San Clemente Family Photographer – Weingarten Family Photos at Calafia Beach

WEINGARTEN FAMILY PHOTOS AT CALAFIA BEACH

Father spinning son at sunset, Calafia Beach family photos.

Calafia Beach in San Clemente gave the Weingarten family exactly what they were after—wide open sand, golden light, and plenty of room for the kids to run free. We skipped the stiff poses and focused on the good stuff: climbing lifeguard towers, racing the waves, and laughing the whole way through. These kinds of sessions are a great reminder that authentic beach family photos can still feel polished. If you’re searching for candid San Clemente family photography in a spot that’s both relaxed and scenic, Calafia Beach is an awesome place to start.

Weingarten family walking shoreline, golden hour.

Why Calafia is a Hidden Gem in San Clemente

RELAXED & CANDID VIBE

From the moment we met at the trailhead, the energy was calm. Calafia State Beach is quieter than the main San Clemente Pier area, which meant the Weingartens didn't have to worry about crowds. They trusted the process, let the kids be kids, and moved with the natural rhythm of the evening. That mindset—combined with a secluded beach—always leads to more authentic family photos.

Joyful family photoshoot on the beach with parents and three children walking and smiling.

TRAIN TRACKS & CLIFFS

What makes Calafia unique among Orange County beaches is the variety. We had the iconic Amtrak train tracks running parallel to the sand, the classic white lifeguard towers, and the rugged sandstone cliffs all in one spot. This allowed us to get a diverse gallery—from industrial lines to organic textures—without ever having to drive to a second location.

Happy family smiling and posing for a portrait on the sandy shores of Calafia State Beach.

SAN CLEMENTE GOLDEN HOUR

The light in San Clemente hits differently because of the geography. The sun dips low over the horizon, casting a warm glow against the cliffs that makes every frame feel cinematic. We timed this session for late fall golden hour, allowing us to capture that rich, amber haze that defines Southern California coast photography.

Amtrak train backdrop during San Clemente photo session.
Young boy smiling at the top of a lifeguard tower.
Excitement and joy as boy takes leap of courage from lifeguard tower.
Two girls holding back a young boy trying to climb a lifeguard tower on a sunny beach.
Boy playing on beach, rubbing sand from eyes.
Joyful family moments captured in a San Clemente beach photoshoot with three children.
Smiling siblings enjoy a sunny day at San Clemente beach, California.
Califia State Beach family portrait, 5 people, ocean view, California coast.
Woman shielding her eyes from the sun while gazing at the ocean.
Family silhouette skipping stones at dusk.
Family walking on the beach with cliffs in the background, holding hands and smiling.
Smooth stone held in hand against a sandy beach backdrop.
A boy enjoys a day at the beach, throwing rocks into the waves as his family watches.
Overhead view of ten toes in the warm sand on a sunny beach.
A joyful father spins his young son in circles on the sandy shores of San Clemente Beach, California.
Three siblings running on wet sand, pastel sky.
Young boy laughing while walking on the beach with his sisters.
Brother and sister laughing and playing during a joyful family photoshoot at Calafia beach.
Smiling 8th-grade girl walking towards her family on a sunny beach.
A mother embraces her two children on San Clemente beach at sunset.
Smiling family of five, beach sunset photo, California.
Young boy pressing his head against the wall.
Smiling boy with family at Calafia Beach.
A mother gazes lovingly at her son as he sits on the sand, silhouetted against a beautiful sunset.
Orange County family beach photo shoot at sunset. Father and son hug.
A father playfully lifts his son as they enjoy a beautiful sunset on the beach in San Clemente, California.
Sunset beach photo of three siblings walking on a wall.
Young boy balancing on a concrete wall at the San Clemente Beach.
Family portrait with mother and daughters smiling on Calafia Beach, San Clemente, California.
Family of five poses for a portrait at Calafia Beach with a cliff wall backdrop.
Two sisters smile for a close-up portrait against a cliff wall on a San Clemente beach.
Stylish woman with a gold necklace enjoys a beach photoshoot in Orange County.
Young boy with a playful smile poses against the rugged cliffs of San Clemente beach.
Close-up portrait of a happy boy with braces, wearing a short-sleeved blue shirt.
Family of 5 at Calafia State Beach, California. Scenic cliff backdrop.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Amtrak Surfliner runs right behind the beach, but it passes quickly and isn't a distraction. In fact, most kids love seeing it go by! We use the tracks safely as a unique, industrial backdrop that you don't get at other Orange County beaches.

  • s, Calafia has a narrower stretch of sand than some other beaches. We always check the tide charts before finalizing your time. If the tide is high, we simply shoot more on the beautiful sandstone bluffs and trails above the water, which offer equally stunning views without the wet feet.

  • Calafia is much quieter and more secluded. While the Pier offers that classic bustling beach town energy, Calafia feels more rugged and natural with its steep cliffs and open shoreline. It’s the better choice if you want a relaxed session without crowds of people in the background.