As a born and raised San Diegan, I know our beaches are some of the most special in SoCal. They’re iconic and display what we locals love so much about our great, sunny city! I’ve been photographing couples, seniors, and families on these beaches for over 8 years, and I love them as much now as I did when I started.

Beaches are one of my favorite landscapes for photo shoots because they let people get loose and feel free. Kick off your shoes and enjoy the laid-back nature. They can be dressy or casual (although casual has been my favorite lately), and I love how the neutral background allows people’s authentic nature and relationships shine in the forefront! With busier backgrounds, sometimes it’s harder to capture those in-between, natural moments we love so much.

I LOVE natural, candid poses that let people move and be comfortable, and beaches are one of the best places for that!

Whether you’re a tourist or a local wanting some family, couples, engagement, or elopement photos, here are my current favorite beaches for your next professional photo shoot!

5. Windansea Beach, La Jolla

If you love rocks, surfers in your background, and unique backdrops, Windansea beach in La Jolla San Diego is your best bet! I especially love the little nooks and crannies you can explore and find a LOT of variety in your shoot. When the tide is low, you can walk out to a cool (but I’ll admit, seaweed filled) rock formation in the water for an epic shot!

In the morning, I love wandering around the neighborhood for some photos with beautiful greenery, flowers, and palm trees! It’s that classic Socal look you simply can’t get anywhere else! It’s empty in the morning too, but great for sunset or an overcast day!

Dogs are allowed on leash during certain times and seasons!

Pros: rocks, unique backgrounds, variety, dogs sometimes allowed

Cons: very crowded with other photo shoots and beach-goers, touristy, need to be comfortable climbing the rocks, you’ll probably get wet at high tide

4. Point Loma

This secret spot in Point Loma near Ocean Beach is one of my favorites for the adventurous and down-for-anything couple! You do have to climb down a steep cliff to get to it, BUT if you’re down for that kind of thing, it’s soooo worth it.

Pros: cliff background, unique rock features in the water, not touristy, secret spot, tide pools, easy parking

Cons: have to time it with the tides and use a rope to climb down the cliff

3. Encinitas, North County

If surfers in your background is your jive, this is an incredible spot! It’s not as touristy so there’s a good chance we’re the only photo shoot there! but the locals don’t appreciate when we tag this secret-ish spot since it’s a hidden gem.

I love the pretty pebbles, cliffs as far as the eye can see, and the fact we have the space to run around and get all those beautiful, candid photos I know you love ;D.

It’s a beautiful beach and you really can’t go wrong here!

Pros: unique backgrounds, variety, cliffs, not touristy

Cons: pebbles to step on, you’ll probably get wet at high tide, parking can be a challenge

2. Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado Island

Another one of the most iconic beaches in San Diego! This one is right next to the Hotel Del on Coronado island. It’s close to downtown and the airport, so it’s a popular location for folks coming to San Diego as a tourist. I mean, you really can’t get more “San Diego” than this!

I always start at the beautiful sand dunes, then we go down to the ocean view part of the beach for more photos. You can see Point Loma in the background! Then, when the sun dips, I love to capture the unique background of the hotel and even the blue iconic lifeguard towers!

Pros: unique backgrounds, variety, sand dunes, hotel del coronado in the background

Cons: very crowded with other photo shoots and beach-goers, touristy, very hard to park, sun sets earlier over Point Loma

1. Blacks Beach, Torrey Pines

This is a beautiful & non-touristy beach in the heart of San Diego. Both locals and visitors love this spot when I take them! It’s an up and coming surf spot and a favorite for USD students. I LOVE the fact we can take photos on the cliffs above before venturing down to the beach. It’s my favorite spot in San diego currently!

The only thing is… it’s a nude beach! So proceed with caution and definitely not recommended for family photos. Engagement or couples photos, it’s fine! There’s also a big hike that’s needed to go down/up to the beach, so bring water!

Pros: option for taking photos on the cliff above as well, not crowded, La Jolla cove and pier in the background, classic beach

Cons: nude beach, have to hike down a big staircase

Have fun planning your next photo shoot!

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A PHOTOGRAPHER TO CAPTURE IT, HOLLAH AT ME!

I’m Bree, a San Diego & Vegas based wedding, brands, and couples photographer (but I travel anywhere for you ). I specialize in adventurous, fun, and romantic photos that show off your candid and true selves. I want to capture your JOY and make it fun & easy while doing so. Learn more here and send me an email!