If you're looking for best outdoor photo spots in the Bay Area, read on. I'm a Bay Area photographer who shot 2000+ outdoor sessions all over the Bay, and these are top 5 spots I recommend for your photoshoot:
Table of contents:
1. Filoli Gardens
2. Marshall's Beach
3. Mt. Tamalpais
4. Cactus Garden
5. Old Mill Park
There are a lot of beautiful spots in the Bay Area. However, I have made my selection based on the spots that are the best (in my opinion) for a full session. Here are all the details you need to know before choosing your favorite spot to take photos in the Bay Area.
Filoli Gardens
colorful, flowery, luxury vibes
Filoli Gardens is the most colorful photo spot in the Bay Area. It’s located in Woodside, CA. There is a historic mansion with mesmerizing gardens, pool and row of cypress. Tickets cost $25 per person (check their official backdrop). I shoot there often so I have a yearly pass, so my clients don’t have to worry about my ticket.
PROS
PROS
+ If you like colors and flowers, there's a huge variety of flowery backdrops that are beyond stunning.
+ This is a perfect location for longer sessions. The garden is huge and there are 20+ amazing corners, which is great for achieving variety.
+ It’s easy to access this location. There’s parking on site. Also, there are bathrooms and a coffee place where you can get a drink or a snack.
+ It’s mostly great weather in Woodside, even when it’s foggy and cold in San Francisco.
+ There’s a historic house on location you should check out after your photoshoot. Also, there’s Pulgas Water Temple right next to Filoli Gardens, which is a great spot for a short session.
CONS‑ Woodside is a little bit far from San Francisco (it can 45min - 1 hour depending on traffic). In my opinion, it’s totally worth it. There’s so much to see there and plan to make a day trip out of it.
‑ Filoli Gardens open at 10am and close at 5pm, which make it impossible to shoot during golden hour (sunrise or sunset). There are some good shaded spots, though.
‑ The place gets packed during the weekend and special flower exhibitions, so have in mind that you may need to in line for 15-30min or more if you get in there during busy time.
‑ If you’re doing a commercial shoot, you need to get (and pay for) a location permit.
Marshall's Beach
best spot to get the iconic Golden Gate Bridge Photo
PROS
+ This is the closest point to the Golden Gate Bridge.
+ If it’s windy (and let’s be frank, that’s 50% of the time in SF), the wind is blowing in the “right” direction (away from your face, if having the bridge behind you), which can be a nice effect. It turns way better than “in your face” which would happen on Crissy Fields Beach.
+ Rocks are quite nice background as well.
+
CONS
+ If it’s windy (and let’s be frank, that’s 50% of the time in SF), the wind is blowing in the “right” direction (away from your face, if having the bridge behind you), which can be a nice effect. It turns way better than “in your face” which would happen on Crissy Fields Beach.
+ Rocks are quite nice background as well.
+
CONS
‑ Like any beach location, this spot looks best close to sunrise and sunset (unless it’s a cloudy day, then it works well anytime).
‑ Hard to access. It takes about 20 minutes to walk to the beach (the walk is really nice and there're a lot of good bridge spots on the way), so make sure to book enough time for your photoshoot. There’s a lot of sand and pebbles, so prep your shoes accordingly (heels can be tough). If Marshall's Beach photoshoot is too complicated for you, good alternative to this location is Baker's Beach, which is logistically easier.
‑ No bathrooms nearby. Pee at home.
‑ Hard to access. It takes about 20 minutes to walk to the beach (the walk is really nice and there're a lot of good bridge spots on the way), so make sure to book enough time for your photoshoot. There’s a lot of sand and pebbles, so prep your shoes accordingly (heels can be tough). If Marshall's Beach photoshoot is too complicated for you, good alternative to this location is Baker's Beach, which is logistically easier.
‑ No bathrooms nearby. Pee at home.
Mt. Tamalpais
The most beautiful hill in the Bay Area
If you’re looking for a magical spot that will make you stand out, this is absolutely stunning Bay Area photo spot.
PROS
PROS
+ You’re surrounded by the sky, clouds and beautiful (but not over-domineering) rolling hills, which makes the model / product stand out.
+ It looks magical, especially during sunrise and sunset.
+ It’s great for longer sessions. There are a lot of beautiful spots around one could use for the photoshoot.
+ It’s a huge hill and it doesn’t get too crowded.
CONS
‑ Logistically, Mt. Tamalpais is not the easiest spot. Mt. Tamalpais is 45min - 1 hour drive from San Francisco. There are no bathrooms on spot. It’s hard to reach for people with disabilities, families with small children or elderly.
‑ It can get super windy and cold later in the day (when it’s the best light).
Cactus Garden
colorful, green, warm tones & desert vibes
Cactus Garden is a small park in Palo Alto, California. If you’re looking for Instagram worthy desert spots in the Bay Area, this is an easy choice.
PROS
CONS
PROS
+ The park is small, but there are a lot of beautiful micro locations.
+ The weather is mostly nice and warm in Palo Alto, so you’re likely to get lucky with your photoshoot.
+ There’s a garage nearby when you can park.
+ Even though the park is small, it doesn’t get super crowded.
CONS
‑ There’s not that much shade, so I would recommend to shoot early in the morning or at least 3 hours before sunset.
‑ Be careful with your movement. It’s easy to get poked by the cactus.
Old Mill Park
redwoods, nature, adventurous vibes
Old Mill Park looks like you went hiking deep in the redwood forest, but actually the spot is just a few minutes on foot from Mill Valley downtown. If you like nature, redwood trees, amazing tree shapes and a little creek, this is the spot for you.
PROS
+ It’s amazing for casual shoots and people who like trees, green areas and nature.
+ Logistically, it’s easy to shoot here. It’s easy to access (no need to hike or walk far). There’s street parking nearby. There are bathrooms in the park.
+ It’s never too crowded.
CONS
‑ The redwoods are dark, so there’s not that much light there so the photos can turn out grainy (which can be a problem if you want to blow them up or print them). How to overcome this? 1. Have a mid-day shoot 2. Avoid dark spots (you will lose some redwood backdrops but it solves the darkness problem) 3. Hire a photography assistant who will hold the flash light (I would recommend this if you’re not on a budget).
I hope this was helpful for you. These are all very beautiful spots, and you can't go wrong with any of them. It all depends on what you want to accomplish. Another PRO tip - ask your photographer for advice on what time a day to book your photoshoot! When you're hiring a photographer, you're not paying only his/hers/theirs time, you're also paying for their experience. There are so many little details that go into having a fabulous experience, and while photographers (unfortunately) can't control the weather, they can give you tips on WHEN to shoot. Like in everything, in photography is also important to be at the right place at the right time. Happy shooting!
Captured by B