10 Scenic Photo-Worthy Stops Between San Diego and Orange County for Couples: Where to Go, When to Stop, and Why These Summer Road Trip Spots Are Perfect
Cover Image Courtesy of Heather Paz
If you're craving something deeper this summer—slower mornings, wide-open views, and real connection with the people you love—this stretch of Southern California coast has everything you need to feel alive again.
We’re Son and Stephanie, the couple behind Last Minute Photoshoot, and by the end of this year, we’re officially taking the leap—packing up our car, our camera gear, and our three rescue pups to live life on the road. No fixed destination. Just stories to tell and places to see. We’ll be camping, meeting new people, and photographing what matters most.
To help cover some of the expenses, we’re hoping to book a few shoots along the way—nothing fancy, just meaningful moments. If you're in any of the places we’re writing about (or plan to visit), and want to support what we’re doing, fill out our contact form and we’ll reach out when we’re in your area.
This guide kicks off our On the Road blog series—with a list of scenic, photo-worthy stops between San Diego and Orange County. Perfect for a couples summer road trip, a last-minute photoshoot, or just soaking in the magic of the California coast.
We totally get it—sometimes you just want to talk it out first. If you’re hoping to connect while we’re traveling, want to go over the details together, or even want to tell us what you'd love to see more of on our blog—we’d love to connect.
👉 Fill Out Our Form to Connect
1. La Jolla Cove (San Diego)
Why stop: Wild sea lions, ocean caves, cliffs, and that endless blue water—an absolute must.
When to go: Early morning to avoid crowds and get soft light.
Where to park: Street parking on Coast Blvd or paid parking lots nearby.
Photo tip: Walk the path north toward Shell Beach for tide pool shots and dramatic framing with sandstone cliffs.
📍1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
🔗 La Jolla Cove Info
2. Torrey Pines State Reserve (Del Mar)
Why stop: Windswept cliffs meet untouched beach trails—desert meets ocean vibes.
When to go: Weekdays at golden hour for warm tones and fewer hikers.
Where to park: Use the South Beach Lot ($15–25/day). Hike up the hill or take the shuttle on weekends.
Photo tip: Head to the Razor Point Trail for wide-angle landscape shots. Sunset silhouettes here hit different.
📍12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
🔗 Torrey Pines Info
3. Swami’s Beach + Meditation Gardens (Encinitas)
Why stop: Laid-back surf energy, palm trees, and peaceful garden views from above the bluffs.
When to go: Mid-morning for full light in the gardens or sunset for beach portraits.
Where to park: Small lot at Swami’s or free street parking along 3rd St or 4th St.
Photo tip: Use the top of the garden steps for overhead shots of the beach and coastline.
📍939 2nd St, Encinitas, CA 92024
🔗 SRF Meditation Gardens
4. Buena Vista Lagoon + Carlsbad Boardwalk (Carlsbad)
Why stop: A more lowkey stop—bird watching, boardwalk views, and natural coastal charm.
When to go: Sunrise or golden hour. Expect locals walking and biking.
Where to park: Free public lot near Pine Ave + Carlsbad Blvd or along State St.
Photo tip: Frame couples walking the boardwalk path with the ocean and palms behind them. Long lens recommended.
📍Near 2685 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
🔗 Visit Carlsbad Info
5. Oceanside Pier (Oceanside)
Why stop: Long wooden pier, surf culture, cotton-candy sunsets, and nostalgic beach town vibes.
When to go: Sunset is prime. The pier lights up, surfers stay out, and the mood is cinematic.
Where to park: Paid lots near the beach or street parking on Mission Ave.
Photo tip: Stand under the pier for perfectly framed symmetry shots. Walk out to the end of the pier for dramatic skyline portraits.
📍928 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
🔗 Visit Oceanside – Pier Info
6. San Onofre Bluffs Trail + Trestles Beach (San Clemente)
Why stop: Remote, quiet beaches with a raw California edge—great for barefoot sessions.
When to go: Weekdays if possible. Bring snacks and water; it’s a bit of a trek.
Where to park: Park in the San Onofre Bluffs lot off Old Pacific Hwy ($15/day).
Photo tip: Capture wide, open compositions against soft golden cliffs. Great for lifestyle shots that feel free and real.
📍Old Pacific Hwy, San Clemente, CA 92672
🔗 San Onofre State Beach
7. San Clemente Pier + Casa Romantica
Why stop: Spanish architecture meets sweeping ocean views. Great for classic or elegant portraits.
When to go: Late afternoon light reflects beautifully off the red-tile rooftops.
Where to park: Paid parking at Pier Bowl or free street parking uphill.
Photo tip: Walk the train tracks for edgy couple shots. Or shoot through the arches at Casa Romantica for symmetry.
📍415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, CA 92672
🔗 Casa Romantica
8. Dana Point Headlands Trail
Why stop: Clifftop ocean views, wildflowers, and a protected coastal trail with killer photo angles.
When to go: Mornings are best for soft light and fog rolling off the sea.
Where to park: Street parking near Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center.
Photo tip: Shoot toward the curve of the cliffs for depth. Great spot for quiet moments and thoughtful portraits.
📍34558 Scenic Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629
🔗 Headlands Conservation Area
9. Victoria Beach + Pirate Tower (Laguna Beach)
Why stop: Secret castle vibes. It’s moody, dramatic, and made for storybook photos.
When to go: Low tide only! Check tide charts in advance.
Where to park: Residential parking on Victoria Dr—expect a short walk down a steep stairway.
Photo tip: Time your shoot at golden hour as the light hits the tower. Bring ND filters for creative water shots.
📍2713 Victoria Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
🔗 Visit Laguna – Victoria Beach
10. Top of the World (Laguna Beach)
Why stop: Epic, wide-sweeping views of inland mountains and the Pacific coast.
When to go: Sunset or sunrise for glowy skies.
Where to park: Free lot at Alta Laguna Park.
Photo tip: Bring a drone if you have one. Or shoot wide and incorporate negative space for modern couple portraits.
📍3300 Alta Laguna Blvd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
🔗 Top of the World Info
Want to Meet Us on the Road?
We totally get it—sometimes you just want to talk it out first. If you’re hoping to connect while we’re traveling, want to go over the details together, or even want to tell us what you'd love to see more of on our blog—we’d love to connect.
👉 Fill Out Our Form to Connect
If you live near any of these spots—or plan to visit—we’d love to connect! Whether you're celebrating something or just want updated photos with someone you love, let us know. Every mini photoshoot helps us keep this journey going.
👉 Fill out our form at lastminutephotoshoot.com/bookings and we’ll reach out when we’re passing through your area.
Thank you for being part of this journey. We can’t wait to see where the road takes us—and who we get to meet along the way.
