Best Bay Area Locations for Family Photos

Looking for the best Bay Area locations for family photos this year? Maybe something a little different and off the beaten path? Or maybe an iconic location with a new twist? Well, I have some great suggestions that might take away some of the guesswork and make choosing your location easier. Whether you are looking for beaches, trails, or classic city centers, I have the inspiration to help you plan for a creative and stress-free family portrait session. The hard part might be choosing which one is right. The Bay Area’s options for gorgeous locations for pictures is overwhelming!

Finding the perfect spot that fits your brood can be tricky, but the San Francisco Bay Area offers amazing variety. For example, if you have active kids you need a safe wide space where passing cars won’t be an issue. If you have a child who doesn’t walk yet, being able to put them down safely is essential. And older kids can rock the urban scene. I’m here to help you find the right place for your family. Whether you live in San Francisco, Marin, Oakland, Berkeley, Piedmont, Lamorinda, Walnut Creek, Palo Alto, San Jose or beyond, it’s a joy for me to make suggestions that will get you excited.

The Redwoods in Oakland

I had to start with the one location that is closest to my heart. We live close to Redwood Regional Park and I’m lucky enough to hike with my two dogs there most days. The towering trees and filtered light are magical and it’s a special experience for my clients to have their sessions there. The entrance to the park from the Chabot Space and Science Center or Roberts Park are great options, and easy for little ones.

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Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland

Just off Hwy 13, in Oakland, past Montclair Village is the stunning Joaquin Miller Park. Filled with trails and open meadows, it’s a great choice for all ages.

Alameda Beach for Family Photos

Wow, who knew Alameda Beach was so beautiful? Not only is the water shallow and warm, perfect for young kids, but there are lovely seagrasses and dunes. If you are considering beach portraits and don’t want to cross the Bay Bridge to San Francisco, consider this easy seaside spot in the East Bay.

Piedmont Park

Looking for an easy photo location in the East Bay? With ample parking and manicured landscape, Piedmont Park is a sure win. It has a large lawn, redwood trees, and a huge oak for families to sit on.

Downtown Oakland

Family portraits don’t always have to be in a park or natural setting. I love using backgrounds in downtown Oakland for an urban vibe. If Oakland is your town, like it is mine, let’s head downtown for great images.

Family Portraits at Tilden Park in Berkeley

Lots of families bring their young kids to Tilden Park in Berkeley to visit Little Farm and to trek on gentle hikes. If you are one of those families, consider this fabulous spot for your family’s portraits.

Mount Diablo State Park Portraits

We are so lucky to have the rustic beauty of the Mount Diablo open spaces so close to us. The dramatic hills and old oaks in Walnut Creek make for compelling scenery and is a favorite choice for many when searching for the best San Francisco Bay Area locations to suit their needs. If you love the oaks and tall grasses of the rustic California esthetic, this spot is a classic.

Marin Headlands Family Pictures

The Marin Headlands is such a Bay Area treasure. It always feels like an adventure to see this the mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. It’s truly a unique California experience. Just a few miles from the quaint town of Sausalito, this isolated and preserved area is home to Tennessee Valley, Point Bonita Light House, Rodeo Beach and more. Check out more about the Marin Headlands here.

San Francisco Beaches

Baker Beach and Crissy Field both have lovely sand dunes and world-class views of the Golden Gate Bridge. You definitely want your family to have portraits here at some point. We live in one of the most beautiful places on earth so let it show on your walls with custom portraiture.

Telegraph and Nob Hill in San Francisco

Tourists come from all over the world to have portraits made on the streets of San Francisco. Are your kids older and might be looking for edgier portraits? Nob Hill and the surrounding neighborhoods are a timeless option.

Half Moon Bay Beach Portraits

Ready to make family memories on the beautiful beaches of northern California? Pack the kids and head to San Mateo County to play at the beaches in Half Moon Bay. The rural atmosphere is so quaint and the beaches are quiet and pristine. In addition to the beaches, The gorgeous cypress groves near Moss Beach are unique and perfect for family portraits and maternity photoshoots.

Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco’s Marina District is a stunning option for maternity, engagement, couples and wedding portraits. You will never regret including this historic landmark in your photos. This San Francisco Bay Area location is better for older kids or couples.

Santa Cruz Beach Family Photography

Ready for a day trip for a Santa Cruz beach photo session? Oh, what a day it will be! The beauty of Monterey Bay makes for the perfect backdrop for a lifestyle family portrait session. Some families will travel from the Bay Area and make a weekend out of their Santa Cruz trip. From Natural Bridges Beach, to Seascape and beyond, let’s get our toes sandy for some great memories. Ready for family portraits on the beaches of Santa Cruz? I can’t wait to meet you there.