55+ Best Instagram Spots in San Francisco for Unique Photos

Last updated on August 18th, 2024 at 10:02 am

I moved to San Francisco in October 2020 and was quickly reminded of how photogenic this city is. Since then, I’ve spent weeknights and weekends scouring the city with my camera, looking for the best San Francisco photo spots. 

San Francisco is a photographer’s dream, with iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, and hidden beaches and alleys. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just want some photos for your Instagram, I’ll share the most Instagrammable places to take pictures in San Francisco.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to click and make a purchase and booking.

Safety Tips for Taking Photos in San Francisco

1. Don’t leave any valuables in your car. Car break-ins are incredibly common in San Francisco. They’re more likely to happen in tourist locations, but I’ve also seen them on neighborhood streets. It takes less than 10 seconds for someone to break into your car and steal your camera equipment or anything else you might have left behind. So, even if you’re quickly hopping out to scope out the scene, bring everything with you.
2. Stay aware. Some of the locations below require you to be in the middle of the street. If this is the case, ensure that you’re following traffic laws and not crossing the street when you’re not supposed to. If you’re shooting in one of these locations, it’s best to go outside of rush hour and bring a spotter when possible.

Camera Gear for Your San Francisco Photoshoot

Are you wondering what you need in your camera kit as you explore the best photo spots in San Francisco? Yes, you could use your iPhone for these locations, but I love bringing my “real” camera out to try interesting angles and framing. I’m a Sony girl, but every camera system has similar gear. Here’s a rundown of what you should consider packing. 

Camera Body

• Mirrorless or DSLR: Both mirrorless and DSLR cameras are great for shooting in San Francisco. Mirrorless cameras like the Sony A7 series or Fujifilm X-T4 offer portability without sacrificing quality, which is handy for those long walks across the city. DSLRs like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV provide robust performance, especially in low-light conditions, which is perfect for capturing the Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise or the city skyline at twilight.
• Compact Camera: A high-quality compact camera like the Sony RX100 VII can be a solid choice if you prefer to travel light. It offers impressive zoom and image quality, fitting easily in your bag or pocket.

Lenses

• Wide-Angle Lens (16-35mm or 24-70mm): A wide-angle lens is a must for those sweeping shots of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Painted Ladies, or the expansive views from Twin Peaks. The flexibility of a zoom lens like 24-70mm also allows you to capture both landscapes and street scenes without constantly changing lenses.
• Prime Lens (35mm or 50mm): A prime lens with a wide aperture (like f/1.8 or f/1.4) is ideal for capturing dreamy portraits or close-ups with a beautifully blurred background. The 50mm is particularly versatile and can be used for everything from food photography in North Beach to detailed shots of street art in the Mission. While the 35mm will get you those crisp wide-angle shots!
• Telephoto Lens (70-200mm): A telephoto lens is useful for capturing the city’s architecture from a distance or isolating details like the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Tripod

• Lightweight Travel Tripod: San Francisco’s weather can be unpredictable, and sometimes, you need to shoot with longer exposures to capture the fog rolling in or to get that perfect sunset shot. A sturdy yet lightweight travel tripod is your best friend in these scenarios. Look for a carbon fiber option for easy portability. I love the Peak Design Tripod if you’re looking for a splurge, or this is a solid budget-friendly option.

Filters

• Polarizing Filter: A polarizing filter reduces glare from the water, which is essential when shooting the Bay. It’s also great for making the sky pop in your shots. It also helps enhance the city’s colors, making your photos look more vibrant and dynamic.
• ND Filter: If you want to capture long-exposure shots of the Golden Gate Bridge or the waves crashing at Ocean Beach during the day, an ND filter will allow you to slow down your shutter speed without overexposing your image.

Extras

• Spare Batteries & Memory Cards: San Francisco is the kind of place where you’ll want to shoot all day, so be sure to carry extra batteries and memory cards. The last thing you want is to run out of power or storage when you’re just about to capture that perfect shot.
• Camera Bag: A comfortable, weather-resistant camera bag will protect your gear from the elements and keep you organized as you move from one location to the next. Consider a bag with easy-access pockets to quickly grab your camera when you spot an unexpected photo opportunity. Peak Design makes a few varieties, but if you have a simple set-up with a point-and-shoot, you can easily slip that into your purse.

