Person dancing joyfully on a scenic beach with cliffs at golden hour.

Location Guide

 

Choosing the perfect location is part of creating your dream session.

This guide was designed to help you explore my favorite spots.

 

North Coast Locations

A couple dancing playfully on Baker Beach with the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.
A family runs and plays on a beach with the Golden Gate Bridge visible in the distance.
Family playing and running together on beach with Golden Gate Bridge visible in background.
A tender moment captured between two people on a beach during golden hour.
Couple playing and dancing together on a sandy beach during sunset.
A romantic beach photoshoot with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge visible in the background during sunset.
Playful couple dancing on beach with Golden Gate Bridge in background.
Birds flying over sandy hillside stairs leading to beach overlook.
Couple holding hands while dancing on beach near Golden Gate Bridge.
Romantic couple's portrait session against rocky beach cliffs at sunset.

Baker Beach

Parking: Free

Woman in white dress poses near Golden Gate Bridge at sunset.
Couple walking on path near Golden Gate Bridge on foggy day.
Romantic beach photoshoot with the Golden Gate Bridge visible in the distance at sunset.
Intimate couple moment with San Francisco skyline at sunset.
Couple splashing in the San Francisco Bay with Golden Gate Bridge in background.
Couple relaxing on picnic blanket near Golden Gate Bridge at sunset.
Couple walking along beach shore with Golden Gate Bridge in background at sunset.
Romantic black and white portrait series with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.
Romantic couple embracing near Golden Gate Bridge during golden hour.
Close-up of couple holding hands in casual attire.
Silhouettes of a couple against a golden city skyline at sunset.
Woman in black dress poses on beach with Golden Gate Bridge in background.
Couple with clear umbrella posing near palm trees on misty day.
Couple taking romantic photos in a grassy field with the Golden Gate Bridge in view.
Two hands reaching towards each other with a palm tree silhouetted in the background.
Intimate couple's photoshoot in a sunlit field during golden hour.
Silhouettes against sunset with Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Couple reading together on blanket with Golden Gate Bridge in background.

Crissy Field

Parking: Paid

Couple sharing intimate moments while sitting in a flower-filled garden.
Couple relaxing together on grass during a sunny afternoon photoshoot.
Romantic couple's photoshoot under a large tree during golden hour.
Romantic couple sharing intimate moments by a tree trunk in a sunlit forest setting.
Couple embracing in golden afternoon sunlight on grassy field.
Woman in floral dress posing near blooming spring trees.
Romantic silhouettes embracing against sunset through trees near water.
Couple sharing tender moments by a lake during golden hour.

Golden Gate Park

Parking: Paid

Couple sharing intimate moments on misty beach in black and white.
A series of playful moments on a beach showing a person in white lifting a small child against a blue sky backdrop.
Couple walking and talking together on foggy beach shoreline.
A small child explores a sandy beach wearing light blue and brown clothing on a sunny day.
Candid beach photography sequence showing joyful moments between two people on sandy shores.
A series of intimate family moments captured among blooming blue flowers in a garden setting.
A sequence of tender interactions between two figures on a sandy beach with ocean waves in the background.

Ocean Beach

Parking: Free

Romantic couple silhouetted against warm sunset sky share intimate moments at the beach.
Couple examining something together on a beach with soft pink sky overhead.
Distant figures walking along empty beach at sunset with dramatic sky.
A couple shares romantic moments on a beach with dramatic coastal cliffs in the background.
Playful couple interacting on a rocky beach during golden hour with coastal cliffs in view.
Couple playing and laughing together on a beach during golden sunset hours.
Couple embracing during golden hour at the beach with soft lighting and ocean waves.
Couple sitting together on beach during sunset in romantic seaside photoshoot.
Silhouetted figures share tender moments on a dark sandy beach during sunset.

Mori Point

Parking: Free (small lot + street parking available)

A person in denim and white stands on a scenic beach with mountains in the background.
Maternity photoshoot on cloudy beach with dramatic coastal cliffs in background.
A couple shares a moment on a lifeguard tower at the beach with seabirds flying overhead.
Expecting couple walking together on sandy beach leaving footprints behind.
Dramatic black and white maternity portraits on misty oceanfront.
Couple embracing on sandy beach with orange cliffs in background during sunset.
Intimate black and white maternity photos captured on windswept beach.
A romantic couple poses together against a rocky backdrop while holding sunflowers.
A couple walks together on a sandy beach with ocean waves and cliffs in the background.
Joyful maternity photos captured against coastal backdrop during golden hour.
A couple relaxes on the beach sand during a sunset photoshoot.
A couple walks along the shoreline during golden hour at the beach.

