San Diego Top 7 Amazing Engagement Session Locations

As I’m writing this, feeling so grateful to call San Diego home. This land has so much to offer and everything is within reach! Let’s take a look at San Diego top 7 amazing engagement session locations! These places offer not only breathtaking views with a sense of adventure but also a less crowded environment. You don’t have to worry about what others think and just focus on what matter most – enjoy this exciting time in life and feel free to express your love!

#1 – Mount Laguna: The Hidden Gem. This area offers various type of landscapes from vast deserts to greenery and even snow in winter time. The best part: only 1 hour drive from San Diego and you’’ll be in a very different state of mind. Visit this spot any time of year, it’s awesome at both sunset and sunrise!
View type: Desert – woods – mountains – lake – snow – fall color
Crowded: not at all
Note: Might be cold and windy

#2 – Torrey Pines: The Famous Beach. Visit this one and you’ll know why people say West Coast best coast! The trails there take you up to wide-open views of the coastline, then down to the beautiful beach where you can dance and play with the water! Best part: Located near the heart of San Diego and springtime here is amazing as lots and lots of flowers blooming!! (any day also beautiful)
View type: Coast – beaches – cliffs – trees
Crowded: Can get very busy. Keep walking further on the beach and you’ll find a place for yourself!
Note: Parking can get crazy on the street so arrive early or park in the lot (ranges from $6-15), the lot close at sunset

#3 – Ho Chi Minh Trail: Adventure Starts Here! This hike is short (1.3 miles round trip) but strenuous uphill/downhill, the trail down to the beach can be slippery, but the rewards can make you totally forget about all the sweat! Best part: this all-in-one hike has a variety of landscapes, you’ll feel it as soon as you start at the trailhead!
View type: Coastline – beach – cliffs – city – greenery – canyons – a bit of Mars
Crowded: not so much, come here on a weekday and you’ll pretty much have the place for yourself!
Note: The trailhead is pretty hidden but plenty of parking on the street. Trail down can be slippery.

#4 – Anza-Borrego: The Ultimate Playground. I don’t really know how to explain this special place, it’s literally an ultimate playground and there are just so much to do and explore! The drive here is inviting by itself and you’ll have a taste of Mars when visiting here! Gotta experience it by yourself! Best part: Spring = super bloom! Also, being close to Julian means apple pies on the way back!
View type: Desert, mountains, cliffs, canyons, out of space
Crowded: Not at all
Note: Camp here would make the experience whole! Summer might not be a good time going here.

#5 – Moonlight Beach: Not Only Moonlight! This sweet spot has so much to offer from cliffs, beaches, a creek, and of course lots of sunlight! That kind of sunlight that makes you dance like a kid! Best part: Everything is so close to each other. Plus there’s an ice-cream shop that would make a good start or a happy ending for the shoot!
View type: Greenery, beach, cliffs, creek, somewhat tropical
Crowded: Weekend can get crazy. Visit during the week, walk further south and you’ll have the place for yourself
Note: Try that Handel’s Ice Cream while you’re there! I think everything there is gooood (and huge)!

#6: Lake Cuyamaca: Where Time Stands Still. For those who love lakes, for sure you’ll be much in love with this one! It has a refreshing effect that makes couples relax and enjoy themselves more! Best part: you can come to this vast lake any time of year and it’s only less than an hour drive from San Diego, plus there are lots of camping spots around.
View type: Lake – mountain – open field
Crowded: not at all!
Note: Could have snow during winter. Also close to Julian = apple pies afterward!

#7 – Sunset Cliffs: The cliff that lives up to its name. This place has some kind of magic that makes me feel new and refreshing every time here! Best part: It’s a big area and not hard to find an amazing spot there.
View: canyons, cliffs, beaches, sunset
Crowded: Yup! Follow trails that take you further south or come during weekdays
Note: Awesome at both sunset and sunrise!

(Bonus) Imperial Sand Dunes. The Dazzling Dunes. This one is a bit far but if you’re a desert fan and up for an adventure, check it out! Layers upon layers of dunes will make you don’t want to leave. This is the place to run wild and play free!
View type: Desert, Africa vibes
Crowded: Nope!
Note: Bring extra booze for this one!

There you have it. These are my go-to, but I’m sure there are tons more so feel free to add yours in the comment below.

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