12 Locations for a Photoshoot in SoCal

There are seriously so many locations for a photoshoot in SoCal. Southern California has the beach, the mountains, the desert, and multiple downtown areas. For this particular blog, I’m sharing locations within 2 hours or less of San Diego. Here are 12 locations for a photoshoot in SoCal listed in no particular order:

If you are wanting more locations for photoshoots throughout the rest of California, check out 25 Locations for a Photoshoot in California.

12 Locations for a Photoshoot in SoCal

1. Carlsbad

Carlsbad is a coastal town located about 35 minutes north of San Diego and 90 minutes south of Los Angeles. There’s plenty of gorgeous beaches, several beautiful and easy hiking trails, and has a cute downtown area to choose from in Carlsbad.

2. Flower Fields

This obviously has to happen in the spring time – usually from the middle or end of March through the end of May is when the flowers are in bloom! There are a multiple locations for a photoshoot in SoCal with flowers fields : There’s a huge flower field just south of San Diego by the mountains that is gorgeous. Lilac flowers are also in bloom in the spring and absolutely gorgeous out in the mountains. Flowers bloom by the ocean at Sunset Cliffs. The desert also has a “super bloom” every spring with tons of orange and purple flowers.

3. Sunset Cliffs

Sunset Cliffs is located in San Diego with cliffside ocean views during sunset (as the name suggests!). The best time for photos here is usually during sunrise since crowds are typically expected as the sunset approaches in the afternoon and evening (and expect parking to be more tricky for sunset). Free street parking is available. You are able to climb down the cliffs during low tide to explore the tide pools, but be careful since the climb can sometimes be steep and uneven.

4. San Clemente

San Clemente is a coastal town about 60 minutes north of San Diego. This coastal town is so beautiful with its beaches and lots of parks – including Dana’s Point, Pines Park, and the Pier (to name just a few locations in San Clemente!).

5. Julian

Julian is a mountain town about 75 minutes west of San Diego. Not only is it a beautiful drive out to Julian, but the actual views in Julian are gorgeous with mountains everywhere. There’s a quaint downtown that’s fun to explore, lots of hiking trails, breweries, and fruit orchards to take pictures at!

6. Encinitas

Encinitas is another coastal town about 30 minutes north of San Diego. It is most known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in California and having awesome surfing conditions. There’s a downtown area, a few state parks, an orchid farm, and lots of beautiful views everywhere you go!

7. Temecula

Temecula is located more in-land and is about 60-90 minutes from San Diego (depending on the time of day you’re driving) and 90 minutes from Los Angeles. It’s known for award-winning wineries, hot-air balloon rides, and an Old Town area.

8. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

This is a two hour drive from San Diego, but it is sooo worth the drive! It is absolutely beautiful there year round. Obviously it is the desert, so come prepared – bring lots of water, wear sunscreen, and have plans of where exactly you’re meeting up with your photographer (the cell service is not always the best). A permit is needed to photograph here, but it is free to obtain the permit (read more here).

9. Coronado

Coronado is on a peninsula in San Diego Bay known as a “resort city”. It’s most known for the grand Victorian Hotel del Coronado, which has been open since 1888. There’s plenty of beaches space available on Coronado, including a leash-free dog beach. Otherwise, there’s plenty of shops and restaurants, and an awesome view of the San Diego skyline.

10. La Jolla

La Jolla is known for having a rugged coastline with sandstone canyons and pine trees mixed with palm trees. There’s gorgeous ocean views throughout La Jolla Cove, along with tide pools. There’s also the easily walkable La Jolla Village with boutique and restaurants.

11. On a sailboat

Sailboats are commonly seen throughout San Diego — so why shouldn’t you take some photos on a sailboat!? There are multiple sailboat companies that allow you to rent a sailboat for photoshoots with a captain, or if you have your own sailboat or if you know someone that would allow you to borrow their sailboat. These photos will be so fun and so unique!

12. Balboa Park

Balboa Park has 1,200 acres to explore. There’s a historic urban park, open spaces, gardens, and walking paths throughout this park. There is also the San Diego Zoo, a few museums, and some theaters.

SoCal Photographer

Well hey there – if you didn’t know me already, I’m Emily! I’m a California and Destination engagement and wedding photographer based in Southern California. I spend a lot of time photographing adventure elopements of rad couples around the world. I love all things elopements, being out on the water, outdoor adventure, and am truly so grateful that I get to call this my job!!! 

If you’re looking for a photographer for your California engagement shoot who will:

• Photograph your beautiful SoCal engagement shoot and activities through storytelling photos that you can look back on for the rest of your life
• Help you come up with your dream SoCal engagement shoot
• Help you find activities in the SoCal area to make your elopement intentional, unique, and memorable

…then I’m your person!!!

Visit my website to learn more about me, get to know my approach to photography, and then reach out to me if you think we are a good fit. I cannot wait to hear from you and start planning your dream SoCal engagement shoot!!

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR YOUR SOCAL ENGAGEMENT SHOOT

• Sunrise is the best time of day to avoid crowds if you are wanting privacy during photos. A sunrise photoshoot is also the best way to beat the heat during the warmer months and allows for less crowds.
• If you’re wanting a beach photoshoot, the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean which also makes for the best lighting for photos and usually a more colorful sky over the ocean.
• Here are 25 Locations for a Wedding and/or Photoshoot Throughout California
• A Guide to Eloping in San Diego
• Here are 6 Tips for a Beach Photoshoot