Finding the perfect fall photo location for your family session isn’t always easy. As a professional San Francisco Bay Area family photographer, I totally get it. That’s why I’ve done the scouting for you — and today, I’m sharing my best-kept location secrets that clients (and I) absolutely love.

Whether you’re looking for fog-kissed bridges, golden leaves, or a quiet forest hideaway, these spots are perfect for fall and beyond.

✨ Bonus: Stick around to the end for outfit tips and planning hacks that’ll make your family photos even better.

📍 1. San Francisco Botanical Garden at Golden Gate Park

This is my long-time favorite… and for good reason! Located inside Golden Gate Park, the San Francisco Botanical Garden is 55 acres of lush, diverse plant life — including over 50,000 species from around the world.

From beautiful walkways to a peaceful fish and turtle pond (a client favorite!), this space is incredibly versatile and looks amazing in every season — especially fall.

🌿 Best for:

Families with young kids (lots of space to explore)
Lush green backgrounds
Soft, timeless portraits

Family photo at San Francisco Botanical Garden surrounded by greenery – Mini Anna Photography

Family portrait at San Francisco Botanical Garden with lush greenery and pond background

Candid child photo in fall foliage at Botanical Garden, San Francisco

Parents and toddler walking through the Botanical Garden paths in Golden Gate Park

Family laughing near turtle pond at San Francisco Botanical Garden

🏛️ 2. The Legion of Honor

Yes, it’s a museum… but it’s also an incredible photo backdrop.

This Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco offers two of my favorite photo spots:

The elegant courtyard with soft cream pillars
A hidden grove near the golf course that offers a natural, serene setting

This spot brings elegance, structure, and a little European charm to your session — for free (well, minus the session fee. Ha!).

🌿 Best for:

Elevated family portraits
Neutral, timeless backgrounds
Great light and shade balance

Elegant fall family portrait at Legion of Honor museum in San Francisco

Family posing by cream-colored pillars at Legion of Honor courtyard in San Francisco

Fall family photo at Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco with neutral-toned architecture

Child running through Legion of Honor courtyard during golden hour

🌁 3. Cavallo Point (Sausalito)

This is where the city meets the Marin coast — and wow, it never disappoints. You’ll get stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, especially if Carl the Fog decides to stay home. (But honestly, even when he shows up, it’s part of the charm.)

This is one of my most-requested mini session spots, and the images always feel very Bay Area iconic.

🌿 Best for:

Bridge views + natural beauty
Foggy fall vibes
Classic San Francisco feeling

Family photo with Golden Gate Bridge in the background at Cavallo Point

Family session at Cavallo Point with Golden Gate Bridge in foggy background

Bay Area family photo shoot with soft fall colors at Cavallo Point

Family laughing together with Marin hills and bridge behind them

Golden hour pet photo at Cavallo Point with bridge in distance

Fall family portraits on wooden bridge in Lover’s Lane, San Francisco

Candid moment at Lover’s Lane with soft natural light filtering through trees

🌲 4. Lover’s Lane – Presidio Forest

Tucked into the Presidio, Lover’s Lane is one of San Francisco’s most enchanting hidden gems. Originally built as a shortcut for Spanish soldiers, it’s now a charming, eucalyptus-lined trail that makes a beautiful natural photo location.

There's even a quaint wooden bridge and peaceful pathways for a dreamy forest session.

🌿 Best for:

Eucalyptus forest magic
Woodsy, moody fall vibes
Romantic or nostalgic sessions

Fall family photo session in eucalyptus forest at Lover’s Lane, San Francisco

Eucalyptus forest photo at Lover’s Lane in Presidio with family walking the trail

🏫 5. Dominican University – Marin

I saved one of my new favorites for last! Dominican University in Marin has become a go-to for fall family sessions because of its 18th-century charm, dreamy architecture, and perfectly landscaped grounds.

Come late October or early November, the leaf colors start to pop in a way that just sings autumn.

🌿 Best for:

Romantic architecture + changing leaves
Families looking for something unique
Seniors or maternity portraits too!

Fall family photo at Dominican University in Marin with golden leaves and stone buildings

Elegant family portrait on stone steps at Dominican University in Marin

Fall colors at Dominican University with parents and child walking on leaf-covered path

Golden leaves falling at Dominican University family session

✨ BONUS: Fall Family Photo Tips from a Pro

Planning a session soon? Here are some quick tips to help you feel and look your best:

Outfits: Choose solid colors, cozy knits, and subtle florals. Avoid logos, graphics, or bright patterns. Ask your photographer for location-specific color suggestions!
Dress in Layers: Fall in the Bay Area is a little unpredictable. Layers give you options during the session.
Always bring a jacket. Even on warm days, the weather can turn. (Especially at Cavallo Point!)
Expect fog. The Golden Gate Bridge may or may not be visible — but either way, you’ll get iconic, moody SF magic.

💛 Ready to Book Your Fall Family Photos?

I host annual fall mini sessions for families, couples, and maternity clients in the Bay Area. These spots fill quickly (especially Cavallo Point + Legion of Honor!), so if you’ve been thinking about booking… now’s your sign.

👉 Book your fall session now

Not ready yet? Follow along on Instagram for inspo: @minianna.photo

Wherever we go, I promise we’ll create something beautiful — together.