The 10 Best Instagram Spots in San Francisco

Is it your first visit to San Francisco? These are the Instagram spots that should definitely be on your San Francisco itinerary:

1. Golden Gate Bridge Overlook
2. Palace of Fine Arts
3. Twin Peaks
4. Baker Beach
5. Grant Ave Chinatown
6. California Street
7. Painted Ladies
8. Lombard Street
9. Sentinel Building
10. 16th Ave Tiled Steps

San Francisco Photo Spots: Landmarks

When photographers come to San Francisco, there are a few landmarks and classic photos they hope to capture. Scenes like Karl the fog rolling in low across the Golden Gate Bridge and Cable Cars climbing the steep hills. There are some images that just scream San Francisco. Here’s where to get them.

Golden Gate Bridge

There are a ridiculous number of places to see the Golden Gate Bridge, which means there are ample opportunities to snap a photo. Whether you want that classic Golden Gate Bridge photo with the bridge in between two Cypress Trees or you want a photo of you standing below it for the gram, there’s a Golden Gate Bridge photo location for you.

Here are a few of my favorite places to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge:

Hawk Hill

Located in the Marin Headlands, just on the other side of the bridge, Hawk Hill is a great photography location, especially at sunrise. You’ll be able to capture the sun rising behind the city skyline, illuminating the Golden Gate Bridge as it rises.

Battery Spencer

Battery Spencer is also located in Marin County. A fort’s remains provide many creative options for photographing the Golden Gate Bridge. Snap a shot of it through the whole in the chain link fence, capture the fog rolling in, or grab the perfect Instagram photo with the bridge as your backdrop. I love Battery Spencer for sunset and to get fog-inversion photos. 

Fort Point

Back on the San Francisco side of the bridge, and below it, is Fort Point. I love this location because you’ll have waves crashing into the pathway, and perhaps you’ll even be able to get a photo of surfers riding the waves below the bridge.

Golden Gate Overlook

This area is a playground for classic and unique Golden Gate Bridge photos. Here, you’ll find the two famous Cypress Trees framing the Golden Gate Bridge, but there are also remnants of an old fort and multiple pathways where you can find your own unique perspective on the bridge.

Marshalls Beach

Many people recommend Baker Beach as a great beach with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. While that’s true, and it’s one of the best beaches in San Francisco, I prefer Marshall’s Beach when photographing the Golden Gate Bridge. The reason why Baker is recommended more, in my opinion, is because it’s not dependent on the tides. If the tide is in, Marshall’s beach is inaccessible. But if the tide is out, take the Batteries to Bluffs trail and walk as close as you can get to the bridge for some fantastic photos. This is a great place to photograph sunset in the city. 

Sutro Baths

Sutro Baths is the ruins of a former pool and bathhouse located right on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. There are multiple trails surrounding the pools with Cypress and Eucalyptus trees. The baths have some graffiti on them, adding a bit of an edge to the photos. There are also walls surrounding the pools that can create cool reflection photos. This is one of the most popular locations for engagement and wedding photo shoots. If the tide is out, you can access a little beach to expand your session.

The best time to go to Sutro Baths is at sunset. But it can get crowded! I highly recommend spending some time exploring Sutro Baths and the surrounding area to find your perfect spot.

Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is a classic and incredibly Instagram-able place in San Francisco. Many people use it as a backdrop for their graduation photos or business headshots. It’s also trendy for engagements!

I personally love it at sunrise and sunset. You can walk the path around the lake looking for different vantage points to capture the entire building, go into the center of the main structure, or use the columns as a prop! There are also these incredible green doors to use as a background.

Go check it out and have fun!

Bay Bridge

The Bay Bridge is not photographed as much as its golden counterpart just a few miles up the road, but it is beautiful, especially at night. 

The Bay Bridge lights up at night and reflects into the water below. While this time of day may not be suitable for portraits or getting that Instagram shot, it is a fun time to break out the tripod and work with some long exposures.

The best location to photograph the Bay Bridge is along the Embarcadero near Cupid’s Span.

Painted Ladies

You’ve definitely heard of the famous Victorian Homes across the street from Alamo Square Park, the Painted Ladies. This row of Victorian houses was made famous by the opening of Full House (the actual Full House house is a few blocks away).

