Ultimate Guide to the Best Photo Shoot Locations in the San Francisco Bay Area
Serendipitous reflection puddle on the Embarcadero near the Ferry Building.
San Francisco is an undeniably beautiful city. The greater Bay Area is beautiful as well. Therefore, selecting a location for your upcoming photo session might give you a bit of overwhelm in that there are so many wonderful options. That being said, just because a particular spot is pretty to look at doesn’t necessarily make it an ideal spot for your family or portrait session. Factors including crowds, weather, and accessibilty all impact how “good” a location is for photos.
Below is a list a of my favorite locations for family and portrait sessions. After 14 years of photographing clients all over the Bay, and more than 1000 sessions, these are the locations that I come back to again and again.
San Francisco Locations
Baker Beach - This iconic San Francisco beach is a stunner, especially in the early morning light. You’ll get classic Golden Gate Bridge views, soft sand, and a touch of rugged drama from the windswept cliffs and gnarled cypress trees. On clear days, the bridge pops in photos. On foggy ones? Moody, magical vibes all the way. Cons: Baker can get really crowded on weekend afternoons (so mornings or weekdays are best here).
Morning light shines through the cypress trees.
Iconic Golden Gate Bridge view on an empty Baker Beach.
deYoung Museum - Art meets architecture in this versatile location. The grounds are a perfect mix of striking modern design and lush greenery, great for portraits with a stylish edge. The Hamon Tower is open from 9:30am-4:30pm and offers amazing views (and reflections!) of the city. This is one of my all-time favorite locations. Cons: parking can be tough on weekend afternoons.
Hamon Tower at the deYoung Museum offers sweeping, photogenic views of San Francisco.
Family reflection time at the deYoung. 😉
Crissy Field West Beach - Golden Gate views? Check. Coastal greenery? Check. Wide open beach, historic military housing, and beautiful late afternoon light? Triple check. Crissy Field’s West Beach area is a go-to for sessions that mix natural beauty and historic buildings, with plenty of space to roam. Cons: this east-facing spot gets blasted with direct light on sunny mornings, so it’s best on foggy days or in the afternoon.
Family snuggles in the dune grass with bold view of the Golden Gate.
Pier at Crissy Beach adds charm and classic Presidio architecture.
Balmy Alley - Located in the heart of the Mission, this colorful alleyway is bursting with mural art and personality. It’s a great spot for a fun, edgy, city feel. Morning is best to avoid crowds. Cons: can sometimes be a bit gritty, so just prepare for that.
Varied colors and textures galore at Balmy Alley.
San Francisco Botanical Garden - A lush paradise tucked into Golden Gate Park, with an incredible variety of greenery and blooms. The SF Botanical Garden is full of dreamy backdrops. Whether you're looking for tropical leaves, towering trees, or blooming pathways, this spot has something during every season. There is an admission fee for non-SF residents. Cons: parking can be tough on event days.
SF Botanical Gardens have a wide array of seasonal blooming plants.
Bridges, platforms, and stone seating blend with the greenery, which adds a nice architectural touch.
Japanese Tea Gardens - Serene, peaceful, and always photogenic, the Japanese Tea Garden is a gem tucked inside Golden Gate Park. From red bridges to koi ponds and cherry blossoms (in season), every corner feels like a postcard. Arrive at opening time for the best experience. There is an admission fee for non-SF residents. Cons: the small size can make crowds tough to work around.
The tiny Japanese Tea Garden has a peaceful redwood grove.
Palace of Fine Arts - With its iconic dome, romantic colonnades, and famous green doors, the Palace of Fine Arts feels like stepping into a European fairytale. This location is a photoshoot favorite for a reason. Cons: the crowds here are intense, but early morning shoots offer you an opportunity to have the place to yourself.
Early mornings at the PFA offer soft light and no crowds.
Inn at the Presidio - This charming, restored inn located in the heart of the Presidio offers classic architecture, manicured grounds, and inviting, wide front porches. It has a timeless, Americana feel—perfect for cozy, elegant portraits with historic flair. Cons: none
Lovely gardens and classic Presidio red brick buildings on offer at this spot.
Letterman Complex in the Presidio - A quieter corner of the Presidio, the Letterman Complex offers beautifully landscaped paths, a babbling creek, and those classic red-brick facades. It’s a great blend of nature and architecture, with a calm, tucked-away atmosphere. Cons: can get wind blasts from the Golden Gate so bring layers.
Open spaces with plenty of room to run around at Letterman.
Ocean Beach - Vast and wild, Ocean Beach delivers an expansive stretch of flat playa with dunes filled with dune grass and ice plant. It's perfect for wide, dreamy compositions—especially at sunset when the light hits just right. Bonus: that cool Pacific fog can make things feel extra moody and cinematic. Cons: fully open to the elements so wind, fog, and bright sunlight hit here with more intensity - bring warm layers!
Cozy layers help as mom and baby traverse the dunes at Ocean Beach.
