Discover Orange

62 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights

Treasure Island Park Beach Walk
95/100

Treasure Island Park Beach Walk

12 Wesley Drive, Laguna Beach, California 92651, United States

This location offers a scenic beach walk with dramatic views of the ocean. It's ideal for capturing serene seascapes and sunset moments.

WATERSCAPELANDSCAPE
Crystal Cove State Park
95/100

Crystal Cove State Park

875 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, California 92651, United States

A stunning coastal park with beaches and hiking trails, perfect for nature and landscape photography.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Bear Canyon Trail to Sitton Peak
92/100

Bear Canyon Trail to Sitton Peak

Bear Canyon Trailhead, 26900 Ortega Hwy, Lake Elsinore, California 92530, United States

This hike offers breathtaking views from the top of Sitton Peak and is ideal for landscape and nature photography, with opportunities to capture wildlife.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Crystal Cove
90/100

Crystal Cove

8471 North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California 92651, United States

Located in Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove offers stunning coastal views, cliffs, and beaches. The golden hour is particularly magical here.

LANDSCAPEWATERSCAPE
Holy Jim Falls
88/100

Holy Jim Falls

Holy Jim Falls Trailhead, Trabuco Canyon, California 92679, United States

Located in Trabuco Canyon but accessible from Lake Elsinore, this waterfall offers a serene setting for nature photography, especially after rainfall.

NATURELANDSCAPE
Crystal Cove State Park (Neighboring Location)
85/100

Crystal Cove State Park (Neighboring Location)

8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, California 92651, United States

While not directly in Lake Forest, Crystal Cove is nearby and offers a stunning beach and forested area, ideal for capturing landscapes and nature photography.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Trabuco Canyon
85/100

Trabuco Canyon

Trabuco Canyon, California, United States

A scenic canyon with hiking trails and beautiful natural vistas, perfect for landscape and wildlife photography.

LANDSCAPEWILDLIFE
Silverado Canyon
85/100

Silverado Canyon

Silverado Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676, United States

A scenic canyon with rustic charm and occasional snow, ideal for winter landscapes.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens
85/100

Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens

29042 Santiago Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA

This historic house was once the residence of famous Polish actress Helena Modjeska. The gardens and house offer excellent opportunities for architectural and garden photography.

Seal Rock
85/100

Seal Rock

Seal Rock, Crescent Bay Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, United States

A unique rock formation in Crescent Bay known for its picturesque views and wildlife.

Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach
85/100

Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach

Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, United States

A beach with tide pools and rugged cliffs, offering unique opportunities for coastal and scenic photography.

WATERSCAPELANDSCAPE
Peter's Canyon Regional Park
82/100

Peter's Canyon Regional Park

8548 E Canyon View Ave, Orange, California 92869, United States

A nearby park with diverse landscapes and wildlife, ideal for nature and landscape photography.

Caspers Wilderness Park
82/100

Caspers Wilderness Park

Caspers Wilderness Park, 33401 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, United States

A park featuring chaparral, cactus, and oak trees, offering sunset and landscape photography opportunities.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Limestone Canyon Wilderness Park
80/100

Limestone Canyon Wilderness Park

Limestone Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA

Accessible only through guided tours, this park offers unique landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities. Ideal for nature and landscape photography.

O'Neill Regional Park
80/100

O'Neill Regional Park

O'Neill Regional Park, 30892 Trabuco Canyon Rd, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679, United States

Located in Trabuco Canyon, O'Neill Regional Park offers a mix of trails lined with large oaks, bridges, and beautiful vistas. It features grassy fields and a seasonally dry creek with a view of Saddleback Mountain. The park is ideal for family photos with its shaded canopy created by old oak trees.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Orange County Historic Park
80/100

Orange County Historic Park

13042 Old Towne Rd, Orange, CA 92869, USA

Though not directly in Villa Park, this nearby park offers historical architecture and scenic landscapes for photography.

Crescent Bay Point
80/100

Crescent Bay Point

245 Crescent Bay Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, United States

This spot offers unique views of the coastline, with opportunities to capture scenic sunsets and coastal fog. It's a less crowded location with diverse photo opportunities.

Irvine Regional Park
80/100

Irvine Regional Park

1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, California 92869, United States

A large park with a lake, playgrounds, and a zoo, offering diverse photography opportunities.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park
80/100

Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park

30952 Oso Parkway, Coto de Caza, California 92679, United States

This park features rolling hills, large oak trees, and tall grass, making it ideal for capturing Southern California landscapes and wildlife.

LANDSCAPEWILDLIFE
Trabuco Mesa
80/100

Trabuco Mesa

Trabuco Canyon, California, United States

Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, ideal for capturing panoramic shots and outdoor activities.

