Best Laguna Beaches For Photography
5 Best Beaches for Photo Shoots In Laguna Beach, CA
In this article, I’ll show you some secret and not-so-secret beaches for the best beach photos in Laguna Beach, CA.
Laguna Beach Is An Amazing Backdrop For Your Portraits
The coastal community of Laguna Beach in South Orange County is in my opinion the most beautiful location for family portraits in the OC.
It's the place where jagged sandstone cliffs meet Crystal blue waters for an incredible background to your photos.
As a longtime Laguna Beach photographer I'm excited to share some of my local knowledge, and favorite beaches so your next photo safari to Laguna Beach, CA is amazing!
Photo Permits, Ocean Tides & Parking
Photography Permits In Laguna Beach
Photo Permits are required in all Laguna Beach City Beaches for professional photography. They cost $100 and are good for 2 hours at one pre-selected location. They can be purchased directly from the city of Laguna Beach Photo permit webpage
Ocean Tides In Laguna Beach
Due to the nature of the low and small beaches in Laguna, they are often flooded by high tides and surf. Some beaches actually completely disappear during higher tides. So it's important to incorporate the tides into your beach photo shoot planning. I use this tide prediction tool from NOAA connected to nearby Balboa to decide on the best times to schedule a photo session on Laguna Beaches. Every beach is different and will handle a tidal level differently, so it's worth it to hire a professional photographer with experience in Laguna to help plan the best location and timing for your family portrait session.
Parking In Laguna Beach
Parking in Laguna can be a bit hectic, especially on a beautiful day. There is limited free parking near most beaches, however, free parking can be found in most neighborhoods inland of Pacific Coast Highway.
It's easiest to park in public lots or metered spaces if you want to be close to most beaches in Laguna, CA.
All meters or parking kiosks accept credit cards. However, I find it easier to use the parking app that works across all of Laguna's Pay lots or meters.
The app is called LAGUNA BEACH PARKING and can be downloaded from the
Apple App Store HERE
Android Store HERE
It's worth downloading if you're in Laguna Beach or just want to have an easy parking experience.
Looking for a local photographer to help plan & capture your photos?
We would be excited to help you with any family portraits, surprise marriage proposals, or any other photography in Laguna Beach.
Do I Need To Get A Permit?
A permit is required if:
You have a professional photographer taking portraits on any beach in Laguna. In my experience, there seems to be some grey area with the term "professional photographer". In that most pros don't get permits.
If you ask the city of Laguna Beach they will tell you, that if money is changing hands for photos, then it's professional and you MUST get a permit.
So get a permit or skip it? Well, I like to leave it up to my clients and explain the pros & cons of each scenario.
A permit is NOT required if
You are going to the beach and taking photos for personal use of your family or friends.
What happens if I get caught without a permit?
The State Park Ranger or lifeguard on duty will ask you to stop taking photos and or leave. Possible fines could be incurred.
MY TOP 5 LAGUNA BEACH LOCATIONS FOR PORTRAITS
#1 Treasure Island Beach
A photo spot that's easy to find and park
Treasure Island Beach (TIB) is #1 on the list of best beaches for portraits because of its versatility and raw beauty.
What I like:
TIB is an easy spot to coordinate meeting up and finding parking. It's also one of the larger beaches that still has space for photography on a higher tide. The rock arch, often referred to as the notch, arch, or keyhole is also a uniquely Laguna Beach landmark popular with families visiting on vacation.
Best for:
Anyone who wants an easy place to find, as well as larger groups like wedding parties that might need a little more beach area for bigger group shots
Map to Treasure Island Beach
Parking: Public Parking Lot 8 Address:
PCH & Wesley Dr. JUST SOUTH OF MONTAGE RESORT
Montage's address is
30801 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Turn on Wesley towards the ocean & Follow the road down the hill towards the ocean to enter the structure.
***Parking is Hard to see from PCH***
Crowd factor: This is a popular beach so anticipate some people during the day. It's usually empty early in the morning.
Best time of day for photos: I like early morning before the sun gets over the hills to the East. The ocean also looks a deeper shade of blue in the morning. Afternoons have more golden light and tend to be windy.
Restrooms: Yes. Located at the south end of the covered parking lot 8
#2 Shaws Cove
A Beautiful Hidden Gem
Everyone should experience a day at Shaws Cove. This idyllic beach makes you feel like you're part of a special club. The pace of life slows down when you're there and you can't help taking a moment to admire the beauty of the cove
What I like:
Shaws Cove is my favorite beach in Laguna because of its hidden location and raw beauty. I also love the light. Especially on the north side of the cove in the afternoon. The cliffs will also block some of the typical afternoon wind most days.
