Best DC Area fall photo locations

 
 

Scott’s Run

7400 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22102

  • Gorgeous fall foliage frames a creek and hiking trails that lead to a waterfall tributary running into the Potomac River

  • Best for families with kids who can easily hike to and from the waterfall

  • Free parking at the trailhead parking lot

  • Dogs on leash are allowed

  • No permit required

Green Spring Gardens

4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria, VA 22312

  • Beautiful gardens filled with fall flowers, mature, colorful trees, a pond, two gazebos, and wide open grassy fields offer a wide variety of favorites fall photography features

  • Best for families with kids of all ages

  • Free parking in the parking lot or adjacent streets

  • Dogs on leash are allowed

  • No permit required

Manassas Battlefield Park

12521 Lee Highway, Manassas, VA 20109

  • Beautiful gardens filled with fall flowers, mature colorful trees, and open grassy fields, ahistoric house, a pond, two gazebos offer a wide variety of favorite fall photography features

  • Best for families with kids of all ages.

  • Free parking at the lot near the Stone House

  • Dogs on leash are allowed

  • No permit required

Brookside Gardens

1800 Glenallan Avenue in Wheaton, MD 20902

  • Japanese maples in deep red fall color, a Japanese tea house perched on an island in a pond, winding paved paths, gazebos, and colorful garden beds make for images full of fall variety

  • Best for families with kids of all ages

  • Free parking at the garden’s parking lot

  • Dogs are not allowed

  • Permit required

Lake Audubon

2070 Twin Branches Rd, Reston, VA 20190

  • Calm lake views framed by fall foliage, wooden docks, and wooded trails along the shoreline create soft, reflective images with golden fall color

  • Best for families with kids of all ages

  • Free parking at Lake Audubon Pool

  • Dogs on leash are allowed

  • No permit required

Bishop’s Garden

3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016

  • A walled, medieval-style garden with a stone Norman arch, an eight-sided gazebo called the Shadow House, a rose garden, herb gardens, fountains, statues, and stone pathways offers a storybook backdrop for fall photos

  • Best for families with kids of all ages

  • Paid street or garage parking available around the National Cathedral

  • Dogs on leash are allowed

  • Permit required

Colvin Run Mill

10017 Colvin Run Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066

  • A historic 1811 working water-powered mill with a turning water wheel, a mill pond, a charming general store porch, the miller’s house, a barn, and gravel paths create rustic images with plenty of fall character

  • Best for families with kids of all ages

  • Free parking at the lot by the general store

  • Dogs on leash are allowed

  • Photography permit required

Nottoway Park

9601 Courthouse Road, Vienna, VA 22181

  • Wooded nature paths, a historic 1890 farmhouse, and plenty of open space hightlight deep fall colors

  • Best for families with kids of all ages

  • Free parking in the park lots

  • Dogs on leash are allowed

  • No permit required

Custom Location

  • Have a spot in mind that’s special to your family? Choose a favorite park, trail, farm, or neighborhood and we’ll plan the session around it

  • Possible travel fee for locations 30+ minutes from Vienna or multiple locations.

  • Best for families who want a place that feels like them

  • Parking varies by location

  • Permit requirements vary by location, and I’ll check before your session

Your Home or Neighborhood

  • Cozy fall lighting, familiar spaces, and real everyday moments make for relaxed (or exciting!), authentic images in the comfort of your own home

  • Possible travel fee for locations 30+ minutes from Vienna.

  • Best for families with newborns and little ones, or anyone who wants a session without leaving the house

  • Parking in your own driveway

  • Your pets are welcome

  • No permit required