San Diego has so many breathtaking views, and I’m excited to share some of my favorite places with you. Deciding on where you want to take your engagement photos or next family pictures can be challenging, so hopefully, this list helps you find the best photoshoot locations in San Diego for your upcoming shoot!
Torrey Pines Gliderport
Torrey Pines Gliderport is such a beautiful spot in San Diego. Watching the paragliders is one of the neatest things! Also, if you are wanting to incorporate the beach into your photos without the mess of the sand, this is the perfect spot.
Julian
Julian is definitely one of my favorite locations to shoot at! It’s just absolutely gorgeous and I think it’s worth the drive every time. My recommendation is that you stop in town before your shoot and get a slice of dutch apple pie a la mode, it’s a must have! Without a doubt, this definitely ranks high on the best photoshoot locations in San Diego.
Ramona Grasslands Preserve
Ramona is about forty-five minutes outside of San Diego, but it is worth the drive! Overall, this location has it all, there are open fields with tall grass, and trails that lead to more intimate spots. And in the evening when the sun is setting, well it’s breathtaking!
Downtown San ssDiego
I’m not a huge city girl but, I absolutely love downtown San Diego. So you know, I have the perfect rooftop location if a city-scape is what you’re going for, or we can explore Little Italy and all the nooks and crannies of downtown.
Coronado Beach
Coronado is one of my favorite places in San Diego. There’s a laid back vibe everywhere you go. The beach is beautiful, and it is home to my favorite little cafe. Coronado beach is great for all sessions, whether it be family, engagement, bridals, or elopements!
Mission Trails Regional Park
Mission Trails is a great alternative to a beach location, plus there are so many different trails and picture-perfect spots to explore. No matter the season, this place is always beautiful!
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is another very popular location in San Diego that offers a lot of variety due to it’s many attractions! My favorite places there include the Desert Garden, Casa Del Prado Theatre, and in front of the California Tower.
Windansea Beach
If you want to see something magical, plan a sunset shoot at Windansea Beach I promise you won’t regret it! This beach is my favorite beach ever. And watching the surfers and sun sink below the horizon is one of my favorite past times. I have shot all kinds of sessions here, and every single time I fall in love with it all over again!
Sunset Cliffs
Sunset Cliffs is an iconic San Diego location, it’s beautiful! It’s always a busy location but I have noticed it’s not as busy during the fall/winter time. If you’re down to battle a crowd I think that it is a great shoot location!
Ho Chi Minh Trails
Ho Chi Minh trails is definitely for the more adventurous couple! This place is stunning. To get the spot with an incredible ocean view you have walk across a couple 2×4’s… so I wouldn’t recommend this place for a family shoot or for people afraid of heights, but if you feel like getting a little workout in this place is for you!
Coronado Ferry Landing
This is the perfect spot to get the iconic San Diego photo! The ferry landing is a great spot for a mini session or to shoot both here and on Coronado Beach. After your shoot you can either grab some yummy food in Coronado or catch the ferry across to downtown San Diego and hit up the Gaslamp!
Mountain Hawk Park
Mountain Hawk Park is in east San Diego, not too far from Chula Vista. Every single time I’ve met a family or couple here, they mention that it doesn’t even feel like San Diego. I spent lots of time scouting for the “perfect” spot in San Diego and, when I came across this place, I fell in love!
Lake near Jamul
I love this spot, it’s one of my “secrets”. The dock that overlooks the lake and mountains is absolutely stunning. This location has tons of greenery, and flowers that bloom beautifully in the spring and summer. This is another place that doesn’t feel like San Diego but is beautiful none the less, and I still consider one of the best photoshoot locations!
In-Home Session
In-home sessions are perfect if you want to be comfortable and casual! There’s nothing like being in your element, and staying home is usually where you’re the most you. Home sessions are perfect for anything from newborns to couples and boudoir! If you need help with styling your home to make it picture perfect, or picking the perfect outfits, I have plenty of tips to help you along the way!
Other San Diego Locations Perfect For Your Session
- Your favorite coffee shop
- Belmont Park (a perfect excuse to enjoy ice cream from Sweet Shoppe)
- Old Town San Diego
- Presidio Park
- Sripp’s Pier
- Solana Beach
- Encinitas Beach
There are so many spots in San Diego that make the best photoshoot locations. From the beach to the desert, and everything in between you really can’t go wrong when it comes to deciding the perfect place for you!
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