12 Awesome Outdoor Photoshoot Locations In Oakland (2024)

Planning an outdoor shoot in one of the Bay Area’s most beautiful and creative areas? Then it sounds like you need a few outdoor photoshoot locations in Oakland.

Boudoir, product, maternity, fashion — whatever your outdoor photoshoot in Oakland is capturing, you’ll find the perfect venue to shoot it on Peerspace! Peerspace is the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals and makes it easy to find and rent incredible venues in cities across the globe. Here are 12 of our favorite outdoor photoshoot locations in Oakland with the versatility to meet all your photography needs.

1. Create gorgeous and zen-filled content in a Japanese tea garden

If you are in search of outdoor photoshoot locations in Oakland for your boudoir, maternity, or newborn shoot, then you need to see this Japanese tea garden in Stinson Beach!

Follow the stone stairway and quaint bridge into an absolutely stunning outdoor bathtub area. The unique Japanese aesthetic, stunning deck with ocean views, and plant life are absolutely to die for! Soak in the tub surrounded by flowers and candles and enjoy a peaceful photoshoot you’ll never forget.

As one Peerspace reviewer raved, “this was a very peaceful lovely space which served us well for our portrait shoot. Very zen vibes and perfect for anyone wanting a peaceful getaway.”

2. Experience sun, sand, and sea at this blissful beachfront abode

This beachfront home offers gorgeous ocean views from almost every angle! The sea is basically in your lap as you sit outside and enjoy the ocean breeze, views, and stunning photo opportunities. The home also has a lush garden with beautiful colored flowers, adding yet another possible dimension for your shoot.

You can also enjoy the indoor space during your shoot with floor-to-ceiling windows and a variety of seating options for lounging.

A director who booked this beachside abode shared the following succinct review: “This was an amazing place to book! Would book this place again in a heartbeat!”

3. Go bold and cheery when you book this fab 1950s courtyard

Fun, funky, and totally fabulous! This 1950s motor lodge is a fantastic option for anyone looking for retro outdoor photoshoot locations in Oakland. The heated pool lies at the center of the courtyard space but there are so many other fun areas to explore in this outdoor venue. The retro deck chairs, decorated palm trees, hammocks, and well-maintained lawn area all make for fantastic photo ops!

“The host was very flexible, accommodating and courteous,” says a Peerspace reviewer. “The space is great. It’s beautiful and colorful. Very unique. We had a great photo shoot and I would definitely use this space again.”

This vintage motor lodge can be enhanced by using our cute picnic ideas. Check them out!

4. Get all your outdoor action shots at this huge green urban outdoor oasis

If you’re looking for spacious outdoor areas to shoot fitness-related content, then you need to see this huge green urban outdoor gym in Emeryville. It is a 9,000-square-foot space that was once an auto garage but has since been converted to an outdoor gym with tons of fitness equipment. It also features an orange mural, string lights, and stadium lights, so you can shoot day and night here.

5. Reflect history and abundant nature at this historic garden with redwoods

Redwoods are quintessentially Californian — so why not include some in your photoshoot? This spacious historic garden in Palo Alto features historic irises and is surrounded by centuries-old redwoods.

Shoot your shot in the arbor of Wisteria in the spring and walk peacefully along the trails any time of year. It’s as if you have discovered your own private park!

6. Leave an impression at a venue with rocky cliffs and ocean vistas

The rocky cliffs and shimmering ocean views at this indoor and outdoor space in Rodeo make for an absolutely stunning backdrop for any type of photoshoot. This outdoor venue also offers you access to a pier, a boat yard, train tracks, and swamp land in its vast and open space.

We love the idea of using this space for a family or kids photoshoot, especially for taking golden hour photos just before the sun sets over the ocean.

7. Enjoy serenity and stunning views at this Livermore ranch home

You don’t have to wander far from the buzz of the city to find a stunning and peaceful ranch home in the Oakland area! This space features gorgeous views of the nearby rolling hills from the deck patio, gardens, and adjacent barn.

