Capturing Family Moments: Best Outdoor Locations in San Francisco and the Bay Area
Although no location or backdrop is more important than your family, choosing a location for your photoshoot is an important step! From sandy shores to lush gardens, each location has its unique charm.
Below, I explore some of the best spots, considering various factors like children’s ages, weather, time of year, without forgetting the pros and cons.
BEACHES
Ocean Beach, San Francisco

Pros:
Versatile Background: The sandy beach, wavy green grasses and ocean waves create beautiful backdrops (and you have the Golden Gate Bridge in the background of Baker Beach).
Natural Interaction: Kids of all ages love running along the shore, drawing and playing in the sand.
Ample Space: Plenty of room for large families and dynamic photo compositions.
Cons:
Weather Variability: Layer up! San Francisco Beaches are notorious for their fog, especially in the summer months. Wind can also be a challenge (not because of stray hairs – we love wild hair – but because of how cold it can get)
Crowds: these beaches are popular with locals and tourists, so finding a quiet spot can be difficult during peak times.
Pacifica Beaches (Moss Beach, Gray Whale Cove …)

Pros:
Scenic Beauty: Rugged coastlines, interesting rock formations, and tide pools make for a picturesque setting.
Less Crowded: Generally quieter than San Francisco beaches, providing a more relaxed environment for photos.
Nature Interaction: Great opportunities for kids to explore marine life in tide pools, and play on the sand. There is a beautiful redwood forest leading up to Moss Beach as well…
Cons:
Weather: These beaches can also be foggy and windy, particularly in the spring and summer.
Pup Season: Moss Beach closes around March-June to give space to the baby seals!
LOCAL PARKS
Mountain Lake Park, San Francisco

Pros:
Peaceful Atmosphere: A quiet, serene park and walking paths ideal for relaxed photoshoots.
Nature Interaction: Children can run freely (and get caught!), walk on fallen tree trunks, and benches, or even visit the playground at the end of the session.
Scenic Views: The large, surrounding greenery provides a beautiful and natural backdrop.
Cons:
Weather: Limited shelter, so windy days can be less comfortable.
Seasonal Variations: Best during spring and summer when the greenery is lush and the weather is mild.
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Pros:
Secluded Area: The park offers many areas that are rarely visited (ie: crowded).
Nature Interaction: Kids can enjoy running wild in the open grasses or sit on a picnic blanket with a few favorite books.
Cons:
Weather: Fog can be common
Large Area: The park’s size means we might need to plan specific locations to avoid excessive walking.
GARDENS
Botanical Gardens, San Francisco

Pros:
Beautiful Backdrops: Exotic plants, flowers, and well-maintained landscapes offer vibrant and diverse photo opportunities.
Easily accessible: The park offers a variety of accessibl backdrops for the older generation, as well as benches and paved walkways.
Year-Round Appeal: Different flowers and plants come into bloom at various times, providing seasonal variety.
The garden is a great place to get some Fall photos too!

Cons:
Admission Fee: There is a small entry fee, which might be a consideration for families who live outside of San Francisco.
Weather Sensitivity: While the gardens are generally pleasant, certain areas might be less enjoyable in fog or rain.
Restrictions: Some areas might have restrictions on where you can photograph, so we will need to check ahead!
Gamble Garden, Palo Alto

Pros:
Charming Setting: This historical garden features beautifully maintained flower beds, a quaint house, and lush greenery. This is perfect for children who aren’t walking yet or just starting!
Intimate Feel: Smaller and less crowded than larger gardens, providing a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.
Palo Alto is usually sunnier than San Francisco!
Cons:
Limited Space for family interaction: This location offers tight spaces and alleys, which means less roaming and discovery (children 6 and up might get antsy – especially if they have a short attention span)
Limited Facilities: Fewer amenities compared to more extensive parks or gardens.
NATIONAL PARKS
Parks offer a variety of backgrounds and lots of room for kids to roam! Keep in mind that because of seasonal changes, some areas might look different depending on the season – from tall green grass to golden to mowed down grass end of Spring to reduce wildfire risks!
Edgewood Park, Redwood City

Pros:
Diverse Landscapes: Rolling hills, rocks, grasses, and wide open spaces offer varied and dynamic backdrops.
Interactive Fun: Kids can enjoy hiking, spotting wildlife, running around and exploring nature.
Cons:
Weather: Can be hot in summer and windy in winter; dress in layers !
Accessibility: The trails up the hills may be difficult with very young children or parents with mobility issues.
Exposure: Limited shade on many trails, which could be challenging for the photographer if the session is not around sunset.
Arastradero Preserve, Palo Alto
Pros:
Natural Beauty: Open grasslands and oak woodlands create a tranquil and picturesque setting.
Family-Friendly Trails: Several easy trails suitable for young children and strollers.
Interactive Nature: Lots of opportunities for kids to see wildlife and explore nature.
Cons:
Weather Impact: Can get very hot in summer; bring sun protection and plenty of water.
Limited Facilities: Basic amenities, so be prepared with everything you need for a day out.
Each of these locations offers unique advantages and challenges for a family photoshoot. Consider the age of your children, the weather conditions around the time of your session, and the type of backdrop you desire to choose the near-perfect spot 🙂

About Me
I’m Nicole, a San Francisco personal brand photographer passionate about helping women in business step into their power and lead with authenticity.
I work with female founders and change-makers to create impactful, story-driven imagery that connects and inspires.
With a brand-first approach, I’ll make sure every photo captures your unique personality and positions you as the leader you truly are.
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Get in touch today and let’s create images that showcase who you are.
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