While San Francisco may feel small when it comes to cities, it packs a lot of variety into 49 square miles. This makes it perfect for couples who want to showcase all that the city has to offer with their engagement session. After making my round up for my favorite outdoor East Bay engagement shoot locations, I knew I had to assemble a similar list for this city by the bay. And the best part about making a list about San Francisco is how different each of these locations feel depending on the time of year. Karl the Fog is a huge part of San Francisco and his cameos during my engagement sessions always add a bit of magic. So without further ado, here are my top eight* favorite San Francisco engagement session locations.

1) Lands End + Sutro Baths

I can’t think of a more popular engagement session location than Sutro Baths and Lands End. It’s rare that I DON’T run into another photographer when I shoot here but we’re all very courteous and will take turns with iconic spots. And it’s popular for good reason! The gorgeous coastline dotted with cypress trees, dramatic bluffs and rocky beaches all make for visually stunning photos. There are actually two locations here: the Sutro Bath ruins and Lands End which is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area that stretches along the Pacific with several hiking trails. For those willing to hike a bit further, there’s Mile Rock Beach, Lands End Labyrinth and other less populated forested areas perfect for photos. (See more photos from this location.)

2) Baker Beach

When you think San Francisco, you think Golden Gate Bridge. There’s no other iconic landmark that embodies this city which makes it a very popular backdrop for engagement sessions. While you could go to Crissy Field or Fort Point for Golden Gate Bridge views, my personal favorite is Baker Beach. In addition to the surf and sand, there are grassy dunes and cypress trees. A large parking lot and public restrooms for outfit changes makes it convenient as well. The beach is spacious so even on busy days we can spread out. (See more photos from this location.)

3) Andy Goldsworthy's Wood Line in the Presidio

The Wood Line is a public art piece by Andy Goldsworthy made up of large eucalyptus logs zig-zagging along the forest floor. This beautiful wooded landscape is tucked away in the Presidio and offers a unique combination of large scale art piece framed by towering eucalyptus trees. This location also makes a great jumping off point for exploring more of what the Presidio has to offer. (See more photos from this location.)

4) Golden Gate Park

There’s no other obvious green spot for natural landscapes than Golden Gate Park. It has a bit of everything surrounded by lush greenery. Stow Lake offers beautiful waterfront views whereas the Lily Pond area can feel like a prehistoric wonderland. The Music Concourse features architectural interest with California Academy of Sciences, the DeYoung Museum, and Japanese Tea Garden but my favorite is the line of green benches in front of the amphitheater. From rose gardens to redwood groves, it has a little bit of everything including lots of quiet, hidden corners just waiting to be discovered. I could create a list just on the locations within Golden Gate Park. (See more photos from this location.)

5) San Francisco Botanical Garden

Within Golden Gate Park is another lush wonderland, the San Francisco Botanical Garden. For plant lovers, this place is a must. You can find redwoods, cherry blossoms, cactus gardens and a bamboo forest all within a short stroll from one another. I would recommend visiting beforehand so you can fully roam the entire garden and enjoy every part of this lush space. As in nature, the garden changes and transforms each season which adds to the wonder of this space. (See more photos from this location.)

6) Pier 7 at the Embarcadero

Out of all the piers down on the Embarcadero, Pier 7 has the most character with its wooden planks, decorative railings and lantern lamplights. Shoot towards the water and San Francisco’s other famous bridge, the Bay Bridge, serves as a backdrop. Shoot in the other direction and you get the San Francisco city skyline with the Transamerica Building front and center. Bonus: Add the Ferry Building Marketplace as a secondary location for the engagement session (or just stop in for snacks!) (See more photos from this location.)

7) Ocean Beach

A little ways down the coast from Lands End is Ocean Beach. This stretch of San Francisco offers the classic sand and surf as well as grassy dunes. It’s a simple but beautiful location to consider. The views of the Pacific makes a great place to wrap up an engagement session if you time it right at sunset. (See more photos from this location.)

8) North Beach + Other SF Neighborhoods

One of my favorite San Francisco locations for engagement sessions is exploring local neighborhoods. Often these neighborhood shoots offer a deeper glimpse into who my couples are. We’ll pick a place because it’s where they’ve live, love spending time or where they had their first date. Some of the neighborhoods I’ve photographed include North Beach, Hayes Valley, Inner Sunset, and Haight-Ashbury. I love discovering new parts of the city so show me what you love about your neighborhood and let’s honor it with your engagement session. (See more photos from San Francisco neighborhoods.)

*9) Marin Headlands

You might have noticed that when I assembled this list of eight, that I included an asterisk. That’s because while technically the Marin Headlands aren’t in San Francisco, its proximity to the city makes a location that I often suggest for couples who want a bit more nature. Gorgeous bluffs, rolling grassy hills and beach access make it a perfect spot within driving distance of the urban landscapes. (See more photos from this location.)

The EIGHT* Best Outdoor San Francisco Engagement Session Locations