The UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley is one of those locations that works without much effort. There’s real variety here — different textures, backdrops, and light — all within a short walk of the entrance. I’ve photographed families here across different times of day and different seasons. Most of my sessions stay close to the entrance — you really don’t have to go deep into the gardens to find something beautiful.
It’s also one of the more practical choices in the East Bay for family and maternity sessions, which matters more than people might expect when you’re planning a session with young kids or during the third trimester.
Why It Works for Family Sessions
My family sessions here tend to move at an easy pace — kids do well because there’s enough to explore and discover without anyone getting overwhelmed. The paths near the entrance offer a lot of variety — changing backdrops, interesting plants, open areas — so sessions move naturally.
When the light and timing are right, I’ll sometimes head into the Tropical House or one of the greenhouse structures. The lush interior and soft filtered light can make for a really different set of images within the same session.
One of the things I like most about the garden is that sessions tend to unfold naturally. Kids stop to look at unusual plants, wander the paths, or get distracted by something that catches their eye. Those moments often become some of my favorites. During one session, a toddler started getting antsy, so we put on his favorite song, and he ended up dancing with his parents right on one of the garden paths. Bubbles are another good reset — and they tend to make for fun photos too. If your kids have a stuffed animal or something they’re really into right now, bring it. Those details tend to show up in the photos in a way that captures exactly who they were at this age.
If a child uses a stroller or someone has a walker or wheelchair, the paved paths from the entrance make the garden fully accessible without limiting our options. I recently photographed an extended family session here with a family member who used a wheelchair. We stayed in one area the entire time and still came away with a full range of images.
Why It Works for Maternity Sessions
For maternity sessions, the Botanical Garden checks a lot of the practical boxes: easy walking, restrooms close by, beautiful surroundings, and no need to cover a lot of ground. The lush, layered greenery photographs well at any time of year.
It’s a location that feels meaningful without requiring a lot from you physically — which is the right call in the third trimester.
The Redwood Grove
The garden does have a redwood grove, and it’s beautiful. Worth knowing: it’s sometimes closed for events, particularly on weekend afternoons. The light inside is also darker and more variable than in other parts of the garden, which affects how photos look. If going there is important to you, we can plan ahead — but I tend to work closer to the entrance and still come away with a full range of images.
Practical Notes
Location: UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr, Berkeley, CA 94720
Parking: Paid lot on site — easy to find a spot most of the time.
Entry fees: Without a membership, there is an admission fee — I recommend checking the UC Botanical Garden website for current pricing.
Restrooms: Available in the garden — a genuine plus for maternity clients and families with young kids.
Accessibility: Paved paths from the entrance make much of the garden accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Benches: There are benches throughout the garden that work well for snack breaks — helpful when you have young kids who need a moment to reset.
Best time: One reason I like the garden is the flexibility it offers throughout the day. The varied plantings, shaded paths, and greenhouse spaces give us options that many outdoor locations do not. No single season stands out — the garden stays lush year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UC Botanical Garden a good place for family photos? Yes — it’s one of my go-to locations in the East Bay. There’s a lot of variety near the entrance, the paths are easy to navigate, and kids tend to stay engaged because there’s always something to look at or explore.
Is it a good location for maternity photos? It’s a strong choice for maternity sessions. The garden is easy to walk, restrooms are nearby, and the lush surroundings photograph beautifully. You don’t need to cover a lot of ground to come away with a full set of images.
Do I need to pay to get in? Yes — there is an admission fee. I recommend reserving ahead.
Is it accessible for strollers or wheelchairs? Yes. The paved paths from the entrance make much of the garden accessible, and I’ve photographed families with strollers and a child in a wheelchair there without any issues.
What time of day is best for photos there? The garden works well any time of day — there’s no single golden window the way there is at some outdoor locations. I factor in your schedule and the season when we plan timing.
Can we include the redwood grove? Possibly — it depends on the day. The grove is sometimes closed for private events, especially weekend afternoons, and the light inside is darker and more variable. I’ll always have a plan B, and honestly, we rarely need it.
Do you photograph at the UC Botanical Garden regularly? Yes — it’s a location I return to often for both family and maternity sessions in Berkeley and the East Bay.
Book a Session at the UC Botanical Garden
The UC Botanical Garden is one of my favorite East Bay spots for family and maternity photography. It offers beautiful surroundings, easy access, and plenty of variety without a long hike. I’d love to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your session. You can learn more about family sessions or maternity sessions, or get in touch to start planning.
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