LANDSCAPEWILDLIFE
Borrego Canyon to Red Rock Canyon Trails
80/100

Borrego Canyon to Red Rock Canyon Trails

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, 28301 Santiago Canyon Rd, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678, United States

Located just southeast of Lake Forest in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, these trails offer stunning natural landscapes and hiking opportunities perfect for capturing scenic vistas and wildlife.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Dripping Cave in Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness
80/100

Dripping Cave in Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness

Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness, West Ridge Trail — Mathis Canyon access, Orange County, California, USA

A cave located within the Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness, offering unique opportunities for nature and night photography. Access requires a hike, adding to the adventure.

NATURELANDSCAPE
Sycamore Groves at O'Neill Regional Park
75/100

Sycamore Groves at O'Neill Regional Park

30892 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, California 92679, United States

The sycamore groves provide a beautiful backdrop for nature and portrait photography, with large trees offering shaded areas and interesting branch patterns.

NATURELANDSCAPE
Underneath San Clemente Pier
75/100

Underneath San Clemente Pier

San Clemente Pier, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

A unique spot for capturing the pier's structural details and ocean views from a lower perspective.

San Clemente Bluff Trail
72/100

San Clemente Bluff Trail

611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, California 92672, United States

A scenic, elevated path above the beach with wooden railings and sweeping ocean views, connecting the pier area with North Beach. Excellent for dramatic seascapes and sunrise photography[3].

LANDSCAPEWATERSCAPE
Roger Stanton Park
70/100

Roger Stanton Park

201 North Park Lane, Westminster, CA 92683

A community park with lush greenery, offering opportunities for nature and street photography. The park's tranquil atmosphere makes it ideal for capturing candid moments and serene landscapes.

Trabuco Canyon Wilderness Park
70/100

Trabuco Canyon Wilderness Park

30952 Oso Parkway, Trabuco Canyon, California 92679, United States

A rustic location with wild and lush vegetation, ancient oak trees, and open fields. It offers a natural setting for outdoor photography.

NATURELANDSCAPE
Bolsa Chica State Beach
70/100

Bolsa Chica State Beach

Huntington Beach, California 92648, United States

Known for its wetlands and wildlife, this beach is perfect for nature and wildlife photography.

NATUREWILDLIFE
Oak Canyon Park
70/100

Oak Canyon Park

30841 La Tierra Rd, Silverado, CA 92676, United States

A park featuring manicured trails, a rustic bridge, and tall pine trees, perfect for nature and portrait photography.

NATURELANDSCAPE
Modjeska Canyon
70/100

Modjeska Canyon

Modjeska Canyon, Silverado, CA

A scenic canyon with a rich history, offering opportunities for landscape and nature photography.

Bellview to Dove Lake Trail
70/100

Bellview to Dove Lake Trail

Dove Lake Trailhead, Lake Elsinore, California, United States

This trail offers a scenic hike with potential for nature and landscape photography, particularly during the wildflower season.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Old Towne Orange
70/100

Old Towne Orange

100 S Main St, Orange, CA 92868

Known for its quaint architecture and charming atmosphere, Old Towne Orange is perfect for capturing street and architectural photography. The historic buildings and circular park make it a unique location.

Dripping Cave in Aliso & Wood Canyons
70/100

Dripping Cave in Aliso & Wood Canyons

Mathis Canyon Trail, Aliso Viejo, California 92656, United States

A hidden gem tucked away in the wilderness, offering unique opportunities for nature and landscape photography. The cave and surrounding trails provide a picturesque backdrop for creative compositions.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
70/100

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California 92651, United States

A vast wilderness area with hiking trails, offering opportunities for nature, landscape, and wildlife photography.

NATURELANDSCAPE
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
70/100

Santiago Oaks Regional Park

2145 N Windes Dr, Orange, CA 92869

This park offers a variety of natural landscapes, including hills, trails, and a creek bed. It's suitable for nature and landscape photography, with opportunities to capture interesting rock formations and wildlife.

Agape
65/100

Agape

Agape, Orange County, California, United States

Features Spanish architecture, offering a unique backdrop for architectural photography.

Bridge at O'Neill Regional Park
65/100

Bridge at O'Neill Regional Park

30892 Trabuco Canyon Rd, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679, United States

This bridge, part of the park's scenic trails, offers a unique architectural element within a natural setting. It's perfect for capturing interesting compositions that blend nature and architecture.

ARCHITECTURELANDSCAPE
Lake Skinner Regional Park
65/100

Lake Skinner Regional Park

Lake Skinner Regional Park, 37701 Warren Rd, Temescal Valley, CA 92883, United States

Known for landscaping, hiking trails, and water sports, this park offers great opportunities for nature and landscape photography. It has a picturesque lake and surrounding hills, perfect for capturing sunsets or wildlife.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Portola Hills
65/100

Portola Hills

Portola Hills, Silverado, CA

A scenic area with rolling hills and great views, ideal for landscape and cycling photography.

ENC Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary
65/100

ENC Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary

2937 Modjeska Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676

A serene wildlife sanctuary with a natural history museum, trails, and bird-watching opportunities. Ideal for wildlife and nature photography.

