10 Cool Instagram Photo Ideas in San Diego

San Diego is one of California’s most beautiful cities, with sandy beaches, historic buildings, and scenic mountains and deserts all within a short drive from downtown. But sometimes the tourist spots can get a little crowded. If you’re looking for a place to capture San Diego’s charm without fighting the crowds for a photo op, consider booking one of these Peerspace venue for your Instagram photoshoot.

You can book each of these venues directly from a local host, and many of them have the option of adding catering, gear rentals, and other services. If you need additional support, hit up our Concierge team to bring your Instagram photo ideas to life.


1. This industrial loft in East Village

san diego loft
Source: Peerspace

This bright and spacious loft provides everything you need from a traditional portrait studio, from a white backdrop to a wardrobe rack. But you’ll also have plenty of room to get creative. Enjoy a furnished seating area, kitchenette, and movable wall. Whether you’re modeling for a food or fashion blog, or you’re photographing your yoga or meditation routine, this is a versatile venue that’s easy to get to from downtown San Diego.


2. This A-frame home in Canyon Mesa West

canyon a-frame home san diego
Source: Peerspace

An easy drive from downtown, this home offers the perfect mix of modern architecture and a secluded natural vibe. In fact, it could easily have its own Instagram account⁠. Musicians will look great sitting at the grand piano or in front of the fireplace, while food bloggers will love the spacious kitchen with wooden countertops. For exterior shots, don’t miss the 2000-square-foot backyard filled with lush vegetation. There are a few great outdoor photo spots to choose from, including a picnic table, a deck, and an art studio.


3. This tropical living room in Sunset Cliffs

the jungle agenda san diego
Source: Peerspace

For a magazine-style fashion shoot, you’ll be hard pressed to find something more appropriate than this impeccably-decorated living room full of tropical plants and natural light. The plain white walls allow the plants to stand out, while the hardwood floors and comfortable furniture provide the perfect backdrop for artists and musicians. There’s also a spacious kitchen and a seating area surrounded by plants for all your outdoor Instagram photo ideas.

4. This cozy loft in Little Italy

san diego loft little italy
Source: Peerspace

If you’re looking for a stylish venue with a relaxing vibe, try this 1500-square-foot loft in Little Italy. With a comfortable seating area, a spacious bedroom, and a modern shower, this venue is a great fit for fashion and beauty shoots of all kinds. Most of the art that’s displayed in the loft is made by the host and her friends, giving it a personalized feel that you won’t find in other photo studios. There are also sliding glass doors leading to a small outdoor patio for exterior shots.


5. This hilltop home in La Mesa

san diego mid-century home
Source: Peerspace

This elegant home has several seating areas to choose from, including a spacious room with a grand piano and bookshelves lining the walls. But the most impressive area is the outdoor patio with views of the San Diego hills. Choose this venue for an outdoor fashion shoot during magic hour for the best light, or rent it out for a private party to bring your photo shoot to life!


6. This ranch house in Muirlands

country house san diego
Source: Peerspace

This La Jolla style ranch house highlights the best of of what San Diego has to offer. Although there are six bedrooms and five baths, you may find yourself spending most of your time outdoors on the one-acre property nestled in the hills. You can choose from a grassy yard with a large tree swing, a brick-lined courtyard with a picnic table, a garden area with raised beds, and a sandy seating area with wooden lawn chairs. This is the perfect venue for a lifestyle photo shoot!


7. This urban loft in East Village

Source: Peerspace

Let’s head back indoors for a look at this urban loft that can be rented out as a photo studio or an event space. The hardwood floors and large windows are ideal for photographing a yoga lesson or dance performance, while the 38-foot white cyclorama can serve as the backdrop for a fashion or portrait shoot. Basic studio lights are included for free with your rental. But the best part of the venue is that there are four styled sets on-site, giving you the opportunity to shoot in a modern kitchen, Euro-style living room, bathroom with tub, and more!

8. This retail venue in Normal Heights

interior design studio san diego
Source: Peerspace

This retail space is a great choice for craft bloggers and online retailers who want to design their own pop-up shop for the day or do product photography for their Instagram brand. Use the decor that’s already in place, or fill the shelves with your own products. You’ll have access to 700-square-foot of space and you can fit 15 guests if you want to host a product launch or cocktail party.


9. This stylish home in Pacific Beach

Source: Peerspace

This carefully-designed home is perfect for all of your Instagram photo ideas in San Diego. You can use the exercise room for yoga or workout shots, relax in the built-in sauna, or throw a BBQ in the backyard for a small-group photo shoot. There’s a fireplace, kitchen, patio, outdoor swing, and more, making this a versatile venue for a range of themes and photography styles.


10. This bayfront home in Pacific Beach

bay front home san diego
Source: Peerspace

This 5000-square-foot venue is located right on the water, lending it the feel of a luxury island getaway. Whether you’re lying in bed, playing ping pong, or sitting at the kitchen bar, the retractable doors and windows allow you to look out onto the beach. With a lawn, lounge chairs, palm trees, and a fire pit, you’ll have plenty of options for lifestyle portraits at this tropical beachside paradise.


San Diego is full of beautiful tourist attractions, and we hope you’ll make time to visit them too. But by renting a Peerspace venue, you can make sure you have the time and space you need to make your Instagram photo ideas in San Diego a reality.


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