San Francisco is one of the most iconic cities in the world, certainly with no shortage of Instagrammable locations. Whether you’re taking shots of the classic Golden Gate Bridge, exploring cafes, or looking for dreamy art installations, I’ve got you covered for the entire Bay Area.
By the way, this is a running list, so make sure to bookmark it for updates!
1. Palace of Fine Arts
You know it, I know it, we all know it. The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most famous monuments in San Francisco, and for good reason. This towering Roman-style temple is incredibly photogenic from all sides. Whether you’re here for an engagement photoshoot or just to snap some pics of the architecture, you won’t leave disappointed.
Tip: It does get quite busy here, so either come early in the morning or try playing around with angles to get most of the people out.
Like my dress? It’s custom-designed by me! You can buy it here, and use my code ANGI for a 10% discount!
2. Le Marais Bakery
How cute is this little French bakery? Le Marais is a spot that is not only Instagrammable but also famous for their delicious croissants. Come here and pretend you’re in Paris for a day while enjoying an amazing breakfast.
Tip: They open at 8 AM and can sell out of their best products, so come early—especially on weekends!
Le Marais is as beautiful as it is delicious. Looking for more incredible restaurants in San Francisco that won’t break the bank? Check out my What to Eat in San Francisco For Less article!
3. Conservatory of Flowers
San Francisco’s Conservatory of Flowers is jam-packed with beautiful native flora. While it’s not a large place, plant nerds can easily spend half a day here looking at all the incredible trees and flowers. It’s a wonderful indoor activity as well for when the weather in San Francisco isn’t at its best.
Tip: The Conservatory is always free for San Francisco locals with ID, but entry is also free on the first Tuesday of the month.
4. Umbrella Alley
Umbrella Alley is an artistic passion project tucked away in a little corner off of Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s full of colorful murals and balloons, lovingly maintained by the artists’ collective. I love everything about this spot! It’s not very large, but offers plenty of different angles and backgrounds to shoot.
Tip: To get the shadows of the balloons on the ground, you’ll want to come in the morning.
5. Lover’s Lane
This dreamy wood installation in the Presidio is quite literally a breath of fresh air. In the middle of the woods, you can walk hand in hand with your partner and feel at one with nature. The actual name of this spot is Andy Goldworthy’s wood line, and is a 1,200-foot winding line of recycled eucalyptus trunks in the forest. It’s especially dreamy when the sunlight is falling through the trees!
Tip: It can be hard to capture the winding wood path on camera. If you have one, I suggest bringing a zoom lens and standing further away to emphasize the curved effect.
6. Marshall’s Beach
San Francisco’s beaches are not the California beaches you’re thinking of. They get quite cold and windy, especially in the evenings! However, this picturesque rock-covered beach with views of the Golden Gate Bridge are hard to beat. Come at sunset, and if you’re lucky, you’ll have swoon-worthy views of the bridge with the sky glowing gold in the background.
Tip: When I say lucky, I do mean lucky—San Francisco’s infamous Karl the Fog means that you’ll have to take your chances.
7. Baker Beach
Located conveniently right next to Marshall’s Beach is Baker Beach. If you have time to hit both beaches, why not? However, it’s worth noting that Baker Beach is colder than Marshall’s Beach due to the lack of cliff cover. Make sure to bundle up!
8. Painted Ladies
San Francisco’s Victorian homes are part of its cultural heritage. Some of the best-preserved examples include this line of pastel homes located across the street from Alamo Square Park, known as the Painted Ladies. You’ll find people here lounging on the slope in the afternoons, people-watching and having a relaxed time.
9. 16th Avenue Tiled Steps
These magnificent tiled steps are not only a great place for a workout but also for photos. You can find constellations, animals, and even the moon throughout the staircase. It’s an absolutely gorgeous spot and also boasts great views over the city.
Tip: This is a popular spot for runners as well as photo-seekers, so have patience if trying to get an empty shot.
10. Hidden Garden Steps
Much less known than, but directly adjacent to, the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are the Hidden Garden Steps. With a similar mosaic theme, you can find plants and animals of all kinds on these more tucked-away stairs. I actually like these better than the 16th Avenue steps because they’re not as tall, making it easier to take photos, and much less crowded!
11. Mission Dolores Park
Mission Dolores is one of the most popular parks in San Francisco, featuring ample green space and an extensive children’s playground. However, it also offers awesome views of the San Francisco skyline from the northeast corner. Be prepared to be out of breath as it’s quite steep!
Tip: To properly capture the skyline in a photo, you’ll want a zoom lens for sure.
12. Lisa Frank Technicolor House
How cute is this pink and purple house tucked away in the Mission? San Francisco has plenty of multicolored homes, but this one is one of the prettiest. Stop by during your time in Mission and snap a quick photo with this Barbie background.
Tip: Remember that this is a place of residence, so be respectful and quick when taking photos.