It’s not just the colorful houses that make this such an Instagrammable location in San Francisco, but you can actually see the city’s skyline in the distance by walking to the top of the hill in the park.

The best time for photos here is at sunset when the skyscraper lights come on. So plan a picnic in the park for some Instagram photos and wait until the sun goes down for more pictures!

Coit Tower

Coit Tower is an iconic San Francisco Landmark atop Telegraph Hill. It overlooks North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Embarcadero, and the 360-degree views from the top are incredible.

But the base of the tower is not the best place to take a picture of or with Coit Tower since you’ll want to be able to see the entire structure perched on its lookout point.

Here are a few of my favorite places to photograph Coit Tower, either alone or with a person in it, for the gram!

• Ina Coolbrith Park
• Filbert Street Steps
• Hyde & Filbert Intersection
• The top of the Vallejo St. Parking Garage

Lombard Street

Is it the most crooked street in the world? No. It’s not even the crookedest street in San Francisco! 

But it is a fun street with gorgeous views, homes, and ample photo opportunities.

Perhaps the most popular home is the teal blue one with purple bougainvillea that blooms in the spring, making it incredibly Instagram-worthy.

Don’t worry if you don’t visit in the Spring; there are plenty more photo locations you can scout out.

My favorite time to go is at sunrise, as it’s less busy. The sun tends to rise right on top of the Transamerica Pyramid building, which is gorgeous!

Cable Car

Is there anything more touristy than riding the San Francisco cable cars? Only if you ride them to get clam chowder in a bread bowl in Fisherman’s Wharf followed by an Irish Coffee at Buena Vista Cafe. But seriously, snagging a photo of the Cable Cars in San Francisco is a bucket list shot for many photographers.

There are a few iconic places in the city to get them. Still, perhaps the most popular is at the California & Powell Street Intersection, where you can snap the California line riding the hill into the Financial District with the Bay Bridge peeking out in between the buildings. Sunset is a great time to try to snag this photo. Just please be careful and bring a spotter with you as you’ll need to be in the middle of the street.

If you want a photo of you standing on the side of one of the cable cars, it’s probably best to ask the conductor while it’s stopped at a turnaround point. They probably won’t take the photo for you, but may allow you to hop on for a quick snap!

San Francisco Photo Spots: Parks & Beaches

One thing that I love about San Francisco is that there are so many parks, and beaches, that provide unique backdrops for your creativity.

Baker Beach

I already shared about Marshall’s Beach as a great place to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge, but Baker Beach, just down the road, is equally beautiful and more easily accessible beach.

Here the bridge, ocean, and bluffs provide an excellent backdrop for a fun sunset Instagram photoshoot!

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is a huge 3-mile-long beach in the Outer Richmond and Outer Sunset neighborhoods. The southern portion of the beach has sand dunes and bluffs that provide fun photography options. The northern portion has a famous graffiti wall and leads to Sutro Baths and the Cliff House.

My favorite area to photograph this beach is the northern portion near the Cliff House at sunset. There are a few rock stacks that make for an interesting backdrop, plus the Camera Obscura and waves crashing…it’s a vibe at sunset.

Lands End & Mile Rock Beach

Lands End is a short hiking trail near Sutro Baths with epic views the entire way. It’s 2 miles round trip with an optional hike down to Mile Rock Beach, which you should 100% take because this is where you’ll find the labyrinth on a bluff that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge.

I promise the climb is worth it for the photo opp, and views, here.

Strawberry Hill

Did you know that there is a waterfall on an island in the middle of Golden Gate Park? I sure didn’t. Right in the middle of Stow Lake, where you can rent a boat for another fun Instagram opportunity, is Strawberry Hill. While providing excellent views of the park, there is also a waterfall that you can walk below, a Chinese Pagoda, and blooming flowers in the springtime.

Go take a stroll here and see what angles you find!

Dutch Windmills

On the western edge of Golden Gate Park are two towering windmills, the Dutch windmill to the north and Murphy’s Windmill to the south. While both are fascinating subjects, the Dutch windmill has a gorgeous garden surrounding it.

In the Spring, the tulips bloom here, creating a bit of an Instagram photoshoot frenzy. To avoid it, it’s best to go in the early morning during the week so you don’t have to spend time editing out people or asking them to move out of your frame. 

