Chaparral Park - Irvine, CA
http://www.cityofirvine.org/

This park has a great view of Orange County.  From the top of it you can see all the way to the Tustin Hills to Newport Beach.  At night time this is the best place to get high from the ground level and get some wonderful shots of the sunset.  However bring some good shoes and a jacket, the trail to the top is not for someone in flip-flops nor are the winds forgiving for shorts and a t-shirt.

Joshua Tree National Monument -  Palm Springs, CA
http://www.nps.gov/jotr/

Out in the middle of the desert in California there is a place where a certain cactus grows, the Joshua Tree.  It is actually the tree from which rain sticks are made from.  Within the sparely populated park out near Palm Springs there are many roads leading to rock formations and geological oddities jutting out of the ground.  During the summer it can get quite hot and in the winter quite cold.  Pack accordingly and be sure to stay for the sunsets they are spectacular.

Red Rock Canyon - Las Vegas, NV
http://www.nv.blm.gov/redrockcanyon/

This is probably the best kept secret in Las Vegas. The park receives nearly 1.2 million visitors every year. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area is located 17 miles West of the strip and has a looping road to take you to the interesting spots for photography and to learn about the history of the canyon.  be sure to bring water and gas up your car, the A/C is going to be on constantly.

Huntington Beach City Park - Huntington Beach, CA
http://www.ci.huntington-beach.ca.us

Huntington Central Park is the city's largest park with over 350 acres. This park provides a quiet retreat from city life.  A sense of serenity is felt as one strolls amidst the trees, expansive lawns, placid lakes, and observes a variety of bird life. During the summer it is home to many a dog walker and family picnic.  Take some friends and enjoy the greenery in the heart of Huntington Beach.

Balboa Park - San Diego, CA
http://www.balboapark.org/

Balboa Park is the largest urban culture park in the US with 15 major museums , performing arts halls, luscious gardens of flowering plants and even the San Diego Zoo.  The park has en ever changing calendar which circulates exhibits, performances and classes for young to old.  A timeless setting of beauty to behold through the lens of your camera.  Be sure to check out the December lights special that the park puts on each year for some added fun.

The Huntington Library - Pasadena, CA
http://www.huntington.org/

Huntington park is 100+ acres of gardens and museums clustered in the Pasadena hills.  There are some great places for photos shoots and family portraits.  However; there are some time limits on when you can go there the afternoons end early and the best time to go is to be there at 10am.  There are great exhibitions that go year around should you feel the drive to brave traffic on the 210.

The Griffith Observatory - Hollywood, CA
http://www.griffithobs.org/

After 4 years of renovation the Griffith Observatory is now again open to the public.  The views from the balcony on the back of the observatory are stunning as are the sunsets.  It is best to get there in the early afternoon to view the exhibits and the sun telescope.  Then at sunset, take photos like there will never be a sunset ever again.  At night view the moon in on of the telescopes on the lawn of the planets.