top of page

ABOUT THE LOCATION | Bay Area Beaches | Bay Area Photographers


Half Moon Bay Beach Photoshoot Bay Area Photographers beach golden hour sunset family running on beach

We LOVE taking beach photos! There's something so calming about being at the beach and getting your photos taken there reflects that! It adds a touch of whimsical/romantic flare to your photos. We're always on the hunt for great beach spots but here are a few that we love so far!



 

NATURAL BRIDGES

Santa Cruz, CA

Natural Bridges Maternity Photo Session Santa Cruz Photoshoot Bay Area Photographers beach golden hour sunset

PARKING

We usually park along the street leading up to the beach, but if you prefer the parking lot it is $10 fee.


FEES

Parking costs $10. Travel fees apply.


RESTROOMS

There are available bathrooms next to the parking lot or at the bottom of the beach.


ACCESSIBILITY

There is a steep sandy hill to trek down in order to get to the beach.


PETS

Pets are not allowed at this beach.


DOWNSIDES

It's a pretty popular beach and can tricky to find street parking as well as clear areas to photograph without distractions. We suggest having a shoot here on a weekday.


SPRING AT NATURAL BRIDGES


SUMMER AT NATURAL BRIDGES


 

ROCKAWAY BEACH

Pacifica,CA


Rockaway Beach is a small beach located south of the Pacifica Pier along the Pacific Coast Highway. Its narrow strand, crashing surf and dramatic headlands makes it a popular walking, dining, shopping and hotel destination. It is known for it's quaint beachfront hotels, restaurants and shops.

 

PARKING

Parking is free, but is small and limited. It can be tricky to find the parking lot so keep an eye out for the street to turn on. You can google it by "Rockaway Beach Parking", and it is located behind the Fairmont Hotel.

 

FEES

There are no entrance or parking fees.

Additional travel fees apply.

 

RESTROOMS

There are available bathrooms next to the parking lot.


ACCESSIBILITY

There is an accessible pathway to walk down to get to the beach that is not far from the parking lot.

 

PETS

Dogs are welcome and can run off leash on the beach.

 

DOWNSIDES

Because it is a popular tourist destination, it may get crowded on weekends. It can be a bit difficult finding the parking lot.


WINTER AT ROCKAWAY


 SPRING AT ROCKAWAY


FALL AT ROCKAWAY


 

MANHATTAN BEACH

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay Manhattan Beach Photoshoot Bay Area Photographers beach golden hour sunset

PARKING

Parking is free but very limited. If parking lot is full, you can park at the Hyatt Hotel which has limited extra parking down the street.


FEES

Travel fees apply.


RESTROOMS

There is one portable restroom along the pathway to the beach.


ACCESSIBILITY

There are stairs that lead down to the beach as well as a bit of a walk to get to the beach.

There are porta-potties near the parking lot.


PETS

No pets are allowed


DOWNSIDES

Very limited parking so a weekday shoot would work best for this location.


FALL AT MANHATTAN BEACH


 

COWELL RANCH STATE BEACH

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay Cowell Ranch Beach Couple Engagement Photoshoot Bay Area Photographers beach golden hour sunset

PARKING

The parking lot has limited space but you can park along the road if it's full.


FEES

Travel fees apply.


RESTROOMS

There is one unisex bathroom next to the parking lot.


ACCESSIBILITY

It is about a 10min walk to get to the actual beach as well as a very steep set of stairs to go down. Still manageable for kids but may take a lot of time to get to the beach.

There are bathrooms located at the parking lot.


PETS

No dogs are allowed at the beach.


DOWNSIDES

It is a bit of a walk to get to the beach as well as the parking lot can be full during weekends.


WINTER AT COWELL RANCH

Half Moon Bay Cowell Ranch Beach Couple Engagement Photoshoot Bay Area Photographers beach golden hour sunset

 

SEABRIGHT BEACH

Santa Cruz

Seabright Beach Santa Cruz Family Photoshoot Bay Area Photographers beach golden hour sunset

PARKING

There is street parking, or there is the option of parking in the lot next to the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor,

which costs $2 per hour.


FEES

Travel fees apply.


RESTROOMS

There are available bathrooms along the beach, or at the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor parking lot.


ACCESSIBILITY

Parking and beach access is available at the west end of East Cliff Drive near Alhambra Avenue,

Mott Avenue and at the end of 3rd Avenue. There's a set of stairs to walk down to the beach.


PETS

Dogs are allowed on a leash on the north side of the Santa Cruz Harbor.


DOWNSIDES

It may be crowded on weekends so we recommend scheduling your photoshoot on a weekday.


SPRING AT SEABRIGHT

Seabright Beach Santa Cruz Family Photoshoot Bay Area Photographers beach golden hour sunset