Lover’s Lane Andy Goldsworthy Art Installation

Lover’s Lane is the oldest walking trail in the Presidio. It is popular with walkers, joggers, and anyone who wants a break from the city.

For your Instagram photo, however, you want to go to the trail’s southern end for the Andy Goldsworthy art installation, which is just a few steps away from the actual Lover’s Lane Trail. Here, in the eucalyptus forest, you’ll see tree trunks zig-zagging down the pathway.

This San Francisco photo location is popular amongst couples and families, but even if you’re solo, like me, it’s a fun place to play around with some photos.

Twin Peaks

A visit to Twin Peaks is usually at the top of many people’s San Francisco bucket lists. The view from Christmas Tree Point is pretty epic. You’ll literally be able to see from the Pacific Ocean, around to the Golden Gate Bridge, to the downtown skyline, and south to the Peninsula.

Plus, for photos, it has the iconic winding road to the top with the skyline off in the distance. This is definitely an Instagram-worthy location. 

The best time to visit is at sunset, but it does get fairly windy. If you’re using a tripod, make sure it’s steady!

Corona Heights Park

Corona Heights is a small park above the Castro neighborhood with awesome views of the downtown skyline in one direction and Mt. Sutro in the other. You can use either as the backdrop to your Instagram photo or make them the subject of your photo. 

The best time to come here for photos is at sunset, as the sun will illuminate the buildings downtown. It’s also gorgeous when the fog rolls in over Mt. Sutro – it’s like a wave rolling down the mountain.

Tank Hill Park

Tank Hill is just down the hill from Twin Peaks and offers sweeping views of San Francisco from the Golden Gate Bridge all the way to the Peninsula. What I love about this park compared to Twin Peaks is first, you don’t have to walk up a huge hill, and second, it’s not as well known. 

The people in this park are typically locals enjoying an evening walk. Plus, since it’s tucked in the neighborhood, the wind is blocked by the homes, making it a much more enjoyable park overall.

Similar to Twin Peaks and Corona Heights, the best time to visit for photos is at sunset.

Mt. Davidson

Mt. Davidson is actually the highest point in San Francisco and offers views of downtown and Sutro Tower. There’s a fallen tree that people use in their photos here, but I love it for the sunrise views. There are a number of walking paths to get to the top of Mt. Davidson—some harder than others. But the one I happened to take was just a 5-minute, mostly flat walk through the trees to the clearing with views of downtown.

Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park is in the heart of one of my favorite San Francisco neighborhoods, North Beach.

This small park is surrounded by awesome bakeries and restaurants, as well as the spires of St. Peter and Paul’s church. In the morning, you’ll see groups of people practicing Tai Chi, dogs on their walks, and locals enjoying a cup of coffee on the benches. On a sunny day, it’s a great spot for a picnic, where you can grab a pizza or sandwich from one of the local restaurants and delis.

Bonus: you could turn your picnic into a quick photoshoot.  

Mission Dolores Park

There’s no better place to be on a sunny day than Mission Dolores Park. This park is in one of the sunniest locations in San Francisco! At the bottom of the hill, you’ll find the stunning high school that has been there since 1896! From the top of the park, you’ll have awesome views of the downtown skyline. Whether you want to photograph the people in the park or the park itself, there are plenty of ways to get creative with your photography here. 

Ina Coolbrith

Ina Coolbrith is a tiny park in Russian Hill that overlooks North Beach and provides views from Coit Tower to the Salesforce Tower. To be honest, it’s hidden pretty well between the large homes, and you could easily drive right by this little gem.

The best time to come here is at sunrise, but really any time is good. Parking can be tricky in this area, but it’s walkable (via steep hills) from North Beach and Russian Hill if you can find a spot a few blocks away!

Japanese Tea Garden

Even though you do have to pay to enter the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park ($4 for non-SF residents), it’s definitely worth a visit, and of course, make sure you have your camera ready! One of the best times of year to visit is in the Spring when the Cherry Blossom trees are blooming.

But, outside of Spring, there are still ample photo opportunities. Some favorites are the big red pagoda emerging from the trees, the drum bridge, and the bamboo garden.  

Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens are one of my favorite places to visit in Golden Gate Park. I mean, you can actually see towering Redwood Trees without leaving the city! Plus the gardens are very large and spread out, so if you’re like me and using a tripod to take your Instagram photos 99% of the time, you’ll have plenty of space to do so without onlookers!