13. Son & Garden
Evoking mental images of luxurious Renaissance-era tea parlors, Son & Garden is surely one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in the city. Pastel blue walls, incredible decor, and beautiful brunch and tea spreads make this spot a photography dream. It’s super popular, so plan ahead if you want to eat here!
Tip: You can dine at Son & Garden…or choose the not-very-secret Secret Bar next door! It’s more beautiful, in my opinion.
14. Alcazar Theater
If you’ve never been to Morocco, Alcazar Theater is the next best stop to visit. Look at the gorgeous facade with its amazing, intricate details. It can be difficult to shoot here because there are often cars parked in front of the theater, and it’s located in the troublesome Tenderloin neighborhood, so be careful when visiting.
15. Leo’s Oyster Bar
Leo’s somehow pulls off the pink and green aesthetic without feeling too “2012 Instagram.” The tall ceilings with beautiful lamps and the fantastic details of the walls, mirrors, and bar make this place pop. As a bonus, their oysters are also delicious! There’s nothing better than taking photos at a pretty spot and then gobbling down some food.
16. Hamon Observation Tower
Did you know there is a free observation deck in Golden Gate Park? The Hamon Observation Tower is located in the de Young Museum and offers 360 views over San Francisco, and you don’t even have to pay a dime. The full glass walls ensure you have spectacular sights, and just as spectacular photos.
17. Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden
If you’re visiting San Francisco in spring, this one is a must-visit. Transport yourself to the Netherlands in this colorful blooming garden with its towering Dutch windmill without even leaving the city! Even if you’re not here during tulip season, check out what else might be blooming, or just lounge around on the grass in the sun.
18. Pier 7
One of the lesser-known Instagram spots in the city, Pier 7 offers views of the bay…but also great views of the iconic Transamerica Pyramid! Simply walk down the pier and then turn around and the pyramid is there, looming above the city skyline. It’s a great spot to both enjoy sunset on the water and grab some photos with the pyramid in the background at the same time.
19. Oakland Bay Bridge View
This spot doesn’t have an official name, but offers amazing views of the Bay Bridge straight down the road. As a bonus, it’s also located on the MUNI railcar line, so it just screams San Francisco. The best way to find this spot is to navigate to Dimsum Corner on California Street and then turn downhill. On a clear day, you’ll see the bridge at the very bottom of the hill!
Tip: This is an active road, so be careful when shooting. To avoid cars and railcars alike, the best time is to come at sunrise.
20. Urban Flowers
If you’re looking for the cutest flower shop in San Francisco, Urban Flowers has you covered. They have a stunning selection of colorful flowers outside and are partially housed in a Victorian-style household. There’s even a cute blue veranda! The staff is super sweet and very knowledgeable about the flowers they sell. Make sure to pop in and ask them if it’s okay to take photos beforehand.
21. Fort Point
Fort Point is a lesser-known Golden Gate Bridge viewing spot with a very unique pull: it’s located directly underneath the bridge! If you’ve seen the Golden Gate from its classic 3/4 view one too many times, try coming out to Fort Point to experience it from a different angle.
22. Bernal Heights
Located a bit out of the way in south Mission, Bernal Heights Park offers sweeping views of the entire city of San Francisco and the skyline. Perched on a high hill covered in waving golden grass, Bernal Heights is a stunning sunset viewpoint—that is, as long as there’s no fog obscuring the rest of the city. They even have a swing that is periodically put up and taken down, so check before coming if it’s currently installed.
Tip: Every time I’ve been here, it’s been super windy. Please bring a jacket!
23. Lincoln Park Steps
This one is a very understated spot located at the edge of Lincoln Park. Somehow, no one seems to have found this gigantic set of green and gold stairs with a huge pineapple emblazoned in the middle! There are plenty of pretty staircases in San Francisco, but I think this one is the most unique (and still relatively undiscovered!)
Tip: The lighting here gets very difficult to work with in the afternoon. Try to come earlier in the day, or try stepping back and shooting with a zoom lens to catch the colors.
24. Bottega
Bottega is an utterly photogenic Italian restaurant with impeccable decor. They have pink walls and chairs, rose golden detailing, neon signs, flower walls, and exposed brick—any aesthetic you like, Bottega has it. The food is also super photo-worthy with delectable-looking pastas and pizzas stealing the show at this spot.
Tip: They have a very small second floor that offers a balcony view over the restaurant! If you’re looking to take pictures from a unique vantage point, don’t forget to come up here.
25. Golden Gate Overlook
This is one of my favorite viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge—it actually lines up with the bridge head-on, making it super unique! It especially works well with a zoom lens because the bridge looks enormous in the background. Not that many people seem to know about this spot, so it’s the perfect place to come and take photos.
