Best Photoshoot Locations in Southern California – Top 10 Picks
Looking for the 10 best photoshoot locations in Southern California? Whether you’re planning an engagement, family session, maternity shoot, or branding photos, this list features real sessions in some of the most stunning spots across SoCal — from hidden beaches to windswept cliffs.
As an Orange County-based photographer, I’ve explored the coast and inland trails with couples and families who wanted more than just a pretty backdrop — they wanted a feeling. These 10 locations deliver just that.
Here’s your guide to the best photoshoot locations in Southern California, with each spot shown through real galleries of love, movement, and golden light.
🌊 West Street Beach – One of the Best Photoshoot Locations in Southern California for Sunset Lovers
See Becca & Ricky’s Surprise Proposal →
See Lillie & Bryan’s Morning Engagement →
See Selene & Derek’s Couples Session →
West Street Beach has that wild, wind-in-your-hair energy. With towering cliffs, soft sand, and sweeping ocean views, it’s perfect for sunset engagement sessions or proposals that feel epic and cinematic.
Best for: Proposals, engagements, couples
🐚 Shaw’s Cove – A Southern California Photoshoot Spot That Feels Intimate & Timeless
See Jennifer & Justin’s Engagement Session →
See Sarah & Preston’s Proposal →
See The Thorson Maternity Session →
Shaw’s Cove in Laguna Beach is cozy and intimate — perfect for moments that feel private and romantic. The rocks and tidepools add texture, while the soft lighting here is unreal at sunset.
Best for: Proposals, maternity sessions, engagements
🌴 Sunset Cliffs – Bold & Beautiful Photoshoot Location in Southern California
See Cass & Austin’s Proposal →
See Ashley & Nash’s Engagement →
In San Diego, Sunset Cliffs offers soaring bluffs and crashing waves. It’s dramatic in all the right ways. If you want your photos to feel adventurous, raw, and windswept, this is one of the best photoshoot locations in Southern California.
Best for: Proposals, elopements, destination sessions
🌾 Laguna Hills – Underrated Southern California Couples Photography Location
See the Walker Couples Session →
This inland spot is perfect for couples who want a natural, open-space feel without crowds. Rolling hills, tall grasses, and peaceful golden hour vibes make it a gorgeous alternative to beach sessions.
Best for: Couples, anniversaries, low-key love stories
🏝 Calafia Beach – Classic Coastal Photoshoot Location in Southern California
See The Taylor Family Session →
Calafia Beach feels like SoCal’s greatest hits: palm trees, bluffs, tidepools, and wide open sand. It’s a favorite for family and maternity photos with both beachy and rocky backdrops.
Best for: Families, maternity, multigenerational sessions
🍃 Canyon Park – Hidden Gem Photoshoot Spot in Southern California
See the Hartshorne Family Session →
This little-known park gives a nature-y feel in the heart of the city. With shaded trails, bridges, and rustic greens, it’s perfect for families or couples wanting that woodsy look without going far.
Best for: Families, maternity, casual couple sessions
🧡 Bommer Canyon – One of the Best Places for Couples Photos in Southern California
See Daniela & Cache’s Couples Session →
See MJ’s Sunset Session →
Bommer Canyon in Irvine is where soft golden grass meets winding dirt paths. It photographs beautifully year-round and gives off that nostalgic, earthy vibe. It’s one of my favorite photoshoot locations in Southern California for low-key couples.
Best for: Couples, engagements, senior portraits
🧺 Crescent Bay Beach – A Picture-Perfect Proposal Spot in Southern California
See Macy & Emiel’s Engagement Session →
With wide sands, bright blue water, and a postcard-perfect view, Crescent Bay is one of the most romantic beaches in Laguna. This is a dream spot for proposals and joyful, barefoot moments.
Best for: Proposals, engagements
💕 Treasure Island Beach – Iconic Laguna Location for Southern California Photoshoots
See Maddy & Kevin’s Couples Session →
This Laguna Beach favorite features iconic cliffs and layered textures. It’s especially stunning at golden hour when the light wraps around the rocks and water. It’s easily one of the best photoshoot locations in Southern California.
Best for: Couples, maternity, elopements
🍊 Santiago Oaks – Rustic, Earthy Photoshoot Location in SoCal’s Natural Beauty
See the Cooper Family Session →
Tucked inland, this regional park features rolling hills, oak trees, and that classic SoCal golden light. A peaceful, earthy spot for families and couples who love a more grounded, outdoorsy feel.
Best for: Families, fall sessions, storytelling vibes
Final Thoughts
When choosing from the best photoshoot locations in Southern California, think about what feeling you want your session to have — playful, adventurous, cozy, poetic. These spots aren’t just beautiful — they help tell your story in a way that feels authentic and real.
Let’s find the perfect setting for your story next.
📩 Ready to book your session? Reach out here →
Bonus: How to Choose Your Photoshoot Location
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Beach or bluff? Romantic cliffs or sandy toes?
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Crowded or secluded? I’ll guide you to the right time of day for quiet.
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Natural light preference? Some beaches glow better at sunrise vs sunset.
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Accessibility needs? Some locations require short hikes, others are easy strolls.
Still unsure? I’ve got you. We’ll choose a spot based on your story, not just a backdrop.
