Father’s Day by the Coast: 10 Scenic Orange County Beaches for Family Photos & Fun
Father’s Day is more than just a day to hand over a new set of golf balls or a BBQ apron. It’s an opportunity to make lasting memories with the ones you love—especially with Dad front and center. If you're looking for a meaningful, outdoorsy, and photo-worthy way to spend Father’s Day in Southern California, then a beach day in Orange County is the perfect choice.
Whether it’s catching the sunrise together, digging your toes into warm sand, sharing fresh fish tacos, or capturing candid moments with your family through the lens—Orange County beaches offer the ultimate Father's Day experience. And if you're searching for family photography in Orange County or want to book a last-minute session to document this Father’s Day with professional photos, these locations are ideal.
From iconic piers to hidden coves, here are 10 must-visit beaches across Orange County, complete with local food spots and photography tips to capture Dad at his best.
1. Huntington City Beach
📍 1 Main St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
This lively beach—known worldwide as Surf City USA—is a Father's Day classic. It offers everything from surf lessons and bonfire pits to volleyball courts and bike rentals. The historic Huntington Beach Pier is a great photo backdrop, especially at sunset.
Nearby Restaurants:
Duke’s Huntington Beach – Hawaiian-inspired, oceanfront dining
Sandy’s Beach Shack – casual coastal eats with a beachfront view
Photography Tips:
Head under the pier for creative framing, or use a telephoto lens to capture action shots of Dad playing with the kids on the sand.
2. Bolsa Chica State Beach
📍 17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
This wide, laid-back beach is perfect for Dads who enjoy surf fishing or biking along the coast. There’s plenty of space for kids to run free, and RV parking and picnic areas make it family-friendly.
Nearby Eats:
Pacific Kitchen – elevated beach bites nearby
Food trucks often line the parking lot on weekends
Photography Tips:
Use the sand dunes for soft background textures. Early morning or late afternoon light works best for capturing glowy, natural moments.
3. Balboa Peninsula / Pier – Newport Beach
📍 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92661
Balboa has it all: a ferry, arcade, and one of the most walkable beach piers in Orange County. Great for nostalgic, fun-loving Dads who want to grab a frozen banana or relive childhood beach memories with their own kids.
Nearby Restaurants:
Ruby’s Diner on the Pier – classic American eats at the very end of the pier
Cruisers Pizza Bar Grill – lively sports bar with pizza, wings & outdoor seating
Photography Tips:
Take portraits on the boardwalk with bikes and long shadows. Use the Ferris wheel as a pop of color in wide-angle shots.
4. Corona Del Mar State Beach
📍 3001 Ocean Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92625
Nicknamed "Big Corona," this beach sits in a calm cove perfect for tide pooling, light swimming, and climbing seaside rocks. Easy parking and walkable paths make it great for multigenerational families.
Nearby Restaurants:
The Bungalow Restaurant – upscale American steakhouse for a fancy Father's Day dinner
Rose Bakery Café – casual brunch & pastries
Photography Tips:
Use cliffs for depth or capture reflections in the tide pools. Golden hour brings rich tones to the rocky surroundings.
5. Crystal Cove State Park
📍 8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
This coastal gem offers over 3 miles of shoreline, hiking trails, and charming historic cottages. It’s one of the best places for landscape-style family photography in Orange County.
Nearby Eats:
Beachcomber Café – iconic beachfront brunch spot
Ruby’s Shake Shack – for a classic burger-and-shake combo overlooking the water
Photography Tips:
Include cliffs, surfboards, or seaside cottages for storytelling. Try elevated shots from the bluff trails.
6. Victoria Beach – Laguna Beach
📍 2713 Victoria Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
One of Laguna’s most scenic hidden coves, featuring the mysterious Pirate Tower and a manmade saltwater pool. It’s a short walk down, but well worth the effort for unique portraits.
Nearby Restaurants:
The Deck – beachfront dining and cocktails
Mozambique – South African-inspired steakhouse with rooftop views
Photography Tips:
Go at low tide to access the tower. Wide-angle shots of Dad and the kids by the pool make for dramatic compositions.
7. Salt Creek Beach – Dana Point
📍 33333 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Set below The Ritz-Carlton, this beach features rolling lawns, dramatic cliffs, and great surf. There's a funicular for easy access, making it ideal for all ages.
Nearby Restaurants:
Young’s Beach Shack – quick bites with ocean views
180blu at The Ritz-Carlton – elevated sunset cocktails
Photography Tips:
The grassy hilltop is great for posed family portraits. Shoot down toward the ocean for epic depth and composition.
8. Doheny State Beach – Dana Point
📍 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629
Flat, calm, and family-friendly. Doheny offers surf lessons, grassy BBQ areas, and a small aquarium for younger kids.
Nearby Restaurants:
Doho Café – casual beachfront café
Harpoon Henry’s – seafood with a harbor view
Photography Tips:
Great for lifestyle shots—capture Dad grilling, fishing, or hanging out near the harbor with the sailboats behind him.
9. San Clemente State Beach
📍 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente, CA 92672
This location is a local favorite for camping, surfing, and hiking the bluffs. It has an untamed, golden-hour magic that’s ideal for candid and creative shoots.
Nearby Eats:
Ellie’s Table – French bakery with killer breakfast
The Fisherman’s Restaurant – on the pier
Photography Tips:
Catch movement—windswept hair, kids running up the path. Incorporate cliffs in the background to add drama.
10. San Onofre State Beach
📍 Old Pacific Hwy, San Clemente, CA 92672
A rugged, surf-haven with rustic charm. Best for adventurous families or surf-loving Dads who enjoy fewer crowds and a throwback vibe.
Nearby Eats:
Pedro’s Tacos – legendary fish tacos
Bring a picnic—dining options are limited
Photography Tips:
Use long lenses to compress the coastline or frame Dad catching waves. Look for vintage surf trucks or signage.
📸 Photography Tips for Father’s Day Beach Shoots
Shoot during golden hour – Capture soft light, warm tones, and glowing skies at sunrise or sunset.
Use leading lines – Piers, boardwalks, trails, and fences naturally draw the viewer’s eye toward your subject (aka Dad!).
Capture candid motion – Get photos of Dad tossing a frisbee, chasing waves, carrying the kids, or building a sandcastle.
Incorporate natural props – Use surfboards, beach towels, umbrellas, or driftwood to add layers of storytelling to your images.
Look for reflections – Tide pools and wet sand can create dreamy mirror-like shots.
Shoot from different angles – Get low to the ground for playful perspectives or above for flat lay family moments on a picnic blanket.
Include the environment – Frame Dad with the ocean, cliffs, or sunset in the background to create lasting, scenic portraits.
Keep it relaxed – The best beach photos come from real connection. Focus on laughter, bear hugs, goofy grins, and messy moments.
🎁 Limited-Time Promo: 30% Off Your First Photo Session
Make this summer unforgettable. Whether you're celebrating Father’s Day or just want updated family photos in Orange County’s iconic beach settings, we’d love to help capture the moment.
📅 Book now and use promo code: TY30
💵 Get 30% off your first photography session
🌐 Book with us today at Last Minute Photoshoot
