10 Dreamy Outdoor Photoshoot Locations Near San Francisco

From the Bay Area to Downtown to Santa Cruz, many outdoor photoshoot locations near San Francisco inspire even the most critical eye. The city is known for its stunning homes, bridges, streetcars, and of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. Photographers, video editors, directors, and artists can find amazing private properties with lively gardens and captivating views. Some venues even feature ocean scenery and bright sunsets. San Francisco is also home to a multitude of historical sites with stunning architecture steeped in stories of the past.

The 10 venues below make the list as the dreamiest photoshoot locations in the Golden Gate neighborhood, so check them out. They’re also available for you to book through Peerspace, the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals. Let’s check them out!

1. A famous rooftop in Russian Hill

Outdoor Photoshoot Locations Near San Francisco
Source: Peerspace

It’s pretty hard not to be incredibly impressed by this Russian Hill rooftop venue! It’s part of a penthouse that was once the MTV Real World house. The rooftop itself is spacious and looks out at the city from its dazzling perch. The host also offers a variety of add-on services you can enjoy with your photoshoot, like food and drinks.

Another awesome feature that comes with using Peerspace? You can read genuine reviews from past renters before deciding to book! Here is one example from this rooftop penthouse space: “Stunning location, 100% recommend this place! Martin coordinated everything extremely well and was available for any and all questions! Will definitely book again! Thanks for an amazing experience!” To fully appreciate this venue, check out all of its pictures and then book it today on Peerspace!

2. A Santa Cruz rustic woodsy home

Outdoor Photoshoot Locations Near San Francisco
Source: Peerspace

Just a 30-minute drive from San Francisco lies this luxurious beach house in beautiful Santa Cruz. The large backyard has a deck and a wild, lush vibe, leading out to the creek. The property is surrounded by dense greenery, golf courses, and breathtaking views of Monterey Bay. For a nature-inspired shoot in a sumptuous atmosphere, this Peerspace location is a must for anyone who needs to find outdoor photoshoot locations near San Francisco.

In the words of a Peerspace reviewer: “Matt and Merritt were awesome hosts! There were easy to communicate with. They provided my team with snacks and refreshments. Overall productive and great experience.”

3. A luxury indoor/outdoor lounge in South Beach

luxury indoor outdoor lounge
Source: Peerspace

We love this indoor/outdoor luxury lounge in South Beach as a possible setting for your outdoor photoshoot. It’s beautifully furnished, and the way the light plays on the outdoor structure can make for magical photos. This is a public courtyard so there may be other people there, as a side note. But while here, you can enjoy the cabanas, a fountain, and the lounge seating, ideal for lifestyle shoots.

This is a popular Peerspace venue for both productions and events and has tons of user reviews! Here is one example: “Great space and amazing team. Everyone on staff was helpful and accommodating. I would definitely recommend the space for anyone looking.”

4. A Telegraph Hill stunner

Outdoor Photoshoot Locations Near San Francisco
Source: Peerspace

Any photographer in need of classic San Francisco views and a massive outdoor space is in luck. This chic home in Telegraph Hill is as versatile as it is gorgeous and boasts iconic Bay views. It is an oversized patio that offers 180-degree views of the East Bay, Treasure Island, and the Embarcadero below. If you’re looking to set up a photoshoot with the East Bay as your backdrop, it’s hard to imagine a more stunning setting than this!

In the words of a Peerspace reviewer: “Great experience, Audrey was super helpful and quick to communicate. The photos of the view do not do it justice, it’s truly a spectacular sight.”

5. White Swan garden terrace in Lower Nob Hill

White Swan Garden Terrace
Source: Peerspace

The terrace garden at White Swan in Lower Nob Hill can make a chic and elegant setting when you need outdoor photoshoot locations near San Francisco. It’s a private furnished terrace that boasts white and exposed brick walls (both making great backdrops!), elegant cafe seating, lush greenery, and a golden statue. If you want a European setting without leaving SF, then this may be your place!

6. An urban outdoor retreat in Oakland

Outdoor Photoshoot Locations Near San Francisco
Source: Peerspace

You can find outdoor photoshoot locations near San Francisco that can suit a variety of styles. And we love this huge outdoor retreat space in Oakland when you want a space with more of an artistic, urban vibe. This patio is south-facing, meaning it gets tons of natural light during the day. It also combines grassy areas, concrete, industrial seating, and large-scale murals for a fun mix of color and textures. When you’re looking for something different and distinctly Bay Area, this may be it!

7. A sophisticated waterfront home in Belvedere

Crows Nest Home in Belvedere
Source: Peerspace

For photoshoots featuring stunning water views, you will surely be inspired by the Crows Nest home in Belvedere. The home itself is gorgeous, leading to a spacious, elegant backyard that has an outdoor lounge, kitchen, and dining area. The modern Jacuzzi makes another fabulous photoshoot spot, with a nearby pristine concrete deck and loungers overlooking the water.

A Peerspace user who booked a video shoot here shared the following review: “We had a small video interview to shoot, and the space was perfect for us. The bay backdrop was gorgeous, and the house was beautiful and easy to work in. On top of that, the host made us feel at home, and communication was on-point. We will definitely keep this place in mind for future shoots!”

8. A bright modern designer home and garden

Outdoor Photoshoot Locations Near San Francisco
Source: Peerspace

Looking for a bright and modern space for your photoshoot? Then you need to check out this West Oakland dream home and its beautiful garden. This sweet and newly designed home is named Villa Pearl and opens to a lush, private garden on the back patio. This property offers both privacy and dreamy refinement, with the Jacuzzi, grass wall, and swing chair being standout photoshoot settings. Check out all of this lovely home’s photos, inside and out, on its Peerspace listing.

9. Hotel Del Sol pool and courtyard

colorful hotel del sol
Source: Peerspace

Fun and retro, this 1950s motor lodge turned you can find fabulous pool located in the Marina District. There are 57 different colorful rooms and suites inside the hotel. Best of all, the brightly colored lodge surrounds a heated pool that lies at the center of an outdoor courtyard. For sunseekers desperate for outdoor photoshoot locations near San Francisco that include a poolside theme, this property on Peerspace is both versatile and vivacious.

A Peerspace user who booked a shoot here has the following to say about the experience: “The host was very flexible, accommodating and courteous. 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.”

10. A roof deck with all the views

Stunning House w/ Roof Deck Offering City & Bay Views
Source: Peerspace

This gorgeous modern home in Telegraph Hill offers the most incredible views of San Francisco. In fact, your outdoor photoshoot here can encompass the waterfront, Bay Bridge, and the dazzling lights of the city itself. It provides you with unobstructed views for perfectly Instagrammable Bay Area photos. You also get a second outdoor space included when you rent this home: its lovely and verdant backyard garden! Book it all today on Peerspace.

Outdoor photoshoot locations near San Francisco: conclusion

rooftops in sf
Source: Peerspace

When you need stunning, hidden gem outdoor photoshoot locations near San Francisco, you need Peerspace to make it happen! We’re your passport to amazing venues in cities across the globe. So the next time you need a fresh, stylish space for a personal or professional project, check us out.

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