The Best Family Photo Locations in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a beautiful coastal city with a variety of scenic spots perfect for family photography. Whether you’re drawn to stunning beaches, lush forests, or charming local parks, Santa Cruz has it all. As a photographer with years of experience capturing families in this beautiful area, I’ve curated a list of my top 5 favorite locations for family photos. Plus, I’ll share tips on the best time of day to ensure your photos turn out breathtaking!
1. Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach is one of Santa Cruz’s most iconic spots, known for its picturesque natural rock bridge and stunning ocean views. This beach offers the perfect backdrop for a relaxed family shoot with the crashing waves and soft sand. The beauty of this location is that you can capture both wide shots with the rock formations and more intimate moments as your family walks along the shoreline or sits on the sand.
Best Time to Shoot: Early morning or late afternoon for soft, golden light. The light is more flattering at these times, and the beach is less crowded.
2. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
If you're looking for a more serene and rustic backdrop, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a fantastic choice. The towering redwoods create a magical, timeless feel for your family portraits. The park has several walking trails where you can capture candid moments of your family walking among the giant trees. It's perfect for families who enjoy the great outdoors and want to capture the majesty of nature.
Best Time to Shoot: Early morning, when the forest light is soft and ethereal. The park can get crowded later in the day, so visiting in the morning ensures a peaceful shoot.
3. West Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in Santa Cruz. The cliffs provide a beautiful, elevated view of the coastline, and the path along the cliffs is perfect for capturing family photos with a sweeping ocean background. Whether you’re photographing a sunset or just taking in the views, this spot never disappoints.
Best Time to Shoot: Sunset is magical along this coastline. The golden hour light creates a warm glow, and the views of the ocean and cliffs are at their most striking.
4. Four Mile Beach
Tucked just north of town along Highway 1, Four Mile Beach is a breathtaking, lesser-known spot perfect for families who want a more adventurous and wild coastal setting. The wide stretch of beach, dramatic bluffs, and rolling hills leading down to the ocean offer a stunning variety of backdrops. There’s a raw beauty here—open sky, crashing waves, and golden grasses—that makes every session feel epic yet intimate. It’s ideal for barefoot kids running wild, cuddly family moments on a picnic blanket, or windswept portraits that feel straight out of a dream.
Best Time to Shoot: Late afternoon to early evening. Golden hour light adds a magical glow to the surrounding cliffs and softens the contrast between land and sea. It’s usually less crowded than other beaches, especially on weekdays.
Local Tip: Be prepared for a short (but beautiful!) walk down to the beach. Bring layers—it can get breezy, but that coastal wind can add movement and emotion to your photos in the best way.
Lighthouse Field State Park
5. Lighthouse Field State Beach
Lighthouse Field is one of Santa Cruz’s most iconic locations—and for good reason. Set between the famous Surfing Museum and the expansive open field that borders West Cliff Drive, this spot offers the perfect mix of coastal charm and natural beauty. The grassy fields, Monterey cypress trees, and panoramic ocean views give you a wide range of backdrops to play with. It’s especially great for families who want space to roam, twirl, and play while still being steps away from the sea.
Best Time to Shoot: Sunset is gorgeous here, especially with the golden light filtering through the trees and glowing over the ocean. Late afternoon sessions are perfect for catching that dreamy light and avoiding harsh shadows.
Local Tip: You can start your session in the field for soft, earthy tones, then head toward the cliff edge for dramatic ocean views as the sun dips low. If your kids love dogs, this is also a popular local pup hangout—just something to keep in mind depending on your family vibe!
Tips for the Best Family Photos in Santa Cruz
Golden Hour: The best time to shoot is during the golden hour—right after sunrise or just before sunset. The light is soft, flattering, and creates a beautiful, warm glow that will enhance your family photos.
Clothing: Keep it simple and cohesive. Neutral colors work well in outdoor settings, and avoid overly bright patterns that may distract from the beautiful surroundings.
Be Candid: Let your family interact naturally. Some of the best moments happen when everyone is just having fun together. Whether it's a laugh, a hug, or a quiet moment, those are the moments that will capture your family’s true nature.
