LOCATIONS FOR PET PHOTO SESSIONS
I have found multiple locations that are ideal for pet photo sessions in Southern California, mainly within Orange and Riverside counties. I have compiled a selection of my top picks on this page for your consideration.
I'm also open to exploring any location you have in mind. Feel free to share your ideas with me! It's important to note that certain locations require permits or fees for photoshoots, and some are more strict than others. You can also find helpful tips on selecting the best location for your pet’s session HERE. I recommend reading this before making any final decisions. Feel free to let me know if you have any questions.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Citrus State Historic Park
9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92503
This park has a charming atmosphere with trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding orange groves and rows of palm trees. There are plenty of beautiful spots to enjoy here.
- Best time: October 1st - March 1st; Sunset Sessions 3-5 pm; Mon-Sun
- Permit Fees: Yes; however, this location is not strict when it comes to pet sessions.
- Travel Fees: None
- Traffic/Crowds: Low to Medium
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Parking: $7 per vehicle all-day
- Restrooms: Yes
- Events: Occasionally. It's important to keep an eye on their event calendar, especially in the warmer months. They tend to announce events with as little as a week's notice. If you want to be sure, it's a good idea to give them a call in advance and ask about any upcoming events.
Fairmount Park
2241 Market Street, Riverside, CA 92501
This is a large public park located near Downtown Riverside and Carlson Dog Park. It has a lovely rose garden, trails, bridges, several buildings that make for good backdrops, a lake, docks, and gorgeous large trees. Many geese, ducks, and squirrels live here, so it's best for pets who don't get highly fixated on them.
- Best time: Any time of the year. Best for sunset sessions on weekdays or early morning on weekends. (Spring season for rose bloom - the garden is not always accessible, though)
- Permit Fees: None
- Travel Fees: None
- Traffic/Crowds: Low to High
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Parking: Free but can be challenging on the weekends.
- Restrooms: Yes
- Events: Occasionally. Many family events like parties and picnics on weekends.
La Sierra Park
16009 Sierra Heights Drive, Riverside, CA 92503
There is a small quiet residential park with an adjacent open field and a trail lined with greenery. Right next to Mocking Bird Park. Can do a split session between both parks in most cases.
- Best time: Fall, Winter, and Sring. Wildflowers grow for a limited time in the spring. Sunset or Sunrise Session, Mon-Sun
- Permit Fees: None
- Travel Fees: None
- Traffic/Crowds: Low
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Parking: Free
- Restrooms: No; nearest restroom at Starbucks off La Sierra Ave & 91 freeway entrance.
- Events: Rarely
Mocking Bird Park
16540 Sweet Ave, Riverside, CA 92503
There is a small quiet residential park with an adjacent open field, and it's right next to La Sierra Park. Can do a split session between both parks in most cases.
- Best time: Fall, Early Summer, and Sring. Wildflowers grow for a limited time in the spring. Sunset Sessions, Mon-Sun
- Permit Fees: None
- Travel Fees: None
- Traffic/Crowds: Low
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Parking: Free
- Restrooms: No; nearest restroom at Starbucks off La Sierra Ave & 91 freeway entrance.
- Events: Rarely
Skyes Ranch Park
24145 Hayes Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562
The small park is nestled between a housing track, and it offers a beautiful forested area as well as an open field with rolling hills of the Santa Rosa Plateau in the background. It's a popular spot for photographers, particularly on weekends during sunset when many photoshoots take place.
- Best time: Any time of the year. Wildflowers grow for a limited time in the spring. Sunset Sessions, Mon-Sun
- Permit Fees: None
- Travel Fees: None
- Traffic/Crowds: Low to High
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Parking: Free - very small parking lot, street parking available.
- Restrooms: None; the nearest restroom is a couple of miles away.
- Events: Rarely
Old Town Temecula
42051 Main Street, Temecula, CA 92590
Old Town Temecula is very charming; it has kept much of its old west heritage in the building and structures. The area has numerous great spots, including a few pretty nearby fields, making it perfect for those seeking a combination of urban and natural outdoor settings.
- Best time: Any time of the year. Early Morning Sessions before the shops open; Mon-Sun
- Permit Fees: None
- Travel Fees: None
- Traffic/Crowds: Low to High
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Parking: Free
- Restrooms: Yes
- Events: Often. Mostly on weekends.
Harveston Lake
29005 Lakehouse Road, Temecula, CA 92591
The serene lakeside park is nestled within a charming community, which offers walking trails, a beautiful gazebo, and lush grassy spots.
- Best time: Any time of year. Sunset or Morning Sessions; Mon-Sun
- Permit Fees: None
- Travel Fees: None
- Traffic/Crowds: Low to Medium
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Parking: Free
- Restrooms: Yes
- Events: Occasionally
ORANGE COUNTY
Canyon View Park
22144 Canyon Vistas, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
A community park with 12 acres of fantastic space near one of the entrances to Wood Canyon Trail. Huge grassy area, a beautiful succulent garden, and views of the canyon. Usually, some dogs run around off-leash at this park, so it's best for dogs who are very well-socialized and not aggressive or reactive towards other dogs.
