This location roundup is meant to point you toward the best outdoor San Francisco photoshoot locations for families. These are my top picks. For a comprehensive list, check out Bay Area Photo Session Locations.

Each of these locations is easily accessible and has enough variety to keep both kids and adults entertained for an entire photo session. Hover over the small photos (above) for the location, then click to learn more about each.

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach, stretching from Fort Funston to Lands End, is where San Francisco meets the untamed Pacific Ocean. It is simply one of the best places to take pictures in San Francisco, with exceptionally beautiful light in the early mornings.

Whether you seek solitude in the sand dunes, the chance to dip your toes in the invigorating Pacific Ocean, or a vibrant California beach atmosphere near bonfire pits and volleyball games, Ocean Beach has it all. The weather is impressively unpredictable, adding to the allure of the location and also the diversity of images we might create together.

The stretch of Ocean Beach between Lincoln Blvd and Sloat Ave got a major upgrade in 2025, with the official transition of the former Great Highway into a permanent coastal park called Sunset Dunes. Click to learn about the making of Sunset Dunes Park.

Resources –

  • Casually dressed family of five walk across closed highway toward the beach, coffee in hand.
  • Mom holds daughter and kisses her while wind blows hair.
  • Dad throws daughter into the air at the beach while son looks on.
  • People enjoying a sunset from San Francisco's Great Highway during the pandemic closure.
  • Family of three smiles and peeks over a huge log bench in front of Sunset Dunes park and Ocean Beach.
  • Child holds parents hands and walks along the graffiti-covered seawall of San Francisco's Sunset Dunes Park.
  • Family with toddler and dog in beach wagon walk amidst and look up at towering coastal cypress of Golden Gate Park.
  • Daughter holds dad's hand and walks him though a garden.
  • Family embraces amidst sand dune sea oats at sunset.
  • Mom and dad hold daughter high as she turns to watch seabirds flock in the fog above the gray Pacific Ocean.
  • Mom, dad, and toddler walk on the sand beneath ethereal & foggy san bluffs, the famous Camera Obscura perched atop one of them.
  • Dad gives daughter a piggyback ride as they laugh and splash in the shallows at the beach.

Learn more

Lands End

San Francisco’s westernmost point, Lands End, is an icon amongst Bay Area photoshoot locations. Set atop the rugged coastline of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, this breathtaking slice of coastline offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and iconic vistas. From panoramas of the Pacific Ocean to enchanting trails through cypress forest, Lands End provides a variety of environments to inspire creativity.

And then there’s the main attraction – an iconic view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Lands End shares a parking area with Sutro Baths, the next location on this list. Families that are mobile and feeling a bit adventurous can easily combine both locations for a single, spectacular photo session. Both locations are great in the morning and the evening, with weekend afternoons becoming extremely crowded (avoid them).

Resources –

  • Woman's hand's on pregnant belly with ocean behind.
  • Family of three kneeling in grass below sunrise through tall Monterey Cypress
  • Man twirls a pregnant woman silhouetted in front of colorful sunset over the famous Seal Rocks of San Francisco.
  • Pregnant woman stands atop sea cliff and looks out towards sunset and the ocean.
  • Dad holds baby and walks with mom through dense fog on a dirt lane beneath towering coastal cypress.
  • Dad holds toddler and touches mom's pregnant belly with ocean behind.
  • Mom and dad each with a kid on shoulders walking through golden forest at sunset.
  • Dad reaches for toddler's hand while mom wraps baby in sweater as they walk a coastal bluff in evening light, Marin Headlands in the backdrop.
  • Mom, dad, and daughter hold hands and walk the wooden stairs of a path towards the ocean and the sunset.
  • Son points to a ship to show his father.

Learn more

Sutro Baths


Sutro Baths is one of the most aesthetic locations in San Francisco, and it is especially popular for couples, engagement, and family photo sessions. Just down the stairs from Lands End, the ruins of a massive swimming pool complex offer a special blend of natural beauty and unique architectural forms. Some of my favorite things to incorporate in family photos at Sutro Baths include the reflection pools, pelican formations, sunset cave silhouettes, and Seal Rocks in the background.

