Are you looking to capture family holiday photos during your visit to Pacific Beach or Ocean Beach? From scenic piers to picturesque parks, this guide gives you the best spots for Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach photos to make holiday memories with your loved ones in San Diego.
Crystal Pier
Located in Pacific Beach, Crystal Pier is an iconic spot that offers classic, Southern California coastal views. This long wooden pier stretches out over the Pacific Ocean and provides panoramic views of the shoreline and beachgoers below. If your family enjoys the beach scene, this pier’s unique architecture and charm make it an excellent choice for photos, especially around sunset.
With cottages along the pier adding an interesting backdrop, Crystal Pier offers plenty of options for fun and relaxed holiday photos. If you come later in the day, you’ll catch the beautiful sunset, perfect for creating holiday cards or framed pictures.
Kate Sessions Park
If you’re looking for a more expansive area that also showcases San Diego’s natural beauty, Kate Sessions Park is a favorite for many local photographers. This large park is located just east of Pacific Beach, set on a hillside with sweeping views that include the San Diego skyline, Mission Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. The open grassy areas and trees make it great for family photos that capture both nature and the cityscape.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Over in Ocean Beach, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a well-loved location that showcases dramatic coastal cliffs, rocky shores, and panoramic ocean views. This area is perfect if you’re looking for a location with a bit of adventure. The unique rock formations and cliffs create a rugged, natural setting that’s both eye-catching and memorable.
Plan a visit to Sunset Cliffs during golden hour (an hour before sunset) for the best lighting. The natural lighting at this time will add warmth to your photos, with the ocean waves below providing a striking backdrop. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as some paths are rocky, and bring a few blankets for family members to sit on while enjoying the views. For a little variety, take a few shots with the waves crashing behind you, then head up to the higher cliffs to capture the full scope of the coastline.
Ocean Beach Pier
Another fantastic spot for family photos is Ocean Beach Pier, one of the longest piers on the West Coast. This concrete pier is wide and sturdy, making it easy for the whole family to enjoy a walk while you snap pictures. With plenty of angles to work with, you can take photos from the start of the pier, the middle looking back at the beach, or from the end looking out toward the ocean.
After photos, you can stroll around the area and explore the nearby shops and restaurants. There are often street performers or musicians, which adds an extra fun element to the experience.
Balboa Park
Though it’s not right in Pacific Beach or Ocean Beach, Balboa Park is only a short drive away and offers some of the most scenic and unique spots for family photos in San Diego. Known for its stunning historic buildings, museums, and beautifully landscaped gardens, Balboa Park is a photographer’s dream. There’s a variety of architectural styles and natural scenery here, giving you plenty of options for your holiday photos.
The park’s Botanical Building and Lily Pond are two of the most popular spots for photos, especially during the holiday season. The park also often has holiday decorations and lights, making it a perfect spot for Christmas-themed pictures.
Mission Bay Park
For a calm yet scenic setting that’s close to Pacific Beach, Mission Bay Park provides a fantastic backdrop for holiday Pacific Beach photos. This expansive park has grassy areas, picnic spots, and sandy beaches along the bay. It’s great for families looking to capture a mix of greenery and waterfront views in their holiday pictures.
You’ll find areas with picnic tables, benches, and playgrounds, making it easy to set up a spot for casual, family-oriented photos. Mission Bay’s calm waters make it a safe area for young kids, and the sandy shores are great for pictures of the whole family walking along the water’s edge.
Book Your SoCal Holiday Getaway
To capture the perfect family holiday photos, make the most of your stay by booking accommodations in Pacific Beach or Ocean Beach with Penny Realty. Staying nearby means you’ll have easy access to all these beautiful spots without the hassle of a long drive. Contact our team to book your stay today!
