Best Burlingame Family Photo Locations: 7 Favorites
Burlingame family photo locations offer some of the most beautiful and family friendly settings on the San Francisco Peninsula. From historic architecture and waterfront views to blooming gardens and tree lined parks, Burlingame provides a wonderful variety of backdrops for relaxed family portraits.
Even though I live just down the road in Millbrae, my family spends a lot of time in Burlingame. Whether we’re visiting the library, walking along Burlingame Avenue, grabbing a treat downtown, or meeting friends at Washington Park, it’s a city we’ve come to love.
As both a local mom and a family photographer serving San Mateo County, I’m always noticing places that would make beautiful settings for family photos. Many of these locations are stroller friendly, toddler approved, and filled with the soft Peninsula light that helps photographs feel timeless.
If you’re planning family photos in Burlingame, you may also find my guide to the best family photo locations on the San Francisco Peninsula helpful. It includes additional parks, beaches, redwood groves, and waterfront locations throughout San Mateo County.
What Are Burlingame Family Photo Locations?
Burlingame family photo locations are outdoor spaces throughout Burlingame that provide beautiful natural backdrops for relaxed family portraits. These locations often include parks, waterfront paths, historic architecture, and walkable neighborhoods that allow families to explore comfortably while creating genuine moments together.
One of the reasons families love Burlingame is the variety. Within just a few miles, you can move from a waterfront sunset to a rose garden, historic mansion, downtown streetscape, or tree lined campus.
Map of the Best Burlingame Family Photo Locations
Some of the most loved Burlingame family photo locations include:
- Washington Park Rose Garden
- Kohl Mansion
- Burlingame Avenue
- Burlingame Main Post Office (220 Park Road)
- Bay Trail
- Historic Burlingame Caltrain Station
- Burlingame High School
Why Families Love Burlingame Family Photo Locations
One of the reasons families choose Burlingame family photo locations is how easy they feel. The parks are accessible, parking is generally simple, and many locations work well for both young children and grandparents.
Burlingame also offers beautiful scenery throughout the year. Spring brings blooming flowers, summer offers long evenings, fall provides warm golden light, and winter often delivers soft, flattering light without large crowds.
Washington Park Rose Garden
Washington Park is one of Burlingame’s most beloved gathering places. The rose garden is especially beautiful in April and May when the blooms are at their peak, while the mature trees provide beautiful light throughout the year.
My own son loves the playground at Washington Park, which is one reason it’s become one of my favorite locations for family photos. Knowing there is a playground waiting at the end of the session is often all the motivation toddlers need. Parents are usually surprised how much smoother photos go when children have something fun to look forward to afterward.
The park is also one of the most flexible locations in Burlingame. It works beautifully for both morning and sunset sessions, making it easier for families to coordinate around naps, sports, and busy schedules.
Washington Park is maintained by the Burlingame Parks and Recreation Department, which oversees many of the community spaces that make Burlingame such a wonderful place for families.
Why it works
- Wide lawns, rose gardens, and lavender
- Rustic wooden rails and benches for natural posing
- Plenty of room for toddlers to explore
- Natural backgrounds that photograph beautifully
What to know
- Best photo times: Mid morning or golden hour
- Parking: Small lot plus street parking
- Accessibility: Flat and stroller friendly
- Crowds: Light even on weekends
Washington Park is one of my favorite locations for families with young children because there is so much room to move and explore. If you’re preparing for a session with little ones, you may also enjoy my guide to family photos with toddlers, where I share simple ways to keep the experience fun and relaxed.
Kohl Mansion
If you’re looking for a location that feels timeless and elegant, Kohl Mansion is one of Burlingame’s most iconic landmarks. The historic brick architecture, grand staircases, mature trees, and beautifully maintained grounds create a backdrop that feels both refined and welcoming.
Summer can be an especially wonderful time for portraits when school is out and there is often more flexibility in coordinating photography sessions on the grounds. Fall is equally stunning. The combination of historic architecture, warm seasonal colors, and soft Peninsula light creates one of the most beautiful settings for family photos on the Peninsula.
Like Washington Park, Kohl Mansion photographs beautifully in both the morning and at sunset, giving families more flexibility when planning around work, school, and family schedules.
