Graduation Photoshoot at Balboa Park and Nearby Beach: The Ultimate San Diego Senior Session Itinerary

Cover Image Courtesy of Joshua Hoehne

Planning a graduation photoshoot in San Diego? Whether you’re a high school senior, college graduate, or celebrating a postgraduate milestone, combining Balboa Park and a nearby beach like Windansea creates the perfect day of portraits with two stunning backdrops. Located just minutes apart, this San Diego graduation photography itinerary offers historic architecture, botanical beauty, and dramatic sunset coastlines—all in one session.

Balboa Park graduation photos are some of the most requested for a reason. With Spanish-Renaissance architecture, blooming gardens, and textured corridors, it’s ideal for both cap-and-gown and lifestyle shots. Add in a second location like Windansea Beach in La Jolla, and you’ll get a totally different look with golden hour cliffs, waves, and coastal charm.

If you’re a local student looking for the best places to take graduation pictures in San Diego, or a visiting grad wanting to capture your celebration with California vibes, this guide will break down everything you need to know—from top photo spots and permit tips to outfit ideas and exact addresses. Let’s dive in and create a session that celebrates your hard work with beautiful, timeless portraits.

Image Courtesy of Joshua Hoehne

A sea of graduates in cap and gown, moments before turning their tassels—San Diego is filled with unforgettable backdrops like Balboa Park and Windansea Beach for capturing your senior year in style. Ready to book your own graduation photoshoot? Let’s create something timeless.

🎓 Your Big Moment Deserves a Beautiful Backdrop
Balboa Park offers timeless architecture, lush gardens, and golden-hour light—perfect for graduation photos that feel classic and full of life. Whether you're wrapping high school, college, or something in between, let’s make it unforgettable.

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First Stop: Balboa Park – The Heart of San Diego

Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Open daily from 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Balboa Park is a photographer’s dream, offering lush gardens, Spanish-Renaissance architecture, and vibrant pathways. For graduation photos, you’ll want to hit these top photo spots:

Iconic Photo Locations in Balboa Park:

• The Lily Pond & Botanical Building – Beautiful reflection shots and lush greenery.

• Casa del Prado Theater – Ornate arches and textured walls, perfect for cap & gown portraits.

• Spreckels Organ Pavilion – Grand stairs and columns add a classic feel.

• Alcazar Garden – Low hedges, tile fountains, and colorful blooms during spring/summer.

• The Museum Corridor (El Prado) – A scenic walkway with plenty of diffused light and symmetry.

Photography Tips for Balboa Park:

• Morning light is soft and golden—perfect if you want to avoid crowds.

• Bring a variety of outfits (cap & gown, casual, formal) to match different vibes.

• Pack light—it’s a walkable park, but you’ll want to stay nimble.

• Use a fast lens (f/1.8 – f/2.8) for that soft bokeh against architectural backdrops.

• Capture motion—tossing the cap, walking shots, or confetti pops look great here!

Second Location: Windansea Beach in La Jolla

Just 20–25 minutes from Balboa Park, Windansea Beach is an intimate, rugged coastline perfect for golden hour shots.

Address: 6800 Neptune Pl, La Jolla, CA 92037
Best Time to Shoot: 5:30 PM to Sunset (golden hour magic)
Parking: Free street parking (arrive early!)

Why Windansea Beach?

• Iconic surf shack adds character to wide-angle shots.

• Dramatic rock formations + soft sand = contrast-heavy compositions.

• Usually less crowded than La Jolla Shores or Pacific Beach.

• Stunning sunset color palette—from amber to deep purples.

Beach Photography Tips:

• Plan for tide timing. Low tide gives more rock access.

• Bring backup shoes—rock formations can be slick or sandy.

• Use ND filters if you’re shooting around sunset for dreamy waves.

• Watch the wind—loose hair or gowns add drama, but clips and pins help when needed.

• Don’t forget sunscreen and water!

Do You Need a Permit to Shoot at Balboa Park or Windansea?

Balboa Park:
Yes—for commercial photography, you’re technically required to have a permit through the City of San Diego Parks & Recreation Film Office. However, small shoots with handheld gear (like graduation sessions without lighting setups or tripods) are usually tolerated. Just avoid blocking walkways or disrupting public use.

Windansea Beach:
La Jolla beaches fall under the same city jurisdiction. Again, a permit is required for large productions, props, or lighting. Casual portrait sessions with handheld cameras are generally okay, especially if you're discreet and respectful.

Permit Info Contact:
City of San Diego Filming Permits
Phone: (619) 685-1340

What to Bring for a Graduation Photoshoot

• Cap, gown, tassel, sash

• Multiple outfits (formal + casual)

• Comfy shoes for walking

• Clear umbrella or sunglasses (if midday)

• Props: balloons, flowers, champagne pop, framed diploma, or college swag

• Towels (for beach sand/water)

• A change of clothes for beach shots

• Mini touch-up kit (lip gloss, powder, brush)

Why Book Your Graduation Photos with Us?

We’re Son & Steph—a husband and wife photography team based in San Jacinto, California. We specialize in last-minute bookings, natural light portraits, and creating a relaxed, fun environment that brings out your best side. Whether it’s your high school cap & gown or a college celebration with your pup, we capture the full experience.

Let’s celebrate this milestone together—Balboa Park, the beach, or both.
We handle location scouting, posing guidance, and even last-minute wardrobe tips so you can focus on the moment.