Montara State Beach

Parking: Free


South Coast Locations

Person in a cream sweater poses on a sandy beach during golden hour.
A couple poses in a field of yellow wildflowers with coastal scenery in the background.
A windswept portrait session on a moody beach with dramatic lighting.
A couple lounges on the beach with wooden letter props.
A beachside maternity photoshoot with footprints in the sand.
Figure in silhouette stands alone on a sunny beach with waves crashing in the background.

Half Moon Bay State Beach

Parking: $10 (state park lot)

Footprints trail behind a couple walking hand in hand on a vast sandy beach.
Couple shares intimate moment on beach with coastal cliffs in background.
Two people in matching denim and blue shirts play in shallow water at the beach.
Person in striped dress stands on foggy beach with cliffs in background.
Couple plays with blue ball on sandy beach near coastal cliffs.
Couple embraces on beach with seagulls flying overhead against cloudy sky.
Couple walks hand in hand along misty beach shoreline.
Person in flowing dress runs joyfully along foggy beach.
Couple embraces on beach with seagulls flying over green coastal cliffs.
Couple in light colored clothing dances on misty beach shore.
A couple relaxes on coastal rocks overlooking the ocean at sunset.
A couple lies together on sandy beach with coastal cliffs in the background.
A couple walks through a golden meadow at sunset with wildflowers in the foreground.

Pomponio State Beach

Parking: Free

A romantic moment captured between two people on a beach at sunset.
Silhouette of a person in white dress against an orange sunset sky.
Two people walk along a scenic beach with dramatic rock formations in the background.
People walking and playing on a sandy beach with dramatic coastal cliffs in the background.
Person walking along a scenic beach at sunset with dramatic coastal cliffs and ocean waves.
Reaching hands silhouetted against golden coastal cliffs at sunset.

Shark Fin Cove

Parking: Free (small dirt lot along Hwy 1)

Couple wrapped in blanket sharing intimate moment on coastal beach.
Romantic beach photoshoot with seagulls flying overhead near rocky coastal formations.
Silhouettes of people walking along beach at sunset with lighthouse in the distance.
Romantic coastal photoshoot with dramatic rock formations and ocean waves in background.
Playful beach photoshoot with natural rock arch formation in the background.
Photographer capturing shots on a sandy beach with dramatic rock formations in the background.
Scenic sunset beach landscape with warm golden light and distant lighthouse.
Silhouettes of people walking along a scenic coastal cliff during sunset.
Couple dancing on a sandy beach with natural rock formations and ocean waves in the background.
A couple embraces while standing on a rocky beach during an overcast day.
A panoramic view of a beach coastline with distant buildings and people.
Bare feet walking through ocean waves on wet sandy beach.
Intimate couple in white and cream outfits sharing tender moments against a coastal backdrop.
Couple dancing and playing in shallow ocean water during sunset, creating romantic silhouettes.
Maternity photos in black and white featuring dramatic ocean waves and rocky coastline.
Close-up details of a floral patterned dress against a beach landscape backdrop.
Intimate coastal portrait session with dramatic rocky cliffs and ocean scenery.
Couple sitting in a field of yellow wildflowers with green grass on a cloudy day.
Romantic coastal photoshoot at a scenic beach with rocky cliffs and crashing waves during golden hour.
Maternity photos at sunset showcasing a flowing white dress against ocean backdrop.
Couple in white clothing enjoying playful moment on rocky beach landscape.
Romantic beach moment with natural stone arch and crashing waves in the background.