The north end of Ocean Beach offers cliffs and views of the camera obscura.
Sales Force Park - Floating above the city, this elevated urban park is a modern oasis. Sleek landscaping, skyline views, and unique architectural lines make it a fun, fresh setting for photos with a contemporary, feel. Cons: this location can get crowded on warm weekend afternoons.
Perfect mix of greenery and architecture at Salesforce Park.
This shoot location is filled with quiet nooks that offer interesting, textured backdrops.
Sutro Ruins + Land’s End - Where forest meets sea, this rugged stretch of coastline is full of drama and texture. You’ll find towering cypress trees, cliffside trails, and the hauntingly beautiful remnants of the old Sutro Baths. Bring your walking shoes - it’s a short hike, but worth every step. Cons: this location requires a fair amount of elevation change and precarious walkways - not the best spot for sessions with toddlers.
Family reflection in the Sutro Ruins at sunset. 🤌
The cypress grove at Lands End gives a cool, Hitchcock feel.
Embarcadero + Ferry Building - Classic SF meets modern city vibes along this iconic waterfront stretch. With sweeping views of the Bay Bridge, palm-lined sidewalks, and the historic Ferry Building as a backdrop, this spot has a polished, urban energy. The light here is most ideal in the late afternoon. Cons: this location can get extra crowded on Saturday mornings during the Farmer’s Market and before/after games at nearby PacBell Park.
The bow and arrow sculpture is a fun bonus to this stretch of the Embarcadero.
The Embarcadero offers the best Bay Bridge views.
Fort Point - Tucked beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point offers moody lighting, red brick arches, and unbeatable bridge views. It’s only open Friday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm, but if you catch it at the right time, it’s a photographer’s dream for bold, dramatic portraits. Cons: this location is usually very windy, so bring layers.
Red brick archways and dramatic light make this Civil War era fortress an interesting spot for photos.
The roof at Fort Point gives the most dramatic bridge views in town!
Marin Locations
Marin Headlands - A dream for nature lovers, the Headlands offer everything from sweeping coastal views to rugged cliffs and rolling hills. Bonus points for the black sand beach at Rodeo Beach! Add in some abandoned bunkers and wildflowers in spring, and you’ve got a wildly varied, totally epic backdrop just minutes from the bridge. Cons: thw weather is highly unpredictable in the Headlands so bring layers, weeknd afternoons can get crowded.
Cliffs and back sand make Rodeo Beach a picturesque spot.
Rolling hills and wide, open trails abound in the Headlands.
Ring Mountain - This lesser-known gem in Tiburon delivers wide open space and expansive views of the Bay. This spot is especially great in the late afternoon light. With soft golden hills, scattered boulders, and patches of wildflowers, Ring Mountain feels quiet and vast—perfect for serene, nature-filled sessions. Cons: can get windy in the afternoon, requires a fair amount of walking.
Large boulders dot the hillsides of Ring Mountain, with views of the Bay in the background.
Muir Beach - Gorgeous beach with large boulders in the sand and picturesque cliffs on the borders. Muir Beach feels like a world away from the city. It’s especially magical on overcast days when the mood is full-on Pacific drama. Cons: can get super crowded on warm weekend afternoons and the parking lot can fill up.
Rocky outcroppings along Muir Beach create a beautiful nature’s playground.
St Vincent's School for Boys - This unique location offers a mix of old-world charm and natural beauty. The beautiful white mission-style buildings and eucalyptus grove give it a timeless, slightly mysterious feel. Great for photos with a touch of history and elegance. Cons: none
Eucalyptus grove at St. Vincent’s creates a storybook feeling.
Mount Burdell Open Space - Rolling green (or golden, depending on the season) hills dotted with big, character-rich oak trees and the occasional curious cow—Mount Burdell is pastoral perfection. Come spring, the wildflowers add an extra pop of color. It’s a calm, open space ideal for relaxed portraits and dynamic candids. Cons: wide open space that gets hit with the elements, so come prepared for heat, wind, or fog.
Green grass and delicate wildflowers are a gem of backdrop in the spring.
Marin Art and Garden Center - A sweet, walkable garden full of blooming flowers, towering trees, and charming architectural details like a redwood stage and pergolas. The compact size and attached parking lot make it one of the most accessible spots for photo sessions. Cons: none
Varied, textured greenery and magic hour light make this spot ideal for portrait sessions.
Redlands Seminary - This location is a hidden treasure. The stone architecture gives a European feel, and the surrounding rolling hills make for stunning wide-angle shots. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and feels like you’ve stumbled into a countryside estate. Cons: can be crowded during the week when classes are in session.
Large, mature trees and lovely stone buildings are a highlight at this location.
East Bay Locations
UC Berkeley Botanical Garden - A lush, living collection of plants from all over the world, the UC Botanical Garden is a treasure trove of textures, colors, and gorgeous green backdrops. From towering redwoods to desert succulents and bamboo groves, there’s something around every corner. It feels peaceful and a bit like getting lost in a secret jungle. Admission fee required to enter. Cons: it’s only open from 10am-5pm so magic hour shooting isn’t possible here.
