6 Best Photo Spots in San Francisco, California
San Francisco has its fill of breathtaking photo spots for photographers. Ranging from historical landmarks, extraordinary views, colorful exteriors, and lots more. You may call me biased but San Francisco is one heck of a beautiful city! This amazing city is packed with photo opportunities waiting to happen. So if you’re looking for the perfect photo spot or a location for engaging shoots, San Francisco is a safe haven for you. Take advantage of these 7 amazing spots in San Francisco and am sure you’ll thank me later.
Golden Gate Bridge
Built in 1937, The Golden gates bridge is no doubt one of the wonders of the world. The Golden gate bridge might no longer be the longest or the tallest bridge in the world but it is by far the most photographed bridge in the world because of its legendary structure, iconic deco style, and its unmatched color. For every photo enthusiast, the Golden gate bridge is a place you’d like to have in your photo catalog because it is a structure to be marveled at.
Why do you think more than 10 million people come to visit the Golden gate bridge every year, it is because of its iconic history and structure. If you’re a traveler or a photographer or you just like to take great pictures and post on your social media handles, there is no better place to be in San Francesco, CA than the Golden gates bridge.
Best time to take pics: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location: Download NoFilter app, search for “Golden Gate Bridge”, and you’ll get the best photo spots for this place
Lombard Street
Lombard Street is one of San Francisco’s most popular sites because of its unique structure. It is arguably the most crooked street in the world and visitors troop here in their millions every year to have a feel of this architectural aesthetics. Lombard street was constructed in 1920 as a safety measure to save lives of pedestrians because of its steepness. Property owners around the area got together and suggested adding sharp turns to this section of the road to increase pedestrian safety.
Lombard street features eight hairpin bends as well as some pretty flower collections that bloom’s all year round. This spot is a great stop to add to your itinerary. To capture the true essence of this curvaceous beauty, you should go to the top or the bottom for a perfect capture.
Best time to take pics: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location: 1070 Lombard Street between Jones St and Hyde St (Download NoFilter app, search for this street, and you’ll get the best photo spots for this place)
China Town
San Francesco’s China town is not just the biggest China town in America, it is also the oldest and by far the busiest. Not many travelers and photographers have seen the iconic pagoda-style building, dragon decorations, and red lantern. If you’re in this category, here is your chance to witness the rich culture of China.
My advice? don’t get lost taking pictures in the buzzing China town streets as there are a lot of amazing sites to be photographed. One site you wouldn’t want to miss is the Peking Bazaar, it is the perfect background you need for your photo. The Dragon gate entrance is also a spot you don’t want to leave unrecorded as it is a beautiful sight to behold. Because of the busy nature of the place, the best time to photograph this amazing architectural wonder is very early in the morning or late in the evening when there will be less buyers and tourists.
Best time to take pics: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location: 749 Howard St. San Francisco, CA 94103 (Download NoFilter app, search for “China Town, San Francisco”, and you’ll get the best photo spots for this area)
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a famous prison but now abandoned. The island is now a fascinating spot for tourists and photoshoots. Alcatraz Island should be every photographer’s dream. You get to ride a boat to the island, which is an amazing experience itself. The island has lots of gardens and it is right in the middle of the bay, so you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, Sausalito, and almost the whole of San Francisco from one spot.
Countless photo opportunities await you on this historic prison site that housed some famous inmates such as Machin Gun Kelly and Al Capone. Fill your camera with plenty memories in the various gardens and exhibits on the island.
Best time to take pics: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location: Download NoFilter app, search for “Alcatraz, San Francisco”, and you’ll get the best photo spots for the island
The Piers
San Francisco’s piers offer great photo options for travelers and photographers. Pier 7 is the one you shouldn’t miss because of its city views. The wooden walkway makes an excellent spot for photoshoots like wedding shoots, birthday shoots, etc. At night, this place is a beauty to behold because of the colorfully lined up lamps that spices up the wooden walkway.
Pier 14 is another good spot for night photography. Pier 39 on San Francesco’s Fisherman’s Wharf is the number one tourist spot. The Pier has an added attraction — it’s home to sea lions and you’ll surely find these animals sunning themselves in the area.
Best time to take pics: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location: Download NoFilter app, search for “Pier”, and you’ll get the best photo spots for these areas
- Pier 7: Embarcadero at Broadway Financial District
- Pier 14: The Embarcadero And Mission St
- Pier 39: Beach Street & The Embarcadero
Baker Beach
This little beach is one of the most accessible places in San Francisco. On the beach, you’ll have an amazing photo angle for the Golden Gate Bridge. This beach is popular for dog walkers, surfers, and nudists. Just a place you’d go and take photos of people having a nice beach time.
On The Baker beach, you’d find rocky outcroppings. These rocks make a great foreground and added elements to spice up your photos. Capture the perfect beach shot with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background and the coastal breeze blowing up your hair. Go on sunny or windy periods for the best shots.
Best time to take pics: Sunny/windy periods
Cost: Free
Location: Download NoFilter app, search for “Baker Beach”, and you’ll get the best photo spots for the beach
Final thoughts
The city of San Francisco may only be seven miles long, but it is packed with beautiful photo spots that will surely please any photographer or traveler. The Golden Gate Bridge is a dream come true for any photographer and if you’re a tourist visiting San Francisco, visiting the
Alcatraz island should be top on your list. In the city of San Francisco, you’ll never run out of amazing spots to photograph. Just make sure your camera has enough memory space because you’re going to need it.