Best for: Raw beauty and overall experience. Also an amazing location to propose. Be aware. Lots of stairs to access the beach from the street.
Directions to Shaw's Cove
Parking: FREE parking in the neighborhood. However, it's a bit limited. Paid meters on and near PCH.
Crowd factor: Pretty mellow traffic except on weekends and late afternoon
Best time of day to go: Afternoons are best for lighting
#3 Victoria Beach
The Pirate (Victoria)Tower
Victoria Beach is an absolutely gorgeous spot for beach photos. It's popular because of the tower, however, the tower is the last reason I'd choose it for any type of portraiture.
What I like:
I like this beach for its raw beauty. The pirate tower is just a cherry on top. My favorite spot to shoot is the rocks immediately below the tower or the retaining wall when the high tide has created a reflection pool.
Note The Pirate Tower is actually located on Mermaid Beach just to the right of Victoria Beach. When you reach the sand walk to the right and out onto the rocks till you can see the tower.
NOTE: There are large seasonal shifts in the sand. Sometimes you have to scramble across some narrow rock ledges to access the Tower.
Best for:
Engagement or family photography. Small groups.
Map To Victoria Beach Pirate Tower
Parking: Neighborhood parking on Dummond Dr, Sunset Terrace, or Nyes Place. If you can't find a spot try meters on PCH and walk down.
*Do Not Block anyone's driveway in this neighborhood. You will be towed*
Crowd factor: There are always people on this beach.
Best time of day to go: I like the light in late afternoons right before sunset.
#4 Main Beach
Right In The Heart Of Laguna Beach
Main Beach is the epicenter of the Laguna Beach lifestyle, and as a result, is very popular with tourists and locals. I take my photography clients to Main Beach when they want to have a session with more variety than just beach photos
What I like:
Laguna Village is full of cool secret spots to shoot cool photos. Sometimes it makes sense to begin a session in the downtown area to capture some lifestyle images, then make the short walk down to Main Beach at the historic lifeguard station and further north to the tidepools below Heisler Park Gazebo.
Best for:
People that want a variety of photos, but still want to capture the raw beauty of the ocean. Popular with engagement sessions, Families, and branding photography.
Map to Main Beach In Laguna
Parking: Metered Parking anywhere you can find a spot on PCH nearby. However, my Favorite Area is a pay structure on Glenneyre.
Crowd factor: Usually Always busy. Except early morning.
The best time of day to go: Late afternoon is my favorite time.
#5 Table Rock Beach
The Place To Find Painterly Light
Table Rock Beach is another hidden cove at the southern end of Laguna Beach. It's mostly a local hangout spot. Most afternoons you will find natives walking dogs or just hanging out enjoying the sunset.
What I like:
My favorite aspect of Table Rock Beach is the way the afternoon light bounces off the warm-toned cliff on the southern end. Creating a huge reflector of warm-toned light to make anyone's skin look healthy and vibrant.
Best for:
Family portraits, senior portraits, engagement photography. Small groups.
Map to Table Rock Beach
Parking: Free neighborhood parking on Table Rock Drive, or metered Parking on PCH.
Crowd factor: Usually not super busy, but it's small so it doesn't take too many people to feel crowded. Usually empty in the mornings
Best time of day to go: Best photos in the late afternoon hours getting close to sunset.
PRO TIP: Hire a photographer who uses a special tool called a diffusion panel for incredible results here.
Bonus Laguna Tip
Gelato Paradiso
It's always tough for me to make it out of Laguna without stopping at Gelato Paradiso for a treat. If you have made your way all over Laguna Beach to my 7 Secret Spots, you should treat yourself to Laguna's best gelato.
What I like:
The gelato is phenomenal. They also have a ridiculous amount of options. Pistachio is my favorite.
Best for:
Someone who can't live without sweets. I get you.
Map to Gelato Paradiso
Parking: Metered Parking on PCH. If you Can't find a spot head to the parking structure on Glenneyre Structure is right behind the Gelatoria. 501 Glenneyre St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Crowd factor: Usually a line but it moves pretty quickly. Worth the wait.
Best time of day to go: Anytime
PRO TIP: Waffle Cone 🍦
Meet Christopher Todd: Your Orange County Photographer
Hi, I’m Christopher Todd! I launched
Christopher Todd Studios back in 2000, but my love for photography started long before that.
Born and raised in Orange County, I’ve spent my life exploring this beautiful area. From surfing in Huntington Beach to discovering the best photo spots across the OC. Over the past
25 years as a professional photographer, I’ve continued to learn, grow, and refine my craft.