If you have young kids or mobility challenges, Sutro Baths might feel stressful or downright dangerous. Many of the favorite photo spots require traversing narrow concrete paths above pools of water or scrambling over uneven terrain to reach the beach or an overlook.

Resources –

  • Maternity photo of woman standing above reflection pool at sunset.
  • Family of three walk along edge of famous Sutro Baths ruins, reflections showing in the old baths.
  • Dad helps mom down from rocky shoreline onto beach where son is walking ahead.
  • Pelican V formation silhouette
  • Family of three stand atop graffiti covered sea wall, trees of Land's End behind, looking towards the sunset and Pacific Ocean.
  • Family of three against a sandstone backdrop.
  • Family of fours silhouetted against sunset in the Sutro Baths cave.
  • Daughter puts her hand in the water of a tidepool.
  • Mom holds dad's arm and looks out over ruins of Sutro Baths and Seal Rocks towards sunset, while school-age son in motion blur runs circles around them.
  • Family of three on a beach watch a perfect line of pelicans against a dramatic sky.
  • Mom and dad walk into sunset light towards graffiti covered ruins of Sutro Baths, each with a toddler in tow.

Learn more

SF Botanical Gardens


When parents come to me looking for family photos with a foresty vibe, I almost always suggest the San Francisco Botanical Gardens as a top pick. By nature (pun intended), the gardens offer incredible variety in a really compact space. During a 10-minute walking loop, we can take pictures in a redwood forest, on a platform floating over a lily pond, running around manicured lawns, exploring an incredible array of exotic flowers, and lots more.

Other great things…the Botanical Gardens are constantly maintained, meaning that your pictures are inevitably free of litter, clutter, and distraction. Sunshine is great, but this is also one of my favorite locations for family photos in the fog. Lastly, it’s free for locals!

*Pro tip – avoid weekend afternoons due to crowds!

Resources –

  • Parents and son look into pond from wooden bridge
  • Mom holds daughter in the air so she can touch a white flower.
  • Maternity photo of woman looking up towards towering redwood.
  • Family of four on the famous moon viewing platform at the SF Botanical Gardens.
  • Mom and dad hold infant and walk the bridge across the Waterfowl Pond at SF's Botanical Gardens
  • Baby boy crawls around in soft dried redwood needles on forest floor.
  • Pregnant couple sit quietly on sun dappled park bench.

Learn more

Fort Funston & Thornton State Beach

Fort Funston, located just south of Ocean Beach, is a hidden gem amongst Bay Area photography spots. This picturesque coastline of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area features stunning sandstone cliffs, a secluded beach, iconic Navy-era ruins, and a secret bench nestled into a wind-sculpted tree nook. Every time I photograph families at Fort Funston I stumble on something new and inspiring.

Fort Funston is an afternoon location with expansive sunset views (when not foggy). It is a popular spot for dog owners, so is best suited for families comfortable around pets.

Just to the south is Funston’s overshadowed sibling, Thornton State Beach. Aesthetically, it is similar but has a pronounced bench just above the ocean, covered in coastal greenery and walking paths. I love Thornton more for the bluffs than the beach.

This place feels weirdly off-the-beaten-track, and you can find plenty of solitude here no matter the day of the week. I suggest photos at Thornton only for the more mobile families, as a fair amount of walking is required. And if you are hoping to access the beach, expect steep, sandy, and poorly maintained trails!

Check out a 2024 family photo session gallery from Thornton.

Resources –

  • Family of four sits on a bench and looks at the sunset and moonrise.
  • Adventurous family walks down steep path towards the beach.
  • Family walks towards the ocean between dunes covered in ice plant.
  • Infant sits on bench in tree nook while parents make her laugh.
  • Two parents hold two kids looking out towards a sunset with Marin Headlands in the background.
  • Parents hold infant while dog sits on the sandy beach at their feet.
  • Beach sunset casts a long shadow from a young family looking at the ocean.