Natural Bridges State Beach

Parking: Free

A couple shares playful moments in front of a colorful Ferris wheel at an amusement park.
Family of three sharing a tender moment at a carnival with a Ferris wheel and carousel lights glowing at dusk.
A serene black and white landscape of figures walking on a vast empty beach.
A couple in casual attire enjoys a playful moment together on the beach.
Happy couple sharing a romantic moment at a colorful carnival with a Ferris wheel in the background.
A playful moment captured on the beach with waves crashing in the background.
Family of three standing between red columns in golden sunset light at an outdoor arcade or pavilion.
A romantic couple embraces in front of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk at sunset.
An empty boardwalk with colorful carnival rides and a Ferris wheel in the background.
A couple poses in front of castle-like architecture at a boardwalk amusement park.
A couple poses with large yellow Pikachu plush toys at an amusement park with a Ferris wheel.
A couple shares intimate moments on the beach during golden hour.
A couple walks their black dog along a scenic beach during a romantic photoshoot.
A couple sits on the beach at sunset with seagulls flying overhead.
A couple in white and beige outfits poses together on a misty beach.
Couple sharing a romantic moment at a fairground with a colorful Ferris wheel in the background at dusk.
Two people in white outfits release blue smoke bombs on a sandy beach.
A woman in a white sweater poses in front of carnival rides at an amusement park.
People walking along the shoreline of a beach with waves crashing nearby.
Family enjoying an indoor amusement park with a glowing Ferris wheel at night.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Parking: Paid

Intimate couple's portrait session with golden sunset backlighting.
A white lighthouse stands tall against an overcast sky in black and white.
A person in light blue clothing dances joyfully on a misty beach by the ocean.
Artistic maternity beach photo with subject lying in sand at golden hour.
Maternity photo session in black dress near lighthouse at sunset.
Figure in blue walks along a rocky beach with large concrete breakwater blocks.
Maternity photoshoot with dramatic sunlight and white wall backdrop.
A couple embraces lovingly in a series of candid black and white portraits.
A couple shares an intimate moment in front of a lighthouse in black and white.
Maternity beach photoshoot on rocky shoreline during golden hour.
Couple walking hand in hand on a sunny beach with waves in the background.
Maternity portrait session against white wall with sunset glow.
White lighthouse stands tall against clear sky with rocky shoreline.

Seabright Beach

Parking: Paid

Monterey & Big Sur Area

Silhouettes of people embracing on beach during golden sunset with waves crashing.
Spanish-style architecture with white walls and arched doorways creates a charming street scene.
Family plays together on empty beach with mountains visible in background.
An expectant couple shares an intimate moment while holding ultrasound photos.
A quiet street lined with Spanish colonial buildings and arched walkways.
Couple walks along misty beach shore with seagulls flying overhead.
A couple walks along a scenic beach with waves and sand stretching into the distance.
A couple shares a playful moment on an outdoor patio with brick walls.
Close-up of a pregnant belly in striped clothing against a beach backdrop.
A romantic moment captured through foliage outside a building entrance.

Carmel

Parking: Free

A warm family moment captured on a sunny beach with waves in the background.
Playful beach photoshoot featuring a couple in white outfits dancing and laughing on the sand.
A person in a white dress walks up stone stairs surrounded by lush green vegetation on a hillside.
A family and their dog enjoy a sunset moment together on a sandy beach.
Intimate beach photography session showing tender moments between a couple in white outfits.
Close-up romantic portrait of a couple in white sharing an intimate moment.
Loving family embraces while standing on sandy beach with ocean waves in background.
A couple walks their dog along the beach during golden hour with sun flares.
A couple in white clothing stands on a coastal path overlooking the ocean.
A couple in white attire walks through lush coastal vegetation on a misty day.
Silhouettes of a family standing together on a beach at sunset with waves crashing behind them.
Couple in white outfits share intimate moments on a rocky beach during a romantic photoshoot.
A family shares a tender moment on a sunny beach with rocky cliffs in the background.
Romantic couple in white clothing embrace and laugh together during a beach photoshoot.
Family shares tender moments together during a sunset photoshoot at the beach.

Calla Lily Valley

Parking: Free (small roadside parking available)

Parks

People run joyfully across a lawn with arms spread wide during sunset.
Close-up of bridal bouquet with pink roses, greenery and delicate white flowers.
Silhouettes dance on stone steps during golden hour.
A tender moment captured in warm sunlight with cypress trees in the background.
Groomsmen in black suits strike playful poses by a pool with cypress trees in background.
Wedding venue with elegant cypress trees lining a path beside a swimming pool.
A scenic pathway lined with tall cypress trees and manicured lawns on a sunny afternoon.
Family relaxing together on sunny grass lawn during golden hour sunset.
Children play and run through a sun-drenched lawn creating long shadows.
A couple runs playfully across a sunlit grassy hill.
A couple shares laughter in golden sunlight wearing coordinating blue and white outfits.
A couple dances playfully on a grassy lawn surrounded by cypress trees.
A couple shares an intimate moment in a garden setting with pink roses.
A tree-lined path with a blue reflecting pool stretches into the distance.
Wedding party poses for group photos under autumn trees with long shadows.