The best time to visit the Botanical Gardens is during the Magnolia Bloom, which occurs from mid-January to March.

San Francisco Photo Spots: Neighborhoods & City Streets

Each San Francisco neighborhood has a unique atmosphere that can often be captured with a camera’s click. From rainbow walkways in the Castro to the tall hills and buildings of the Financial District – these are some of the best places to practice your cityscape photography in San Francisco.

Cupid’s Span

On the Embarcadero in a small park called Rincon Park is a unique sculpture of a bow and arrow called Cupid’s Span. This bow and arrow almost frame the corporate buildings behind it. You can walk all the way around it, picnic on the grass in front of it, or even join the kids using it as a slide!

I love this night spot when the buildings are lit up, but any time of day is good here to grab a photo. It is a very busy area, so please keep an eye on your belongings.

Once you’re done with your photoshoot, head to the Ferry Building for a treat!

Pier 7

Pier 7 is one of my favorite places to take photos in San Francisco. This pier aligns almost perfectly with the Transamerica building and provides amazing views of the Bay, Ferry Building, and Coit Tower. Plus, there is something unique about the old-school lamps that line the wooden pier.

The best time to shoot here is at sunset, just as the sun dips below the skyline during golden hour. When you’re done, right around the corner is Coqueta, a Spanish tapas restaurant, if you need dinner after.

California & Sacramento

Perhaps one of the most Instagramed streets in San Francisco is at the intersection of California & Sacramento in Nob Hill. From the top of the hill, you can see the Bay Bridge lined up almost perfectly in between the tall buildings of the Financial District.

Bonus points if you can time your shot with the Cable Car running up California. Be careful when shooting here as you’ll need to be in the middle of the intersection to get the shot. Keep your ears and eyes open for cars and, if possible, bring someone with you as a spotter.

Grant Ave

San Francisco’s Chinatown is filled with Instagrammable locations, from the Lion Gate to the stunning buildings to the unique streets on the side streets. But the shot most people want to get is with the Chinese lanterns strung across the street between the buildings.

You’ll find that on Grant Ave, which is the main street in Chinatown! 

On weekends, this street is blocked off to vehicle traffic, which makes getting the shot of you standing in the middle of the road under the lanterns so much easier!

Columbus & Kearny

At the intersection of Columbus and Kearny, you’ll find the iconic Sentinel Building, which houses the film studio America Zoetrope. This studio has produced iconic films such as The Godfather, Lost in Translation, and Sleepy Hollow, among others.

Besides The Godfather trilogy being written inside its walls, the Sentinel building is a gorgeous piece of architecture. And what makes this intersection unique is how it layers with the Transamerica building just a few blocks away.

If you want to be in this photo, it’s best to bring someone with you to snap the photo, as this is an EXTREMELY busy intersection.

I had my friend stand on the sidewalk as I crossed the crosswalk ONLY when it was my turn to cross.

Gino & Carlo Alley

The Gino & Carlo Alley wasn’t made for Instagram, but today, it’s a great place to get a fun Instagram shot in North Beach!

One wall is painted in the colors of the Italian flag with Gino & Carlo’s name in the middle, as they own the popular bar on the corner.

The other wall depicts a baseball game.

And above, small Italian flags flap in the breeze.

Just around the corner is Golden Boy Pizza, a local favorite and one of the best places to eat in North Beach on a budget. I love grabbing a slice and having a seat in the alley to eat it after I’ve taken my photos.

This is an active alleyway for vehicle traffic, so be sure to stay aware.

Maiden Lane

Maiden Lane is a cute little alleyway off of Union Square with a storied history.

In the early years of San Francisco, prior to the 1906 earthquake, Maiden Lane was where the brothels were located. However, the earthquake destroyed them all, and as the city rebuilt, shops took their place.

Today, this is a (mostly) car-free alley lined with high-end boutiques, cafes, and lights strung overhead. During the day, cafes put tables underneath the lights to offer outdoor dining options, which is lovely on a nice San Francisco day. 

I especially like this little street during Christmas in San Francisco.

Rainbow Crosswalk

Why have a regular crosswalk when you can have a rainbow crosswalk? especially in the Castro, one of the first predominantly gay neighborhoods in the United States.