Learn more

Baker Beach

Baker Beach is an easy choice for a beach family photoshoot. Capturing sunlight both early and late in the day, you can count on great light for sunrise and sunset sessions.

For family photography, I usually head to the north end of the beach, where you find sun-dappled forest, a historical military outpost, nearly a mile of beach, beautiful rock formations, and iconic vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge.
That classic family photo you’re thinking of, the one in front of the Golden Gate Bridge – that’s probably Baker Beach.

It is important to note that the Baker Beach parking lot is known for smash-and-grabs, and the crowds can get overwhelming on a sunny weekend afternoon. The beach itself also drops quickly into the ocean, creating dangerous waves and undertows. Oh, and part of the beach is clothing-optional!

Resources –

  • Family of five walk in sunset light down a beautiful beach.
  • Family of five in silhouette walking up the stairs of the famous Battery Chamberlain.
  • Dad holds hands of two kids while they jump to avoid ocean wave rushing up around their feet.
  • Family of four walks up sand steps beneath shadow of a large monterey cypress tree.
  • Beach family portrait in front of the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Pregnant woman stands on rocks and looks into sunset in front of the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • 35mm film image of family sitting on a tree in front of the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset.

Learn more

Presidio Wood Line

Looking for somewhere with an ethereal, timeless feel? Do you think your kids might enjoy exploring a dense forest in search of fairies and secret hiding spots? Named for Andy Goldsworthy’s unique artistic work – a meandering, alternating set of wooden logs creating a path through the forest – the Presidio Wood Line (part of the Lovers’ Lane Trail) might be your perfect family photoshoot location.

The forest itself is entirely eucalyptus, with big trees towering on both sides of the path. The surroundings are unique but the variety is a bit limited, so just make sure that you’ve seen a sample session gallery before settling on this location. Expect a lot of portrait-oriented images, which help capture the verticality of the place.

If you are scheduling a photoshoot at the Presidio Wood Line, try to avoid the midday hours – the magic of the place fades around noon as the shadows of the trees disappear. Sunny afternoons are my favorite, and the forest provides plenty of shelter from the wind. Weekend crowds are usually manageable.

  • Family at iconic Wood Line by Andy Goldsworthy with parents helping baby learn to walk.
  • Parents hold son's hand as he balances on a log.
  • Son and parents in a wooden teepee structure
  • Mom holds toddler daughter's hand as she balances on a log of Andy Goldsworthy's famous Woodline sculpture.
  • Giant Eucalyptus forest towers over family on path.
  • Pregnant woman framed by Andy Goldsworthy's Wood Line forest artwork
  • Son touches mom's pregnant belly as light streams around the trees.

Learn more

Marshall’s Beach

Marshall’s Beach is the closest beach to the Golden Gate Bridge and one of the most striking sunset locations in the city. Golden sand, deep blue Pacific water, dark shoreline boulders, and tree-topped cliffs come together in a way that feels unmistakably San Francisco.

Getting there takes a little effort. Expect about a 15-minute hike down a steep but well-maintained trail. For families with babies or young kids, a carrier is essential. Once you leave the trailhead, there are no amenities.

Tides are key at Marshall’s. If the tide is higher than 3.0 feet, usable beach space nearly disappears.

Resources –

  • Couple walks on a beach in sunset light, barefoot at the water's edge, holding their infant and smiling at each other.
  • Silhouette of family and pelicans standing at the top or a staircase embedded into a rocky peninsula
  • Mom holds newborn at sunset on beach as birds fly overhead
  • One year old daughter learning to walk on beach while parents hold her hands.

Crissy Field


Crissy Field is a large coastal area encompassed by San Francisco’s Presidio. Wide open and flat, it was the city’s first airfield. It boasts two great beaches and incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Crissy Field West Beach is at the top of my list because it is sheltered from the strong winds pouring in off through the Golden Gate. On most afternoons in the spring, you will find hundreds of windsurfers and kiteboarders on the East Beach, but the West Beach is still very pleasant for family photos.

