Where can you get the most gorgeous family photos, have the most fun, and make it as stress-free as possible?
As fellow parents, caregivers to a child with special needs, and photographers who have had this as our bread and butter for over 15 years, we got you.
Whether you’re wanting to celebrate the holidays, a new member of the family, or simply create an unforgettable family experience, we at D. PARK STUDIOS are all about you loving the experience.
So below is our carefully curated list…the top 9 MOST beautiful, fun, and (equally important) easy/convenient/stress-free photoshoot locations in Orange County.
1. Disneyland
City: Anaheim, CA
Why We Love It: Firstly, our team are avid Disney fans and what beats that iconic Disneyland castle or the being transported to a galaxy far away to Galaxy’s Edge? Secondly, even if you are not a Disney fan, Disneyland was DESIGNED for photos. The sets, the lighting, the paint, ALL of it was made to be captured by cameras. Thirdly, our team knows the parks inside and out to be able to photograph gorgeous locations making it look like you are at a destination shoot without anyone even knowing you are at Disneyland. And, lastly, for the Disney enthusiast, we got you covered. Our team’s traveled to Disney parks around the world and we are more than happy to help you geek out over your favorite Disney experiences as a family.
Why It’s Easy: Accessible to people of all abilities, available parking, easy to access bathrooms, food, rest stops, and reinforcers to keep kids entertained between photos. Plus, we know the best times and places to go with the least crowds to try to make it look like you’ve got the park to yourselves.
Fees to Watch Out For: Theme Park Admission and Parking
2. Disney’s California Adventure
City: Anaheim, CA
Why We Love It: Ditto to #1 BUT I personally am a bigger fan of Disney’s California Adventure. Roomier, spacious, less crowds, more variety of landscapes and creative locations (hello Art of Animation!). Plus, diving into the night, getting that World of Color photoshoot in there is incomparable.
Why It’s Easy: Accessible to people of all abilities, available parking, easy to access bathrooms, food, rest stops, and reinforcers to keep kids entertained between photos. Plus, we know the best times and places to go with the least crowds to try to make it look like you’ve got the park to yourselves.
Fees to Watch Out For: Theme Park Admission and Parking
3. Jeffrey Open Space Trail
City: Irvine, CA
Why We Love It: No fees, no permit, no reservations required, and easily the best variety of nature in the smallest amount of space. Jeffrey Open Space Trail is our ideal park location in Orange County. The light just sings here when you come at just the right time. It’s got so many gorgeous natural looks and, whether very pregnant or with someone who needs easy mobility, this is the perfect place for family photos.
Why It’s Easy: Very easy street parking, easy access to nearby restrooms, a variety of natural backdrops all within easy walking distance
Fees to Watch Out For: Absolutely free!
4. Quail Hill Trail
City: Irvine, CA
Why We Love It: A great variety of natural locations in a small amount of walking distance makes this ideal for a family of any size or age or need. Lighting here is gorgeous when the sun is setting.
Why It’s Easy: Easy parking, easy walkable distance
Fees to Watch Out For: Absolutely free!
5. Treasure Island Beach
City: Laguna Beach, CA
Why We Love It: Laguna Beach has, in our humble opinion, the best sunset of any Southern California beach. Treasure Island has so many different beach looks (that cove!) in a small walkable distance and gives you that gorgeous golden hour glow.
Why It’s Easy: Once you find parking (which is the hardest part), there’s a ramp to take you down onto the beach. Because you’re right next to the Montage at Laguna Beach, there’s an easy to access restroom on the bluffs. Then, once you walk down, you’re right at the water with several coves to explore within a generally short walkable distance.
Fees to Watch Out For: City of Laguna Beach Photo Permit ($100) and Parking (and it can take a while to find parking)
6. ARTIC Train Station
City: Anaheim, CA
Why We Love It: Once the sun goes down, those rainbow or vibrant color lights come up and, to photographers like us who specialize in night photography, that’s when the magic happens. There’s so many beautiful lines, reflective surfaces, that it inspires the artist in each of us, gives free room for running, and can entertain the kids.
Why It’s Easy: Easy to access parking, elevators, restrooms. Therefore, you can get so many photos in such a small space so the shoot can be a lot shorter
Fees to Watch Out For: Photo Permit Fees ($250) and parking fees if going during the day
7. Canyon Park
City: Costa Mesa, CA
Why We Love It: Our favorite time of year is during that breathtaking Superbloom. WOW, the flowers just bloom here! There’s a wide amount of flower fields, grass fields, trees, fallen trees, and so much to explore and photograph in a small area.
Why It’s Easy: Easy parking (though small lot), easy walking to flower fields, playground to entertain kiddos and a great place to play right after the shoot as a family
Fees to Watch Out For: Photo Permit Fee ($25)
8. Segerstrom Center
City: Costa Mesa, CA
Why We Love It: The modern and sleek architectural lines and buildings inspire! A great place for that formal family photo look and that awesome Fire Bird sculpture makes for a fabulous fashion magazine setup.
Why It’s Easy: Once you park, it’s an easy walk in and around the buildings for family photos. It’s a short distance and the best modern view that’s accessible to the public in Orange County.
Fees to Watch Out For: Parking Fee
9. Noguchi Garden
City: Costa Mesa, CA
Why We Love It: Modern, minimalist, and unique, you can have the grassy field with tall trees then move to the classic pyramid, the water fountain, and garden.
Why It’s Easy: Easy to park, walk, and cover a lot of grounds and looks in a small space
Fees to Watch Out For: Free!
The Best Family Photo Location Ever
The place that brings your family joy!
At the end of the day, don’t let anyone’s list or Pinterest board decide for you.
Let your family do something they love. It could be making your favorite foods, exploring an awesome amusement park, completing a new milestone (e.g. first steps, first foods, first drive, graduation!), or adventuring to a galaxy far, far away or to a place where you don’t need roads…
Every family season is different. Celebrate and capture the one your family is in now. Not only will you have gorgeous family photos, your family will also:
Love the experience.
what next?
You’ve got the place. Now, get the experience.
Book our D. PARK STUDIOS family, whose passion is to help you:
LOVE THE EXPERIENCE