Fall 2025 Mini Sessions in San Francisco, Marin & Beyond With Cavallo Point, Botanical Garden, Marin Headlands, Lovers Lane, and more

Fall is the perfect time to update your family photos, celebrate a milestone, or create beautiful memories with loved ones. This year, I’m offering a limited number of Fall 2025 Mini Sessions at my favorite San Francisco Bay Area photography locations — each carefully chosen for their natural beauty, iconic views, and client-friendly logistics.

Whether you’re dreaming of a Golden Gate Bridge backdrop at Cavallo Point, lush greens at the San Francisco Botanical Garden, or golden hour magic in the Marin Headlands, you’ll find the ideal setting for timeless, heartfelt portraits. Plus, I’ve added all the parking info, outfit tips, and planning details you’ll need.

 

📍 September 24 – Lovers Lane, Presidio

Located in San Francisco’s Presidio, Lovers Lane is a peaceful, tree-lined path surrounded by eucalyptus forests and the iconic “Wood Line” art installation.

Tips & Highlights:

  • Jewel tones and creamy neutrals look stunning against the forest background.

  • Best light in late afternoon—perfect for golden hour portraits.

  • Wooden paths and forest textures offer moody, nostalgic vibes.

  • There is also an area filled with evergreen fir trees that would be great for Christmas photos!

  • Moderate walking required on mostly flat natural ground. Always best to wear/ bring comfortable shoes. Stilettos not recommended.

  • Pet friendly.

  • Grandparent friendly with some mobility.

Parking Info:

  • First choice: I have a fairly easy but secret parking area that I will share with you in the session guide.

  • Second choice if the secret parking is full: limited street parking on Pacific Ave (arrive early to give time to walk down to the trail!).

  • Third choice: paid parking at the Presidio Officers’ Club nearby

  • Access from either trailhead — 5-15 minutes walk required (depending on speed and your kid’s mood. Ha!)

  • Not wheelchair accessible.

 

📍 September 28 & October 23 – Legion of Honor, San Francisco

This stunning museum offers grand European-style architecture, a pillar-lined courtyard, and nearby shaded trails.

Tips & Highlights:

  • Jewel-toned outfits will pop against the cream stone. Neutral and creamy tone will give soft monochromatic look.

  • Gorgeous lights all day long: beautiful soft light in early morning and beautiful golden tone in the afternoon.

  • There is a beautiful trail with tall trees near the golf course for greenery shots.

  • Mostly paved walkways — minimal walking needed.

  • Excellent for grandparents.

  • Pets welcome.

Parking & Location Info:

  • Easy and free parking lot in front of the museum.

  • Additional parking along El Camino del Mar and Legion of Honor Drive.

  • Nearby Muni bus access available.

  • Wheelchair accessible.

  • Restrooms inside the museum and public restroom behind the museum.

  • Explore the art at Legion of Honor Museum after/ before your session to surround yourself with world-class artwork.

  • Yummy restaurant options in the area. Try Burmese food at Pagan Restaurant or enjoy fresh seafood at Pacific Cafe. If you don’t mind driving 10 minutes away, try delicious Indonesian food at Lime Tree. It’s hands down my favorite restaurant in the Bay Area.

 

📍 September 28 & October 23 – Cavallo Point, Sausalito

Voted a top Hidden Gem by Redfin, Cavallo Point mini sessions are client favorites for their iconic Golden Gate Bridge views, waterfront and nautical backdrop, sweeping lawns, and occasionally fog-kissed charm.

Tips & Highlights:

  • Ideal for pets, milestone photos, maternity, and holiday cards.

  • Deep blues, rust tones, and creams photograph beautifully here.

  • Perfect for golden hour sunset session.

  • Choose your adventure level. There are beautiful areas with mostly flat terrain for those with limited mobility/ wheelchair. If you’re up to hike up the hill, there is a less accessible but with an even better view of the bridge.

  • On a clear day, we can also see San Francisco skyline.