There are lawns and picnic tables, bathrooms, and ample parking. Dogs are allowed off-leash. The bridge turns into a postcard silhouette at sunset, and it glows orange in the light of sunrise.

Crissy Field East Beach is also beautiful, but I suggest scheduling morning photo sessions to avoid strong winds and pairing it with the Palace of Fine Arts for variety (just a 3 minute walk away).

Resources –

  • Mother chases son down the beach in front of the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Couple holds gleeful one year old overhead in sunset light, ocean behind.
  • Little girl sits in sand and plays with sticks, sticking them up out of the sand in a pattern.
  • Dad watches as daughter cartwheels down the beach.
  • Mom holds son's hand as they approach the water's edge, barefoot, faces not visible.
  • Mom laughs with son on her shoulders as they run up the beach, Golden Gate Bridge behind, waves chasing their feet.
  • Mom and dad hold one year old and walk down beach in sunset light with Golden Gate Bridge behind.
  • Dad and daughter race down the beach in front of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Alta Plaza Park


Alta Plaza feels like a quiet love letter to San Francisco. From its hilltop in Pacific Heights, panoramic views sweep from Alcatraz Island and the Marin Headlands to Twin Peaks and the hills of Buena Vista Park. It’s a place where the views do some of the storytelling for us, grounding family photos unmistakably in San Francisco without turning them into postcard clichés.

Accessibility is one of Alta Plaza’s quiet strengths. Wide, paved paths open onto generous lawns, making it an excellent option for wheelchairs, strollers, and kids who need room to wander. The open grass invites movement, while stands of gorgeous old trees create shaded pockets for more intimate moments, along with subtle bursts of fall color later in the year. Public restrooms are located near the playground, a small but meaningful detail for families with young kids.

Alta Plaza works beautifully as the anchor for a city-style session that unfolds over time. We might begin on the surrounding Pacific Heights streets, spill into the park for a stretch of green space and views, and end at one of many local favorites – Jane on Fillmore for coffee, Salt & Straw for ice cream, or Woodhouse Fish Co for a dungeness crab roll.

  • Family with toddler and infant sit on a bench with sunset sky and towering Monterey cypress behind.
  • Beautiful golden sun flare through trees illuminating little girl balancing on a wall, holding mom's hand.
  • Family of four stand on a log beneath towering and iconic trees of San Francisco's Alta Plaza Park.
  • Family portrait sitting on a park bench in front of grassy lawn.

Sutro Heights Park


Highly underrated, sometimes Sutro Heights Park feels like my personal secret photography spot. But it isn’t secret at all, it just happens to be overshadowed by the famous Lands End and Sutro Baths across Point Lobos Avenue. Instead of waxing poetic, I’m just going to list a bunch of things I love about this place.

  • Never crowded
  • Cool big trees
  • Green grass & flowers
  • Accessible navy ruins
  • Best Ocean Beach/ Great Highway view ever
  • My favorite portrait nook that always has perfect light
  • A funky little wooden chapel structure

Sutro Heights really thrives on afternoon light, no matter if it is sunny or foggy. If you want more information on weather and parking, just refer to my Lands End Location Guide as these two locations are right next to each other.

  • Black and white of family sitting beneath a gnarled coastal tree looking out over the famous Great Highway of San Francisco.
  • Dad puts hand on his daughter's back and points up at the sunset moon.
  • Family of four walk together with the sun just blocked behind them by a towering Monterey Pine.
  • Mom holds baby daughter on hip while holding her preschooler close with the other hand. Sunset light through the trees.
  • Golden light across dad and daughter as he holds her close with eyes closed.
  • Mom and dad hug with baby in the middle.
  • Mom kisses newborn daughter on the cheek.
  • Newborn with bow smiles while parents hold her.

