Best Beaches for a Photoshoot in San Francisco
When you think of beautiful California beaches your mind may gravitate towards sunny Southern California locations like Malibu, Laguna Beach, and San Diego. These beaches will never disappoint, however San Francisco is arguably one of the most photogenic cities in the world. The architecture of the Golden Gate bridge, the coves, the windswept cypress trees, and historical landmarks make this city a go to for photographers.
From a photography standpoint you can’t go wrong in San Francisco for a beach photoshoot. There are, however, some key tips to keep in mind so that you have a good time while doing so. San Francisco is typically cloudy although the city has been having amazing weather in 2021. September is usually the warmest month to shoot, but anytime of year it’s a good idea to bring layers, like pea coats, knits, and boots, which will add an editorial feel to your photographs.
Beaches also tend to be windy, especially in San Francisco. Most photographers are unanimous: wind makes for stunning images, but it’s way more enjoyable if you’re wearing the right outfit and not freezing. Maximize the natural elements by wearing an outfit with movement: like a long flowy dress with a cool pair of rain boots and a tan colored trench coat on top.
Time of day is also key. Sunrise and sunset on weekdays are the best times to shoot in general. However, if the weather is cloudy on the day of your shoot you can get away shooting all the way from morning to 2-3 hours before sunset. If there is a break in the clouds towards sunset that can be an amazing time to shoot for portraits or landscapes.
With all these tips in mind you’re bound to create amazing photographs, read on to explore some of the best beaches to shoot in (or near) San Francisco.
Sutro Baths Address: 1004 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121
Lands End Lookout Address: 680 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121
Best Time to Shoot: sunrise or sunset on weekdays. Sunrise on weekends.
Located on San Francisco’s coast, Sutro Baths and Lands End are some of the most iconic landmarks in the whole city, with good reason. Expect to see windswept cypress trees, panoramic views of the ocean, occasionally a pod of whales passing through, and the archeological remnants of what was the world’s largest indoor pool house. These two stunning locations are less than a 5 minute drive from each other.
Address: Point Lobos Ave, Great Hwy San Francisco, CA 94121
Best Time to Shoot: Sunrise or sunset on weekdays. Sunrise on weekends. September is typically the warmest month to shoot.
Ocean Beach offers a clean, modern, and minimalistic backdrop to any photoshoot. This 3.5 mile white sand beach spans the entire Sunset district of San Francisco. On a weekday, the stark expansiveness of the beach facing towards the pacific, with no highrises will take your breath away. This beach also features a section of beautiful long grass and small coastal dunes which make for amazing photos.
Address: Corner Of Highway 1 Montara, CA 94037 (20 miles from San Francisco)
Best Time to Shoot: Sunrise or sunset on weekdays, you will basically have the beach to yourself. Make sure to check the weather as Pacifica, Montara, and Half Moon Bay tend to get more fog than San Francisco.
Montara is the beautiful beach featured in the post above. On a weekday, no matter whether it’s sunrise or sunset you’ll pretty much have the place to yourself. There are two parking lots for this location, one is by a restaurant and has porter potties, if the first lot is closed or you need to use a restroom. Rugged bluffs, pillow-like golden sand, and pink seaside daisies (also known as the magic carpet) grows typically from May-June in this stunning location.
Address: 490 Sea Cliff Ave San Francisco, CA 94121
Best Time to Shoot: Sunrise or sunset on weekdays.
A small beach that packs a punch with a beautiful cove nestled into a Seacliff neighborhood. Dating back to the Gold Rush, China Beach was a campsite for Chinese fisherman who worked in and around SF bay, supplying fish and helping to establish one of the cities most important industries and traditions. Striking cliffs, a stairwell leading down to the beach, and beautiful rock formations make this beach stand out despite its size. W
Address: Mitchell Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965
Best Time to Shoot: Sunrise or sunset on weekdays
Across the Golden Gate Bridge and situated in the Marin Headlands is Fort Conkhite and Rodeo Beach. This windswept location is made up of a crescent shaped sandbar between a large marshland lagoon and the Pacific. The beach is made up of dark hued pebbles and is walking distance to hiking trails, the lagoon and coastal bluffs. Make sure to bundle up for your photoshoot as it can be cold.
Address: Kirby Cove Rd Sausalito, CA 94965
Best Time to Shoot: Sunrise or Sunset, weekdays or weekends
The short 1.5 mile hike down to Kirby Cove is completely warranted when you get down to the most isolated view of the Golden Gate Bridge you could happen upon. Besides the towering view of the bridge you can also expect to see Monterry pines, cypress, eucalyptus trees, and colorful Lupine plants that dot the hillsides as you walk past the 5 overnight camping sites and picnic table. This beach features coarse, black sand and tends to be on the cooler side, but to have this view almost entirely to yourself makes the trek completely worth it.