The Best Beach Engagement Photo Spots in San Clemente (From a Local Photographer)
If you ask us, nothing beats a beach engagement session here in San Clemente, California. This laid-back surf town is packed with golden light, hidden coves, and some of the best coastal spots around. As a San Clemente-based husband and wife photo + video team, we’ve spent time tracking down the best spots for your iconic beach shoot.
Our Top 4 Favorite Beach Engagement Spots in San Clemente + Nearby
San Onofre State Beach – Trails
Known by locals as “Trails”, this rugged stretch of beach at San Onofre State Beach is a total hidden gem for engagement sessions. With bluffs, dirt paths lined with native plants, and untouched sandy beaches, it’s absolutely STUNNING.
Why we love it:
Wild, untamed beach vibes
Soft sunset light over the cliffs
Secluded feel, especially on weekdays
Dramatic ocean views from the top of the bluffs
You’ll access the beach via numbered trails (we’re partial to Trail 1 + Trail 6 for the best backdrops). If you’re the rugged type, trails is an absolute must.
San Onofre Surf Beach (SanO)
A few miles north of Trails, you’ll find San Onofre Surf Beach, or “SanO” as the locals call it. It’s one of the most iconic surf spots in Southern California, known for its mellow waves, vintage beach shacks, and throwback SoCal surf culture.
Why we love it:
Classic old-school surf town vibes
Iconic palm tree-lined shore
Perfect for laid-back, nostalgic beach sessions
Sunset sessions here feel like stepping back in time
SanO is the perfect spot if you want to capture a little of that classic California beach culture in your engagement photos. Bonus points if you bring a surfboard or a VW bus.
T-Street Beach, San Clemente
Just a short walk from the San Clemente Pier, T-Street Beach is a local favorite for engagement photos — and for good reason. It’s a bit quieter than the pier area, with wide open sand, a charming bridge, and those golden sunsets over the water.
Why we love it:
Cliffside views and open shoreline
Perfect golden hour light
Classic small-town San Clemente surf vibes
Easy beach access
We often like to start engagement sessions up on the bluffs or by the bridge and head down to the water for those final sunset shots.
Strands Beach, Dana Point
Just north of San Clemente, Strands Beach in Dana Point is one of the area’s best-kept secrets. Tucked beneath luxury cliffside homes, this beach offers beautiful bluffs, a dramatic staircase, and some of the prettiest sunset views in Orange County.
Why we love it:
Gorgeous bluff-top trail with ocean views
Iconic staircases for those romantic shots
Quiet, peaceful beach with room to roam
Unreal golden hour light
If you want a mix of romantic coastal cliffs and barefoot-in-the-sand shots, Strands Beach is an absolute favorite.
Planning a San Clemente Beach Engagement Session?
We’d be stoked to capture your story! As a San Clemente-based husband and wife photo + video team, we know all the hidden gems and best times to shoot at these iconic beaches. We’ll make your dreams come to life!
Send us a message if you want to book an engagement session with us!
