Best Beaches for Family Photos in Laguna Beach, Newport Beach & Crystal Cove

If you've ever stared at a Google Maps screenshot trying to figure out where to take your family photos, this post is for you.

I've been photographing families along this coastline for over 7 years, and I still get asked the same question every week: "Where should we do our session?"

So I finally sat down and wrote it all out - my honest, local photographer's take on the best beaches for family photos in Orange County.

The short answer? You really can't go wrong.

Southern California has so many pretty locations for beautiful backdrops. But each spot has its own personality, and the right one for your family depends on what you're going for.

Let me walk you through my favorites, south to north.

Trails-San Onofre State Beach

This is the location here in these photos. It’s one of my absolute favorite spots because it’s quiet and out of the way. It feels like you’re in a National Park. If I have a family that is up for a little hike then I always suggest this spot. South of San Clemente it’s one of my favorites.

Calafia State Beach

Calafia is a "hidden gem" with fewer crowds. This spot is ideal for its wide sandy areas, sandstone cliffs, scenic walking trails, and rugged bluffs. It's highly rated for sunset photography.

Table Rock in Laguna

I swear the water is brighter and bluer than anywhere else in Laguna. The cliffs are so pretty here and photograph really well. There is a small cove here, which makes for a unique aesthetic perfect for engagement portraits. There are a good number of steps to get down, and it is probably easier for engagements or couples.

Heisler Park

This is one of my most-booked spots, and for good reason. You get a little of everything here - manicured park paths above the water, stairs down to a rocky shoreline, and sweeping ocean views that make even the simplest portrait look incredible. It's easy to access, there's parking nearby, and the variety of backgrounds means we can move around and keep things interesting for the kids. Street parking fills up fast here, so make sure to work that into your plans for your family sessions, especially on the weekends.

Victoria Beach

If you've seen that gorgeous photo with the old stone tower rising out of the rocks, that's Victoria Beach. It has a unique look - sea caves, dramatic rock formations, and this old pirate-era tower that makes the backdrop feel almost cinematic.

A heads up: access depends on the tides. The tower area is only reachable at low tide, so I always plan sessions here around the tide schedule. It's worth the extra planning - the images we get here are always some of my favorites of the year. It’s important to check tide times here before we schedule our time.

Treasure Island Beach

A little more hidden than Heisler, Treasure Island sits below the bluffs near the Montage Resort. You don't need to be a guest - it's a public beach, and it's absolutely beautiful. Soft sand, turquoise water, and those iconic Southern California cliffs in the background. This one photographs beautifully on film.

Best time: Late afternoon, especially in spring and early summer when the light is softer.

Permit note: Laguna Beach permit required.

Crystal Cove State Park

If I could only choose one beach for the rest of my career, it would be Crystal Cove. It sits right between Newport and Laguna and somehow feels completely different from both — wilder, more textured, with tide pools, cliff trails, coves, and this gorgeous stretch of coastline that never gets old.

What I love most about Crystal Cove is the variety. In a single session, we can be on the sand, then up on a bluff path with the ocean behind us, then tucked into a cove surrounded by rocks. It's endlessly beautiful, and it works beautifully in every season.

It's a little more of a walk to reach the beach, so pack comfortable shoes and plan for a bit of an adventure, which honestly makes for better photos anyway. Families who are up for exploring always end up with the most natural, joyful images.

Parking: Paid parking at the Los Trancos lot off Pacific Coast Highway. Weekends fill up - arrive early or take the beach shuttle.

Permit note: Crystal Cove is a state park and requires an OC Parks photography permit. I hold an annual permit that covers our session here.

Newport Beach: Classic SoCal Vibes

Newport has a different energy from Laguna - it's wider, more open, a little more relaxed. It's my go-to for families who want that classic Southern California beach look.

Corona del Mar State Beach (CDM)

This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Newport, in my opinion, and it's a little more tucked away than the main pier area. Rocky jetty on one side, wide sandy beach on the other - it gives you options.

Newport Back Bay

If your family loves nature and wants something that doesn't feel like a typical beach session, the Back Bay is a hidden gem. Calm water, birds everywhere, trails along the estuary - it photographs beautifully, especially in the soft morning light or close to sunset. Great for families with young kids who need room to wander. Plus, there is free parking off Bay Bay Drive.

A Few Things Worth Knowing Before We Book

Timing is everything.

All of these locations shoot best in the last hour of daylight - what photographers call "golden hour." The light is warm, soft, and forgiving. Midday sun is harsh and unflattering, so I don't schedule sessions between about 11 am and 4 pm.

What to wear

I always send a style guide when you book, but the short version for beach sessions: soft tones, flowing fabrics, nothing too matchy-matchy. Think the colors you'd find at the beach - sand, sage, white (with a plan for sand getting on everything), warm terracotta.

I love brands like Sezane, Doen, and Daughters of India for that soft, timeless look.

Permits

Laguna Beach and Crystal Cove both require photography permits for professional sessions. I handle all of that - you don't need to do anything. It's built into my process.

Seasons

Honestly, Orange County is beautiful year-round. Late September through November is magic - the summer crowds have thinned out, the light is warmer, and there are still plenty of daylight hours for evening sessions.

If one of these spots is calling your name, I'd love to talk through what would work best for your family. Every session includes location planning, and we'll figure out the right fit together based on your vision, your kids' ages, and the feel you're going for.

Ready to Book? Reach out here and let's make something beautiful.