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Finding the right location for your senior portraits in San Diego is an important part of documenting this huge milestone.

The right setting should reflect what’s important to you, and ideally, hold meaning for you.

Eden here (who is actually graduating from college, but didn’t get a high school senior portrait session due to COVID) didn’t even have to think about where she wanted her San Diego senior photos taken.

Torrey Pines State Beach is her favorite place in San Diego, holding so many wonderful memories; it was just a no-brainer.

Here’s what you should know if you’re considering Torrey Pines State Beach for your senior portrait session in San Diego.

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IS TORREY PINES STATE BEACH THE RIGHT LOCATION FOR YOUR SENIOR PORTRAITS?

If you’re drawn to the beach-y look, but would also like some variety with dramatic background cliffs and big boulders (see photos), Torrey Pines beach might be the perfect pick for your senior photos.

It’s also pretty centrally located relative to the rest of San Diego – so no driving all the way up to Carlsbad if you live in central San Diego, for instance.

(Keep reading for more about the variety!).

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A VARIETY OF COASTAL BACKDROPS IN ONE LOCATION

One of the biggest advantages of Torrey Pines State Beach is how much visual variety it offers in a relatively small area.

In a single session, we can photograph against towering sandstone cliffs, long swaths of beach, textured rock formations, and expansive ocean views.

The result is a gallery that feels cohesive but not repetitive, with plenty of distinct looks and lighting, all without hopping between locations.

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A SCENIC, COASTAL SAN DIEGO LOCATION

Located along the northern edge of La Jolla, Torrey Pines State Beach is easily accessible from Interstate 5 and Highway 56. It’s a beautiful drive, and once you arrive, it feels like a hidden spot—even though you’re still very much in San Diego.

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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT PARKING & BATHROOMS

Torrey Pines State Beach has two paid parking lots, the north beach lot and the south beach lot. Either afford an easy walk out to the most scenic shooting locations. As of this writing (February 2026), parking is $15-25/vehicle (price is based on demand), or free with a California State Parks Vehicle Day Use pass.

Bathrooms are available at either of the parking lots, too.

I would recommend paying to park, rather than trying to find street parking. You’ll have a long walk from the street, and the last thing you want to feel at your senior session is rushed and sweaty!

Here’s the official Torrey Pines State Beach website for more info.

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A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND: WIND, CROWDS, AND TIDES

Because this is the beach, wind is always a possibility. I plan sessions carefully and guide wardrobe choices to ensure hair and clothing photograph beautifully, especially with ocean breezes.

Torrey Pines State Beach is also a popular spot, especially on weekends. It’s not usually an issue, however, as my sessions are scheduled during the less busy evening hours, and crowds aren’t a problem.

Tides can also affect which areas are accessible, which I monitor closely in advance so there are no surprises.

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STYLING SUGGESTIONS FOR SENIOR PORTRAITS AT TORREY PINES STATE BEACH

Soft neutrals and beach-y tones photograph beautifully here. Think creams, soft whites, light denim, warm tans, muted blues, and earth tones. These colors complement the cliffs and ocean without competing for attention.

Flowing dresses, relaxed silhouettes, and layered outfits tend to work especially well in this environment. And don’t worry about shoes – instead, go barefoot in the sand and surf!

See Eden’s outfit choices – her earth tones and soft shades complement Torrey Pines beach perfectly!

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AM I THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOU?

If Torrey Pines State Beach sounds like the right fit for your San Diego senior portraits, let’s talk.

The seniors I work with value warm & natural images that don’t look or feel overly posed.

More importantly, the families I work with value the full, bespoke senior portrait experience, which looks like this:

• We start with an in-home consultation, where I come to you and help choose outfits that will photograph beautifully.
• Full hair & makeup, ensuring you look and feel your very best for your portraits.
• A fun and easy session, where you just show up, relax, and let me direct you.
• Finally, your beautiful new portraits will be transformed into heirloom-quality printed artwork, custom designed for your home. This means your precious images don’t just sit on your hard drive; instead you’ll receive handcrafted European leather albums and framed wall art, to be enjoyed in your home for years to come.

Yes, I take care of all of it.

To book your senior portrait experience, just contact me here, and I’ll take it from there.

And yes… congratulations.

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