Why it works
- Ivy covered brick and historic architecture
- Wide lawns for children to move freely
- Rose gardens and elegant walkways
- A polished look that still feels natural
What to know
- Best photo times: Late afternoon and golden hour
- Parking: On site lot
- Accessibility: Stroller friendly
- Permit: No permit is required. Kohl Mansion simply requests a recommended donation of about $100 to Mercy High School to use the grounds for your portrait session.
If you want to explore more Peninsula locations, this guide to the best family photo locations across the San Francisco Peninsula.
Burlingame Avenue
One of my favorite things about Burlingame Avenue is how perfectly it reflects everyday family life. Within just a few blocks, you’ll find beautiful restaurants for celebrations and date nights, coffee shops, bakeries, local businesses, and all the everyday places that bring a community together.
The area feels vibrant without feeling rushed. Families stroll together, neighbors stop and chat, and children peek into shop windows as they walk by. That sense of connection often comes through naturally in photographs.
Burlingame Avenue is also the heart of many community events throughout the year. The Burlingame Chamber of Commerce helps support local businesses, seasonal celebrations, and community gatherings that give downtown Burlingame its welcoming small town feel.
Why it works
- The landscaping and stonework in front of the former Burlingame Main Post Office at 220 Park Road create a clean architectural backdrop for modern family portraits.
- The historic Burlingame Caltrain Station adds vintage charm with its arched architecture and warm tones.
- It is a wonderful location for candid walking photos, playful moments with kids, and relaxed portraits that feel natural rather than posed.
- Many families start with urban portraits near the post office, stroll toward the station, and finish with natural portraits at nearby Washington Park.
What to know
- Best photo time: Golden hour
- Parking: Meters and garages nearby
- Accessibility: Very walkable
- Crowds: Mild to moderate on weekends
Burlingame Main Post Office
Most people drive past the Burlingame Main Post Office without realizing how beautiful it is. The historic building at 220 Park Road offers clean lines, beautiful symmetry, and timeless architectural details that create a sophisticated backdrop for portraits.
I also appreciate how thoughtfully the city has preserved the historic character of the building while creating welcoming public spaces around it. It feels like a place that honors Burlingame’s history while continuing to serve the community today.
Why it works
- The landscaping and stonework in front of the former Burlingame Main Post Office at 220 Park Road create a clean architectural backdrop for modern family portraits.
- The historic Burlingame Caltrain Station adds vintage charm with its arched architecture and warm tones.
What to know
- Best photo time: Golden hour
- Parking: Meters and garages nearby
- Accessibility: Very walkable
- Crowds: Mild to moderate
Bay Trail: Waterfront Views and Open Space
If your family loves being outdoors, the Bay Trail offers some of the most expansive views in Burlingame.
Whenever I photograph families along the Bay Trail, the airplanes quickly become part of the experience. Children are naturally fascinated watching planes arrive and depart from SFO every few minutes, which keeps them engaged and excited throughout the session.
The Bay Trail is especially wonderful for families with young children because it combines adventure with safety. Wide paved pathways make it stroller friendly, while the waterfront scenery creates beautiful backdrops in every direction. Summer evenings are particularly magical, with golden sunsets reflecting across the Bay.
The nearby views of the Embassy Suites waterfront property and its grand columns add another unique architectural element that many families enjoy incorporating into their session.
Why it works
- Waterfront backdrops and wooden decks
- White guardrails that photograph beautifully
- Wooden bridges and fishing pier
- Planes flying overhead that toddlers love
What to know
- Best photo times: Golden hour
- Parking: Easy on site lot
- Accessibility: Flat and stroller friendly
- Weather: Can be windy so bring layers
No matter which location you choose, a little preparation can make family photos feel much easier. I recommend reading these family photoshoot tips before your session to help everything feel calm and stress free.
Historic Burlingame Caltrain Station
The historic Burlingame Caltrain Station is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Its arched architecture, warm tones, and vintage character create a backdrop that feels uniquely Burlingame.
My son always wants to stop and watch the trains whenever we’re nearby. For many young children, seeing the trains arrive and depart is every bit as exciting as the playground.
The station is also conveniently located within walking distance of Burlingame Avenue, Washington Park, and the library, making it easy to combine several family favorites into one afternoon.
Why it works
- The historic Burlingame Caltrain Station adds vintage charm with its arched architecture and warm tones.
