Finding spots that are convenient to get to, have good lighting and have dynamic settings all in one spot is tricky to find. So here’s my list, steal these spots & start shootin’ away!
1. Calafia Beach
Address: 251-399 Avenida Califia, San Clemente, CA 92672
Pros - easy parking, very dynamic options including cliffs, beach, rocks, eucalyptus trees which bring variety to your session without having to get in your car
Cons - there can be a lot of people, can be windy
2. Dr joe cortese dog park
Address: Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Pros - at the right time of year there’s a bunch of yellow mustard flowers, tons of parking, easy to find
Cons - not many cons, there might be snakes. I’ve never seen one, but it’s definitely a nature spot
3. Talega Hike
Address: Camino Escollo, San Clemente, CA 92673
Pros - gorgeous, there’s lot of parking
Cons - it’s a hike, can be windy
4. San Clemente Pier
Address: San Clemente Pier, San Clemente, CA 92672
Pros - it’s iconic to San Clemente spot, under the pier has a unique look, can have beautiful sunsets
Cons - can be tough to park, can be windy
5. Lasuens
Address: Calle Lasuen San Clemente, CA 92672
Pros - the stairs are a unique spot, there’s a lifeguard tower
Cons - it’s a hike down, can be windy, tough to find parking (depending on time of day)
6. Salt Creek Beach
Address: 33333 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Pros - plenty of space to move away from people, great ocean views, nice greenery scrubs to sit a couple down by
Cons - it’s a hike to get down / up, you have to pay for parking
7. Knob Hill Trail
Address - Rancho San Clemente Trail, San Clemente, CA 92672
Pros - beautiful eucalyptus trees, can be great backlit photos
Cons - a little tricky to find, just park at Stance & hike till you find a trail [195 Av. La Pata, San Clemente, CA 92673]
8. Capistrano Beach
Address - 35005 Beach Rd, Dana Point, CA 92624
Pros - parking is free and plenty of spots, there’s multiple spots - beach, bridge overpass, palm trees
Cons - can be busy, can be windy
Bonus! Canyon Coffee Lawn
Address - 75 Esencia Dr B, Mission Viejo, CA 92694
Pros - parking is limited, but rarely full. There's different options for settings - cacti, grassy, rocky, and a big red door.
Cons - None!
If you take pictures at these spots, I'd love to see! Share on your Instagram story & tag me @rachel.b.hughes
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