1. Scripps Pier in La Jolla

2. Ocean Beach Tide Pools

3. Balboa Park

4. Sunset Cliffs

5. Coronado Beach

1. Scripps Pier in La Jolla

There are definitely several Best San Diego outdoor family and engagement locations that I would recommend for a Couple or Family Portrait Session and some others for an Engagement Photography Session. As I was thinking about The 5 Best San Diego Photography Locations over a span of several weeks and how I would end up narrowing down the top locations for this post, I decided the best choice was to keep it simple. Now, while I could name about 20 absolute picture perfect locals for the Best Photo Spots off of the top of my head, I decided to choose these following specific Best San Diego Photography Locations based on ease of access, the most picturesque background options for one location, lack of permits needed by SD photographers, and of course, overall scenic value. 1. Scripps Pier in La Jolla | This includes the Scripps Memorial Pier as well. A favorite destination by many Family photographers and their families, this spot has a long, flat, and clean beach which makes it perfect for larger groups and super easy for children to run around and play. A paid parking lot is available during the weekends. During the week, parking can be found all the way up the hill and along the neighborhoods. If it’s super packed then you can park a little south at La Jolla Beach and walk along the water to the Pier (takes about 10 minutes at a medium pace). Since we have had so much rain this year, there are some gorgeous flowers along the parking lot that also make for a great photo op. If you’re lucky, you will see a few hummingbirds! There is a lifeguard station here as well. One of the great things about Scripps Beach is that there are so many photo opportunities in one small area. You have La Jolla beach, the pier, a concrete wall, lots of rocks and usually some rad seaweed, and amazing cliffs that rival the South of France. One other thing I forgot to mention is that Caroline’s Seaside Cafe overlooks everything and is just a few steps from the sand. From here you can have lunch, grab a coffee, or get some ice water. The only thing that makes me sad is that it closes at 3pm. If they were open late, they would be packed! The long, flat beach makes the perfect setup for getting plenty of easy waves to play with.

2. Ocean Beach Tide Pools

The next place on the top of my 5 Best San Diego Photography Locations list is located within Ocean Beach. There are several secret crevices along the coast of Ocean Beach and Sunset Cliffs that make for a perfect backdrop for Portrait Sessions of any size. The diverse coast is what makes it so great. 

This top photography locale is perfect for both couples and small families. There are tide pools, small cliffs, and tiny, private or personal beaches. During the weekends it gets quite busy, so I would advise you to choose a week day for your portraits. It is definitely important to plan around the tide here and to make sure that you are staying safe during your photoshoot.

3. Balboa Park

Next up on my list is a little farther from the beach. Balboa Park is a few minutes just North of Downtown. Along with the architecture, the phenomenal museums, and the zoo, comes a nearly endless landscape of greenery and architecture. Beautiful fig and willow trees are amongst the the rose and cactus gardens. For more unique backdrops, you can pay a small fee to enter and photograph at the Japanese Friendship Garden.

This is one of my favorite spots for senior photos, family, and engagement sessions.

Click or tap here for a video of great view points inside of Balboa Park.. [Balboa Park Locations Youtube Video]1

4. Sunset Cliffs

Sunset Cliffs is extremely close to the above, #2 Ocean Beach option but offers another vibe all together. Currently, as of Spring 2024, extensive repairs are underway as coastal erosion has increased over the past 3 years. You'll definitely need to check out the locations prior to your photography session. Sunset Cliffs is even more picturesque than ever with the larger waves crashing along the cliffs. Seclusion is a bit hard to come by here even in the WInter, but there are still plenty of areas to capture beautiful pictures especially as thee namesake claims, at sunset.

You may also find permitted weddings taking place, so make sure to share the area kindly and practice a bit of patience so that everyone can get their shots that they want!

5. Coronado Beach

This is actually my favorite 5 Best San Diego Photography Locations at the beach, however there are a few things to note about this location. Depending on the time of year, you may experience an earlier sunset as the sun sets behind Point Loma. Reason number one behind this making the top 5 list is the long flat beaches, that allow plenty of room to move around undisturbed any time of the year. It is also great becuase the tide is not factor in determining whether the beach will be accessible 24/7/365.

There is typically plenty of parking, restroom access, lower crime, and epic views. The kiddos can even stay busy watching the military aircraft come in for a landing. You can see another Coronado Session at this link here.

There are a few more destinations that didn’t quite make the 5 Best San Diego Photography Locations but are still beautiful and great choices.

If you’re interested in something a bit more unique such as Lavender or Flower fields take a look here at this flower fields link.

With lots of love and good vibes,

Heather

XOXO