26. Battery Godfrey
Located right next to Golden Gate Overlook, Battery Godfrey offers a slightly different view of the Golden Gate Bridge from just twenty-some steps away. From Golden Gate Overlook, simply head left onto the large concrete structure (aka the battery) and follow it towards the bridge. You’ll open up into a clearing with great views of the bridge and the surrounding bay!
27. Cow Hollow Bougainvillea House
San Francisco has amazing bougainvilleas that you can find all over the city, from standalone bushes to floral facades. A house in Cow Hollow has the most stunning front I’ve seen—covered from top to bottom in bright purple bougainvillea, incredibly neatly trimmed, and with super-full coverage.
Tip: Many of the neighboring houses also have great bougainvillea bushes! If you’re on a flower hunt, walk around and check out the other buildings too.
28. Four Seasons Houses
I previously listed the Painted Ladies on this list, but the Four Seasons Houses are a lesser-known set of Victorian homes that are, in my opinion, just as cute. Though I’m not entirely sure, I believe they’re called the Four Seasons because each house represents one season. The easiest one to identify is the winter house with its gigantic snowflake emblazoned on the front.
Tip: People do live in these homes, so be respectful when taking photos.
29. Hellen Diller Bougainvillea House
Last on the list of pretty houses is this other bougainvillea house located near the Hellen Diller Playground in Mission Dolores Park. The flowers here tend to lean more pinkish-red compared to the house in Cow Hollow, which I actually prefer. The coverage isn’t as good though depending on what time of year you visit, so make sure to time it with the peak bloom.
30. Cupid’s Span
This is a nifty little spot near the Embarcadero coastline. Cupid’s Span is a huge bow and arrow sculpture sitting near the water. While it doesn’t look particularly pretty on its own, you can frame it to get the Bay Bridge in the background. Sometimes it’s all about perspective!
Tip: The lighting here gets super backlit by sunset. Try to come earlier in the day, or in the morning if you want softer lighting.
31. Crissy Field East Beach
To top off the list of San Francisco beaches is Crissy Field’s beaches, with a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the opposite side compared to the Marshall’s and Baker Beach views. Crissy Field is a popular spot for locals to hang out but a less crowded photo spot than the other beaches will be. It’s great for a more low-key shot that you haven’t already seen on Instagram.
32. Arcana
Arcana is a relatively new plant shop, bar-cafe, and event space located in the Mission. If you love the industrial greenhouse chic vibe, this is the spot for you. They have a beautiful bar and also host events on many evenings, so stop by and check out the schedule for the coming week on their handwritten chalkboard. It gets crowded here quickly, especially on Fridays and weekends!
33. Legion of Honor
The Legion of Honor houses a beautiful art museum with changing exhibits, but the real beauty of the location is the Parisian-style courtyard that’s clearly modeled after notable French architecture. You can find a mini Louvre glass pyramid, a replica of the Arc de Triomphe, and even a model statue of Rodin’s The Thinker. Not to mention, the green grassy field outside the courtyard is well-maintained and perfect for picnics!
Greater Bay Area
San Francisco can’t have all the great spots. The greater Bay Area, including south and east bay, offers plenty of beautiful locations as well. I didn’t get to spend much time in the rest of the Bay, but I made sure to hit some of the absolute best spots!
1. Battery Spencer
Across the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito and the Marin Headlands lies Battery Spencer, my favorite spot to view the bridge hands-down. Battery Spencer is located super close to the bridge—as in you basically can’t get any closer—and boasts the most perfect close-up view of the bridge and San Francisco on the other side.
2. Pulgas Water Temple
Redwood City has an idyllic municipal water pool lined with tall trees and lavender bushes, plus a beautiful columned temple on one end. Pulgas Water Temple used to be a hidden gem but has become more popular as of late. It’s super photogenic and a lovely place to hang out. Plus, they have free parking!
Tip: In the afternoons, your shots facing the temple from across the water will start to become severely backlit. Pick your visiting time wisely!
3. K-Cafe and Patisserie
Make no mistake: this cafe was almost certainly built for Instagram. We’re talking all pink and gold furniture, faux marble tabletops, neon signs, a ceiling full of flowers, mirrors, and framed paintings galore. K-Cafe is almost overwhelming in its kitschy, floral glory. Even the plates and food look like they were made for photographs—flowers and fruits and gold dust everywhere. I love a good Instagram cafe, and this is one of the best I’ve been to.
Tip: The cafe is quite small and gets super packed! If you want it completely empty for photos, come as soon as they open on a weekday.
4. San Jose Municipal Rose Garden
San Jose’s rose garden is a popular spot for photoshoots at all times of the year, but don’t let that deter you from coming to take pics of your own. Whether it’s the rows and rows of rosebushes, rose arches, or the beautiful fountain in the center, there are plenty of photo ops here. The garden is most stunning in early summer when the roses are in full bloom!