- Best time: Fall, Early Summer, and Sring. Sunset or Morning Sessions; Mon-Sun
- Permit Fees: None
- Travel Fees: None
- Traffic/Crowds: Low to Medium
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Parking: Free - Street parking available.
- Restrooms: None
- Events: Rarely
Huntington Beach Dog Beach
100 Goldenwest, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Huntington dog beach is a designated stretch of shoreline where dogs can enjoy the beach freely without leashes. Huntington dog beach is not exactly enclosed—PCH is a busy highway that is easily accessible to a fast dog, so you must take the necessary precautions. If you have a furry friend who adores the ocean, is very friendly with other dogs, and does not display aggression or reactivity towards them, this spot is a great option to consider for their session. Kindly take note that as this beach is often frequented by numerous dogs, it is possible that other dogs may appear in the background of your photos and cannot be edited out.
- Best time: Any time of the year. Weekends can get very busy during warmer months. Sunset Sessions. Morning Sessions if you prefer fewer dogs running around; Mon-Sun
- Permit Fees: None
- Travel Fees: None
- Traffic/Crowds: Low to High
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Parking: Metered Parking; it can be challenging to find a spot here, so it's best to arrive early and be prepared to walk if you have to park farther away.
- Restrooms: Yes
- Events: Occasionally
Laguna Niguel Regional Park
28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
This location is fantastic for taking photos, with a wide variety of options such as the bridge, large trees, the wooden fence along the walking trail, and the spacious grass lawn. Please note that there are numerous geese living here, so it's recommended for pets that aren't highly fixated on them.
- Best time: Any time of the year. In the spring, the hills are lush and green. Trails might be closed after rain. Sunset Sessions; Mon-Sun
- Permit Fees: None
- Travel Fees: None
- Traffic/Crowds: Low to Medium
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Parking: $3-$5 per vehicle
- Restrooms: Yes
- Events: Occasionally
TeWinkle Park
970 Arlington Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Located in the heart of Costa Mesa, this cute park is just a short walk away from Bark Park. Featured include a large lake, water fountains, waterfalls, streams, bridges, huge boulders, open grassy areas, and large beautiful trees. It can get crowded on weekends when the weather is warmer. Many geese and active squirrels live here, so it's best for pets who don't get highly fixated on them.
- Best time: Any time of year. Sunset or Morning Sessions; Mon-Sun
- Permit Fees: None
- Travel Fees: None
- Traffic/Crowds: Low to Medium.
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Parking: Free
- Restrooms: Yes
- Events: Occasionally. Mostly family parties and picnics.
Jeffrey Open Space Trail
13252 Jeffrey Road, Irvine, CA 92620
Situated on Jeffrey Road, between Portola Pkwy and the 5 Frwy, this long park has beautiful trees, high grass, bridges, tunnels, creeks, and more. A popular spot for photographers.
- Best time: Any time of the year; it is a well-groomed park that looks beautiful year-round. During Fall, the trees display a stunning range of autumn colors. Sunset or Morning Sessions; Monday-Sunday
- Permit Fees: None
- Travel Fees: None
- Traffic/Crowds: Low to Medium
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Parking: Free
- Restrooms: Yes
- Events: Occasionally
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Mary Vagle Nature Center
11501 Cypress Ave, Fontana, CA 92337
Nestled at the base of the Jurupa Hills in south Fontana. Offers a scenic nature trail along native plant gardens and a large pond. Many ducks and geese live here. There is also a spacious open field area here.
- Best time: Any time of year. Sunset or Morning Sessions, Mon-Sun
- Permit Fees: None
- Travel Fees: None
- Traffic/Crowds: Low to High; summer can get busy.
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Parking: Free
- Restrooms: Yes
- Events: Often
Prospect Park
1352 Prospect Drive, Redlands, 92373
Situated next to Kimberly Crest Castle, this park offers a lot of shade, lush greenery, bamboo trees, bridges, orange groves, beautiful large trees, and views over Redlands. This park is popular with photographers, so it can get busy around sunset. It's also kind of hilly, so I suggest wearing comfortable shoes.
- Best time: Late October to early April. Sunset Sessions; Mon-Sun
- Permit Fees: None
- Travel Fees: None
- Traffic/Crowds: Low to high
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Parking: Free. Many people park along Prospect Drive and walk up the hill to get into the park.
- Restrooms: Yes
- Events: Often
MORE LOCATIONS TO CONSIDER
Riverside & San Bernardino County
- Arlington Heights Sports Park
- Riverwalk Park
- Downtown Riverside - Urban Setting
- Hidden Valley Wildlife Area
- Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, Pioneertown
- Chino Hills State Park
- Lake Perris
- Sycamore Canyon Wilderness/Highland Park
- Eastvale Riverwalk Park & Trails
Orange County
- Santiago Oaks Regional Park
- Marina Park - The Wedge Beach
- Downtown Santa Ana
- Orange Circle Downtown
- Redwood Grove
- Irvine Regional Park
- Yorba Regional Park
- Balboa Island
- Huntington Central Park