I moved to Lagunitas with my family in the summer of 2024. We had lived in San Francisco for five years before the move, and I began exploring Marin during that time. But only after moving have I had the chance to dig in and seek out those quiet corners ideal for family photo sessions.
This location guide will direct you toward the best outdoor Marin photoshoot locations for families. Each of these locations is fairly accessible and has enough variety to keep both kids and adults entertained for an entire photo session.
If you are looking for locations in San Francisco, check out my article –
The 12 Best Places for Family Photos in San Francisco. Or if you are interested in the broader Bay Area, try 30+ Stunning Bay Area Photo Session Locations.
Ring Mountain
Environment: Rolling oak hills
Parking Location: Taylor Fire Road, Reed Ranch Fire Road, Endeavor Fire Road
Access: Trails & fire road near trailheads. Top of the mountain is 15 minute walk
Dog Friendly? Yes, on leash only
Restrooms? None
Best For: Marin families with kids who want to move and explore
Classic California hills set against the iconic Mt. Tamalpais skyline. Iconic panoramas no matter which direction you look – to the south, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. To the east, Mount Diablo.
A unique feature of Ring Mountain is the large, gray boulders scattered about. Kids love them and they add unique depth to your photos. One has become a landmark and earned the name Turtle Rock.
As a location for family photos, the top of the mountain is the obvious choice. But for shorter sessions or limited mobility, there are beautiful oak groves and vistas closer to trailheads. I suggest sunrise or sunset for the most beautiful light.
Click for a Ring Mountain session gallery.
Mt. Tamalpais
Environment: Varied – rolling hills, oak forest, big vistas
Parking Location: Rock Springs Trailhead
Access: Options near parking with unlimited potential to explore
Dog Friendly? State park website
Restrooms? Yes, near parking
Best For: Sunshine during foggy weather, sweeping vistas
Mt. Tam is a huge area with many potential session locations. I love the areas near the top of the mountain, where you will find sweeping, iconic vistas, dense oak forests, and open rolling hills within a small area.
A unique aspect of Mt. Tam is the fact that the upper flanks often sit above the typical summer Bay Area fog. San Francisco may be cold and damp while the top of Tam is hot and dry.
Keep in mind that the roads are small and narrow, and driving times can be longer than expected.
Click for my Mt. Tam Session Gallery & Location Guide
Rodeo Beach
Environment: Rugged coastal, dark sand beach
Parking Location: Rodeo Coastal Trailhead
Access: Good wheelchair access. Room to explore
Dog Friendly? Yes, off-leash
Restrooms? Yes, at trailhead
Best For: Sunrise and sunset, dramatic beach photos, foggy weather, dogs
Rodeo Beach is an easy favorite, great for Marin families but also not far from San Francisco. From the parking area, it is just a few steps to the edge of the beach and just a short walk up a paved road to find some beautiful weathered Monterey Cypress. There are also numerous coastal bluff trails to explore.
Rodeo Beach has black sand, indicative of Marin Headland beaches. There are also some beautiful dark rock formations, all of which combine to create stunning depth and contrast in your family photos, no matter the weather (it’s a great place for foggy days).
Click for my Rodeo Beach Session Gallery & Location Guide.
Cavallo Point
Environment: Rugged coastal & Golden Gate Bridge views
Parking Location: Headland and Battery Yates
Access: Short walk but steep stairs. Dangerous cliff edges
Dog Friendly? Yes, on leash only
Restrooms? Short drive
Best For: Combining with the Bay Area Discovery Museum or dinner at Sula.
While a lot of Bay Area parents know the Discovery Museum, not many have been out to the rugged peninsula and jetty at the end of the road. It is an interesting place – rough around the edges and plenty of cliffs with nothing to stop you from walking right up to the edge. Be careful, especially with toddlers.
If I haven’t scared you away, you’ll love Cavallo. The jetty offers one of the most iconic GGB compositions around. The steep metal stairs up the headland are fun and unique, leading to open grass hills and the underappreciated Battery Yates.
Click for a Cavallo Point session gallery.
Tennessee Valley
Environment: Mixed oak & pine forest
Parking Location: Tennessee Valley Trailhead
Access: Beautiful wooded areas near parking
Dog Friendly? No
Restrooms? Yes
Best For: Super easy forest sessions with shade
Tennessee Valley is a low-key location for an easy photo session. And I don’t mean to downplay – we often gravitate towards those open, iconic vistas the Bay Area is known for, but there is magic in the forest.
There are trails and dirt roads leading in nearly every direction, a few of which wind through dense forest. The abundance of shade makes this location great even a bit later in the morning or earlier in the afternoon when the light is more harsh.
