10 Cool & Stylish Brunch Spots in Downtown Redlands for Mother's Day
Planning the perfect Mother's Day in Redlands? This in-depth guide features 10 of the best and most stylish brunch spots across Downtown Redlands, including trendy gems along Orange and State Streets. Whether you're craving modern Mexican flavors, refined wine bar fare, or cozy café classics, we've curated a collection of must-visit restaurants that offer both delicious menus and beautiful photo backdrops. Ideal for locals or visitors driving in from Riverside, San Bernardino, or Los Angeles, this blog includes everything you need—from top menu picks and reservation tips to aesthetic photo locations and thoughtful Mother's Day ideas. Plus, we’ve included a special link to book a professional mini photo session in Redlands to capture timeless moments with mom. Celebrate Mother’s Day the Redlands way—with good food, stylish scenery, and unforgettable memories.
Looking for unforgettable ways to celebrate Mother's Day in Redlands, California? Whether you're a local resident or visiting from nearby areas like Riverside, San Bernardino, or Los Angeles, Downtown Redlands is a must-visit destination for Mother's Day brunch. Known for its walkable historic district, scenic charm, and trendy food scene, Redlands is packed with cozy cafés, upscale restaurants, and plenty of picturesque backdrops for family photos. Below are 10 highly-rated, stylish brunch spots in Redlands that offer the perfect setting for celebrating the moms in your life. Bonus: we've included photo opportunities and pro tips to make the most of your day.
1. Batter Rebellion
Location: 5 E Citrus Ave Ste 110, Redlands, CA 92373
Vibe: Urban and artistic with colorful murals and a rebellious menu to match.
Top Picks: Short Rib Hash, Rebellion Benedict, Bottomless Mimosas
Photo Tip: Take a vibrant Instagram shot in front of the neon signs or street art outside—perfect for documenting a bold Mother’s Day vibe.
Why Go: A fun and edgy twist on the traditional brunch with an energetic atmosphere that moms will love.
2. Uncorked on State
Location: 404 E State St, Redlands, CA 92373
Vibe: Modern and intimate wine bar with European charm.
Top Picks: Smoked Salmon Toast, Frittatas, Wine Flights
Photo Tip: The string lights and rustic patio seating create a dreamy golden hour setting.
Why Go: Ideal for wine-loving moms looking to relax in a cozy, upscale setting with a refined menu.
3. Don Orange Tacos
Location: 14 E State St, Redlands, CA 92373
Vibe: Bold, colorful, and full of character with a fusion of modern Mexican flavors.
Top Picks: Churro Waffles, Breakfast Tacos, House Margaritas
Photo Tip: Capture vibrant lifestyle shots on the colorful outdoor patio.
Why Go: A flavorful and festive option that brings heat and heart to your Mother’s Day outing.
4. Copehouse Bar & Bistro
Location: 19 E Citrus Ave, Redlands, CA 92373
Vibe: Elevated and refined with a trendy SoCal vibe and great mixology.
Top Picks: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Avocado Toast, Signature Mimosas
Photo Tip: Don't miss Umbrella Alley—an iconic spot for vibrant portraits right next to the restaurant.
Why Go: A perfect spot for stylish moms who appreciate great food, artful drinks, and cool aesthetics.
5. The Eating Room
Location: 107 E Citrus Ave, Redlands, CA 92373
Vibe: Timeless and welcoming with a hint of vintage diner charm.
Top Picks: Giant Cinnamon Roll, Country Potatoes, Custom Omelets
Photo Tip: Use the classic brick backdrop and café-style tables for nostalgic family portraits.
Why Go: A Redlands institution with comforting brunch staples and friendly service.
6. Olive Avenue Market
Location: 530 W Olive Ave, Redlands, CA 92373
Vibe: Bohemian and relaxed with a cozy community atmosphere.
Top Picks: Lavender Latte, Pastry Boards, Breakfast Sandwiches
Photo Tip: The rustic signage and plant-filled patio provide laid-back, lifestyle photo moments.
Why Go: For moms who love locally-sourced, artisan goods and a neighborhood café vibe.
7. The Overland
Location: 347 Orange St, Redlands, CA 92374
Vibe: Upscale yet approachable with an industrial-modern design.
Top Picks: Lox Bagel Platter, Chicken & Waffles, Espresso Martinis
Photo Tip: Strike a pose in front of the brick walls or vintage-style booths for classy, cool content.
Why Go: A must for moms who enjoy modern menus, elevated cocktails, and polished interiors.
8. Greensleeves Steakhouse
Location: 220 Orange St, Redlands, CA 92374
Vibe: Elegant and refined, ideal for formal family brunches.