Pulgas Water Temple

Parking: Free

Couple standing against ivy-covered brick wall in garden setting.
White dress silhouettes under blooming cherry blossoms and brick archway.
Romantic couple embracing in garden with flowering vines and brick wall.
Couple posing together against wall of blooming pink roses in garden.
Couple walking through garden with vibrant pink flowers in bloom.
Couple sharing romantic moment through brick garden archway with green vines.
Romantic garden photoshoot with couple in white and beige attire.
Elegant columned entrance with potted blue flowers and couple in white.

Filoli Historic House

Parking:  $38 (Entrance Fee)

Joyful couple laughing together on nature trail surrounded by majestic redwoods.
Romantic couple sharing intimate moments on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by towering redwood trees.
Couple embracing tenderly on forest path with sunlit redwoods in background.
Couple dances and spins together on scenic forest boardwalk among tall trees.
Couple sharing romantic dance moves on wooden walkway through peaceful forest.
Couple dancing and dipping on wooden pathway through serene redwood grove.
Intimate couple moment captured on forest boardwalk with filtered sunlight through trees.
Couple dancing on wooden boardwalk surrounded by tall redwood trees.
Dancing couple twirls playfully on wooden boardwalk through redwood forest.

Redwood Grove Nature Preserve

Parking: Paid

A side profile of an expectant mother in a white shirt standing in a sunlit field.
Person in flowing dress twirling in a green park at sunset.
Family lying together on grass sharing joyful moments outdoors.
Romantic couple sharing intimate moments in a natural outdoor setting during golden hour.
A person stands in a grassy field surrounded by autumn trees on a bright fall day.
Couple performing dramatic dip dance move in green meadow on cloudy day.
A family enjoys a golden sunset in a field with sunlight creating a magical sparkle effect.
A child in a plaid shirt plays with toys on grass in golden sunlight.
A couple shares an intimate moment among vibrant red autumn leaves.
Couple sharing laughter and embraces on a grassy field during sunset.
A silhouetted figure watches ducks swimming in calm water.
Playful poses captured in sequence on sunny grassy field.
Person wearing brown coat and patterned dress poses against natural backdrop.
Family running together through a grassy field with their dog on an autumn day.
Children run through a sunlit park with tall trees casting shadows on green grass.
Sweet candid moments of affection captured in a series on a grassy field.
Person in patterned dress poses gracefully by a lake with golden reflections.
A scenic autumn path with fallen leaves where two people in flowing dresses walk together in a park setting.
Playful family moments captured in sequence outdoors on a sunny afternoon.
Couple sharing intimate moments by a reflective lake in black and white.
A black and white candid moment of a couple sharing laughter outdoors.

Vasona Lake County Park

Parking: $6

A dirt path winds through a majestic redwood forest with tall trees creating a natural tunnel.
Black and white photo of people walking through a misty redwood forest.
Three people walk together on a wooded path surrounded by tall trees and autumn leaves.
A couple sits together at the base of massive redwood trees in a serene forest setting.
People rest on a fallen log beneath towering redwood trees in a dimly lit forest.
A playful moment captured between two people in a redwood forest.
A joyful embrace shared between two people among towering redwood trees.
A tender moment shared between two people in a sunlit forest setting.
Two people explore the massive trunk of an ancient redwood tree.
People explore and touch the massive roots of an ancient redwood tree.
An intimate black and white photo of two people sharing a loving moment in nature.
Children playing and climbing on a fallen log in a lush forest setting.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Parking: $10 (Entrance Fee)

Person in white sweater walking through sunlit forest during golden hour.
Couple embracing in a sunlit forest clearing during golden hour.
Person in white sweater laughing joyfully in a sunlit forest setting.
Couple sharing tender moments in dappled forest sunlight.
Person in white dress twirling in sunlit forest with rays streaming through trees.

