Where to take family photos in San Francisco Bay Area?

Clients often ask me for suggestions on where to take photos in San Francisco and surrounding areas. Since it's a known fact that a picture is worth a thousand words, I decided to create a visual database of various  San Francisco Bay Area locations. This list will be updated as I discover new spots (I am always on a lookout for new ideas).

San Francisco Locations

Presidio/Lover's Lane

By far, my favorite part of San Francisco and my favorite location for family/kids photos. If you love nature and want to get away from big crowds – this location is perfect for you! A stunning eucalyptus forest provides a gorgeous background. There's a lot of space for kiddos to run around. Tons of shade which helps bring out bright colors and gorgeous depth of a photograph. I guess it's obvious that I just love Park Presidio. 

Baker Beach

A beautiful and very popular beach that offers stunning views of the Golden Gate. Right next to the beach are the Presidio woods, with lots of shady areas for close-up portraits. In the summer, the beach is often covered in very thick fog – so very San Francisco!

Alamo Square

Another well-known San Francisco favorite, Alamo Square is an "all-in-one" location that offers a green park, nice architecture (famous Painted Ladies and other gorgeous victorian buildings) and view of the downtown.

Palace of Fine Arts

A beautiful, classic San Francisco location with a great variety of postcard backdrops

Golden Gate Park

My favorite parts of the park are the Botanical Garden, AIDS Memorial Grove and the area between the De Young and the Academy of Sciences. There are lovely flowers at the Botanical garden in the Spring!

Murals in the Mission

Colorful, artful and so very San Francisco!

Legion of Honor

Beautiful location with a mix of trees and European-style architectural elements. This locations is morning-only, since it can get very crowded.

East Bay Locations

Berkeley Rose Garden (Berkeley)

One of my favorite locations, especially in the summer and fall. Roses, little bridges, steps – all within a very compact location with easy parking.

 

Piedmont Park (Oakland)  

A beautiful neighborhood park, featuring lots of greenery and a good variety of backgrounds.

Live Oak Park (Berkeley)

Another lovely little neighborhood park with a great variety of backdrops in a very compact space

John Hinkel Park (Kensington)

A hidden treasure. A beautiful green park with lovely paths.

UC Berkeley Campus

This location features a mix of architectural elements and nature.

Berkeley Marina 

If you like boats and water this location if for you! Also features lovely trees. Requires a little bit of walking. 

South Bay/Peninsula 

Sharon Park (Menlo Park)
This is a really neat little park with a great variety of backgrounds. There's a big grassy lawn, a shady paved path, a brick wall, a pond and a little woodsy area with trees. Another great thing about this park is it's very secluded and never crowded.

Elizabeth Gamble Garden (Palo Alto)

A beautiful garden, featuring seasonal flowers. 

Fitzgerald Marine Preserve (Moss Beach)

This location offers a great forest with the best photogenic trees and ocean views!