Palace of Fine Arts


Looking for a totally singular San Francisco photo spot? Originally constructed in 1915 for the Panama–Pacific International Exposition and built to look like a decaying ruin of ancient Rome, the Palace of Fine Arts feels like a place where you should have to pay lots of money to take photos. Think massive stone arches and vaulted ceilings, all surrounded by a picturesque lagoon – it’s straight out of a Hollywood set. It might be the most popular San Francisco Instagram spot. And yet, it is free to the public!

Similar to Sutro Baths, the Palace of Fine Arts is well known, especially for engagement and wedding photos. It is an equally great location for family photography, especially when paired with Crissy Field East Beach. Avoid weekends and holidays when possible, and practice smash-and-grab avoidance tactics if parking in the main lot.

*Local tip – park over at Crissy Field East Beach and walk to the Palace of Fine Arts from there.

Resources –

  • Maternity photo framed by foliage and the pink columns of the San Francisco Palace of Fine Arts.
  • Light and shadow frame a pregnant woman under the arch of the Palace of Fine Arts.

Nearby Pick: Gray Whale Cove


I’m breaking my own rules to include a location outside of the San Francisco city limits. Gray Whale Cove (also known as Devil’s Slide Beach) is just south of Pacifica in San Mateo County, but it is an easy drive from the city, and a favorite amongst families in San Francisco.

Gray Whale marks a complete shift in the coastline. To me, it is the first point south of SF where you are completely out of the sprawl. Tucked into a canyon with a creek, a short but steep trail brings you to a white sand beach with stunning blue water. Expect crowded weekend afternoons but empty weekday mornings.

Photographically, Gray Whale Cove is unique because of the steep sandstone cliffs and headlands plunging into the ocean on all sides. Every direction you look, there are dramatic and varied backdrops.

Here are a few specific considerations when planning a photo session at Gray Whale Cove –

  • Weather. It might go down as the Bay Area’s foggiest spot
  • Traffic on Hwy 1 can be heavy on weekends after 9 am
  • There is limited cell reception at Gray Whale
  • Crossing Hwy 1 from the parking area is a bit sketchy
  • Portable toilets in the parking area, none at the beach
  • Mountains block sunrise light from hitting the beach.

Despite these challenges, Gray Whale Cove is one of my all-time favorite Bay Area family photoshoot locations.

Resources –

  • Woman walks down empty beach at dawn.
  • Family with two school age kids embrace atop dramatic coastal bluffs and beach.
  • Mom, dad, baby, and dog stand on the iconic stairs leading down to Gray Whale Cove.
  • Footprints to water's edge end with mom holding baby daughter in front of blue ocean.
  • Kids on the beach with mom jump as a wave of cold Pacific ocean water crashes over their feet.
  • Mom on a beach holds little baby with her feet in the sand in the dawn sunlight.

Bonus: Fort Point


You know that place you always meant to visit but never quite made the time? The one that, when you finally got there, you thought, “how have I lived here for five years and missed this place?” For me, that was Fort Point.

Historic, aesthetic, and located underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, this is one of my favorite new spots in San Francisco. I have yet to schedule a photo session here, but I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for something unique and quintessentially Bay Area. I visited with my wife and young daughter – despite the wind and fog we had a great time.

The opportunities for unique lighting and composition inside abound. And if you visit on a less windy day than we did, the views of the Bay from on top are incredible. Kids of all ages will love this place, as there is plenty of space to run around, museums with fun naval displays, and endless hidden corners to be explored.

Operating hours are limited, so make sure to check the official Fort Point website before making plans.

Pro tip: Bring layers (more than you’d think). Fort Point is often one of the windiest spots in the city, and the interior of the building is shaded and chilly.

  • Mom and daughter in dark room looking out small fortress window with light spilling over them.
  • Mom walks with daughter up spiral stairs in dim, brick building.
  • Mom holds daughter while leaning agains central post of spiral staircase in old naval building.
  • View from above as mom carries daughter down spiral staircase.

Bay Area Location Guides

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