A Romantic Summer Road Trip Itinerary: From Annie’s Canyon to A Coastal Evening in OC
What happens when you combine a hidden canyon hike, brunch with ocean views, a scenic coastal drive, and rooftop cocktails at sunset? You get one of the most memorable couples road trips through Southern California—from the cliffs of Solana Beach to the rooftops of Laguna. In this full-day itinerary, we take you through our favorite off-the-beaten-path spots starting with a sunrise hike at Annie’s Canyon, followed by delicious brunch, scenic viewpoints along the Pacific Coast Highway, and hidden gems like a treehouse bar in Huntington Beach and boutique bungalow stays along the coast.
As full-time photographers about to hit the road and document life on the move, this blog reflects the type of storytelling adventure we’re living. If you’re planning a romantic summer escape or just want to experience SoCal in a deeper way, this is your perfect roadmap. And if you’re near any of these stops—we’d love to capture your story. Fill out our form and we’ll reach out when we’re in your area.
Cover Image Courtesy of Rodrigo Kammer
If your idea of the perfect summer day includes hiking a hidden canyon, sharing brunch with a view, chasing coastal light for couples portraits, and winding down with rooftop drinks by the ocean—this is the road trip itinerary you’ve been waiting for.
We’re Son and Stephanie, a husband-and-wife photography team from Southern California, and this is exactly the kind of day we dream about (and now, get to live). As we prepare to hit the road full-time later this year—traveling the coast with our 3 pups, camping from our car, and photographing love stories wherever we go—we’re blogging the best stops along the way to help others plan beautiful, memory-making adventures.
This one-day itinerary is perfect for couples who want to experience the SoCal coastline beyond just freeways and fast food. It’s a mix of hidden gems, incredible views, good food, and photo-worthy stops from San Diego to Orange County.
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
Start Early: Hike Annie’s Canyon in Solana Beach
Kick off the morning with a short, rewarding hike through one of North County’s coolest natural features: Annie’s Canyon Trail. It’s a narrow slot canyon that feels like a mini Utah adventure—but it’s just minutes from the beach.
Trail Info: 2.2-mile loop, moderate, dogs welcome on leash
When to go: Get there by 7–8 AM to beat the sun and crowds
Parking: Free lot at San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center
Photo tip: Use a wide lens in the slot canyons and get golden morning light filtering between the canyon walls
📍 2710 Manchester Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007
🔗 Annie’s Canyon Trail Info
Brunch with a View: Claire’s on Cedros – Solana Beach
After your hike, head 5 minutes down the road to Claire’s on Cedros, a charming, eco-friendly café with a coastal-modern feel and a killer brunch menu.
Menu faves: Crab cake benedict, lemon ricotta pancakes, mango mimosas
Vibe: Cozy patio, dog-friendly, rustic-chic interiors
Drinks: Full espresso bar, wine, local beer, and bubbly
Photo tip: Snap a few café shots in their outdoor garden area—it’s Instagram gold.
📍 246 N Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075
🔗 clairesoncedros.com
Hit the Road: Coastal Drive Stops Worth Pulling Over For
Hop in the car and start heading north. Skip the freeway—take Highway 101 for views, beach breezes, and plenty of scenic detours. Here are a few quick stops to break up the drive and get some gorgeous content:
Swami’s Beach Overlook (Encinitas)
Peaceful gardens above the surf with sweeping views. Perfect for a quiet moment or a few portraits.
📍 1298 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
🔗 SRF Meditation Gardens
Carlsbad Seawall Walk
Pull over and walk the path for a half mile or so. You’ll catch beach bikers, surfers, and beautiful light bouncing off the cliffs.
📍 3000 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
🔗 Visit Carlsbad Info
Oceanside Pier
The wooden pier stretches out into the Pacific, and underneath it makes for great dramatic photo framing.
📍 928 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
🔗 Visit Oceanside – Pier Info
Dana Point Headlands Trail
Before you arrive in OC, stop for a clifftop walk overlooking the harbor and bluffs. Wildflowers, ocean spray, and easy-to-access views.
📍 34558 Scenic Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629
🔗 Dana Point Headlands Info
Check into a Coastal Airbnb or Hotel in Orange County
There are plenty of amazing places to stay depending on your vibe—here are three different options for couples:
Chill & Affordable: The Salty Cottage – San Clemente Airbnb
Walkable to the beach, modern decor, affordable nightly rates. Cozy and private.
📍 Near Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA
🔗 Search Airbnb San Clemente
Ocean View: The Tides – Laguna Beach
A boutique hotel with mid-century flair and a location that can’t be beat. Great for waking up to sea air.
📍 460 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
🔗 thetideslaguna.com
Luxury Stay: Surf & Sand Resort – Laguna Beach
If you want a splurge night, this beachfront resort delivers with oceanfront rooms and spa-worthy amenities.
📍 1555 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
🔗 surfandsandresort.com
Evening Drinks with a View: Rooftop Bars in OC
End your day with a sunset cocktail and a view. These rooftop spots offer elevated vibes and great lighting for one last round of portraits.
Skyloft – Laguna Beach
Live music, Pacific views, and a great happy hour.
📍 422 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
🔗 skyloftoc.com
Rooftop Lounge at La Casa Del Camino – Laguna Beach
Iconic rooftop setting with ocean views and classic OC style.
📍 1289 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
🔗 rooftoplagunabeach.com
The Fifth – Anaheim
If you’re venturing inland for Disneyland or city vibes, The Fifth offers skyline views, firepits, and a modern rooftop experience.
📍 1650 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802
🔗 thefifthoc.com
Want to Be Part of Our Road Trip Story?
We’re documenting our travels, capturing the beauty of the road, and booking a few mini sessions along the way to help fund this journey. If you're planning to be in any of these cities—or live nearby—and want updated couples portraits, we'd love to meet you.
→ Fill out our booking form here and we’ll reach out when we’re passing through your area.
Every session you book supports our story—and we can’t wait to help tell yours.
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
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
Ready to slow down and actually feel summer again? Whether you’re planning a couples getaway, a content-creating road trip, or just need a day to reconnect with nature and each other, this guide shares our favorite photo-worthy stops between San Diego and Orange County. As full-time photographers and partners, we're about to start a new chapter—traveling the California coast with our three pups, camping from our car, and sharing every adventure we capture. This isn’t just a blog—it's part of a bigger journey we're inviting you into.
Each location we feature here is chosen not just for its beauty but for the stories it helps tell: barefoot beach walks, wind-swept cliffside kisses, secret towers, hidden trails, and panoramic views that make you feel small in the best way. We include parking tips, the best time of day to go, and detailed photography guidance so you can experience (and remember) your own story through the lens.
If you’re near any of these locations—or will be soon—fill out our contact form. We’d love to photograph your next big moment or even a simple walk by the ocean. Let’s meet on the road.
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.