As a bay area photographer, I spend countless hours researching the best places to take my clients. Here are a few of my favorite parks. Are you a fellow photographer? Feel free to share this and utilize these wonderful bay area photo locations.
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PLEASANTON, CA
Adobe Alviso Park: This park is a 7-acre park in the city of Pleasanton, California. It is built around an adobe house constructed in 1854 by Francisco Alviso on the Rancho Santa Rita Mexican Land Grant. There are great colors and many different settings to choose from. Free Parking! Doggies welcome!
Address: 3465 Old Foothill Rd, Pleasanton, CA 94588
More photos and information: https://goo.gl/Sfztvj
Copyright Sandra Michaelis
LIVERMORE, CA
Sycamore Grove Park: A 775 acre park in Livermore with varied wildlife, a creek & valley views. This spot also has many large trees and a great path to walk a stroller down. This spot also has a large bridge for family portraits. Many settings are just off the path. Bring $5 for parking! No doggies off leash.
$50+ permit: Fill out Form Here
Address: 1051 Wetmore Rd, Livermore, CA 94550
More photos and information: https://goo.gl/GR4zps
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HAYWARD, CA
Garin Regional Park: This Regional park is located in Hayward, California just off Mission Blvd. It is part of the East Bay Regional Parks system as well. This place has a pond, a beautiful hill covered in yellow mustard plants (only a short time in the spring), a creek that goes on for days, and gorgeous red barn. No doggies off leash.
Address: 1320 Garin Ave, Hayward, CA 94544
More photos and information: https://goo.gl/Bz4ofg
Copyright Karl Gercens
PALO ALTO, CA
Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden: This square block of a garden with a stunning house was donated to Palo Alto. They have many volunteers that keep up the flowers and surrounding area. This is by far the most colorful setting in the area. Free parking, and don't step off the path. Doggies welcome, but not preferred.
Address: 1431 Waverley St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
More photo and information: https://goo.gl/VtXMxP
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CASTRO VALLEY, CA
Lake Chabot Park: Parkland featuring a 315-acre reservoir for canoeing & fishing, plus trails, picnic areas & a cafe, ( great for clothing changes!). This park has a ton of great nature. You can walk around the paved path all around the lake. (Its 8 miles around, so we won't take you around the whole lake) Doggies welcome! Free Parking.
Address: 17600 Lake Chabot Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546
More photos and information: https://goo.gl/HhsCor
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OAKLAND, CA
Redwood Skyline Entrance: The trail is lined with beautiful Redwoods and Eucalyptus Trees. The trail is generally well-maintained, but can get narrow in the winter. There is a gorgeous redwood grove at the bottom of the loop. Dogs are allowed in Redwood Regional Park but must be kept on leash. Be ready to walk a mile or so, but SO WORTH IT. Free Parking.
Address:8490 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, CA 94611
More photos and information: https://goo.gl/aUFPT8
Copyright Ethan Righter
SUNOL, CA
Sunol Ohlone Park: Almost 10k acres of pristine foothills. Large Oak trees scatter the landscape. There is also a beautiful creek with countless settings perfect for a family or engagement shoot.
Address: 1895 Geary Rd, Sunol, CA 94586
More photos and information: https://goo.gl/2FGwJk
Copyright Ethan Righter
MOSS BEACH (NEAR HALF MOON BAY. CA)
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve: Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a marine reserve in California on the Pacific Ocean, located just north of Pillar Point Harbor and Mavericks. It has beautiful beach access ( small area), a dense forest of thin straight trees, & numerous flowers and trails.
Address: 200 Nevada Ave, Moss Beach, CA 94038
More photos and information: https://goo.gl/z49xzB