternoon can also be rewarding, especially if you're photographing from the side or looking to include beach activity. The sun will be behind you or to your right, lighting the pier from the west and adding a warm glow to the structure and sand. Overcast days are useful for detail work or more neutral toned compositions, especially when paired with long exposures. Avoid midday if possible, as the light tends to be harsh and flat unless you're working with black and white or tighter compositions.
How to Get There
Anglin's Fishing Pier is located at the east end of Commercial Boulevard in the heart of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. It's about a 2 -minute drive north of Fort Lauderdale. Street parking and public lots are available nearby, though they can fill up quickly during weekends and peak hours. Arriving early in the day not only gives you better light but also improves your chances of finding parking close to the beach.
The pier itself is permanently closed to public access, but the surrounding beach is open and easy to reach on foot. You can walk freely along the sand to find your preferred angle. Basic amenities including restrooms, cafes, and shaded seating are available within a short walk. The beachfront is level and accessible for carrying gear, making it an easy location to set up and move around.
Recommended Photography Gear
A wide-angle lens (16 to 35mm) is your go to tool here for capturing the full length of the pier or framing both the structure and sky in a single shot. A 24 to 70mm zoom is useful for tighter compositions, beach details, or mid range frames from the waterline. Bring a sturdy tripod for early morning or evening shots, especially if you plan to use long exposures or shoot before the sun rises.
A set of neutral density filters will help with smoothing out water and extending shutter speeds during brighter parts of the day. A polarising filter is also useful for reducing glare from the ocean surface or wet sand. The beach is usually easy to navigate, but a towel, lens cloth, and waterproof bag or cover are helpful in case of wind or ocean spray. Lightweight, weather friendly gear will give you the most flexibility while moving along the shore.
Nearby Photography Locations
• Commercial Boulevard Beachfront
Just steps from the pier, this section of beach offers palm trees, lifeguard stands, and colorful umbrellas. It's a good place for beach lifestyle photography or wider views that show the town's connection to the ocean.
A small, peaceful green space with palm lined paths and shaded benches just north of the pier. It's a good spot for early light filtering through trees or for staging relaxed street level scenes with coastal character.
• Fort Lauderdale Beachfront Promenade
About 20 minutes south, this wide beach and walking path offers a busier, more urban version of Florida's Atlantic coast. Great for high energy photos, people watching, or colorful late afternoon light.
• Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
A quiet retreat just inland from the beach, with walking trails, freshwater lagoons, and shaded forest. Ideal for a nature focused break in your photo day or to add contrast to your coastal shots.
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