Coto De Caza – Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park

Link to Yelp Listing
30952 Oso Pkwy, Coto De Caza, CA 92679

Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park offers a stunning array of scenery, from serene woodlands to expansive open plains, providing diverse backdrops perfect for family portraits and more. Conveniently located off Oso Parkway near Coto de Caza and Rancho Santa Margarita, it’s a versatile and picturesque destination for any photo session.

Best for

• Nature lovers, looking for trees, or open rolling hills

Tips & Tricks

• Best time of the year to visit: All year round
• Best time of day for a photo shoot: Anytime
• Amenities: Restrooms, however they’re before the hike

Fees & Parking

• Permit: OC Parks Permit already obtained.
• Parking: Paid park parking is $3 with plenty of space.

Lake Forest – Serrano Creek Park

Link to Google Listing
Serrano Creek Park, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Serrano Creek Park offers a charming mix of natural beauty, featuring lush trees, a scenic creek, and both paved and dirt trails. It’s an excellent spot for family portraits or even dating profile pictures. Adding to its unique charm, the park is near stables, so don’t be surprised if you spot horses strolling by!

Best for

• Nature lovers, Greenery

Tips & Tricks

• Best time of the year to visit: All year round
• Best time of day for a photo shoot: Anytime
• Amenities: Restrooms

Fees & Parking

Parking: Plenty of street parking

Permit: No permit is required 

Brea – Carbon Canyon Regional Park

Link to Google Listing
4442 Carbon Canyon Rd, Brea, CA 92823

I can’t recommend this location enough! It offers a diverse range of backdrops and styles, making it truly unique. It’s also one of the closest spots in SoCal where you can experience the majestic beauty of Redwood trees. While it does require a bit of effort—a half-mile hike down a dirt trail—you’ll be rewarded with an enchanting forest that feels worlds away. Once you arrive, the breathtaking stretch of towering woods is well worth the journey.

Best for

• Redwood Tree lovers

Tips & Tricks

• Best time of the year to visit: All year round
• Best time of day for a photo shoot: Anytime
• Amenities: Restrooms, however they’re before the hike

Fees & Parking

Parking: Paid park parking is $3 or $5 depending upon the day. Lots of parking options.

Permit: OC Parks Permit already obtained.

Mission Viejo – Jeronimo Open Space

Link to Google Listing
28352 Jeronimo Rd, Mission Viejo, CA 92692

A spacious, tree-lined setting with easy accessibility, ample parking, a scenic walking trail, and a charming bridge for added photo opportunities.

Best for

• Nature lovers with trees, open spaces and greenery

Tips & Tricks

• Best time of the year to visit: All year round
• Best time of day for a photo shoot: between 3 hours before sunset to sunset
• Amenities: Paved trail that’s ADA accessible

Fees & Parking

Parking: Free and easy street parking

Permit Not Required.

Irvine – Jeffrey Open Space Trail

Link to Google Listing
13252 Jeffrey Rd, Irvine, CA 92620

Jeffrey Open Space Trail is a fantastic spot for nature enthusiasts and anyone looking to incorporate lush greenery into their photos. This scenic 3.5-mile paved trail is easy to navigate, making it ideal for walkers, runners, and cyclists alike. Surrounded by vibrant foliage, the trail offers a peaceful escape that feels far removed from the city, even though it’s located right in the heart of Irvine. The abundant trees provide plenty of shade on warm days, creating opportunities for stunning photos with sunbeams filtering through the leaves. Plus, the nearby restrooms make it a convenient choice if outfit changes are part of your photo shoot plans.

Best for

• Nature lovers, open spaces and greenery
• Dogs allowed

Tips & Tricks

• Best time of the year to visit: All year round
• Best time of day for a photo shoot: 1-3 hours before sunset

Fees & Parking

Parking: Free and easy parking

Permit Not Required.

Irvine – Quail Hill Trailhead

Link to Google Listing
34 Shady Canyon Dr, Irvine, CA 92603

Quail Hill Trailhead is a hidden gem for those seeking a more private and serene photo shoot location, free from the usual crowds. This peaceful trail offers a picturesque setting, with a gentle breeze adding a touch of magic to your session. In spring and after the rainy seasons, the hills come alive with vibrant yellow blooms, while the dry seasons offer warm, golden hues against the rolling landscape. It’s free to visit, with plenty of parking available, including overflow parking nearby. To make the most of the lighting, plan your session at least two hours before sunset, as the hills can block the sun as it dips lower.