  • Grandparent-friendly with benches on the flat areas.

  • Pet friendly.

Parking & Location Info:

 

📍 October 12 – San Francisco Botanical Garden

Inside Golden Gate Park, this 55-acre garden features lush walkways, a turtle pond, and global plant collections.

Tips & Highlights:

  • Perfect for little explorers and natural light lovers.

  • Light neutrals and soft floral prints complement the setting.

  • Plenty of shaded areas makes this location perfect anytime of the day.

  • Arrive early to enjoy fewer crowds and cooler temps.

  • Wide paths; some walking but stroller and wheelchair accessible.

  • Excellent for grandparents — benches and shade throughout.

  • No pets allowed except service animals.

Parking & Location Info:

  • Plenty of free street parking around the park but they do get full starting late morning, especially in the afternoon.

  • Paid parking at Music Concourse Garage under the de Young Museum.

  • Parking and garden paths are stroller and wheelchair accessible.

  • Multiple restrooms inside the garden.

  • Food trucks and ice cream truck outside the garden by music concourse at certain hours. Sam’s Chowder’s lobster roll is to die for! I’m drooling just thinking about it!

 

📍 October 12 – Marin Headlands

Dramatic cliffs, wide-open skies, and golden light define this Marin County photography location—perfect for adventurous portraits.

Tips & Highlights:

  • Flowy dresses and textured knits look great in the wind.

  • Sunset light adds epic coastal glow.

  • Great for couples and families who love bold, cinematic photos and don’t shy away from adventure.

  • Moderate hike to viewpoints; terrain is uneven and often windswept but the view is worth it!

  • Not ideal for grandparents with mobility concerns.

  • Pet friendly.

Parking & Location Info:

  • Plenty of easy and free parking. I will send you the details with your session guide.

  • Limited reception in the area. Plan accordingly.

  • Limited facilities near cliffs — bring water/snacks.

  • Not wheelchair accessible.

 

📍 November 4 – San Rafael Trail, Marin

A peaceful local trail in Marin County, perfect for low-key, relaxed portraits surrounded by fall color.

Tips & Highlights:

  • Dress in cozy knits and layered neutrals.

  • Easy for young kids or grandparents.

  • Bring water and a blanket if sitting for portraits.

  • Golden hour here is warm and magical.

  • Gentle trail walking on dirt paths.

  • Grandparent friendly with some mobility; mostly flat but unpaved ground.

  • Pet friendly.

Parking & Location Info:

  • Trail-specific directions sent upon booking with your session guide.

  • Free and easy street parking available at the start of the trail.

 

📍 November 16 – BLUE HERON (stow) Lake, Golden Gate Park

Known for its arched bridges, romantic trails, and shimmering lake, this San Francisco photography location is pure fairytale.

Tips & Highlights:

  • Warm fall tones (rust, mustard, forest green) photograph beautifully.

  • Perfect for whimsical, storybook-style portraits.

  • Pet and kid-friendly trails with great scenery.

  • Mostly paved flat ground but there are some optional unpaved areas and stairs/ hills to climb for variety of adventures and backdrops.

  • Grandparent friendly with some mobility on main paths.

  • Pets welcome.

Parking Info:

  • Plenty of easy and free street parking around the park but can get full in the afternoon.

  • Restrooms and small cafe near the Boathouse.

  • Stroller and wheelchair accessible paths with occasional inclines.

 

Every family deserves beautiful, timeless images that capture their joy and connection — and fall is the perfect season to do just that. Whether you’re envisioning coastal cliffs, foggy forests, elegant architecture, or garden greens, your ideal Bay Area backdrop is waiting.

Spots are limited and tend to book quickly, so if one of these dates or locations speaks to you, don’t wait! I’m here to help with outfit planning, location logistics, and making sure everyone — from toddlers to grandparents to pets — feels welcome and seen.

Do you have questions? Send us an email at hello@minianna.com or get in touch via the contact page.

Let’s create memories you’ll treasure for years to come.

Mini Anna Photography