Start Your Journey With Us Here

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Couples on Vacation: Photography Tips and Romantic San Diego Spots to Capture the Magic

When Steph and I travel, there’s a rhythm we naturally fall into. A beautiful routine that’s anything but routine. We wake up early for a hike, chase golden hour, try a new restaurant we can’t pronounce, and usually befriend a local barista who gives us the scoop on the neighborhood’s hidden gems. That’s our recipe for a perfect vacation.

Sometimes we throw in a last-minute concert, wander around vintage shops, or split a sandwich on a random bench by the beach. But no matter what we’re doing, we’re always documenting it—capturing the in-between moments and real feelings. For us, photography is how we hold onto the joy. And as full-time photographers and adventurers at heart, we’ve learned a few tricks to help other couples on vacation do the same.

Most recently, we took a few days off and traveled to Ocean Beach in San Diego with our three dogs, who are a big part of our little world. It was the perfect mix of play and peace—especially when we stumbled across Dog Beach, where our pups ran wild with the waves. The area was packed with dog-friendly restaurants, chill breweries, and the kind of locals that make you want to stay a little longer. We left recharged, reconnected, and with our hearts full. That's what couples travel is all about: making memories you’ll want to relive again and again.

If you’re planning a trip to San Diego or just looking for couples travel photography tips, this guide features ten of our favorite spots to explore, shoot, and connect—all while making memories that feel effortless and personal.

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Whether it’s a last-minute event, a planned celebration, or something totally spontaneous—we’re here to capture your moments with care, creativity, and quick turnaround.

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1. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

• Website: https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/regional/sunsetcliffs

• Address: Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107

• Vibe: Dramatic ocean views and glowing golden hour light

• Best Time: About 45 minutes before sunset

• Tip: Use a wide lens, bring a tripod, and wear flowy clothing for motion in the breeze

2. Balboa Park

• Website: https://balboapark.org/

• Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

• Vibe: Romantic gardens and Spanish architecture

• Best Time: Weekday mornings or cloudy days

• Tip: Visit the Botanical Building, Alcazar Garden, and reflecting pool for variety

3. La Jolla Cove

• Website: https://www.lajolla.com/guides/la-jolla-cove/

• Address: 1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

• Vibe: Coastal charm with sea lions and soft pastel skies

• Best Time: Sunrise or an hour before sunset

• Tip: Wander the rocks, shoot from low angles, and use a zoom lens respectfully

4. North Park

• Website: https://explorenorthpark.com/

• Address: 30th Street & University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104

• Vibe: Urban and creative with murals, shops, and local coffee

• Best Time: Early afternoon for mural lighting

• Tip: Stop at Communal Coffee and explore nearby alleys for backdrops

5. Cabrillo National Monument

• Website: https://www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm

• Address: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106

• Vibe: Historic and expansive coastal views

• Best Time: Late afternoon or during low tide

• Tip: Bring sturdy shoes and a zoom lens to capture the lighthouse and tidepools

6. Mission Trails Regional Park

• Website: https://mtrp.org/

• Address: 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119

• Vibe: Nature-focused, rugged trails with golden light

• Best Time: Early sunrise hikes

• Tip: Pack light, stay hydrated, and document in-between moments on the trail

7. Ocean Beach Dog Beach

• Website: https://oceanbeachsandiego.com/beaches/dog-beach

• Address: 5156 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107

• Vibe: Playful, leash-free beach for couples with dogs

• Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon

• Tip: Capture action shots with a wide-angle lens and bring towels for the pups

8. Liberty Station Public Market

• Website: https://libertystation.com/directory/liberty-public-market

• Address: 2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106

• Vibe: Foodie, local market energy with artistic touches

• Best Time: Late afternoon

• Tip: Grab a snack, sit on the patio, and shoot while shopping or people-watching

9. Windansea Beach

• Website: https://www.lajolla.com/guides/windansea-beach/

• Address: 6800 Neptune Pl, La Jolla, CA 92037

• Vibe: Intimate, surf-famous spot with rocky texture

• Best Time: Sunset

• Tip: Dress for wind, use foreground rocks creatively, and wait for the sun to dip

10. Presidio Park

• Website: https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/regional/presidio

• Address: 2811 Jackson St, San Diego, CA 92110

• Vibe: Peaceful, wooded paths with garden-like charm

• Best Time: Early morning with light fog

• Tip: Shoot along the hillsides and quiet trails for intimate, moody frames

Final Thoughts
The truth is, the best couples travel photography happens when you’re not trying too hard. It’s the laughter in between bites, the stillness before a sunset, or that look you give each other when you realize—this moment is everything.

If you’re headed to San Diego for a weekend getaway, an anniversary, or just because, make time to capture your journey. Whether you book a photographer or go DIY, trust your instinct, have fun, and focus on connection. That’s where the magic lives.

Ready to Capture Your Vacation Love Story?
We offer couples photography sessions in San Diego that are tailored to your vibe—whether that’s romantic and adventurous or spontaneous and silly. From La Jolla sunsets to hidden gems around North Park, we’d love to help you tell your story.

Want to chat before booking? Reach out at https://lastminutephotoshoot.com/bookings or browse our available sessions at https://lastminutephotoshoot.com/photography-packages

Let’s make some memories.

📞 Have Questions? Want to Chat Before Booking?
We totally get it—sometimes you just want to talk it out first. If you have questions, 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.

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