The Best Photo Locations in Los Angeles For Families

After nearly two decades behind the camera, I can tell you that when it comes to family photos, finding the best backdrops isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding a location where your family can be authentic. I’ve gathered this list of the best photo locations in Los Angeles for family sessions, focusing on spaces that invite play and genuine connection.

The 5 Best Photo Locations in Los Angeles for Families

I’ve chosen these locations because they do the heavy lifting for us, offering room to move and that magic combination of structure and freedom that lets families relax into themselves. 

Descanso Gardens

Spread across 150 acres of winding paths, shady woodlands, and thoughtfully cultivated gardens, Descanso Gardens is one of the most unique and varied places for family photos in Los Angeles. Here, it never feels like you’re limited — with plenty of variety to choose from. Little ones can wander ahead on the trails and interact with the surroundings while you walk hand-in-hand with your partner. Thanks to the diverse landscapes, your family’s dynamic has space to unfold naturally. As a photographer, I love how much these gardens transform with the seasons. From vibrant fall foliage to fragrant florals in the spring, something new is always in bloom here. These gardens are open seven days a week, $18 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-12, with discounted entry on Tuesdays. Also note that Descanso Gardens requires a permit fee, which begins at $300 and includes entrance for your group. It’s best to apply for this in advance to allow plenty of time for processing. You can learn more about the garden’s policies for photography here.

Los Angeles Arboretum + Botanic Gardens

This park is well-loved for a reason. The LA Arboretum is an immersive backdrop for family photos. Offering 127 acres of gardens, walking paths, and hidden corners that let your kiddos explore and lean into their natural playfulness and wonder. Highlights like the San Gabriel Mountains, tropical forest, and fragrant herb garden add vibrant textures to photos, while the pristine rose gardens add charm and character without ever feeling staged. Open every day, you can plan your session on any day that works best for your family. Admission is $18 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-12. The permit fee for photography here is $75, and you can learn more about their policies here.

Arlington Gardens

This three-acre community garden in Pasadena is one of my favorite hidden gems for families who want something a little different and more contained, with the ideal balance of natural and manicured landscapes. It’s completely free to enter, open daily, and has ample parking nearby, which means no pressure or extra hurdles, just you and your people exploring at your own pace. And despite its smaller size, there is an incredible amount of biodiversity tucked into this place. What I love most here is the dramatic desert greenery; those sculptural cacti and succulents create stunning natural backdrops. You’ll wander through Mediterranean botanics, local wildflowers in the spring, and citrus groves with vibrant colors and textures. Just a heads up, planned photography sessions do require a permit starting at $100, so be sure to inquire in advance for your session to plan accordingly. But the process is quick and allows us to shoot without interruption. You can learn more about that here.

Arroyo Seco 

If you love dynamic imagery, the Arroyo Seco delivers in every way. This beloved canyon stretches through Pasadena with 22 miles of trails winding through open fields, native oak woodlands, and lush marshlands. However, the historic La Loma Bridge and Colorado Bridge add something distinctive to family photos captured here. The bridge views can be accessed from a few specific entry points. The unique contrast between the dramatic architecture and the playfulness of your kiddos in nature is one of the best things about this location. Specifically, I love capturing families with older children or babies in the Spring along Upper Arroyo Road, where the grass grows in and creates a meadow-like atmosphere. Plus, the mix of paved and dirt trails means that this location can be accessible to toddlers and grandparents, too.

Your home

As a family photographer, this is genuinely one of my favorite places to capture families. And no, your home doesn’t need to be expertly styled or completely spotless. What better way to honor the connection you have as a family than the place where you actually live, play, and love each other every single day? Family photos in this authentic setting become the perfect reminder of the warmth you’ve created together — the couch where you cuddle for bedtime stories, the kitchen where messes are made and then savored, the backyard with worn paths in the grass thanks to regular games of tag. My recommendation is to find two or three spaces with plenty of natural light and focus a little TLC there prior to the session (but not so much that it feels staged). Then, let my laid-back, play-based guidance capture your family doing what they naturally do: play, rest, bond, and live. 

Loving these family photoshoot locations in Los Angeles?

As a Los Angeles family photographer, I know these places intimately: the best times of day for golden light, the quieter trails, the tucked-away spots that feel like your own escape. Ready to plan your session at one of these locations? Get in touch here to learn more and schedule a time to capture your family.