Top Picks: Lobster Eggs Benedict, French Toast Tower, Champagne Cocktails
Photo Tip: Their lush ivy walls and ornate interior offer perfect backdrops for elegant portraits.
Why Go: When you want to go all-out and treat mom to a luxurious, fine dining experience.
9. Mu Restaurant
Location: 309 W State St, Redlands, CA 92373
Vibe: Sophisticated fusion with warm lighting and moody ambiance.
Top Picks: Thai Tea French Toast, Morning Curry Bowls, Fresh Squeezed Juices
Photo Tip: The interior’s soft lighting and wood accents make for cozy, intimate family photos.
Why Go: Perfect for moms who enjoy global flavors and a warm, elegant setting.
10. Darby’s American Cantina
Location: 1 E State St, Redlands, CA 92373
Vibe: Fun and festive with a casual SoCal flair.
Top Picks: Huevos Rancheros, Loaded Breakfast Burrito, Bloody Marys
Photo Tip: Their lively corner patio offers an urban backdrop with great lighting.
Why Go: Ideal for groups or families looking for a lively and easygoing brunch environment.
Pro Tips for Mother’s Day in Redlands:
Book Your Table in Advance: Many of these top brunch spots fill up days before Mother’s Day—make reservations early!
Dress in Light Neutrals: Creams, florals, and pastels complement the Redlands spring scenery beautifully.
Plan for Golden Hour: Early morning or late afternoon light is best for flattering photos.
Pair with a Mini Photoshoot: Want to surprise mom with professional photos? Book our Mother's Day Mini Session—available throughout Redlands and nearby scenic spots.
Mother’s Day in Redlands is more than just brunch—it’s about creating lasting memories, indulging in delicious food, and capturing moments that matter. Choose any of these brunch destinations to celebrate your mom in style, and don’t forget to take a photo or two to remember the day forever.
Celebrate Mother’s Day in Temecula Wine Country: Photo-Worthy Brunches, Family Fun, and Our Spring Mini Photoshoots
Celebrate Mother’s Day in Temecula with unforgettable moments and beautiful portraits. This blog is your complete guide to spending Mother’s Day in Southern California’s wine country—featuring scenic winery brunches, creative workshops, and family-friendly events, all perfect for photos. Whether you're a local or visiting from Riverside, San Diego, Orange County, or Los Angeles, discover the best photo-worthy locations across Temecula. Plus, book one of our limited Spring Mini Mother’s Day Photoshoots, which includes a 30-minute session, 20 edited high-res images on USB, and 5 prints—ideal for gifting and preserving memories. From vineyard views to garden setups, we help turn your celebration into lasting keepsakes.
Mother’s Day is a time to slow down, celebrate, and show gratitude to the women who have given us everything. If you’re looking for the perfect way to make Mother’s Day unforgettable, Temecula offers a charming blend of scenic vineyards, elegant brunches, hands-on workshops, and family-friendly events—all perfect for capturing beautiful memories.
This year, whether you're a local or visiting from Riverside, Orange County, Los Angeles, or San Diego, make Temecula your destination. And if you want to preserve the day forever, we are offering Mother’s Day Spring Mini Photoshoots in some of the most beautiful locations across Temecula.
What’s Included in Our Mother’s Day Spring Mini Session
Celebrate the occasion with a professional, relaxed photoshoot designed to highlight this special time with your loved ones.
Mother’s Day Spring Mini Package Includes:
A 30-minute photoshoot in a beautiful Temecula setting
20 professionally edited high-resolution photos delivered on a USB
5 printed photos in various sizes, ready for framing or gifting
This is perfect for families, couples, or even three generations celebrating together. Whether it's casual brunch moments or elegant portraits among the vines, we help you turn the day into lasting memories.
Wine Country Brunches Perfect for Mother’s Day Photos
Europa Village – French-Inspired Brunch and Vineyard Views
Address: 41150 Via Europa, Temecula, CA 92591
Top Photo Spots: European-style courtyards, vineyard paths, tiled fountains
Europa Village offers a French countryside feel without leaving Southern California. Their Mother's Day brunch features multiple courses paired with sparkling wines, making it perfect for elegant family portraits under vine-wrapped archways or candid shots during brunch.
Altísima Winery – Sparkling Hilltop Brunch
Address: 37440 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592
Top Photo Spots: Scenic hillside terraces, vineyard walkways, arched stone entryways
This modern winery offers panoramic views of Temecula Valley, providing a perfect backdrop for capturing Mother’s Day smiles against rolling vineyards and golden afternoon skies.