And if you’re feeling super adventurous…I’ve been waiting to find a family ready to bike with their kids to Tennessee Beach. Let’s go!
Here are a few photos of my family at Tennessee Valley.
Bon Tempe Lake
Environment: Lake set in oak hills
Parking Location: Sunrise spot, sunset spot
Access: Entrance fee required. Short (unmaintained) walk to “sunset spot.” 5-10 minute walk to “sunrise spot”
Dog Friendly? Yes, on leash
Restrooms? A short drive
Best For: Lake environment & Mt. Tamalpais backdrops
I remember when we first drove up to the Marin Municipal Water District Lakes – a big moment of “this is here!?” It was warm and sunny, summer day in California oak country, but there was something more – sparkling blue lakes with the Mt. Tamalpais skyline spread behind.
There were kids walking up the road with fishing rods. It felt like a new-to-me mix of my current life and some deeply nostalgic childhood memories I have of fishing with my grandfather in Missouri.
I am still exploring Bon Tempe (and Alpine Lake and Lake Lagunitas) and will share updates as I gather more info!
Want to explore with me? Here are a few locations I’m excited to try soon!
Roy’s Redwoods
Environment: Deep redwood forest
General Location: Click here
Best For: Families with young kids who want that ethereal forest setting
A quiet pocket of coast redwoods in the San Geronimo Valley, Roy’s Redwoods underwent a restoration in the fall of 2024. I have yet to photograph here, but visited recently with my family. This is certainly my new favorite redwood photo session location.
There are wooden bridges, elevated paths of milled redwood, and even an area dedicated to building “forts” from wood found on the forest floor. This is a perfect place for families!
(photos from nearby Sam P Taylor State Park)
Steep Ravine Cabins
Environment: Dramatic coastal bluff with cabins
General Location: Steep Ravine cabins
Best For: Adding a photo session to your cabin-camping adventure
I am quite excited about the idea of documenting a family’s cabin camping adventure in this unbelievably beautiful setting. Think wood stoves and hot cocoa, camp chairs perched above the Pacific, and sunsets from your cabin window with your family.
Getting reservations at Steep Ravine is not easy, but it is one of the most incredible places I’ve ever stayed. Hands down. Reach out if you’re interested in documenting your family’s stay – I know a thing or two about scoring a reservation!
Kirby Cove
Environment: Forest and beach, camping
General Location: Kirby Cove Campground
Best For: Families who want to camp next to the Golden Gate Bridge
I’m again trying to inspire you to bring me camping!
Kirby Cove is typically a long walk but when you reserve a campsite you get to drive instead. The campsites are located in a forest no more than a 2 minute walk from the beach. And the beach at Kirby Cove is home to one of the best Golden Gate Bridge + San Francisco skyline views I know.
Tomales Bay Beaches
Environment: A totally different coastal vibe
General Location: Shell Beach
Best For: Families who love Tomales Bay. Families who want to swim!
Tomales Bay is a small and shallow body of water, so it is relatively calm and warmer than the ocean. There is also land on both sides and the ecosystem is completely different than the rugged Pacific edge, so the feel of the place is unique. There are many beaches – some with parking lots and some that require a substantial hike.
My favorite thing about the Tomales beaches is the opportunity to swim. On a hot, sunny day the water temperature is downright inviting!
McClures Beach
Environment: Beachy-but-exposed Pacific cove
General Location: McClures Beach
Best For: That raw Pacific feeling, tide pooling, a big family adventure
McClures is the quintessential northern CA Pacific cove. A moderate hike brings you to a seasonal creek that ends at the beach. The sand is coarse and white. There are birds everywhere. You are facing west and whatever is blowing in off the Pacific. I visited with my family but didn’t yet know about the tide pools at the south end of the beach.
Who wants to try a tide pooling photo session?!
Limantour Beach
Environment: White sand, clear water, sea oats
General Location: Limantour Beach
Best For: A serene beach setting, families with dogs
Limantour Beach is in Drakes Bay, tucked behind Point Reyes and south facing. This is key, because our prevailing coastal wind, waves, and weather come from the northwest. So Limantour is often sheltered, with less wind and calmer seas.
The beach is immaculately clean with beautiful piles of driftwood scattered about. The sea oat dunes behind are perfect for tucking in with a picnic blanket. South of the access point, dogs are even allowed off leash.
I’m David, and I photograph Bay Area families that are super proud of where they live. My easygoing presence puts everyone at ease, and I focus on candid emotion and moments of connection. No posing, no stress.
