San Francisco’s Picture-Perfect Photo Spots: A Travel Guide

California’s “Golden City” is a literal goldmine for photo ops. From the breathtaking views of its iconic landmarks to the city’s hidden gems, you will find an abundance of fascinating experiences to fill your camera roll with. We’ve surveyed the masses to help you find all of San Francisco’s most amazing photo spots.

Check out our Travel Photography guide for some great tips for getting the perfect photos on your tip to San Francisco.

San Francisco’s Iconic Landmarks

1.     Golden Gate Bridge

It’s hard to think of San Francisco without picturing the classic bright orange steel bridge that connects San Francisco Bay with the Pacific Ocean. These are the most breathtaking viewpoints of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

2.     Alcatraz Island

Previously a prison, this historical island swims in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Surrounded by treacherous cliffs and dangerous currents from the Pacific, you can see Alcatraz from most of the bay-facing points in the city.

Known as “The Rock”, Alcatraz is undoubtedly one of the most interesting experiences in San Francisco. Take a trip to the island to get a glimpse of life as an inmate in one of the world's most notorious prisons. For a more bone chilling experience, opt for the night tour. Not only will you be thoroughly spooked by the tiny cells and mind-blowing stories, but also the views at sunset of and from the island are unbeatable.

3.     San Francisco Trolley

All aboard the San Francisco Trolley, the only moving National Historic Landmark in the world! Ride your way through the city’s most iconic hilly streets in a classic green trolley.

For a really great shot, head to California Street between Powell and Stockton. “If you’re patient and wait for both the tram and the pedestrian lights you have time to walk to the middle of California Street to get a great shot directly down the hill of the approaching trams.”

4.     Lombard Street (between Hyde and Leavenworth)

To really get your heart pumping, drive (or walk) down the famous steep windy path of Lombard Street. After you’ve braved the hairpin turns lined with gorgeous flower beds, stop to snap a photo of your accomplishment.

5.     Alamo Park and the Painted Ladies

On the Steiner Street side of Alamo Park you will find a row of San Francisco’s famous historic houses, the “Painted Ladies”. There you can snap your “Full House” inspired photo moment after a lovely stroll through the park.

6.     Chinatown Lanterns

Experience the soft glow of the red lanterns that line the colorfully adorned streets of Chinatown. Viator Travel recommends visiting during the Autumn Moon Festival in September.

7.     Fisherman’s Wharf and Embarcadero

Spend an afternoon exploring the bayfront area from Fisherman’s Wharf past Embarcadero, which offers several experiences and photo ops to bask in.

8.     Japantown Peace Plaza

Head to Japantown in early spring to explore authentic Japanese culture while you fill your camera with photos of the stunning Peace Plaza surrounded by gorgeous perfectly pink cherry blossoms.

Parks, Gardens and Trails

9.     Golden Gate Park

Arguably the most popular green space in the city, you can lose yourself in a natural oasis that makes up Golden Gate Park. These are some of the best spots to snap a photo.

10.  Lands End Trail

Escape the bustle of San Francisco on the majestic hiking trail at Lands End. You will get incredible views of Golden Gate Bridge surrounded by dramatic cliffs, plus there are some great things to see nearby.

11.  Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden @ Dutch Windmill

Bask in the beauty of spring tulips and all sorts of vivid plantlife against the backdrop of a historic windmill at this stunning garden.

12.  Dolores Park

Lounge on the open fields of Dolores Park and get some incredible shots of the gorgeous San Francisco skyline.

14.  Twin Peaks

Wander the hiking trails and modern homes that make up this remote neighborhood. San Francisco Vibe calls Twin Peaks “one of the best views” in the city.

Colorful and Vibrant Neighborhoods

San Francisco has some of the most hip and colorful neighborhoods, so it’s worth wandering the melting pot of diversity and creativity nestled in them. You’ll bump into plenty of great photo ops roaming the streets of these areas:

15.  Castro District

Immerse yourself in gay culture as you wander the hip and colorful Castro District, a staple in the LGBTQA+ movement. Explore the iconic buildings and houses that adorn the streets, like the Castro Theater, Rainbow Crosswalk, Swedish Cottage and Happy Pride House.

Award winning photographer Kelly  Egan Huibregtse actually photoshopped herself into her own storybook fairytale at the Disney House in Castro District. Also, if you’re in town for the holidays, get your fill of Christmas cheer and some stellar photos at the decked out Tom and Jerry House.  When you’re done exploring you can kick up your feet at any of the numerous bars and restaurants in the area.

16.  Mission District

Walking through the mission district of San Francisco feels like walking through an outdoor art exhibit. There are loads of stunningly colorful murals painted in alleys and on houses to fill your camera roll with, like the wildcat mural in Clarion Alley and Lucía González Ippolito’s stunning mural collaborations at Balmy Alley.

 You will also find incredible art painted on some of the houses of the Mission District, such as the Mural House, Pelican House, and Lisa Frank House.

18.  Nob Hill

Home to some of San Francisco’s most luxurious hotels and historic mansions, Nob Hill is the area you need to explore if you want to feel expensive. There are some unbeatable viewpoints from Nob Hill, not to mention plenty of upscale restaurants to fill your palate. Make a stop at Huntington Park to admire the stunning Gothic-style architecture of Grace Cathedral.

19.  North Beach

Take a lazy afternoon stroll from the stunning Saints Peter and Paul Church in Washington Square to Coit Tower. Be sure to take the elevator ride up the tower for incredible sweeping of San Francisco, and while you’re there check out the stunning WPA Murals in the lobby.

20.  SoMa (South of Market)

Aside from a great place to get some phenomenal shots of the Bay Bridge from SoMa, this bustling neighborhood has plenty to offer. Visit some of San Francisco’s marvelous museums, like MOMA, or have a swanky brunch in the stunning Garden Court Lounge at the Palace Hotel on a gloomy fall day.