Best Places to Take Pictures in California

Looking for a great place to take pics? Here’s my list of best places to take pictures in California.

Psst. I have a secret.

There’s a place in Northern California that I like to call baby Yosemite. Every time I mention it to potential clients, it surprises me how many have never heard of it. Lassen National Park offers some of the same scenic vistas, tree-studded hillsides, and gorgeous valley views as Yosemite, only with easier access and less hassle. In the park, you’ll find granite outcroppings of rock, unique volcanic features, and stunning meadows— all in one place. It’s one of my best kept secrets. Bonus: it’s an easy drive and there’s none of the crowds like you’ll get at Yosemite.

Of course, Yosemite is at the top of my list of best places to take pictures in California. The views are unlike any other place in the world. Frankly, it’s one of my favorite places to shoot. Clients need to be aware, however, of permit issues, crowds and travel time in and around the park. Yosemite isn’t for the faint of heart!

If you don’t like crowds, we should talk about one of the other best places to take pictures in California—our coastal region such as Big Sur, Point Reyes or even San Francisco. Spectacular doesn’t begin to describe the crashing waves and gorgeous sunsets you’ll get at the beach. If you add in a visual effect like a cool car (see below) it’s even more fun. Clients just need to keep in mind that you’re more likely to catch a sunset during certain times of the year. The fall is ideal for photos in these locations.

If cliffs or waves aren’t your thing, one of the other best spots in California to take photos is the desert. I’m not going to lie, some of my best sunset photos have been taken at Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California. The saguaro cactus lend a unique dimensionality to the images, and the rust colored hues of the terrain is a  stark contrast to my couples. Super unique!

My last few locations are all about trees. If dense foliage with beams of sunlight streaming through limbs is your vibe, then you should visit the coastal redwoods. You have a few locations to chose from here: the Santa Cruz area, above San Francisco and even the Bay Area. It’s truly magical to stand next to a two-thousand year-old tree! At times, you might get the added magic of fog creeping around you. Breathtaking.

Speaking of breathtaking, my final location is Lake Tahoe. Whether we’re shooting on the shore, or up in the hills, or overlooking the lake, you’re guaranteed images you’ll never forget. I’ve taken photos in both the winter and summer, and both times are unique. Traveling in the winter, however, can be difficult. I always advise my customers to carry chains or arrive in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. And be prepared for crowds, too. Ski season can make for crowded roads.

It’s almost hard to choose the best places to take pictures in California. By driving just a few hours either direction, you can reach the desert, the mountains, or the ocean. How blessed are we? I love nothing more than sharing my best spots with my clients. For more information about any of these locales, in-box me!