Best places for family photos in Monterey
Planning family photos in Monterey? These are the spots worth shortlisting, chosen for the light, the backdrop, and how easily a session comes together.
12 places to shoot family photos & videos in Monterey
Lovers Point Park
A rocky coastal point with turquoise coves, dramatic granite outcrops and a small sandy beach. Vivid water and rugged rocks make it a top spot for engagement and couple sessions.
For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
A scenic paved trail hugging the bay past beaches, dunes, cypress and old cannery structures. Its varied coastal backdrops suit family, maternity and engagement portraits.
For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.
Asilomar State Beach
A rugged shoreline of tide pools, rocky coves and sand dunes with a wooden dune boardwalk. Wild coastal beauty and soft evening light suit engagement, maternity and family shoots.
For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.
Old Fisherman's Wharf
A working wharf of colorful shops, bobbing boats and harbor views ringed by sea lions. The lively maritime backdrop suits family, engagement and lifestyle sessions.
For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.
Cannery Row
The historic waterfront street of Steinbeck fame with weathered cannery facades, murals and bay views. Its rustic industrial character suits senior, couple and lifestyle sessions.
For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.
Monterey State Historic Park (Custom House Plaza)
A historic adobe district around the old Custom House plaza with early-California architecture and courtyards. The heritage setting suits family, engagement and portrait sessions.
For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.
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Carmel Beach
A wide crescent of white sand framed by wind-bent cypress and turquoise surf below charming Carmel. Soft sand and dramatic sunsets suit engagement, maternity and family shoots.
For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.
Del Monte Beach
A quieter city beach with dune boardwalks, tall grass and open bay views. Its uncrowded sand and dunes suit family, maternity and engagement sessions.
For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.
Jacks Peak County Park
The highest point on the peninsula, with fragrant pine forest trails and ridge-top views of the bay and valley. Elevated vistas and shady groves suit engagement and family portraits.
For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.
El Estero Park
A relaxed park around a small lake with willows, footbridges and grassy banks near downtown. Water reflections and greenery suit family, maternity and engagement shoots.
For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.
California State University, Monterey Bay
This coastal campus on the old Fort Ord site mixes modern academic halls, open quads and mature trees just inland from the bay. Broad lawns and clean architectural lines give graduation and senior photos a real sense of place. Late-day sun rakes across the buildings and the wide walkways for warm, open portraits.
For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.
Monterey Peninsula College
A leafy community-college campus with tiled courtyards, oak-shaded walkways and tidy lawns tucked between downtown and the hills. The mix of steps, columns and greenery gives graduation and senior portraits plenty of clean, classic backdrops. Morning light filters softly through the trees along the main paths.
For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.
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Shooting family photos in Monterey
It depends on the spot. Public streets and sidewalks usually don't, while many parks, gardens, and landmarks require a permit for professional sessions. Each location above notes what we found on permits — confirm the current rules and any fee with the venue or city before you book.
Golden hour — the hour after sunrise or before sunset — flatters almost every location, and each spot above lists the light that works best there. Early morning also means thinner crowds at the popular ones.
Snappr pricing is flat and set before you book, with no travel or editing surprises. Most sessions run one to two hours; you can see current rates and what each tier includes on the pricing page.
Pick your date and shoot type and we match you with a vetted local photographer who shoots in Monterey. Booking takes a couple of minutes, and you can reschedule for free if plans change.
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