What to know
- Best photo time: Golden hour
- Parking: Meters and garages nearby
- Accessibility: Very walkable
- Crowds: Mild to moderate
Burlingame High School
Burlingame High School is one of my favorite locations that many people don’t immediately think of for portraits. The historic architecture, wide stairways, redwood grove, and open lawn areas provide an incredible variety of backdrops within a short walking distance.
For high school seniors, it offers a meaningful connection to an important season of life. I especially love photographing student athletes here because the classic campus setting pairs beautifully with uniforms, instruments, and other activities that reflect who they are.
As someone who grew up on the SF Peninsula, I love locations that tell part of a family’s story. For many Burlingame families, few places hold more memories than Burlingame High School.
The campus is beautiful throughout the year, but fall is particularly popular for senior portraits. The earlier sunsets after daylight saving time ends in November also make weekday sessions much easier for busy students and families.
Why it works
- Historic architecture and classic brick buildings
- Wide staircases and open gathering spaces
- A beautiful redwood grove with soft filtered light
- Open lawn areas that create a variety of backdrops
- Meaningful location for Burlingame families and local seniors
What to know
- Best photo time: Golden hour
- Parking: street parking
- Accessibility: Very walkable
- Crowds: Mild to moderate
Which Burlingame Family Photo Locations Are Best for Young Children?
For families with toddlers, some of the most popular Burlingame family photo locations include Washington Park, the Bay Trail, and portions of Burlingame Avenue. These locations provide plenty of room to move, explore, and stay engaged throughout the session.
As a mom myself, I know that beautiful photos are only part of the experience. Choosing a location that allows children to move naturally often helps everyone feel more relaxed and enjoy the session.
Many families who discover these Burlingame family photo locations are also looking for a photographer who understands how to work with young children. You can learn more about my Bay Area Family Photography sessions, where you’ll find portfolio examples, session details, and everything included in a full family session.
And if you’re worried about family photos feeling stressful, my guide to stress-free family photos walks through exactly how I help families feel comfortable, prepared, and confident throughout the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burlingame Family Photo Locations
What are the most popular Burlingame family photo locations?
Washington Park, Kohl Mansion, the Bay Trail, Burlingame Avenue, and Burlingame High School are among the most requested locations for family photography sessions.
When is the best time of year for family photos in Burlingame?
Spring and fall are the most popular seasons, although Burlingame photographs beautifully throughout the year.
Are Burlingame family photo locations stroller friendly?
Many of the most popular Burlingame family photo locations, including Washington Park and the Bay Trail, are flat, easy to navigate, and work well for families with young children.
Can we include our dog in family photos?
Absolutely. Many Burlingame locations work beautifully for families who would like to include their dog.
How far in advance should we book family photos?
Most families reserve their session 1-3 months in advance, although fall weekends often book earlier.
Ready to Plan Your Burlingame Family Photo Session?
Families across Burlingame, Hillsborough, Millbrae, San Mateo, and the surrounding San Francisco Peninsula often choose Burlingame for family photos because of its beautiful parks, walkable neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and soft golden hour light.
Whether you’re drawn to the roses at Washington Park, the timeless architecture of Kohl Mansion, the waterfront views along the Bay Trail, or the charm of downtown Burlingame, I’d love to help you choose a location that feels like your family.
If you’re ready to plan your Burlingame family photo session, you can learn more about my Bay Area Family Photography sessions or get in touch here. I’ll help with location selection, timing, what to wear, and all the details so your session feels easy, relaxed, and enjoyable from start to finish.
Welcome Friends, I'm Ellen
Photographer Serving the Bay Area Peninsula
I am a lifestyle and natural light photographer based in San Mateo County, serving families across the San Francisco Bay Area and Peninsula. I regularly photograph families in San Mateo, Burlingame, Palo Alto, Redwood City, and surrounding Peninsula communities.
I specialize in family, newborn, and maternity sessions that take place at home or outdoors, capturing genuine joy, connection, and beautifully candid moments.
Along with photography, I also offer cinematic highlight films to bring your family’s story to life in motion.
My sessions are fun, easy, and well guided. I use simple prompts and natural posing so you can relax, enjoy being together, and let me document the love and energy that make your family unique.
Photographer. Fitness lover. Wife. MOm. world traveler.
follow along @ellobelle.photography
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