location guide

// T R A I L S + P A R K S //

HILTSCHER TRAIL

Located in Fullerton, Hiltscher Trail offers a dirt path and many areas of trees and vegetation. In the spring, white and purple flowers bloom, making this a fantastic location for photos in April!

  • ADDRESS : 1054 N. Euclid St, Fullerton

  • BEST TIME OF YEAR: Spring

  • FEE: none

O’Neill Regional Park

O’Neill is buried in Trabuco Canyon and is more heavily wooded than many trails on this list! If you are looking for a more traditionally rustic vibe, this might be your spot!

  • ADDRESS: 30892 Trabuco Canyon Rd, Trabuco Canyon

  • BEST TIME OF YEAR: Any

  • FEE: Parking: $3/weekday, $5/weekend

carbon canyon regional park

Carbon Canyon is my number one location recommendation for families who have anyone with limited mobility. There is a gorgeous tree just off the back parking lot that requires minimal walking and can be wheelchair accessible if needed! This is also a great location for littles who might be easily distracted by a long walk!

  • ADDRESS: 4442 Carbon Canyon Rd

  • BEST TIME OF YEAR: Any

  • FEE: Parking: $3/weekday, $5/weekend


Newport Back Bay

Newport Back Bay is another spot that has beautiful blooms in the spring, but with warmer tones than other trails. During the winter months, it has a beautiful golden hue… great for a fall vibe with a Southern California twist!

  • ADDRESS: 2417 University Drive, Newport Beach

  • BEST TIME OF YEAR: Any

  • FEE: None

Serrano Creek Trail

Serrano Creek has endless eucalyptus trees, making it a unique spot in Orange County. This is one location that I prefer to shoot 2-3 hours before sunset due to the heavy shade.

  • ADDRESS: 25101 Serrano Road, Lake Forest

  • BEST TIME OF YEAR: Any

  • FEE: None

Yorba Regional Park

Centrally located in Orange County, Yorba Regional Park offers lakeside options, as well as groves of trees and trails. 

  • ADDRESS: 7600 East La Palma Avenue, Anaheim

  • BEST TIME OF YEAR: Any

  • FEE: Parking: $3/ weekday, $5/weekend

Riley Wilderness Park

Riley Wilderness Park is a favorite location as it offers open, golden fields. There are also spaces with trees and shade, as well as a pocket of trees with gold leaves in the fall!

  • ADDRESS: 30952 Oso Parkway, Coto De Caza

  • BEST TIME OF YEAR: Any

  • FEE: Parking: $3 daily

// B E A C H E S //

Shaws Cove

Located in Laguna Beach, Shaws Cove is a small slice of sand with beautiful cliffs as an optional backdrop. Parking is limited, especially in the summer months, and accessing the beach requires using a long, steep staircase.

  • ADDRESS: Fairview St + Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach

  • BEST TIME OF YEAR: Any

  • FEE: $100 permit fee

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is located just south of Long Beach and has easy, free parking. It is a long stretch of sand to get to the water, but typical this beach is free of crowds!

  • ADDRESS: 16685 S Pacific Avenue Sunset Beach

  • BEST TIME OF YEAR: Any

  • FEE: None

Salt Creek Beach

Salt Creek is a beautiful location, particularly at low tide when smaller rocks are visible, which gives it a bit of a tide pool vibe! I caution families that this location requires walking down and up a large hill to access.

  • ADDRESS: 33333 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point

  • BEST TIME OF YEAR: Any

  • FEE: Parking: $1/hour

North Newport Beach

This location is a favorite of mine due to the easy parking and empty beach. Often, outside of summer, it will be just us on this long stretch of sand! This cuts down on distractions for kids and can make a session go so smoothly!

  • ADDRESS: 6406 Seashore Dr, Huntington Beach

  • BEST TIME OF YEAR: Any

  • FEE: Parking fee, priced every 15 minutes

Little Corona

Little Corona is another beach that offers beautiful cliff backdrops on a small stretch of sand. Ideal to schedule at low/medium tide. Walking a hill is required to access the sand and parking is limited!

  • ADDRESS: 3100 Ocean Blvd, Corona Del Mar

  • BEST TIME OF YEAR: Any

  • FEE: None

// M I S C E L L A N E O U S //

Your home

Shooting in your home, whether for newborn, maternity, or family sessions, can offer a degree of comfort like no place else. Kids are often most relaxed in their home environment, and in-home photos offer the chance to document your life in your space for years to come!

  • ADDRESS : yours (or anyone else’s home you’d like to use)

  • BEST TIME OF YEAR: any!

  • PERMIT: none

San Juan Capistrano Mission

One of the most unique locations to shoot in Orange County, the historic San Juan mission offers beautiful backdrops. Old stone, cactus and the gorgeous Spanish architecture makes for a wonderful spot to capture your memories. 

  • ADDRESS: 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano

  • BEST TIME OF YEAR: Any

  • FEE: $80 permit fee

Heritage Hill Historical Park

Heritage Hill is a historical Orange County landmark that features several beautiful buildings as backdrops, as well as some shaded eucalyptus tree locations! Availability is subject to park hours.

  • ADDRESS: 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest

  • BEST TIME OF YEAR: Any

  • FEE: None

Peltzer Pine Tree Farm

Peltzer Pine tree farm offers their location annually for families to come be photographed among the trees! This is a beautiful location and very festive if you are planning to send holiday cards!

  • ADDRESS: 7851 Blackstar Canyon Road, Silverado Canyon

  • BEST TIME OF YEAR: Fall

  • FEE: $75 permit fee

Downtown Fullerton

Downtown Fullerton has endless spots to photograph your family, from rooftop parking structures to various textured walls throughout town. This location is perfect if you are looking for a more urban feel, without the stress of urban parking!

  • ADDRESS: Harbor + Commonwealth, Fullerton

  • BEST TIME OF YEAR: Any

  • FEE: None

Orange Circle

Similar to downtown Fullerton, the Orange Circle offers many architectural and urban backdrops, including this beautiful alley! 

  • ADDRESS: Glassell + Chapman, Orange

  • BEST TIME OF YEAR: Any

  • FEE: None