Best Places for Family Photos in Riverside, CA

After 13 years of photographing families all over Riverside, I’ve shot at nearly every park, trail, and quiet street corner in this city — and some spots work far better than others. This guide covers my go-to locations for family photo sessions, with honest notes on when to go, what to expect, and who each spot is best for.

Fairmount Park

The most versatile family photo location in Riverside, and the one I recommend most often. The historic rose garden and wide open lawns give you a lot of options in one place — soft, romantic backdrops near the roses, or bright open space if you’ve got kids who need room to run before they’ll sit still for a photo.

  • Best for: larger families, extended family groups, families with young kids who need space to burn energy
  • Best time: early morning or the last two hours before sunset
  • Good to know: it’s a popular park, so weekend mornings can get busy — I plan around that when picking your time slot

Mount Rubidoux

If you want photos with a real sense of place — sweeping views over the city — Mount Rubidoux delivers, but it does involve a short walk up a paved road/trail.

  • Best for: families comfortable with a 10-15 minute walk, families who want a dramatic backdrop rather than a park-lawn look
  • Best time: golden hour, an hour or so before sunset — the light here is genuinely some of the best in the city
  • Good to know: not ideal for very young kids or anyone who needs a stroller-friendly, flat location

Rancho Jurupa Park

A quieter, more natural option along the Santa Ana River, with shaded areas that are especially forgiving on hot days.

  • Best for: younger kids, families who want a softer, more natural look rather than manicured park scenery
  • Best time: late afternoon, when the shade is at its best
  • Good to know: more spread out than Fairmount, so it feels more private even on a busy day

UC Riverside Botanic Gardens

A less obvious choice, and one of my favorites for families who want something a little different from the typical park backdrop. The variety of plant life gives a lot of visual texture.

  • Best for: families wanting a unique, less “seen-everywhere” backdrop; families with older kids or teens
  • Best time: mid-morning, before it gets too warm on the exposed trail sections
  • Good to know: there’s some walking involved and limited shade in parts, so it’s better suited to cooler months

How I Help You Choose

Every family is different, and the “best” location really depends on your kids’ ages, how much walking your family wants to do, and what look you’re going for. This is exactly what we talk through in the consultation before booking — you don’t have to figure this out alone.

Ready to Book a Session at One of These Locations?

If one of these spots caught your eye, or you want a recommendation based on your family specifically, get in touch and we’ll figure out the right fit together.

Looking for more general session info first? Check out the Riverside Family Photographer or read What to Wear for Family Photos before you book.