Family photos in Big Sur are AMAZING! We were stationed in Monterey for 2 years when my husband was in the Navy which coincided with my intro to taking family photos. To be honest I actually got tired of shooting at the beach when we lived there but now I can’t wait to get back! I try to get back with my kids in the late winter each year to get away from the cold. Little tip: the photos with the calla lilies (guys they grow wild in this little valley on the beach) bloom in late spring!

Why you should choose Big Sur for your family photos:

There really is no where like it. Seriously. I’ve been all over and this specific spot is just special. You get some greenery and rocks, beach and sky. Kids love to play in the sand. The colors are incredible here too. This is not your ordinary session on a beach. AND you can combine it with a family trip to Monterey. This spot that I use is only 20 minutes from downtown Monterey. It can be a little windy sometimes, but we always make it work!

What to do in Monterey with kids:

Gosh so much! Obviously the Monterey Aquarium. We went often when living there and it’s just so good. There are lots of little spots in the neighboring towns like Pacific Grove and Carmel that are fun to just wander around. Carmel has the best beach for kids and is walkable from the amazing town. And the food… incredible. When I go back with the kids I get an air bnb in Pacific Grove and bike around the great paved trail. We were close enough to walk to Lovers Point (another great kids beach). The best kept secret is “The Bench” in Pebble Beach. They have outdoor firepits where you can order bar food and drinks and look out over the ocean. And a bagpiper comes out at sunset.