The home’s exterior offers a beautiful white backdrop with rustic barn wood accents. And if you are looking to use a mix of indoor and outdoor space, you’ll love the high ceilings and tall windows inside the home! Plus, the gorgeous master suite with its free-standing tub and walk-in shower is perfect for a boudoir shoot.

8. Take pictures beside a pool at the edge of the world

We adore the minimalist, sleek pool and backyard space of this modern hilltop production compound in Piedmont Pines and think it would make an amazing spot for an outdoor photoshoot. The backyard provides you with panoramic views of the Bay Area, including vistas of three bridges and miles of hiking trails. There is also a grilling space, an outdoor lounge with a firepit, and lots of manicured lawn, making it a great choice for a variety of lifestyle photoshoots.

Check out this rave review from a Peerspace user who clearly enjoyed the space and its wonderful hosts: “This house is BEAUTIFUL and the view outlooking the Bay is AMAZING! The HOSPITALITY that we received from the owners was TOP TIER! I Loved everything about them and their home. I will definitely choose this property again for future family sleepovers, and photoshoots. Thank you so much for making me feel like your home was my home.”

9. Make a bold statement with this wildly furnished backyard as your canvas

At Peerspace, we adore maximal spaces that are simply bursting with creativity. And this 1,000-square-foot Spanish revival home in Oakmore really takes the creative cake! While we love its colorful and distinct interior, it’s outdoor photoshoot locations in Oakland we’re talking about, so we’ll focus on this adorable space’s backyard. Here, you will find a verdant space with its own sunken paved patio, complete with a turquoise sofa, hot pink cushions, and a bright orange coffee table. We can definitely see how it would serve as an awesome spot for portraits!

Take it from a Peerspace reviewer who booked this home for their shoot: “This was a great space for a photo shoot. Great natural lighting. The outside space is just incredible. So many funky items to add something special to a shoot. The pics came out great. Thanks!”

Working with a family on your next shoot? Then you need to see these fun outdoor family photo ideas next!

10. Light up the night at a mid-century-inspired large boho deck

This brand-new mid-century style boho outdoor deck in Castro Valley is an absolute stunner for a variety of outdoor photoshoots!

The deck overlooks a lovely, mature garden area and includes access to a 1960s beehive tiki bar. The low-profile mid-century sectional is perfect for any seated shots. And the 10-foot horizontal slat wall with a modern hanging box succulent garden makes for a gorgeous backdrop! See more photos of this beautiful space and read the reviews on Peerspace.

11. Shoot beautiful lifestyle content at this Redwood Heights backyard oasis

Enjoy private access to a beautiful backyard oasis when you book this Redwood Heights home. While the home itself is historic, its backyard is newly designed and features a Brazilian hardwood deck, a lounge, a hot tub, and a jungle path,

This Peerspace venue is one of our favorite outdoor photoshoot locations in Oakland for lifestyle shoots, since it provides so many cute areas for posing.

12. Feel on top of the world at this architectural gem in the Oakland hills

If you’re looking for outdoor photoshoot locations in Oakland that will make jaws drop, we think this architectural gem in the Oakland hills may be it! It is a breathtaking home perched in the Claremont Hills above Merriewood that provides incredible vistas of the San Francisco Bay and surrounding areas. It’s definitely a photoshoot location to inspire and admire! We think it would be ideal for everything from landscape to fashion photography.

“This house is truly one of a kind – it’s a beautiful, bright space with one of the most incredible views you’ll ever see,” shares a Peerspace reviewer. “The host Bianca is super friendly and helpful, and made our whole experience easy. Also a big plus is that there’s lots of parking, which can be tricky up in the hills. 10/10 would recommend this space and hope we get to film here again soon.”

Outdoor photoshoot locations in Oakland: conclusion

We hope these outdoor photoshoot locations in Oakland have shown you precisely what you need to inspire your project. Your next step is to head to Peerspace to book your favorites! If you have any questions or requests, be sure to reach out to the venue’s host and they’ll be happy to offer their assistance.

With Peerspace, you get one-of-a-kind spaces and tailored services that make getting your job done easy and oh-so creatively satisfying.

Find unique photoshoot locations in Oakland on Peerspace