As a San Francisco Bay Area family photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing many sessions at some of the most beautiful locations that San Francisco has to offer!

One thing that I know for certain is that choosing the perfect location for your family photos can feel like a daunting task. That’s why I’m sharing my top 6 outdoor San Francisco family photo locations with you. From beaches, historic landmarks, and even some lesser known gems. Keep scrolling, because you won’t want to miss out on these beautiful locations!

Laura Jaeger | Top 6 San Francisco Family Photo Locations | San Francisco Bay Area Family Photographer

1.) China Beach

China Beach is one of my all time favorite San Francisco family photo locations, and for good reason! It sits in the Sea Cliff Neighborhood of San Francisco. If you aren’t familiar with China Beach, its a cove tucked between Lands End and Baker Beach.

Not only does it offer iconic views of The Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands, but it’s just beautiful in itself. There’s so much fun to be had here, and it’s a great location for families with little ones who want to run around, explore, walk the shoreline, or even get down and dirty in the sand and water.

Want to see a full family session at China Beach? Check out these “China Beach Family Photos in San Francisco” for inspiration!

2.) Lands End

Another one of my favorite San Francisco family photo locations is Lands End. It has easy trails for young children to walk along, easy parking nearby, and dramatic scenery with cypress trees, ocean views, and Sutro Baths!

Something else that I love about Lands End is the iconic heart-shaped-rock pictured above! This makes for such a fun backdrop for photos, and the kiddos usually have so much fun checking it out.

Make sure to check out these “San Francisco Family Photos at Lands End” to get a sense of what your family session here could look like!

3.) Golden Gate Park

Oh how fun and beautiful Golden Gate Park is! If you’re looking for San Francisco family photo locations that offer a lot of variety when it comes to backdrops, Golden Gate Park checks off all the boxes. With the iconic LOVE blocks, Conservatory of Flowers, de Young Museum, JFK Promenade’s colorful street murals, and Skyspace Sculpture, you’re sure to have beautiful, unique and colorful photos, and a fun time in the park, too!

Not only are there so many fun activities and things to see in the park, but there’s also food trucks around so you and your family can stop and have a treat during your family session. Want to see what a full family session can look like in Golden Gate Park? Check out these “Fun Family Photos in San Francisco at Golden Gate Park“.

4.) Thornton State Beach & Sunnyside Conservatory

Two locations that are close by and that could offer variety to your session are Thornton State Beach and Sunnyside Conservatory.

Sunnyside Conservatory is a beautiful hidden gem that’s tucked between two streets in a cute little San Francisco neighborhood. It’s a beautiful hundred-year-old Victorian structure that’s surrounded by lush greenery and succulents.

Not too far you’ll find Thornton State Beach which is also a little hidden gem in San Francisco. It’s a bit farther South than the popular Funston and Ocean Beaches, but beautiful nonetheless! If you’re looking for dramatic coastal views, this location is a beauty.

Check out this “Beautiful Maternity Session in San Francisco” to see what your session could look like at both the Sunnyside Conservatory and Thornton State Beach!

5.) San Francisco Botanical Garden

San Francisco Botanical Garden is another one of the best San Francisco family photo locations that offers a variety of scenery and backdrops! There is so much space to roam with 55 acres to explore! Check out a map of the gardens here! With reflection ponds, magnolia trees and open grassy areas, families of all ages are sure to have a great time!

Another great thing about having your family session at San Francisco Botanical Garden is that it is ADA accessible. If you have any family members that require a wheelchair, this is an easily accessible location. This is also great for extended family photoshoots as well!

Want to see what your San Francisco family photoshoot could look like? Check out these “San Francisco Botanical Garden Family Photos“

6.) Palace of Fine Arts

And last but certainly not least is Palace of Fine Arts. This is such a beautiful and unique San Francisco location for family photos (or any kind of session, really). This location has so much to offer in terms of a variety of backdrops and scenery.

You’ll find dramatic green doors, lush redwood trees, a beautiful lagoon, and the legendary Greco-Roman rotunda and colonnades!

Wondering what your session could look like at Palace of Fine Arts? Check out this “Palace of Fine Arts Photoshoot Branding Session” to see the many different areas to get a sense!

So, Which of These San Francisco Family Photo Locations Are You Choosing?

My hope is that you’ve found these top 6 San Francisco photo locations helpful in deciding what location is best for you and your family! Truthfully, you cannot go wrong in choosing any of these locations. It’s important to ask yourself what you envision for your family session.

Meet Laura, Your San Francisco Bay Area Family Photographer

Hello! I’m Laura, a Bay Area family photographer rooted in Berkeley, CA, snapping magical moments all around the San Francisco Bay Area.

My love affair with photography has been lifelong, but when the pandemic hit, I decided it was time to take the plunge and chase my dream full-time. Spoiler alert: Best. Decision. Ever. Now, I’ve built a business that brings me joy and lets me capture amazing families all over the Bay.

As a mom myself, I get how important it is to freeze these blink-and-you-miss-them moments in time. We’re talking about photos that become family heirlooms, passed down through generations and cherished forever. So, let’s make some memories together!

If you need more help in deciding on a location for your family photos, then I would love to hear from you and capture your beautiful family at any of these San Francisco family photo locations! You can learn more about me here. If I sound like the perfect San Francisco Bay Area family photographer for you, then let’s connect.

Looking for locations specific to the East Bay? Check out these “Top East Bay Area Photography Locations For Family Photos“.