8 Best Locations in Oceanside for a Photoshoot
8 BEST LOCATIONS IN OCEANSIDE, CA FOR A PHOTOSHOOT
FROM A LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER
As someone who was born and raised in Oceanside, and is a full time photographer who loves shooting around town, I finally put together a list of my go-to places to have a photo shoot locally. Whether it’s for an engagement, senior, anniversary, family, or just for fun session. Check them out below!
#1 Oceanside Pier
This location is a classic so it’s first on the list! it’s on the beach and has the iconic wooden pier! You can shoot on top of the pier or below. Just make sure to look at tide charts! To avoid high foot traffic, aim for early morning or a weekday. I personally love shooting in the evening during golden hour, that light is just so darn good, (as long as there isn’t a marine layer ). If you’re shooting here you can also walk north of the pier for a few fun shots of the pastel pink rental cabins off the north strand.
#2 Oceanside San Luis Rey Mission
The mission is such a great location right off the Highway 76. I love the spanish style arches/ hallways, shooting with the cactus, the green lawn, and then making our way down to the historic cobblestone stairs/archway of the lavanderia.
#3 Guajome Regional Park
One of my favorite locations because it has such a great variety of “backdrops”. The park is borderline Oceanside and Vista, and is easily accesible from Highway 76. Whether it’s a family session or senior photos or engagement photos it works well year round.
In the spring and summer you can count on lush green nature trails and classic mustard yellow flowers. In the fall I enjoy shooting in the “fall colors” as the trees drop there leaves and are orange and yellow! There is also a large lake you could shoot around, a large grassy section lined with palm trees, or there is even a corridor of beautiful trees.
#4 Oceanside Harbor
A great location if you’re looking for some nautical vibes! You can shoot on the mini fishing pier and can then carefully shoot around the public launch/loading area (just be mindful of the seals and give them space). You could also shoot on the lighthouse side for a few lifestyle shots and around the local businesses, (maybe grab an icecream) as you make your way to the beach.
#5 Downtown + Old Theatre Neon Sign
For an urban approach you can shoot around the downtown area, stopping by interesting walls and streets, you could shoot a few photos near the civic water fountain/arches, and then as the sun is about to set capture a few with the iconic STAR theater neon sign.
#6 Mural Art Walk
Oceanside is actually home to over 40+ murals, the best ones for photos is the full scale buildings, just make sure to time it right, since some are in front of parking spaces. My favorites are at the Rising Co. Seaborne Coffee, the Plantology Cafe, and the Revolution Roasters Mural.
#7 Colorful City Hall
Tucked near the civic public library is city hall, and you can shoot here if you’re looking for a fun and different backdrop. The area is uniquely tiled with pink, yellow, and blue pops of color and interesting architecture.
#8 South O and Cassidy Bridge
Feel free to get a few lifestyle shots along the streets and neigboring business for a fun and casual approach, and wrap it up by shooting over the cassidy st bridge. If it’s low tide you could even end your photo session along the water.