Capturing family photos outdoors allows you to enjoy natural light, scenic backdrops, and a relaxed setting. The East Bay, especially Oakland, CA offers a variety of public parks and outdoor spaces perfect for creating lasting memories with your loved ones.


Choosing the right location ensures your family photos feel authentic while highlighting the beauty of the area. Whether you prefer lush gardens, iconic city parks, or peaceful waterfronts, you have plenty of options to find the right fit for your family’s style and needs.


1. Joaquin Miller Redwood Park, Oakland, CA


Joaquin Miller Redwood Park in Oakland offers a natural setting with groves of towering redwood trees. The park covers roughly 500 acres, making it easy to find both quiet corners and wide-open spaces for your family photos.


You’ll find flat and accessible trails, which are helpful if you have young children or elders joining the session. The landscape features a mix of forested areas, meadows, and open vistas, providing several different backdrops within a short walk.


Photographers often choose this location for the filtered light that the redwood canopy creates, which can result in soft, flattering photos. Fallen redwood logs and winding paths can add a natural, rustic touch to your portraits.


There’s less poison oak here compared to other parks in the area, and parking is generally available close to many trailheads. You might even spot local wildlife or see children exploring with sticks or climbing on logs, creating opportunities for relaxed, candid photos.


Joaquin Miller Park is a versatile choice, whether you want a classic family portrait, an adventurous look among the trees, or a casual group shot on a wide, open trail.

2. Morcom Rose Garden, Oakland,CA


Morcom Rose Garden in Oakland is a popular spot for family photography due to its well-maintained rose bushes and lush greenery. The garden is located at 700 Jean St, with entrances on Olive Ave, Chetwood St, Oakland Ave, and Jean St.


You will find winding paths and walkways that create a peaceful atmosphere and offer multiple scenic backdrops. The location also features a cascading fountain and a man-made waterfall, which add visual interest to your photos.


Blossoming roses vary by season, so your photos can capture different colors and blooms depending on when you visit. The garden is spacious enough to allow children to explore while you take candid and posed shots.


Ample natural light and plenty of open areas make it easy to find a good spot for group pictures. Morcom Rose Garden is both accessible and picturesque, making it an excellent choice for family portraits.


Stone steps winding up a garden path surrounded by lush foliage and autumn leaves at a public park entrance.
A symmetrical garden path with cascading fountains and stone features leads through trees and landscaped grounds.

3. Crown Beach, Alameda,CA


Crown Beach in Alameda is a popular choice for families looking for a scenic outdoor photo location near Oakland and Hayward. The beach offers a wide, sandy shoreline and calm waters that make it easy for children to play safely. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly.


You’ll find sand dunes along the 2.5-mile beach, which add texture and variety to your photos. There is a bicycle trail bordering the dunes, providing interesting backdrops and space for candid action shots or group pictures. The managed landscaping enhances the area’s natural beauty without distracting from the setting.


Friendly amenities like well-kept bathrooms and outdoor showers make your visit more comfortable, especially if you have young children. The beach’s open spaces, easy access, and gentle waves create a versatile backdrop for both formal and candid family pictures.


Lighting can be pleasant throughout the day, with golden hour offering particularly warm and flattering tones. Crown Beach is a straightforward choice for families who want a convenient and attractive spot for memorable outdoor photos.

A sandy path lined with wooden fences leads to a serene beach view with distant ocean horizon on a clear day.
Sandy beach stretches along turquoise waters with dunes and distant shoreline under clear blue sky.

4. Dracena Park, Piedmont,CA


Dracena Park in Piedmont is a peaceful, well-kept green space that appeals to families looking for a relaxed outdoor setting. The park is situated on the site of a former quarry, giving it a unique landscape and several interesting backdrops

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You’ll find open grassy areas, winding paths, and mature trees that provide a mix of light and shade. Benches are scattered throughout, making it easy to take breaks between photos.


Dracena Park is popular for family and maternity photos because of its versatility. Children have plenty of space to play, and there are varied backgrounds for capturing group shots or candid moments.

Easy street parking is available nearby, and the park tends to be quieter than larger city parks. This helps create a calm environment for your session.


If you’re looking for a venue that offers greenery, a touch of history, and convenience, Dracena Park is a strong choice for family photography in the East Bay.

Empty playground equipment with swing sets and climbing structure on rubber surface in a sunny park setting surrounded by trees.
A sunny green lawn surrounded by tall eucalyptus trees in a peaceful park setting.

5. Shoreline Park, Alameda,CA


Shoreline Park in Alameda is a popular spot for family photos, offering scenic views of the San Francisco skyline. The park wraps around the edge of Bay Farm Island, giving you access to wide walking paths and open grassy areas.


You can make use of the bay backdrop, which adds a distinctive element to your photos.

The location is easily accessible and works well for families with children. There are plenty of open spaces for kids to move freely, and you’ll find different vantage points for group or candid shots. The light tends to be soft in the mornings and later afternoons, which is ideal for photography.


Parking is available nearby, making logistics straightforward for families. Benches and quiet nooks give you options for more relaxed or intimate portraits. Shoreline Park is especially attractive if you’re looking for a mix of urban skyline and natural elements in your family photos.


A rocky shoreline meets the tranquil blue waters of the ocean under a clear sky with distant cliffs in view.

6. Piedmont Park, Oakland,CA


Piedmont Park in Oakland, CA is a picturesque, well-maintained green space that’s perfect for families seeking a relaxed outdoor photo setting. Nestled in the heart of the Piedmont neighborhood, the park features rolling lawns, mature trees, and charming walking paths that create a variety of beautiful backdrops for your session.


You’ll find open grassy areas ideal for group photos, shaded nooks beneath towering redwoods, and scenic bridges that add visual interest to your images. Benches and picnic spots are scattered throughout, making it easy to pause and capture candid moments between shots.


Piedmont Park is a favorite for family and maternity photos thanks to its versatility and tranquil atmosphere. Kids have plenty of room to play, and the park’s diverse scenery allows for both classic portraits and playful, spontaneous pictures. Parking is convenient and typically easy to find nearby, and the park is quieter than many larger city parks, providing a peaceful environment for your session.