Best for

• Open spaces, rolling hills, and hike lovers
• Dogs allowed

Tips & Tricks

• Best time of the year to visit: All year round
• Best time of day for a photo shoot: 2 hours before sunset
• Amenities: Yes, bathrooms at the start of the trail only, Great for family shoots as there are lots of spaces.

Fees & Parking

Parking: Free and easy parking with overflow parking available too.

Permit Not Required.

Orange – Santiago Oaks Regional Park

Link to Google Listing
2145 Windes Dr, Orange, CA 92869

Nestled in East Orange along the serene Santiago Creek, Santiago Oaks Regional Park spans an impressive 1,296 acres and is a true haven for nature enthusiasts. This tranquil escape boasts a diverse range of tree species and an extensive network of trails perfect for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The clear creek provides a picturesque setting, offering opportunities to capture stunning reflections. The park’s beauty shifts with the seasons, from vibrant wildflowers in spring to lush, green rolling hills. Beyond its trails, visitors can enjoy a nature center featuring historical exhibits and wildlife displays, a small playground, picnic areas with BBQs, and countless scenic spots to soak in the natural surroundings. With so much to explore and enjoy, Santiago Oaks is a destination you’ll want to revisit time and time again!

Best for

• Nature lovers, hike lovers
• Lots of trees and greenery
• Dogs allowed

Tips & Tricks

• Best time of the year to visit: All year round
• Best time of day for a photo shoot: 2-3 hours before sunset
• Amenities: Yes, bathrooms (near the nature center)

Fees & Parking

Parking: Paid parking, admission is free.

A permit might already be obtained, I’ll need to research if you are interested in this location.

Costa Mesa – Noguchi Gardens

Link to Google Listing
611 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Noguchi Gardens in Costa Mesa is a stunning public sculpture garden that beautifully represents Southern California’s diverse geographical features. Perfect for those seeking a sleek, modern, and urban vibe for their photos, this artistic oasis is open to the public free of charge. Convenient parking is available in the nearby structure, making access a breeze. For the best lighting, schedule your session 3–5 hours before sunset. Afterward, you can head just down the road to South Coast Plaza for some shopping or a bite to eat, rounding out a perfect day!

Best for

• Those seeking a variety of scenery
• Modern and urban styles, more man-made (less nature)

Tips & Tricks

• Best time of the year to visit: All year round
• Best time of day for a photo shoot: 3-5 hours before sunset
• Directions from the parking structure: head towards the west elevator, exit on floor 1

Fees & Parking

Parking: Parking structure with plenty of parking but parking fees vary.

Permit Not Required.

Newport Beach – Back Bay

Link to Google Listing
2301 University Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Back Bay offers a perfect blend of scenic water views and easy walking trails, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a beachy, outdoorsy vibe. With convenient access and ample free public parking, it’s a hassle-free destination for your next adventure or photo session.

Best for

• Nature lovers, hike lovers
• Dogs allowed

Tips & Tricks

• Best time of the year to visit: All year round
• Best time of day for a photo shoot: 1-3 hours before sunset
• Dirt trail with a slight hike uphill to see the water
• Parking closes at sunset

Fees & Parking

Parking: plenty of free parking

Permit Not Required.

San Clemente

Google Listing
251-399 Avenida Califia, San Clemente, CA 92672

Stunning coastal backdrop & variety of scenery. Calafia Beach — part of San Clemente State Beach — offers a mix of ocean, bluff/cliff-top views, and beach textures. You get the sweeping Pacific horizon, waves, and natural coastal colors that photograph great, whether for solo portraits, couples, or lifestyle sessions.

Best for

• Neutral, timeless colors
• Easy access to both bluff views and beach level
• Space to shoot without heavy crowds
• Beautiful natural light all day, especially sunset

Tips & Tricks

• Best time of the year to visit: All year round
• Best time of day for a photo shoot: 1-2 hours before sunset

Fees & Parking

Parking: Paid beach parking

Permit Not Required.