Irvine Regional Park (nearby)
65/100

Irvine Regional Park (nearby)

1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, California 92869, United States

Although not directly in Riverside, this park offers lakes, walking trails, and various landscapes, making it suitable for nature and wildlife photography.

Black Star Canyon Falls
65/100

Black Star Canyon Falls

Black Star Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676, United States

Located a bit further from Chino Hills in Silverado, this waterfall offers a picturesque setting for nature and landscape photography. The hike to the falls is rewarding for those seeking a natural challenge.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Mission Viejo Lake
60/100

Mission Viejo Lake

Mission Viejo Lake, Mission Viejo, California, United States

A picturesque lake with opportunities for waterscape and wildlife photography.

WATERSCAPEWILDLIFE
O'Neil Regional Park
60/100

O'Neil Regional Park

22500 Trabuco Canyon Rd, Trabuco Canyon, California 92679, United States

Located in Trabuco Canyon, this park offers a mix of trails, oak trees, and contemporary architecture. It's a great spot for outdoor portraits and nature photography.

NATURELANDSCAPE
Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar
60/100

Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar

611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

Located at the start of the pier, this restaurant offers a charming wooden decor and excellent ocean views, ideal for capturing interior and dining scenes.

Silverado Creek
60/100

Silverado Creek

Silverado Creek, Silverado, CA

A tranquil creek running through Silverado Canyon, offering scenic views and opportunities for nature photography.

Black Star Canyon
60/100

Black Star Canyon

Black Star Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676, USA

A scenic spot with historical significance, Black Star Canyon offers a rugged landscape and trails, ideal for adventure and landscape photography.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Giracci Vineyards and Farms
60/100

Giracci Vineyards and Farms

16162 Jackson Ranch Rd, Silverado, CA 92676

A winery with scenic views and opportunities for capturing wine country landscapes.

Dry Creek at O'Neill Regional Park
60/100

Dry Creek at O'Neill Regional Park

Dry Creek at O'Neill Regional Park, 30892 Trabuco Canyon Rd, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679, United States

This seasonal dry creek offers a unique landscape feature with interesting rock formations and plant life, ideal for nature photography.

LANDSCAPENATURE
Good Food Sign outside Lot 579 at Pacific City
60/100

Good Food Sign outside Lot 579 at Pacific City

21010 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

This sign adds a pop of color and whimsy to any photo, especially against the backdrop of the Pacific City complex.

Cowboy Canyon Winery
55/100

Cowboy Canyon Winery

Cowboy Canyon Winery, Silverado, CA

A small winery with rustic charm, ideal for capturing wine country scenes and portraits.

Lower Oso Creek Park
55/100

Lower Oso Creek Park

23000 Lower Oso Creek Rd, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679

This park features rolling hills and trails, offering a scenic backdrop for nature photography, especially after rains when the grass turns green.

Eastwood Trail
55/100

Eastwood Trail

Eastwood Trail, Silverado, CA

A trail connecting Portola Parkway to Culver Road, offering scenic views and opportunities for outdoor photography.

Trabuco Canyon Road Scenic Views
50/100

Trabuco Canyon Road Scenic Views

Trabuco Canyon Rd, Trabuco Canyon, California 92679, United States

This road offers scenic views of the canyon and surrounding landscape, making it a great spot for capturing roadside vistas.

LANDSCAPESUNSET_SUNRISE
Portola Expedition Site
50/100

Portola Expedition Site

Trabuco Canyon, California, United States

This historical site offers a glimpse into the past with its markers and memorials. It's a good spot for those interested in historical or architectural photography.

HISTORICALARCHITECTURE
Cooks Corner
50/100

Cooks Corner

19152 Santiago Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676

A popular spot for food, drinks, and people-watching. Ideal for street photography and capturing the lively atmosphere of the area.

Coto De Caza
50/100

Coto De Caza

Coto De Caza, CA

This area features rolling hills and natural scenery, offering a peaceful backdrop for nature photography.

Carbondale Site
50/100

Carbondale Site

8002 Silverado Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA

A historic site marking the former boom town of Carbondale. Offers unique opportunities for capturing historical landscapes and architecture.

Original Fish Co.
50/100

Original Fish Co.

11061 Los Alamitos Boulevard, Los Alamitos, CA 90720, United States

A lively seafood restaurant with an inviting atmosphere, suitable for capturing interior scenes or street photography.

Kellogg House
50/100

Kellogg House

126 East Chapman Avenue, Orange, California 92866, United States

A historic house with a unique architectural style, the Kellogg House offers a quiet and intimate setting for photography focused on architecture and residential history.

Crystal Cove Shake Shack
40/100

Crystal Cove Shake Shack

8471 North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California 92651, United States

A popular spot for milkshakes and snacks, located within Crystal Cove State Park. It offers a fun and casual setting for photography amidst the historic beach atmosphere.

Rossmoor Community Services District Offices
35/100

Rossmoor Community Services District Offices

3232 Hedwig Road, Los Alamitos, CA 90720, United States

A public building with a blend of modern and traditional architecture, suitable for capturing architectural details.