A minimalist line drawing of a delicate flower with stem and leaves in simple black ink on white background.

The Best Photo Locations in the Bay Area

By Chelsee Rawe Photography

The Bay Area is filled with some of the most diverse and naturally beautiful photo locations in California. From coastal cliffs and wild gardens to quiet city corners and sun-drenched open spaces, it offers endless backdrops for timeless, editorial photography. When choosing a photo location, I always consider light, movement, texture, and how a space allows people to feel relaxed and present. Below are some of my favorite Bay Area photo locations—places that photograph beautifully in every season and work especially well for maternity, newborn, graduating senior & family, and intimate portrait sessions.

Filoli Historic House & Garden (Woodside)

Filoli is a dream location for clients drawn to elegance and romance. With manicured gardens, stone pathways, and European-inspired architecture, it feels like stepping into another world. This location photographs beautifully for fine-art family sessions, maternity and newborn sessions and elegant, editorial storytelling. Each season offers something different—spring blooms, summer greenery, and fall tones—making it a versatile and timeless choice. Each year at Filoli starts with budding blooms from daffodils to magnolias, transitions to a wash of spring beauty, a vibrant summer display, fall colors and fruit each autumn, and the show stopping winter flowers like camellias. There is something new to inspire inspiration in every season! Filoli offers a yearly bloom calendar to see what is in season before you visit. No matter what season it is, there is always something beautiful to see .

Two figures in light dresses stand together on a gravel path in front of a grand historic mansion with columns.

The Cactus Garden (Palo Alto)

The Stanford Cactus Garden is one of the most unique photo locations in the Bay Area. With sculptural cacti, winding paths, and a warm, neutral color palette, it offers a clean, editorial look that feels both modern and timeless.This location is especially beautiful the textures and shapes create visual interest without overwhelming the subject, and the light here is soft and flattering—especially in the late afternoon.

A couple shares romantic moments in a desert garden setting surrounded by cacti and succulents.

Baker Beach (San Francisco)

For clients who love a coastal, romantic feel, Baker Beach is a classic for a reason. With sweeping ocean views, soft sand, flowered dunes and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance, it offers a balance of natural beauty and iconic Bay Area scenery. I love this location for the amazing variety of images that can be done in one location. Check out more of this iconic session here! The beach photographs best near sunset, when the light turns soft and golden and the wind adds a sense of movement to images.

View of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge from Baker Beach with coastal cliffs and waves in San Francisco, California.

Palace of Fine Arts (San Francisco)

The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most iconic and timeless photo locations in the Bay Area. With its grand columns, soft stone textures, arched walkways, and reflective lagoon, it offers a romantic, European-inspired backdrop that feels elegant and cinematic. The light here is especially lovely in the early morning or late afternoon, when shadows are soft and the space feels quieter and more intimate. The neutral tones allow subjects to stand out while still feeling grounded in a classic, architectural setting. This area does get busy as people love to walk about on weekends so I definitely recommend going on a weekday to avoid the crowds . This location is perfect for clients drawn to an elevated, fine-art aesthetic with a sense of history and grandeur, the Palace of Fine Arts is always a stunning choice.

Romantic couple walking at sunset near the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco with golden light and reflections on water.

Legion of Honor (San Fransisco)

Perched above the Pacific with sweeping views of the coastline, Legion of Honor is one of San Francisco’s most timeless and romantic locations. With its grand European-inspired architecture, stone columns, and serene courtyard, this iconic setting feels both elegant and peaceful—perfect for refined portraits filled with light and intention.Surrounded by ocean air, cypress trees, and soft neutral stone, the Legion of Honor offers a beautifully understated backdrop that allows genuine connection to shine. Whether bathed in coastal fog or golden afternoon light, this location lends a classic, editorial feel that is effortlessly romantic and endlessly inspiring. The shadows and light throughout the day offer so much variation for shooting. I am especially fond of afternoon lightening because the white reflects light in such an ethereal and beautiful way. Family schedules and the Legion of Honor hours don't always allow align for this location as they host many events throughout the year. The courtyard and surrounding areas are equally beautiful to shoot in and offer countless opportunities so if you love grand architecture and timeless images this is the place for you.

A figure in a white dress stands elegantly between classic white columns in a bright architectural setting.

Bay Area Beach (Santa Cruz)

For clients drawn to dramatic scenery, the Bay Area offers an incredible variety of coastal locations—rugged cliffs, textured stone, and expansive ocean views that feel cinematic and timeless. It’s no surprise that beach photo sessions are often one of the first locations families and couples consider. Beach sessions offer natural beauty, open space, and constant movement. The wind, waves, and changing light create photographs that feel emotional, organic, and alive. When paired with the right location and timing, coastal sessions can result in images that are both striking and deeply intimate. That said, beach photography comes with its own unique considerations. Weather shifts, wind, cooler temperatures, privacy, and accessability can all play a role in how a session feels. Like any location, beaches offer incredible advantages—but they aren’t always the perfect fit for every client or vision.

A couple shares romantic moments in a sunlit meadow with olive trees during a golden hour photo session.

Choosing the Best Location for Your Session

The best photo location is one that reflects your story and allows you to feel comfortable and present. I have a thoughtfully curated list of Bay Area locations that I love and regularly photograph. As part of the Chelsee Rawe Photography experience, I take time to understand your aesthetic, comfort level, and goals for your session so we can pinpoint a location that aligns beautifully with what you’re envisioning. If you’re considering a coastal session, this guide to beach photo sessions is worth reading. It’s a helpful resource for if you’re feeling torn between coastal and other location options.



Whether you’re drawn to gardens, coastlines, or open fields, I help guide each client to a location that complements their vision, season, and style. The Bay Area offers endless beauty, and part of my process is helping you choose a space that feels natural, meaningful, and timeless. Your location is just the backdrop; your story is the masterpiece. My goal is to capture your family’s unique connection, anywhere and everywhere. Let's create something beautiful together! Inquire here.

Bay Area Family, Maternity & Motherhood Photography

Chelsee Rawe Photography documents newborns, families, motherhood, and intimate moments throughout the Bay Area with a refined, editorial approach. Each session is thoughtfully planned to create images that feel natural, emotional, and enduring.