Your senior year is a time of celebration, reflection, and new beginnings. Capturing this milestone with stunning photos is a must, and in North County San Diego, the options for beautiful backdrops for your senior photos are endless. With so many incredible spots to choose from, it’s hard to go wrong. After over 10 years of photographing graduates in this area, I’ve narrowed down my favorite locations—from serene natural landscapes to vibrant urban settings. Here are my top recommendations for senior photo locations in North County San Diego.
1. San Dieguito County Park, Solana Beach
San Dieguito County Park offers lush greenery, wide-open spaces, and charming rustic settings. With its wooden bridges, picturesque trails, and open grassy meadows, this park is perfect for classic and timeless senior portraits. It’s easy to access, quiet enough for privacy, and has amenities like bathrooms for added convenience. This is my go-to recommendation for seniors looking for a nature-inspired setting that isn’t the beach. Plus, if you’re considering a multi-location session, San Dieguito Park pairs beautifully with a nearby beach spot for the best of both worlds.
2. Downtown Encinitas
For a vibrant, urban vibe, Downtown Encinitas is a great choice. Colorful murals, industrial textures, and coastal charm come together to create a location full of personality. One of my favorite approaches, for clients who are up for it, is to meet at the Swami’s lookout and simply walk the area together—exploring hidden backdrops, chasing the best light, and letting the session unfold organically. This go-with-the-flow approach is perfect for clients seeking unique, dynamic, and moment-driven photos. A session here often ends at the Cardiff cliffs, delivering that iconic Encinitas coastline backdrop at sunset.
3. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, Carlsbad
This hidden gem in Carlsbad offers Spanish-style architecture, rustic adobe buildings, and beautiful desert landscapes. With its peacocks, vintage charm, and rich textures, Leo Carrillo Ranch is ideal for seniors looking for an unexpected yet elegant backdrop. It’s easily accessible and a fantastic alternative to beach locations for those seeking something distinctive and memorable.
4. Self Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens, Encinitas
The Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens are a tranquil oasis in Encinitas and one of my favorite backdrops for senior photos. Featuring ocean views, koi ponds, and lush tropical flowers, this serene retreat offers a peaceful and reflective atmosphere. Just keep in mind that access is limited, so planning ahead is essential.
5. Swami’s Beach, Cardiff
Swami’s Beach embodies the quintessential California coastline. Golden sands, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping ocean views make it a dreamy spot for senior portraits. To capture the soft, magical glow of the setting, I highly recommend scheduling your session during golden hour.
6. Del Mar Beach
Del Mar Beach offers classic beachside beauty. One of my favorite ways to shoot here is to start at Powerhouse Park on the cliffs, then walk down to the sand, ending the session there, or further down on the cliffs at Dog Beach. This approach allows us to capture a range of vignettes in a coastal setting, making your senior photos artful and unique.
7. Rancho Santa Fe Trails
For seniors who love nature and rustic charm, the trails and public environments in Rancho Santa Fe provide a peaceful, earthy backdrop. Nature-hugged pathways create an elegant, cozy setting. In the past, I’ve started sessions at La Orilla Trailhead and then explored other nearby spots like the exterior of the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Course, Rancho Santa Fe Inn or RSF Field to round out the shoot.
8. San Elijo Lagoon, Solana Beach
San Elijo Lagoon is a photographer’s dream, with its marshlands and natural trails. It’s perfect for seniors who want a setting that highlights North County’s unique and natural beauty. Early mornings or evenings offer the best lighting and fewer crowds for a truly magical session.
Wardrobe for Your Senior Photoshoot in North County
Need inspiration for what to wear to your senior photoshoot in San Diego County? Take a look at my personally curated visual moodboard for ideas.
Choosing the Right Location for You
Whether you’re drawn to the coastal beauty of Swami’s Beach, the rustic charm of Rancho Santa Fe, or have a unique and personal spot in mind—your school campus, a horse ranch, or even a workplace that shaped your high school experience—your senior photos should reflect your journey. Think about what location feels most “you” as you step into this exciting new chapter.
Ready to plan your senior photo session? Let’s create images that celebrate you and this incredible milestone! Get in touch with me to book a session.
With love,
Claire
