If you’re looking for the best East Bay Area photography locations for family photos, then you’ve come to the right place. As an East Bay family photographer, I know the area is full of many beautiful locations, but I’ve complied a list of my top 8 that are worth checking out! So without further ado, let’s get into each location and why it may be a perfect fit for your family session!

Laura Jaeger | Top 8 East Bay Area Photography Locations For Family Photos | East Bay Family Photographer

1) Blake Garden (Kensington)

One of my favorite East Bay Area photography locations is Blake Garden of UC Berkeley! Blake Garden serves as a teaching facility for the UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design. There are plenty of flowers, trees, redwood groves, and even a creek.

There’s also an old mansion and a reflection pool with views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. The only downside to this spot is that it is only open weekdays from 9am-4:30pm. With that being said, it’s best for sessions with children who are not in school or can meet right after school.

If you have younger children and want to take outdoor photos in the East Bay, this is the perfect place. Come see a few different family sessions on this “Blake Garden UC Berkeley Family Sessions” blog!

2) Jewel Lake in Tilden Park (Berkeley)

There are a lot of places in Berkeley for pictures, but Tilden Park is one of my favorite places to do so! It’s located along the Jewel Lake trail in the Tilden Nature Area, which is enormous. In addition to a beautiful lake, there are lush forest trails and a redwood grove that provide the perfect backdrop for any photoshoot.

This location even has the Little Farm! I always recommend bringing some lettuce or celery for the animals if you have any to spare. It’s always fun for the kids to feed the animals! Come see this “Sweet Mother & Daughter Fall Session In California’s Berkeley Tilden Park” to see more of this beautiful location!

3) Redwood Regional Park/Joaquin Miller Park (Oakland)

Redwood Regional Park and Joaquin Miller Park are right next to each other, and I love to do family sessions at both. This is such a beautiful location with majestic redwood groves not far from the heart of the metropolis of Oakland, California! The Joaquin Miller redwood groves are a perfect outdoor East Bay area photography location for family photos!

There is soft forest floor making it great for toddlers to explore, run around, and get their energy out! There are tree houses and even a see-saw for the littles to play on and keep entertained, among the beautiful redwood trees that they’ll have to explore! Come see this “Redwood Oakland Park Foggy Family Session” to see more photos of these beautiful East Bay locations!

4) The Albany Bulb (Albany)

The eclectic Albany Bulb is another amazing outdoor East Bay photography location! The Bulb is known for its beautiful views of San Francisco, dog-friendly trails, fun beach area, and unique art sculptures. As an East Bay family photographer, I love this location, especially for outdoor family photos!

There are so many options for scenic backdrops at The Bulb. This includes eucalyptus trees, the skyline, the beach, boulders, flowers, and sculptures, which makes the perfect backdrop for any family session. Check out this “Playful Family Session at The Albany Bulb” for some inspiration!

5) Dracena Park (Piedmont)

Dracena Quarry Park in Piedmont, CA is a beautiful spot for family photos and even maternity sessions! In Dracena Park, kids of all ages can enjoy the many attractions it has to offer. Children will be entertained for hours with the climbing wall, rocky hillside, and the sand and play structure! Redwood groves, open grassy fields, bike paths, and dog trails are also all available.

It truly has something for everyone, and I always love bringing clients here for outdoor family sessions! Check out this “Outdoor Maternity Session in Dracena Park” to see what this location has to offer, and why it’s one of my top seven East Bay Area photography locations!

6) Codornices Park and Berkeley Rose Garden (Berkeley)

Codornices Park and Berkeley Rose Garden are right next to each other, and are among my top favorite East Bay area photography locations! The mix of natural beauty such as the roses, redwood trees, oak trees, creeks, and views of San Francisco Bay are simply stunning! Plus, it offers kid-friendly activities.

You can explore the terraced garden, walk through the tunnel that connects Codornice Park and Berkeley Rose Garden, and play on the park structures, including the famous concrete slide. On the south side of the park, coast redwood trees, bay laurel trees, and coastal live oak trees grow, making for the most beautiful natural backdrop for your family session! Come see more of this Family Session at Codornices Park & Berkeley Rose Garden!

7) Piedmont Community Hall and Park (Piedmont)

The Piedmont Community Hall grounds make the perfect backdrop for your family session! The trees provide an ideal climbing environment for kids and a close-knit family atmosphere. It’s perfect for snuggles and connection-based photos.

This park features a small redwood grove, a Japanese Teahouse and gardens, a large lush lawn, a water fountain, winding trails lined with redwood trees, a playground, and this beautiful oak tree where you can sit and climb! My favorite thing about this location is how kid and family friendly it is! Families with young children will find so much to enjoy there. Come see these “Fall Family Photos at Piedmont Park” and see why this may be the perfect East Bay Area photography location for your family session!

8) John Hinkel Park (Berkeley)

Another beautiful East Bay area photo location that’s perfect for family photos and is beloved by Berkeley dwellers is a little hidden gem known as John Hinkel Park. This park has an outdoor amphitheater with oak groves and ivy which provides a beautiful backdrop for family photos, community gatherings, live music and dance, and live theater since the 1940s. The park also boasts a newly renovated playground with natural wood structures that blend nicely with the lovely natural surroundings.

The park offers and updated nature based park with lots for little ones to explore and do. It even has an old Boy Scouts clubhouse still standing today! You can learn more about John Hinkel Parks history here, and check out this article by 510 Families to see updated photos of the playground here! In the meantime, check out these “Fall Family Photos at John Hinkel Park“!

So, Which of These 8 East Bay Area Photography Locations Are You Choosing?

You can’t go wrong with choosing any of these eight East Bay Area photography locations for your family session. It just depends on what kind of look an experience you’re aiming for. Ready to book your own family session and in need of an East Bay family photographer? You can learn more about me here. If you think I’d make a perfect match for your family, then inquire with me! Until then, check out more family sessions on the blog and get inspired!