5 EPIC LOCATIONS WITH OCEAN CLIFF VIEWS

Summer has finally arrived in San Francisco, which means the return of sunny days along the coast, and allll the engagement inquiries are rolling in ✨

A question my clients often ask me is, what are your favorite bay area locations with ocean cliff views? That are within 2 hours of San Francisco? Rather than gate keep, I decided to share my top 5 bay area locations with ocean cliff views.

LAND’S END

A very popular ocean cliff location that is easily accessible inside and outside of the city. Land’s End is very popular on the weekends, known for his hiking trails along the coast accompanied with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Sutro Baths.

MONTARA BEACH

Nestled somewhere between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, Montara beach has multiple areas to take in ocean cliff views. My favorite one is on the south end of the beach, where you’ll find a narrow path up the sandy cliff that leads you to 360 views of the ocean, cliffs, and Montara Beach. Pro tip: come here during May or the spring season and you’ll likely find the bluffs filled with purple wildflowers! Fun fact for the bay area sport fans here, Niner’s quarterback Brock Purdy did his engagement photos here!

POINT REYES PARKING LOT

A little bit of a farther drive up, but it is so so SO worth it, because you will get a coastal view that will stretch for daysss. Along the drive up, you’ll be greeted by rolling hills with cows and other wildlife. Pro tip: Bundle this location with the beautiful cypress tree tunnel to get more variety in your engagement session!

BATTERY ALEXANDER

Close to the city but feels like another world, Marin Headlands is usually my go-to for a spot of sunshine, in case there’s a slight chance of coastal fog rolling in around sunset. Pro tip: in the spring, you’ll usually find a bed of wildflowers here that overlooks the coast! I usually love bundling Battery Alexander with Rodeo Valley Trail, which is a quiet secluded area that includes some rolling golden hills and dry grass fields.

CHIMNEY ROCK TRAIL

Last but not least, Chimney Rock Trail has a huge ocean cliff that makes you feel like you’re on the edge of the earth. This trail is within 10 mins of the point reyes parking lot trail. I will say that this trail is pretty windy because it can have wind coming from 3 different directions, but once again, SO worth it.

For more location recommendations, check out my location guide.