5. Tiburon Tree Swing
Who knew that on a tiny hill in Tiburon, you could get a swing with a banger view of the Golden Gate Bridge? While it’s certainly a trek from San Francisco, the views from this spot are totally worth it. Very few people will be willing to come all the way out to Tiburon just for this view, so chances are you’ll have this one all to yourself.
6. Berkeley Normandy Village
You might have heard of this fairytale French village in Berkeley that looks straight out of Beauty and the Beast. But when I say “village,” it’s literally just people’s houses. I do love the storybook vibes here, especially the house with the turret and the curved staircases. Just don’t expect it to be a full-blown attraction!
Tip: Of course, these are residences, so please be respectful!
Curious about my custom-made, water-blue ballgown that I designed myself? Check out my princesscore article here, or buy this dress for yourself! Remember to use my code ANGI for 10% off at checkout.
7. Mildred Howard Frame
Ever wanted to step into a painting? You can do that at the Mildred Howard Frame, an art installation located just southeast of San Francisco! The frame is an antique Rococo-style gilded frame standing approximately 20 feet tall. It’s definitely a cute photo op and a really unique addition to the Bay Area landscape.
8. Filoli House & Gardens
I haven’t actually been to Filoli, but this location is conveniently located right next to Pulgas Water Temple. They have a vintage-style mansion with beautiful antique furniture, and sprawling grounds that are full of flowers in the spring and summer seasons. Some of the highlights here include the wisteria and rose blooms in their respective seasons!
9. Arizona Cactus Garden
The students on Stanford campus have it good! There’s such a gorgeous cactus garden located right next to campus, and it’s a popular spot for people to have picnics or take photos during golden hour. I love plants, especially cacti, and this garden is perfect! It’s very small and compact, but you can’t take a bad photo of it if you tried.
10. Lavender Fields in Big Sur & Sonoma Valley
Summer is peak season for lavender in California, and if you can’t afford a trip out to Provence, the beautiful fields here will do the trick. You can find lavender fields all around the Bay Area, but make sure to do your research and check which ones are in bloom. I’ve been to Monte Bellaria Lavender Farm and Matanzas Creek Winery close to Napa Valley, and both of them were gorgeous!
11. Sunflower Fields in Dixon & Gilroy
Summer means sunflower season, and you can find some of the best fields in Dixon or Gilroy just an hour away from San Francisco. I was able to visit the fields in Gilroy and they were absolutely beautiful! No entry fees, no parking fee, no nothing—just a field of sunflowers for everyone to enjoy. Just make sure to leave no trace, and please don’t pick the flowers so others can enjoy them too.
12. Point Reyes National Seashore
Just north of San Francisco is the haunting Point Reyes. There are several interesting sights to see here, such as the well-known Point Bonita Lighthouse, Chimney Rock, Cypress Tree Tunnel, and the abandoned shipwreck. You could easily make a full-day trip out of it and explore everything this national recreation area has to offer!
13. Muir Woods National Monument
The enormous redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument are some of my favorites in the country. As a bonus, this spot is easily accessible from the city by car—only about 30-40 minutes away! Just don’t expect to have the fresh, idyllic groves to yourself unless you’re here on the weekdays—it gets packed on weekends.
Tip: If you have an America the Beautiful national recreation pass, here’s a worthwhile place to use it.
14. Big Sur
Driving Highway 1 is kind of an American rite of passage, and Big Sur is one of the best stops along the way. You can see amazing views of the ocean pretty much all along the highway. There are also some popular stops, including waterfalls, beaches, and the iconic Bixby Bridge. Make a road trip out of it and feel the California wind!
15. Lake Tahoe
Norcal means Lake Tahoe—skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking, paddleboarding, and swimming in the summer. Despite not living in California, I’ve been to Lake Tahoe twice and loved it each time! There are endless activities to do here and the water is always stunning. Check out my Lake Tahoe Guide for the dreamiest summer experience at this popular Norcal getaway!
16. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is located 4 hours from San Francisco and attracts millions of visitors every year. It is and always has been one of the most popular national parks in the United States, and for great reason. Dramatic mountain views, waterfalls, domes, and the beautiful river make Yosemite an iconic natural experience. You can come in any season for any amount of time, and it’s bound to be a wonderful trip. Note that because Yosemite is so popular, NPS has enacted a permit system for the park. Make sure to plan your trip in advance!
Interested in visiting Yosemite National Park? Check out my Yosemite National Park Guide for photo locations, hikes (both easy and hard), and viewpoints!
Around two dozen spots later, we finally made it to the end of the list of beautiful photo locations in San Francisco and the Bay Area. How did I do? Did I show you some new locations to check out? How many of these have you managed to visit? Make sure to save or bookmark this list as I add new spots!
Did you find this post helpful? Please consider pinning it on Pinterest with the buttons below, or following me on Instagram!
