San Diego Cliffs


Looking for the perfect ocean view location in San Diego for your engagement photo shoot, wedding portraits, or small ceremony elopement? Whether you're dreaming of dramatic cliffs, golden hour lighting, or a classic coastal backdrop, San Diego has no shortage of breathtaking spots to choose from.


In this post, I’m sharing a few of my favorite oceanfront locations that offer stunning views, unique vibes, and romantic photo opportunities—each with its own charm. Whether you're planning an intimate elopement by the sea, scouting for engagement photo ideas, or simply searching for a beautiful setting to capture your love story, these ocean view spots are worth considering.

The Iconic Sun Set Cliffs Natural Park

The iconic Sunset Cliffs—arguably the most recognizable engagement photo location in San Diego and honestly, it lives up to the hype every single time. It’s always a favorite and always drop-dead gorgeous. I got so lucky at this particular shoot because the sunset was absolutely doing the most. Like... full golden glow, sky-on-fire vibes. GORG.


This spot has it all: grassy patches for those sweet, romantic moments, dramatic cliffs for epic, windswept shots, and enough space to spread out so you don’t have random people in the background of your photos (a rare San Diego win). Whether you're planning an elopement or just want your engagement photos to scream coastal magic, Sunset Cliffs is a total classic for a reason.

A couple stands together on a coastal cliff overlooking the ocean during golden hour.
A couple sharing a romantic moment at sunset by the ocean silhouetted against golden light.
A couple embracing during sunset on a beach with a warm glow and ocean backdrop.
Silhouetted couple embracing on coastal cliff during romantic golden sunset over ocean horizon.
Two people walk through tall grass at sunset along rugged coastal cliffs with golden light illuminating the landscape.
A couple shares a joyful moment on rocky cliffs by the ocean in black and white.
Two people in casual attire walk hand in hand along a scenic coastal trail surrounded by green vegetation at sunset.

Sun Set Cliffs - about 2 miles away from the park

This particular area of Sunset Cliffs isn’t technically part of the official park, but it’s a favorite hidden spot among locals—and for good reason. It has fewer grassy areas and more rugged rock formations, which can really set the mood for dramatic, editorial-style photos.


I was especially grateful to sneak in a few shots here after the sun had already dipped below the horizon. The clouds parted just in time to give us a soft, glowing sky—which was a total win, since the rest of the session was pretty overcast and didn’t give us that iconic golden Sunset Cliffs light. Even with moody skies, this spot delivered. It’s proof that sometimes the most unexpected light creates the most memorable images.

A couple shares a romantic moment on a rocky coastal cliff overlooking the ocean as waves crash below.
Two people embrace romantically on rocky coastal cliffs overlooking the ocean at sunset.
Two people stand on a coastal cliff edge against a soft cloudy sky and vast ocean view.
A couple stands hand in hand on a seaside cliff during a dramatic purple and orange sunset.
Two people sit together on a coastal cliff watching a dramatic sunset over the ocean horizon.

La Jolla - Wedding Bowl

The iconic Wedding Bowl is a well know spot to get married. It's also gorgeous, and grassy! So if you are looking for a place to picnic inspired shoot with a view this place is for you. Its not super accessible to a beach but is not hard to get down if you wanted to - just a short walk.

I also will note that weddings do happen here, so keep in mind that this spot could be reserved for a wedding on big wedding weekends so if youre planning a small session here, a weekday should be safe but I'd stay away from Saturdays.

A bride and groom share a loving moment on a coastal cliff overlooking the ocean on their wedding day.
A couple in wedding attire poses on a grassy cliff overlooking the ocean on their special day.
A romantic wedding moment on a cliff overlooking the ocean with a beautiful floral bouquet in hand.
A couple stands on a green coastal cliff overlooking the ocean on their wedding day.

Sword Fish Point

Swordfish Point is another fantastic coastal location that often flies under the radar—making it a great alternative to the always-busy Sunset Cliffs. It’s generally less crowded and offers more open space, with sweeping beach views and a wider, flatter landscape that’s perfect for movement. Whether you want to run barefoot through the sand, dip your toes in the water, or take a slow, romantic stroll, this spot gives you the freedom to be playful and present. It’s ideal for engagement photos or elopements where you want the beachy vibe without all the chaos of a packed lookout.

A couple stands on a sandy beach overlook with blue ocean waves and cloudy sky in San Diego, California.
A couple in formal attire embraces romantically on a sandy beach cliff overlooking the ocean at sunset.
Couple in formal attire embracing while looking out at the ocean from a rocky coastal cliff at sunset.
Two people share a romantic moment while standing on rugged coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean on a sunny day.
Two people in formal wedding attire embrace on a scenic rocky beach as waves crash against the shore at sunset.

Santa Cruz Cliffs

Santa Cruz Cliffs is an absolutely gorgeous hidden gem, tucked perfectly between Ocean Beach and Sunset Cliffs in San Diego. If you're searching for a more private, romantic location for your engagement photos, elopement, or wedding portraits, this spot is such a vibe. It even has a tiny tucked-away beach that feels like your own little slice of paradise—perfect for cozy, intimate moments. With rugged cliffs, golden-hour glow, and fewer crowds than its more well-known neighbors, Santa Cruz Cliffs offers a dreamy, coastal backdrop that feels effortlessly magical.

A romantic sunset silhouette of a couple embracing on a rocky beach coastline.
Rocky coastal cliffs stretch along a blue ocean horizon under a clear sunny sky.
Silhouetted couple embracing on sandy beach at sunset with rocky cliffs and ocean waves in background.
A couple in wedding attire embrace against dramatic rocky cliffs at what appears to be a beach or coastal setting.
Silhouette of figures against dramatic sunset sky at ocean overlook.
A couple sits on a coastal wall with a blue house perched on the cliff above the ocean.
A group poses together on a sandy beach at sunset, creating a warm and scenic family portrait moment.

Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument is one of San Diego’s most breathtaking spots for couples looking for dramatic ocean views and timeless coastal scenery. It’s a stunning location for an elopement, offering everything from sweeping sea cliffs to historic charm.


While it’s an ideal backdrop for intimate ceremonies and wedding portraits, keep in mind that it is a protected National Monument—so if you're planning something more elaborate than a quick ceremony or photo session, you’ll likely need to look into permits or special approvals.


The hours here can also be a little tricky to work around, especially if you’re hoping to catch the best light or explore the tide pools. But if you're dreaming of a clear blue sky, waves crashing against rugged cliffs, and a gorgeous variety of landscapes—including a historic lighthouse—Cabrillo checks all the boxes. It’s one of those places that feels like a hidden gem but photographs like a dream.

A bride in a flowing white dress holds a colorful bouquet while standing on dramatic coastal cliffs under cloudy skies.
Woman in flowing pink dress poses elegantly on rocky coastal cliffs as waves crash against the shore at sunset.
A wedding dress flows elegantly against dramatic coastal cliffs and crashing waves at a scenic oceanside location.
Black and white photo of an elegant figure in a flowing white dress standing on dramatic coastal cliffs by the ocean.
A flowing pink gown billows in the ocean breeze as someone stands on a coastal cliff during golden hour.
A bride in a flowing white wedding dress stands against a white building wall near a picket fence on a sunny day.
A figure in a white lace wedding dress and veil stands against a wall holding a single pink rose on a sunny day.
A white-clad figure stands on rugged coastal cliffs overlooking the turquoise ocean against a blue sky.
A person in white stands on a sandy beach below towering orange cliffs beside the ocean on a sunny day.