Looking for the perfect backdrop for your family portraits in South Lake Tahoe? Whether you want epic views of Mt. Tallac, quiet meadows, or lakeside moments with your crew, South Lake has more to offer than just postcard scenery: it’s full of locations that feel natural, relaxed, offer a wealth of variety, and ultimately, uniquely you.

After over a decade photographing families in Tahoe, these are my go-to spots that deliver stunning light, easy access (most of the year), and a variety of looks for families of all sizes.

Two boys laugh and play on a wooden dock at Valhalla in South Lake Tahoe, with snowy mountains in the background.
A woman playfully holds her laughing child upside down on the sand at Nevada Beach in Stateline, Nevada.

1. Valhalla Estate

If you want charm and variety, Valhalla has layers, and not just visually. Built in 1924 as part of the Heller family’s summer retreat, the estate was once a centerpiece of Tahoe’s “Hollywood North” era, when creatives and elites from LA would escape to the lake. The lodge itself, with its massive stone fireplace and wraparound deck, still holds that vintage charm and is frequently used as a wedding venue. The surrounding pine forest, paved and gravel paths, meadow, and lakefront beach and pier offers my favorite location for portraits in the area. Honestly, I never tire of it and it’s endless opportunities and changing light.

We always start in the parking lot, hit the meadow facing (hopefully) snow capped Mt. Tallac on the way, and have endless options once we’re on the estate: rustic wood architecture, the pier and shoreline, or endlessly filtered light through the trees. It’s one of the most versatile and photogenic spots on the South Shore. Early morning or golden hour keeps the light soft and flattering, but sunset is when the shoreline and lake views really sparkle.

A multigenerational family of seven stands on the wooden dock at Valhalla in South Lake Tahoe, with calm water, boats, and mountains behind them.
Four women standing arm in arm on the grassy lawn at Valhalla in South Lake Tahoe, smiling and chatting in the warm sunlight.
A group of six people stand together on the beach at Valhalla in South Lake Tahoe, with forested mountains and the lake shimmering behind them.

2. Fallen Leaf Lake

This spot is best for families who don’t mind a little effort for a lot of reward. It’s about a half-mile walk with some uneven trail and rock steps, but once we’re there, it opens up to a quieter, more intimate lake with tons of personality. The shoreline has a rocky beach, textured backdrops, and a peaceful vibe that feels worlds away from the crowds.

I recommend this for families with older kids or anyone looking for something a little more off the beaten path. The light reflects beautifully in the evening, and there’s room to play, explore, climb on trees, and jump of big boulders.  This location is not easily accessible in the winter.

A smiling man and woman swing a laughing young girl between them while walking on a wooded trail at Fallen Leaf Lake in South Lake Tahoe, California. Tall pine trees and golden grasses surround them, suggesting a crisp autumn day.
A man gives a young boy a piggyback ride on his shoulders along a grassy path at Fallen Leaf Lake in South Lake Tahoe, California. The boy laughs joyfully, gripping the man's head, with tall pine trees and golden foliage in the background.
A smiling family of four poses among trees and shrubs at Fallen Leaf Lake in South Lake Tahoe.

3. Washoe Meadows State Park

Washoe Meadows is one of the few spots in South Lake where the light works well pretty much all day. It’s on the western side of town, easy to get to, and ideal for midday sessions thanks to the tight forest canopy and consistent shade.

The meadows here can get beautifully green, especially in late spring and early summer. There’s a nice mix of open space, rustic trails, and pockets of dense pine that give a lot of variety without needing to move far. It’s a great choice for families with young kids or anyone who wants that natural Tahoe feel without hiking or dealing with crowds.

A couple walks a white dog along a forest path in Washoe Meadows State Park, South Lake Tahoe.
A couple smiles at their toddler son in a sunlit clearing at Washoe Meadows State Park.

4. South Upper Truckee at Christmas Valley Trailhead

This is my favorite Meyers location, especially for families who want to avoid driving into town or down to the lake. It’s quiet, accessible, and offers a solid mix of river views, forest trails, and open space—all within a short walk from the parking area.

What makes this spot especially useful in summer is how the light works. Because it sits near Echo Summit, sunset hits this area earlier than it does down by the lake. If you don’t want to wait until 8:30 p.m. for that golden light in July, this is a smart alternative. It’s ideal for families with younger kids who need an earlier session time without sacrificing that soft evening glow.  It’s also an accessible location in the winter, regardless of snowfall.

A laughing family of five plays with a blanket on a wooded road in Meyers, CA, during fall.
A boy in a green jacket smiles in a sunlit forest near the Christmas Valley trailhead.
A couple stands on a forest road near Christmas Valley trailhead, smiling at their seated dog.

5. Railroad Grade / Powerline Trail

Centrally located along Pioneer Trail, both of these trails offer a number of spots perfect for families staying in vacation rentals or cabins in the heart of South Lake. It’s easily accessible, with multiple entry points and plenty of parking along the way.