Falkner Winery – Garden Dining with Panoramic Views
Address: 40620 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA 92591
Top Photo Spots: Garden gazebo, rose-lined pathways, winery overlook
Falkner Winery’s elevated estate provides a unique vantage point of the valley below. It's ideal for family group photos in their lush garden areas or lifestyle shots with sweeping vineyard backdrops.
Hands-On Workshops and Creative Experiences
Akash Winery – Yoga and Floral Design
Address: 39730 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA 92591
Top Photo Spots: Vineyard patio, floral design tables, minimalist modern tasting room
Start Mother’s Day with a relaxing yoga class among the vines, followed by a floral arranging workshop. The vineyard patio offers open-air beauty perfect for capturing candid family shots or creative close-ups of your floral masterpieces.
Miramonte Winery – Charcuterie Workshop
Address: 33410 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591
Top Photo Spots: Outdoor patios, sunset vineyard views, rustic tablescapes
Build a photo-worthy charcuterie board while enjoying live music and premium wines. Capture relaxed family moments framed by soft lighting and scenic vineyard views.
Fairy Garden Workshop – Murrieta
Address: 25125 Madison Avenue, Murrieta, CA 92562
Top Photo Spots: Crafting tables, whimsical garden setups, bonding moments with children
This workshop is perfect for families with young kids. Creating a fairy garden offers not only a fun gift for Mom but also a sweet setting for capturing pure, joyful moments.
Family-Friendly Outdoor Celebrations
Longshadow Ranch Winery – Brunch with Live Music
Address: 39847 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA 92591
Top Photo Spots: Barn scenes, pony rides, vineyard trails
This family-friendly event offers brunch, craft beers, estate wines, live music, and even pony rides for the kids. A relaxed setting where natural moments and rustic backgrounds make every photo memorable.
Old Town Ranch – Free Mother's Day Festival
Address: 43550 Dash For Cash Circle, Temecula, CA 92592
Top Photo Spots: Glamping wagons, open-air dancing floor, country vendor markets
Old Town Ranch hosts a lively and free Mother's Day celebration filled with food trucks, line dancing, and local artisans. Great for casual group shots and vibrant candid photography.
Coming From Out of Town?
If you're visiting Temecula for Mother's Day from nearby counties, here's what you can expect:
Riverside County to Temecula: approximately 45–60 minutes
San Diego County to Temecula: approximately 60–75 minutes
Orange County or Los Angeles County to Temecula: approximately 90–120 minutes
Tip: Be sure to book brunches and workshops early. If you plan to book a photoshoot, consider bringing two outfits—one semi-formal for winery portraits and one casual for family fun at outdoor events.
Final Thoughts
Mother’s Day only comes once a year. Whether you’re sipping champagne at an elegant winery, crafting a fairy garden with your children, or dancing under the open sky, Temecula offers a beautiful backdrop for celebrating and creating memories.
This year, take it one step further. Let us capture your Mother’s Day story with our Spring Mini Photoshoots—available for a limited time across Temecula and surrounding areas.
Spots are limited. Contact us today to book your Mother’s Day Spring Mini Session and turn this year’s celebration into timeless keepsakes.
Graduation Photos at Sunset: Why Golden Hour Is a Must
Golden hour is the most magical time of day for graduation photography—and if you’re a high school or college senior in Southern California, you don’t want to miss the chance to capture your milestone in this stunning light. In this blog, we share why golden hour is a must for senior portraits and cap-and-gown photo sessions, and we highlight the best golden hour locations in Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles. Whether you’re graduating from UC Riverside, Cal Baptist, La Sierra University, SDSU, UC San Diego, Cal State Fullerton, Chapman University, Cal Poly Pomona, or high schools like King High, Poly High, Vista Murrieta, Redlands High, or Santa Monica High—this guide is packed with tips, location addresses, and creative inspiration. Learn how to plan your session for perfect lighting, how to pose in backlight, and how our Milestone Graduation Package ties it all together with personalized photography that celebrates your achievement in unforgettable ways.
Best Southern California Locations, Tips, and How to Plan Your Shoot
There’s a reason why photographers chase the golden hour—it’s that magical time just after sunrise or just before sunset when the light turns soft, warm, and cinematic. For graduation photography, golden hour is more than just pretty lighting—it’s transformative. It creates skin tones that glow, highlights your cap and gown in the best way possible, and adds emotion and depth to every image.
If you’re planning your senior portraits in Southern California, scheduling your session during golden hour can elevate your graduation photos from simple to stunning. In this guide, we’re breaking down why golden hour is a must, sharing the best golden hour photo locations in Riverside, San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino County, and giving you practical tips to make the most of your session.
Why Golden Hour Is Perfect for Graduation Photography
1. Flattering, Natural Light
During golden hour, the sun is lower in the sky, casting a soft, warm glow that reduces harsh shadows and makes skin look radiant. It's especially ideal for outdoor graduation sessions where you're shooting in cap and gown without the need for extra lighting gear.
