9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92503

This park has a charming atmosphere, featuring trails that offer views of the surrounding orange groves and rows of palm trees. There are plenty of beautiful spots to enjoy here.

• Best time: October - March; Sunset Sessions 3-5 pm; Mon-Sun. April 1st - September; Sunset Sessions 4-6 pm; weekends only.
• Permit Fees: Yes; however, this location is not strict regarding pet sessions.
• Travel Fees: None
• Traffic/Crowds: Low to Medium
• Dogs Allowed: Yes
• Parking: $7 per vehicle
• 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 call them in advance and ask about any upcoming events

2241 Market Street, Riverside, CA 92501

This large public park is located near Downtown Riverside and Carlson Dog Park. It features a lovely rose garden, trails, bridges, several buildings that provide 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: Often. Mainly on weekends

16009 Sierra Heights Drive, Riverside, CA 92503

A small, quiet residential park next to an open field and a trail lined with lush greenery. Right next to Mockingbird Park. Can do a split session between both parks in most cases.

• Best time: Fall, Winter, and Spring. 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; the nearest restroom is located at Starbucks, off La Sierra Ave and the 91 freeway entrance.
• Events: Rarely

16540 Sweet Ave, Riverside, CA 92503

A small, quiet residential park next to an open field, located right next to La Sierra Park. Can do a split session between both parks in most cases.

• Best time: Fall, Early Summer, and Spring. 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; the nearest restroom is located at Starbucks, off La Sierra Ave and the 91 freeway entrance.
• Events: Rarely

24145 Hayes Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562

This small park is nestled between a housing tract and 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 photo shoots 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; a tiny parking lot is available, with street parking also accessible
• Restrooms: None; the nearest restroom is a couple of miles away.
• Events: Rarely
• Travel: $35 fee

42051 Main Street, Temecula, CA 92590

Old Town Temecula is charming, having retained much of its Old West heritage in its buildings and structures. The area boasts numerous great spots, including a few nearby fields that are particularly picturesque, 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
• Travel: $35 fee

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 Spring. Sunset or Morning Sessions; Mon-Sun
• Permit Fees: None
• Travel Fees: None
• Traffic/Crowds: Low to Medium
• Dogs Allowed: Yes
• Parking: Free
• Restrooms: None
• Events: Rarely
• Travel: $35 fee

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 numerous dogs often frequent this beach, 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
• Travel: $35 fee

28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

This location is ideal for taking photos, offering a wide range of options, including 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
• Travel: $35 fee

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 Dog Park. Features include a lake, waterfalls, streams, bridges, huge boulders, open grassy areas, and beautiful trees. It can get crowded on weekends when the weather is warmer. Many geese and active squirrels live here, so it's best suited for pets who aren't overly 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

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