Mt. Madonna Amphitheater

Parking: $6

Loving couple shares tender moments against a backdrop of willow trees at sunset.
Person standing in golden sunlit meadow during sunset.
Intimate maternity photos of a couple embracing under warm sunset lighting.
Couple sharing intimate moment in tall grass during golden hour.
Couple dancing together by lakeside during sunset.
A couple poses in a sun-drenched field with large oak trees during golden hour.
Silhouetted couple embracing in tall grass during golden sunset.

Ed R. Levin County Park

Parking: $6 (Entrance Fee)

Wide landscape shot of a couple standing beneath a massive oak tree in golden light.
Family rests against a large tree trunk during a sunset photo session.
A toddler in brown overalls plays joyfully outdoors during golden hour.
Joyful moments captured under large tree trunk during outdoor photoshoot.
Couple walks through a sun-lit field with large oak trees in the background.
Family enjoying a casual outdoor photoshoot in rolling hills landscape.
Family shares joyful moments with their baby under a tree at sunset.
Intimate family portrait series taken under a tree during golden hour.
Heartwarming family moment captured in golden backlit setting.
A family shares quiet moments together beneath a large tree trunk.
A family enjoys tender moments together under a majestic tree at sunset.
Mother and baby share tender moments under a large oak tree in warm sunlight.
Candid family laughter during outdoor photo session in golden sunlight.
An expectant mother rests on a white blanket with baby's breath flowers at sunset.
A romantic couple shares tender moments beneath a tree in warm sunlight.
Person in cozy white sweater gazes upward during golden hour sunset photography session.
A family poses under a large oak tree during golden hour.
Playful family photo session beneath a majestic oak tree.
Romantic couple poses by a large tree trunk during golden hour photography session.
Loving family interactions photographed in natural outdoor setting during sunset.
Candid family portraits captured under tree branches in warm afternoon light.
A family shares intimate moments together during a sunset photoshoot.
A couple shares intimate kisses during a golden hour photoshoot.
A couple shares joyful laughter during an outdoor photoshoot.
Sweet bonding moment with infant wrapped in white blanket during sunset photoshoot.
Person wearing white textured sweater poses against warm outdoor backdrop during photoshoot.
Tender outdoor family moment captured in golden sunlight beneath a tree.
Couple dances together under a majestic oak tree during golden hour.
A family plays together on a grassy hillside during sunset.

Montgomery Hill Park

Parking: Free

Romantic couple photoshoot in golden cornfield during sunset.
Couple embracing outdoors in a grassy field during romantic photoshoot.
Couple poses near waterfront with tall grass during outdoor photoshoot.
Couple walking along path between cornfields during sunset photoshoot.
Intimate couple moment captured in outdoor setting with soft natural lighting.
Family enjoying playful moments on wooden deck during golden hour.

Coyote Hills Regional Park

Parking: $5 (Entrance Fee)

Blurry carousel lights create a magical atmosphere in an amusement park setting.
Rolling green hills at sunset with silhouettes of people in the distance.
A series of photos showing a baby being lifted playfully in the air during golden hour.
A family shares joyful moments together on a sunny evening in a park setting.
Family relaxing together on grass during golden hour sunset.
A playful sequence of a baby being lifted and flipped in a grassy outdoor setting at sunset.
Intimate family moment captured in autumn with golden sunlight filtering through trees.
Baby wearing party hat and red outfit smiles during celebratory photoshoot.
Wide view of a grassy hill with walking paths and distant figures at sunset.

Tilden Regional Park

Parking: Free

Couple poses together against stone castle walls during golden hour.
Black and white photo of a couple standing by medieval stone fortress walls.
A couple dances on a castle's stone terrace during golden hour.
A romantic couple embraces against a rustic stone wall in soft lighting.
A couple poses on stone steps against medieval castle walls in black and white.
A couple shares an intimate moment on a castle terrace at sunset.
A flowing dress catches light on dark stone stairs in a medieval tower.
A couple stands in dramatic lighting within an ancient stone passageway.

Castello di Amorosa

Parking: $60 (Entrance Fee)

Scenic view of a river flowing past towering mountain peaks in a forested landscape.

Yosemite National Park

Parking: $35 (Entrance Fee)