Looking for the best San Francisco 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 are 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.
Mount Diablo Foothills
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. It’s green during the rainy season and golden in drier months. If you love the oaks and tall grasses of the rustic California esthetic, this spot is a classic. Perfect for families in Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, Danville and surrounding areas.
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.
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.
Cavallo Point in Sausalito for Unique Family Photos
When searching for the ideal spot for family photography in the Bay Area, Cavallo Point in Sausalito stands out as an exceptional choice. This historic lodge nestled at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of this world-famous landmark, creating instantly recognizable images that capture the essence of San Francisco. Located within the historic Fort Baker at 601 Murray Circle, the property features beautifully restored early 1900s military buildings, manicured lawns, rocky beaches, and coastal trails—all providing diverse photography settings without requiring your family to travel between multiple locations. The warm, earthy tones of the classic architecture complement any wardrobe choice, while the natural landscapes and waterfront views offer organic, magazine-worthy backgrounds perfect for both formal portraits and candid family moments.
What makes Cavallo Point particularly ideal for family photography is the combination of spectacular scenery and practical amenities. The coastal location provides beautiful natural lighting, especially during golden hour, while spots like the Great Lawn, Murray Circle, the beach, and the Coastal Trail offer variety for different photo styles—from playful shoreline shots to elegant architectural backdrops. Unlike remote scenic locations, Cavallo Point offers convenient parking, restrooms, and nearby refreshments, making photo sessions with children much smoother. For the best results, consider scheduling during weekday mornings or late afternoons when crowds are lighter, and spring or fall for mild weather. Whether celebrating a special occasion or creating annual family portraits, Cavallo Point delivers an unmatched combination of iconic Bay Area beauty and family-friendly convenience. Learn more at Sausalito’s official tourism website or the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Legion of Honor Museum Family Portraits
Want to capture your family against one of San Francisco’s most iconic and elegant backdrops? The Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park offers a spectacular setting that combines neoclassical architecture, sweeping city views, and manicured grounds for truly memorable Bay Area family portraits. This stunning Beaux-Arts museum, modeled after the Palais de la Légion d’Honneur in Paris, features dramatic columns, a grand courtyard, and expansive steps that create a sense of timeless elegance. The location provides breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the most prestigious photography locations in San Francisco. The formal gardens, tree-lined paths, and architectural details offer diverse backdrops all within walking distance, perfect for families who want both grandeur and variety in their portrait session.
The Legion of Honor is an excellent choice for families in San Francisco’s Outer Richmond, Seacliff, Presidio, and surrounding neighborhoods, as well as those willing to venture into the city for an upscale portrait experience. The location works beautifully for families with older children and teens who can appreciate the sophistication of the setting, though the wide courtyard and surrounding grounds are also manageable for younger kids. Lincoln Park itself offers additional natural settings with cypress trees and coastal trails if you want to mix urban elegance with natural beauty. Note that professional photography sessions at the Legion of Honor require advance coordination with San Francisco Recreation and Parks, and the iconic courtyard and steps are accessible during museum hours. The golden hour light illuminating the honey-colored facade creates a warm, romantic glow that elevates family portraits to gallery-worthy art. If you’re seeking a sophisticated, European-inspired setting with world-class San Francisco views, the Legion of Honor delivers an unforgettable portrait experience.
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.
Filoli Historic House & Garden Family Portraits
Looking for an elegant backdrop that combines manicured gardens with historic architecture? Filoli Historic House & Garden in Woodside offers a stunning setting for Bay Area family photography that feels both timeless and sophisticated. This National Trust historic site features 16 acres of formal English Renaissance gardens, sprawling lawns, and the iconic Georgian Revival mansion that served as the Carrington estate in the TV series Dynasty. The meticulously maintained gardens bloom year-round, offering different seasonal backdrops—spring brings vibrant tulips and flowering trees, summer showcases roses and perennials, fall delivers rich foliage colors, and winter provides elegant evergreen structure. The estate’s grand allées, reflective pools, and intimate garden rooms create diverse settings all in one location, perfect for families who want variety without moving between spots.
Filoli is ideal for families in Woodside, Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Los Altos, and surrounding Peninsula communities who are seeking a refined, garden-style portrait session. The wide pathways are stroller-friendly and safe for young children, while the dramatic architecture and lush landscapes appeal to families with older kids and teens looking for sophisticated portrait backgrounds. Note that Filoli requires advance reservations and photography permits for professional sessions, so planning ahead is essential. The golden hour light filtering through the oak trees and illuminating the formal gardens creates an enchanting atmosphere that elevates family portraits from snapshots to heirloom-quality artwork. If you’re drawn to the classic beauty of European-inspired gardens combined with California’s natural splendor, Filoli Estate is an unforgettable choice for your family’s portrait session.
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.
There are so many great San Francisco Bay Area locations for family photos. I can’t wait to hear which one you choose!