The light here is super flexible, making it one of the few locations that works well in the middle of the day. The wide trails, tall trees, and great shade provide space to move and create in summer sessions when schedules are busy and you need a location that plays well with mid-afternoon light.

Just note—this area is best in the summer. It’s not maintained or accessible once the snow hits.

A woman kneels in a forest clearing on Powerline Trail, smiling at a young child holding wildflowers.

6. San Francisco Meadow and Local’s Beach

This spot is located centrally in the thick of South Lake Tahoe, near our recreation center and library, behind Sprouts and just down the road from Lakeview Commons and Reagan Beach. It’s a small, straightforward location with a grassy meadow and a short walk to a beach.

There’s not a lot of variety here, so I typically recommend it for shorter sessions or families who want something simple and central. The beach light can be pretty harsh earlier in the evening, since there’s very little shade. It works best right at sunset, when the light softens and we can get clean, minimal lake portraits with (hopefully) a calm background.

A large extended family poses playfully on the sand at a local secret beach in South Lake Tahoe.
Silhouetted family members hold hands in a line through a field at sunset near a local's beach in South Lake Tahoe
A family of seven dressed in white poses together on a wooded path near a lake tahoe beach.

8. Nevada Beach

Nevada Beach works best in the morning, when the light comes in from the south and stays soft over the water. For smaller groups, I can use a parabolic umbrella to create shade and control the light, which gives us a lot more flexibility with timing.

There’s a bit of variety nearby too. The adjacent pine forest and bike path offer a quick change of scenery without needing to move far. This spot is ideal if you’re looking for a simple, clean beach look and your group is small enough to work within the shaded setup. Morning sessions here are relaxed, if we beat the morning traffic and beach goers, with just enough options to keep things interesting without overcomplicating it.

A smiling couple cuddles their baby on the sand at Nevada Beach in Stateline, Nevada, with snowy mountains in the background.
Three generations of a family smile together on a wooded path near Nevada Beach in Stateline, Nevada.
A father kneels on the beach at Nevada Beach in Stateline, Nevada, smiling at his daughter near the water.

9. Rabe Meadows + Kahle Community Center

These two spots are close enough to pair together, and they each offer great variety for a wealth of backgrounds. Kahle Community Center has beautiful aspen trees and tends to catch golden back light earlier in the hour. After that, a short one block drive through the light towards the lake pops you out at Rabe Meadows, where a wide field offers tall grass, big boulders, mountain views and a distant view of the lake. It’s best right at sunset, when the light softens and stretches across the open space. Both spots are easy to access with plenty of room to roam, making them a strong option for relaxed, natural sessions with kids and can be done with small groups or seniors in one session as a two-fer. Big family and sticking with one? As a bonus, Khale has a playground to use as a reward at the end of the session.

A family of three sits smiling on the grass at Kahle Community Center in Stateline, Nevada, surrounded by vibrant fall foliage.
A large extended family poses together on a forest path at Kahle Community Center in Stateline, Nevada.
A family holds hands in a line while walking through a sunlit meadow at Rabe Meadows in Stateline, Nevada.

10. Zephyr Cove Beach (Locals Parking)

Technically across the state line in Nevada, but still within easy reach, Zephyr Cove Beach is a solid option for small groups or families who are up for a little adventure. This isn’t the main beach access. We use a local pull-off where parking is roadside and the walk in is over half a mile, so it’s best for those who can pack light and don’t mind a bit of a trek.

Once we’re in, though, the payoff is big. The shoreline has bold rock formations, clean lake views, and a quiet, wild feel that’s hard to beat. Late afternoon light here is especially beautiful, bouncing off the rocks and water to create soft highlights and plenty of options for posing. If you’re after something iconic and you’re good with the logistics, Zephyr delivers, especially at sunset.

A couple swings their young daughter between them while walking on the rocky shore at Zephyr Cove Resort.
A family walks hand in hand on a forest trail at Zephyr Cove Resort, surrounded by tall pine trees.

Picking the Right Spot for Your Family

When it comes to family portraits in South Lake Tahoe, the right location depends on more than just what looks good on a postcard. Some families need space to move. Others want somewhere quiet and simple. Others simply want the most easily accessible location to their Vacation Home Rental because logistics with 4 family unites and 10 children under the age of 10 is hard. My job is to help guide you toward the spot where your people feel at ease, look their best, and maybe even have fun with it.

Each of these places has its own rhythm and light. I’ve worked at all of them through every season, and I’ll help you get the most out of whichever one feels right for your session.

If you’re planning a trip to Tahoe and want family portraits that feel relaxed, fun, and true to your crew, let’s talk. I work with families of all shapes and sizes and help you find the location that fits your vibe and comfort level. Please head here to fill out my contact form and get the party started.