Marin County Photo Locations
Lucas Valley Park – San Rafael, CA
This hidden gem is a wide, open field tucked away in Lucas Valley. Even though it sits just off the main road, it feels like you’ve escaped into the countryside. It’s especially stunning in late spring and summer, when the grass grows tall, golden, and lush—perfect for that dreamy, natural backdrop.
Parking is super easy and just a short, flat walk from the field, making it a great option if you want beautiful scenery without the hiking. The wide-open space is also perfect for kids who love to run free, play, and explore.
If you're looking for a peaceful, nature-filled spot with that wild, open feel—this one’s a favorite. Just a heads-up: the sun dips behind the hills a bit earlier here than in other spots, so I recommend booking this location a little earlier in the evening for that golden light.
Hippie Tree – Tiburon, CA
Tucked into the hills of Tiburon, this peaceful spot offers stunning views and a magical atmosphere. The area has two parts—an upper and lower section—that are both beautiful enough to be stand-alone locations. Luckily, they’re connected by an easy 5-minute walk, so we can explore both during your session if you'd like!
The lower area features a short trail, a large tree with a charming swing hanging from it, and a breathtaking view of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. It’s a favorite with kids, who love swinging, climbing the nearby rocks, and exploring the trail.
The upper section opens up into a wide, grassy field—perfect for running and playing—with panoramic views of Mount Tamalpais, rolling hills, and more glimpses of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. On a clear day, you can even spot the Richmond Bridge in the distance.
Parking is limited but available near both the lower swing area and the upper field. While the walk between the two isn’t long, it’s a bit steep, so keep that in mind if you prefer to keep things low-key.
For the dreamiest light and most striking views, I recommend booking this location during sunrise or sunset.
Rodeo Beach in Sausalito
Rodeo Beach is a popular favorite—and for good reason. It’s one of the most accessible beaches in the area, and its dramatic beauty makes it a standout. Nestled between rugged cliffs, the beach features darker sands that give it a moodier, more unique vibe compared to other Marin beaches.
Parking is relatively easy here, and you don’t have to walk far at all to reach the beach—just a quick stroll from the lot, making it super convenient for families.
For those up for a little adventure, there’s a nearby trail that winds through the cliffs and offers stunning views—perfect as a secondary location for variety. That said, the beach itself offers plenty of beautiful backdrops and space to play, making it a great option for both families and couples.
As with most beach sessions, I recommend booking within two hours of sunrise or sunset for the best light. And since Rodeo Beach is a well-loved spot, I highly suggest choosing a weekday if possible to avoid the crowds.
South Rodeo Beach – Sausalito, CA
This location is EPIC—the kind of spot that makes everyone ask, “Where is that?!” The views are absolutely breathtaking, with dramatic cliffs and a secluded beach that feels like a hidden escape.
While it’s technically accessible from Rodeo Beach, the best way to get here is by parking at the Battery Alexander lot. From there, it’s a short but steep walk down to South Rodeo Beach—a tucked-away cove with a stunning cliffside on one end and distant views of Rodeo Beach on the other. It’s usually quieter than its more popular neighbor, though the small size means it can feel full quickly.
The cliffs surrounding the beach make for a dreamy photo backdrop, especially during golden hour. That said, safety is a top priority here. The tides are strong, and some of the paths can be narrow. Because of that, I don’t recommend this location for families with multiple little ones or young kids who tend to run off. The cliffside trails are gorgeous and fun to explore, but we’ll need to stick to the designated paths.
This spot is ideal for adventurous couples, maternity sessions, older babies who love to stay snuggled in their parents' arms, or families with older kids who can safely navigate the area.
I recommend booking this location for a weekday if possible—weekends can still work, but tend to be a bit busier. Sunset is definitely the best time for that warm, golden glow that makes this place shine.
If you’re up for a bit of adventure and want those “wow” views, this spot delivers in every direction.
Mount Tamalpais – Marin County, CA
Here’s another EPIC location—Mount Tamalpais offers some of the most breathtaking views in the Bay Area. There are so many beautiful spots to photograph here, but my three favorite areas are in close proximity and each brings something special: Trojan Point, Rock Spring Trailhead, and the nearby trails and vista points.
I’ll help you choose the best spot depending on whether you're booking a weekday or weekend, and how much hiking and exploring you’re up for. Trojan Point and the vista point near Rock Spring can get busy on weekends, while Rock Spring Trailhead tends to stay a bit quieter.
The views in these areas truly make you feel like you’re on top of the world—especially on those magical days when the mountain rises above the clouds. The rolling hills, golden grasses, and sweeping vistas are stunning year-round and in every direction.
For families, Rock Spring Trailhead is a great place to start, especially if your kids enjoy hiking and exploring. The trees in this area provide nice filtered light, which also makes it a good option if you'd like to begin your session a bit earlier and wrap up near sunset at a higher vista point.
For couples or adventurous families, the trail across from Trojan Point offers a longer hike—but it’s absolutely incredible every step of the way. You’ll be surrounded by wide-open views, dreamy light, and a true sense of escape.
If you’re looking to photograph at Mount Tam, it’s really a “choose your own adventure” kind of place—and no matter which path we take, the views will not disappoint.
Mount Burdell – Novato, CA
This location is near and dear to me—I've been hiking these trails since high school, and I know them like the back of my hand. If you're looking for dreamy, rolling hills and golden light, Mount Burdell is a perfect choice.
There’s a great mix of areas here—some that require a bit of hiking, and others that are easily accessible from nearby parking. Mount Burdell truly shines in the spring, when the wildflowers are in full bloom, but it’s gorgeous throughout most of the year. I recommend this spot from spring through early fall, before the majestic oak trees start to lose their leaves.
The entrance I use most often is at the end of San Carlos Way. There’s a lot to explore just in that small area: a seasonal creek in the spring, beautiful rock formations that kids love to climb, and—if you're up for a very short but steep walk—a stunning oak grove perched on the hill. The trees not only create a magical atmosphere, but they also filter light beautifully for soft, glowy portraits.
If we’re shooting earlier in the day, we’ll stick to the shaded oak areas for the best light. But ideally, this location is best photographed during the hour before sunset, when the entire landscape glows.
Stafford Lake – Novato, CA
Stafford Lake is a beautiful park with lots of lovely areas to explore, including wide open grassy spaces, willow trees, redwoods, and—of course—the lake itself. It has a peaceful, tucked-away feel, while still offering a variety of scenic backdrops.
Because this park often hosts reserved events, especially on weekends from spring through summer, I highly recommend booking on a weekday for the most privacy and ease. There’s ample parking throughout the park, and the layout makes it easy to move between different spots.
The mix of open sun and shaded tree-lined areas makes this location pretty versatile throughout the day. But if you'd love to have the lake in the backdrop, I recommend booking in the afternoon, when the light gets softer and golden for that dreamy glow.
