One of my favorite beaches for family photos in Orange County sits right in the heart of Laguna Beach, Goff Cove. It’s known for its calm tide, warm light, and sculptural rock formations, and together those make a perfect neutral backdrop for beach-loving families.
Where to Take Family Photos in Laguna Beach
This sweet family of three love Laguna Beach so much that they drove forty-five minutes just to have their photos taken here. Honestly, it’s always worth the drive. The view alone feels like a little slice of the Mediterranean, all texture and warmth, with sandstone cliffs that frame the shoreline instead of competing with it.
Goff Cove is smaller than most Orange County beaches, and that’s exactly what makes it work. The rock formations wrap around the cove and keep the water unusually calm, which is a quiet gift when you’re photographing a toddler who wants to run straight at the ocean. The tucked-away shoreline also means far fewer strangers wandering through the background of your photos. If you’re weighing up locations, family photos at Shaw’s Cove is the other Laguna spot I’d point you to — more open water and tide pools, and a completely different feel from Goff Cove’s sheltered shoreline.
Best Time of Day for Goff Cove Family Photos
Their baby was just about to turn one, so we planned the session for golden hour. A happy accident of arriving early gave us extra time to explore. We wandered down to the shoreline and used the cliffs to soften the light, and the result is the warm, glowy set you’ll see below, slightly unposed, sun-kissed, and completely them.
If you have flexibility on when to book, August through the end of October is the best stretch of the year here. The light is warm and low, and the water is still warm enough that nobody minds getting their feet wet.
When I photograph families, I like to start with space to connect naturally before offering gentle direction. For this session we mixed a few simple walking prompts with plenty of cozy, snuggly baby moments. Who can resist them? I always love highlighting mothers in my sessions, so we added a few editorial-inspired portraits of mom and baby, the kind that hold onto the soft bond and the timeless beauty of this season of life.
Getting to Goff Cove: Parking, Stairs, and the Walk Down
Parking is easy, though you’ll want to plan for a short scenic walk of about five to seven minutes from the parking structure by the Montage Resort, ending in a short set of stairs down to the cove. Nothing strenuous, but worth knowing if you’re bringing a stroller, or if grandparents are joining the session. As you make your way down, the ocean will be on your left, and it’s worth pausing to take in the view. The walk is part of the charm, and it gives little ones a chance to shake out some energy before we start.
If you’re planning family photos in Laguna Beach, Goff Cove is one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots you can choose. You can see more recent sessions over on Instagram, or visit my booking page to start planning your own session in this corner of Southern California.
