Looking for the most beautiful locations to take pictures at in Orange County? Southern California has some of the best variety in terms of picturesque locations. From the beautiful sandy beaches of Laguna to the fairy tale like forests and parks, there really is no other place like Orange County! We'll also go into some secret hidden photo spots that only the most experienced photographers and locals know!
Need a photographer? We offer sessions starting at $249 with unlimited photos and edits! Click here to book now!
#1 Victoria Beach
This is probably my #1 most requested location and you will see why as soon as you touch the sand! Victoria Beach is one of the best locations in Southern California to view the sunset. It offers a unique natural pool, as well as an old Pirate Tower. The scenery changes throughout the year as the tide brings in and takes away sand. During the Winter, more of its natural rock formations will be visible.
Finding it and parking can be a little tricky so here's some quick tips.
How to get there. First, don't navigate to "Victoria Beach" on Google maps because it will take you to a random street. Instead, navigate to "Public Stairway Access to Victoria Beach" and it will take you to the hidden staircase that leads you down to the beach.
Second, you can either park along the street and walk down to the staircase or (and this is what I usually do) you can park at this hidden parking spot. You will have to pay a small meter fee but that's better than driving up and down PCH looking for parking!
Traffic/Crowds : Low to Medium
Best Time to Visit : Weekdays before sunset
Permit Costs : $100 to the City of Laguna
#2 Jeffrey Road Open Space Trail
Beautiful, easy to get to, family friendly, and green all year round! This is my favorite spot for family photos because of how simple yet beautiful the trees and rock paths are! However, this location is flocked with other photographers between October - December so book early in advanced before the holiday season!
Traffic/Crowds : Low
Best Time to Visit : 1 or 2 hours before sunset
Permit Costs : None
#3 Crystal Cove State Beach
Crystal Cove has some off the best cliff views and it always turns out great in photos! There is also a hiking trail nearby if you want to enjoy the ocean breeze before the photo shoot.
Traffic/Crowds : Medium to High
Best Time to Visit : Weekdays during the winter to avoid crowds
Permit Costs : $100
#4 San Juan Capistrano Mission
Looking for historic locations with old architecture? San Juan Capistrano is the best spot for this! To its old cobblestone walls to huge church bells, this is perfect for a vintage themed photo shoot. There is also a train station nearby for more photos!
Traffic/Crowds : Low to medium
Best Time to Visit : All year round!
Permit Costs :$50 - $100
#5 Newport Beach Winery
What? A Grape Vineyard in Newport Beach? That was my reaction when I first heard of this place. It has a vast and beautiful Grape Vineyard as well as an underground bunker for wine storage! This is truly a hidden treasure in Newport Beach.
Traffic/Crowds : Low
Best Time to Visit : Spring/Autumn
Permit Costs : $100-$150
#6 Noguchi Garden
This small Japanese Garden has a variety of unique backdrops! From its Pyramid, which I'm sure you've seen in photos somewhere, to its man made rivers, this location is a little hidden treasure!
Traffic/Crowds : Low
Best Time to Visit : All year round! Best to visit on partially cloudy days
Permit Costs : None
#7 Treasure Island Park
This beach has a unique cave that is perfect for when sunset comes! It also has lots of green foliage as well as gorgeous rock formations.
Traffic/Crowds : Low to Medium
Best Time to Visit : Weekdays before sunset
Permit Costs : $100 to the City of Laguna
#8 Santiago Oaks Regional Park
If you're looking for a boho/forest themed photo shoot, this location is it!
Traffic/Crowds : Low
Best Time to Visit : Autumn and Spring
Permit Costs : None but there is a $5 entrance fee
#9 Oak Canyon Nature Center
If you want more green then plan for the winter and spring. Wildflowers grow for a limited time in the spring depending on how much rainfall there has been. There is also an area for wedding ceremonies if you were planning on doing an outdoor ceremony!
Traffic/Crowds : Low
Best Time to Visit : Autumn and Spring
Permit Costs : None
#10 Quail Hill Trail head
This location varies greatly from season to season. During the spring, it is very green and might have a wildflower bloom. During the summer and winter times, everything is golden. Beware of snakes!
Traffic/Crowds : Low
Best Time to Visit : Autumn and Spring
Permit Costs : None
Browse More Photography Work
Interested in viewing more of our previous works?
Check Out Our Latest Films
Forever cherish one of your most special memories with a film.
Need Photo Inspiration?
Follow our Pinterest to make your dream Wedding/Engagement Photos Mood Board!
*TIP: We love seeing your look books and mood boards because it helps us, your photographer/videographer, to capture what you envision.
Looking for a photographer/videographer for your wedding or engagement?
Every beautiful journey begins with a single step and we can't wait to be a part of yours.
Have questions or concerns? Contact us below and we'll be more than happy to answer.
Looking forward to speaking with you!
🔗 Stay Connected! 🔗
Get to know our team some more in our new YouTube video ➡️
Keywords : Engagement Photo Locations Orange County, Instagram Locations, Instagrammable places in Orange County, Best Photography Spots in Southern California, Laguna Beach engagement photo locations, Things to do in Orange County, Most beautiful locations in Orange County, Newport Beach Photo Locations, Picturesque Locations