There’s always something blooming at this vast botanical garden.
Blake Garden - Tucked away in the Berkeley Hills, Blake Garden feels like a private, secret garden. With terraced landscapes, reflecting pools, quiet nooks, and a wide array of plant life, it’s one of those magical spots that feels curated but not over-manicured. Great for portraits that feel both intimate and lush. Cons: limited weekday hours, closed on weekends.
This garden may be small but it’s big enough to hold all the wild, little kid energy.
Lafayette Reservoir - This East Bay classic offers a wide, paved walking path around a sparkling reservoir, with views of gentle hills, shady trees, and even a few rustic piers. Bring your walking shoes as these sessions tend to cover some ground. Cons: can get really hot here on warm days in Bay.
Colorful paddle boats line the dock on the west side of the reservoir.
Hills with oaks and golden grass surround the east side of the reservoir.
Redwood Regional - Need a redwood forest without the long drive to Muir Woods? Redwood Regional is a hidden wonder tucked right into the Oakland Hills. The tall trees, soft-filtered light, and peaceful forest paths make this a go-to for woodsy, dreamy portraits. The trails are easy to access and feel a world away from city life. Cons: trees are so thick that this spot loses light early - shoot here well before magic hour.
Found fairy houses dot the landscape in this magical redwood grove.
Piedmont Park -This charming little park is a favorite for its walkability and variety. You’ll find big leafy trees, quiet paths, open lawns, and even a small Japanese teahouse that adds a unique touch. It’s especially lovely in spring and fall, when the foliage and blooms bring some extra color. Cons: this location gets crowded by mid-morning on weekends.
Morning light in autumn is always beautiful at Piedmont Park.
Albany Bulb - If you’re into creative, funky, and off-the-beaten-path locations, Albany Bulb is your spot. This open space is full of colorful graffiti, found-object sculptures, and expansive views of the Bay. Wildflowers bloom in the spring, and the whole place feels a little wild and rebellious—in the best way. Cons: gets blasted with morning light on sunny days, can get windy.
Little kid, big flowers. April and May at Albany Bulb bring a riot of spring blooms.
Found art structures make this spot ever interesting and always surprising.
Gardens at Heather Farms - A well-maintained and cheerful spot in Walnut Creek, Heather Farm offers a mix of blooming rose gardens, storybook nooks, shady trees, and even a small lake. There is small, accessible parking lot attached to the garden. Cons: really works best during early mornings or afternoon magic hour.
Fun, family dance session in the children’s garden at Heather Farms.
Old Borgas Ranch - Rustic charm galore! This historic ranch has rolling hills, weathered barns, stone walls, and a strong sense of California history. It’s especially beautiful in the golden afternoon light. In spring, the hills bloom and turn it into a natural wonderland. Bring your walking shoes for this one! Cons: if it has been rainy, the trail up the hill can can get muddy.
Big oaks and golden grass line the trails at Old Borgas Ranch.
Peninsula Locations
Holbrook-Palmer Park (Atheron) - A hidden gem with well-maintained gardens and beautiful, old trees. It's especially lovely in the early morning when the light filters softly through the trees. Cons: none
Redwoods along a manicured path with the occasional outdoor sculpture - this spot is perfectly lovely.
Gamble Gardens (Palo Alto) - Charming, classic, and full of blooms, this beloved spot is like stepping into a storybook. It has cozy garden houses, trellises, and seasonal flowers all year long. Its compact size is nicely varied, making it an ideal spot for families with kids of any age. Cons: can get busy with other photographers in busy holiday season.
There’s always something beautiful at Gamble Gardens.
Giant oak with backlit, fall foliage FTW!
Portola Valley Town Center (Portola Valley)- Modern wood-and-glass architecture surrounded by old oaks and open meadows. It has a peaceful, organic vibe that works beautifully for families, couples, or seniors. Cons: the open meadow gets blasted with sun so shoot very early or very late here for pretty light.
Picturesque play break during family session at PVTC.
Bedwell Bayfront Park (Menlo Park) - This open, windswept park sits at the edge of the Bay and offers salt marsh views, open skies, and minimalist, modern nature. Think clean lines, tall grasses, and a slightly ethereal look, especially on foggy mornings or at sunset. Cons: open area gets blasted with light on sunny days so best to keep shoots constrained to sunrise or sunset.
Wunderlich Park (Woodside) - Valley oaks, redwoods, and meadows come together at Wunderlich, creating that dreamy Northern California landscape everyone loves. It’s peaceful and uncrowded, with dappled light filtering through the trees. Perfect for nature lovers and anyone who wants to feel like they’ve escaped to the woods. Cons: sometimes the county over prunes and leaves the area a little drab while it waits for new green growth.
Big trees and wooden bridges round out the natural, rough-hewn beauty at Wunderlich Park.