2. Emotion and Atmosphere
Golden hour creates a dreamy, cinematic quality that gives your photos emotion. Whether you're holding your diploma with pride, laughing during a champagne pop, or walking toward the future, this light adds a storytelling element to every image.
3. More Creative Freedom
The softer light allows us to shoot in more directions, use the sun as backlight for silhouettes or rim lighting, and play with flare, reflections, and movement—all of which look incredible in senior portraits.
Best Golden Hour Locations for Graduation Photography in SoCal
Whether you're a high school senior or a college graduate, these Southern California locations are perfect for golden hour graduation photos:
Riverside County
Mount Rubidoux
Address: 4706 Mt Rubidoux Dr, Riverside, CA 92501
Great for: Wide scenic views, rim light portraits, cap tosses at the summit
Tip: Hike up 45 minutes before sunset to reach the cross in time for perfect lighting.
Fairmount Park
Address: 2601 Fairmount Blvd, Riverside, CA 92501
Great for: Lakeside reflections, bridges, nature-style senior portraits
Tip: The west side of Lake Evans is perfect for direct sunset backdrops.
San Bernardino County
Prospect Park – Redlands
Address: 1352 Prospect Dr, Redlands, CA 92373
Great for: Romantic sunset tones through orange groves and trees
Tip: Golden hour here hits the walkways and historic architecture beautifully.
Etiwanda Preserve
Address: 4890 Etiwanda Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
Great for: Open fields, rustic tones, dramatic backlit portraits
Tip: Dress in soft colors to complement the golden hills and sky.
San Diego County
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Address: 1253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
Great for: Oceanfront backdrops, dramatic cliffside silhouettes
Tip: Bring a second outfit—casual photos on the cliffs followed by cap-and-gown shots during the final minutes of sunset.
Balboa Park
Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Great for: Architecture, warm tones, gardens, and classic senior vibes
Tip: Shoot near the Prado or Alcazar Garden for clean light filtering through arches and trees.
Orange County
Laguna Beach – Crescent Bay Point Park
Address: 300 Crescent Bay Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Great for: Coastal golden light, palm trees, ocean views
Tip: Weekdays are less crowded—aim for 45 minutes before sunset to beat the shadows.
Yorba Regional Park
Address: 7600 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807
Great for: Tree-lined trails, bridges, and golden reflection in the lake
Tip: Wear neutral tones to let the golden light and greenery shine.
Los Angeles County
Griffith Park – Amir’s Garden
Address: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Great for: Lush foliage, city views, and a soft gradient sunset sky
Tip: Golden hour light filters perfectly through trees for a soft, airy look.
Santa Monica Pier + Beach
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Great for: Iconic Southern California beach shots with warm sunset tones
Tip: Start at the pier and move to the beach as the sun dips—perfect timing for a champagne pop or cap toss.
Tips for Planning Your Golden Hour Graduation Photoshoot
Know the Sunset Time: Use apps like Sun Surveyor or Golden Hour One to time your session. We typically start 60–75 minutes before sunset.
Dress the Part: Light or earth-toned outfits pair beautifully with golden hues. Cap and gown look amazing in backlight if paired with soft fabrics underneath.
Bring Props: Champagne, balloons, or custom signs look especially magical in this light—add movement or sparkle for extra impact.
Arrive Early: Light changes quickly. Being ready and in position before peak golden hour ensures we capture every moment.
Hire a Photographer Who Understands the Light: Not all photographers are the same when it comes to natural light. Golden hour is a skillset, not just a time slot.
The Milestone Graduation Package: Perfect for Golden Hour
If you want a session that takes full advantage of golden hour’s beauty, our Milestone Graduation Package is the ideal fit.
What’s included:
A 60 minute professional session (perfect for golden hour timing)
One meaningful location in Riverside or San Bernardino County (no travel fee)
Travel options available for San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles
Two outfit changes (cap and gown + personal style)
30+ professionally edited high-res images on a USB drive
Posing guidance and creative support throughout
Optional champagne spray, cap toss, or confetti moment
Whether you’re standing on a sun-soaked hilltop, framed by cliffs above the ocean, or posing in front of your school’s bell tower as the sun sets behind you—this is the session that marks your journey with impact.
Ready to Make Golden Hour Yours?
Golden hour is more than just a pretty moment—it’s your light, your story, your celebration. Let’s plan your Riverside, San Diego, OC, LA, or San Bernardino graduation shoot around the sun and create a session that feels as powerful as your achievement.
Book The Milestone Graduation Package today and let us help you shine—literally.