At the intersection of Castro & 18th you’ll see all 4 rainbow crosswalks. While you’re there snapping photos, be sure to spend some extra time exploring the fun things to do in Castro, a super lively neighborhood, whether you’re gay or not!

San Francisco Photos: Staircases

To help its city’s residents climb the hills it’ss famous for, staircases were put in place on some of the steepest of San Francisco’s hills. While many are nothing to write home about, some neighborhoods rallied around to create beautifully tiled staircases that are works of art.

16th Ave Tiled Steps

Perhaps the most popular tiled staircase in San Francisco is the 16th Ave mosaic staircase located in the Inner Sunset neighborhood. You’ll notice the sea-to-sky theme as you climb your way to the top. At the top, enjoy the view down to the Pacific Ocean. Or you can continue your walk up to Grandview Park for a pretty epic view of the Ocean, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, and downtown.

Hidden Garden Steps

In the same neighborhood as the 16th Ave tiled staircase is the Hidden Garden tiled staircase. They are pretty well hidden, as they’re just down the street from their more popular counterpart, but few people know about them. This staircase depicts a garden filled with California Poppies, snails, butterflies, and more.

Since you’re already in the neighborhood, you might as well add this staircase to your San Francisco photo bucket list.

Lincoln Park

Another less well-known photo opportunity in San Francisco is the tiled staircase in Lincoln Park. While not as tall as the other two previously mentioned, this wide staircase is bright and colorful, with a tiled bench at the top and views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

For photos here, I suggest going early in the day as once the sun is high, the surrounding trees cast shadows that are difficult to work with.

While you’re here, visit the Legion of Honor for some photos or walk the nearby Lands End trail.

Lyon Street Steps

The Lyon Street Steps are not tiled, but they are still a great location for photos. At the base of the steps is a San Francisco heart, and at the top of the staircase, you’ll find views of the Palace of Fine Arts and the Bay.

If you’re into fitness, this is a great place to work up a sweat, and it would make sense for a fitness-style photoshoot.

Local Tip: The house that played a school in Princess Diaries is at the VERY bottom of the staircase.

San Francisco Photo Spots: Street Art & Murals

While San Francisco’s museums are a great place to marvel at art, San Francisco’s streets are just as worthy a place to admire the work of incredibly talented artists. Here’s where to find great street art and murals throughout San Francisco.

The Mission: Clarion Alley & Balmy Alley

Two alleys in the Mission District are filled with vibrant and poignant murals, Clarion Alley and Balmy Alley. They’re about a 25-minute walk apart from each other, but you should definitely check both of them out when you’re in the Mission.

The murals in both of these alleys beautifully depict serious topics that affect San Francisco and the Mission community, such as gentrification, immigration, and, more recently, the Black Lives Matter movement.

As you walk from one alley to the next and around the Mission in general, you’ll definitely stumble upon more artwork on buildings and side streets.

Beyond the alleys, two of my favorites are the Women’s Building and the Frida Kahlo. Female artists created the Women’s Building Maestra Peace Mural to depict the various contributions made by women worldwide. And who doesn’t love a Frida Kahlo image?!

Exploring street art is one of my favorite things to do in the Mission, and I highly recommend spending time finding your own favorite works of art. When you need a break for food, grab a burrito from La Taqueria or a pizza from Flour and Water.

Haight-Ashbury Murals

The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is filled with murals that share a common theme—music, specifically music from the 1960s during the summer of love. You’ll see a stunning Bob Marley piece and another with Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jerry Garcia—all once prominent members of the Haight music scene.

While musicians do make a few appearances on the Haight buildings, there are also murals you’ll find that are a bit more open to your interpretation of what they might be about.

The Haight Ashbury is a unique neighborhood to explore, so have a good street art hunt here.

Umbrella Alley

Umbrella Alley is a fun and bright little alley located near Ghirardelli Square. Below colorful umbrellas, you’ll find a variety of murals, including the popular “Greetings from San Francisco,” a fnnch honey bear, and a Kate Tova Heart.

fnnch

fnnch is a street artist popular for honey bears throughout the city. But he also has a California Golden Bear on California Street, big lips in North Beach, and a dog walker in North Beach. You’ll also find California poppies, flamingos and other pop art on the streets of San Francisco.

Kate Tova

Check out the art of internationally acclaimed artist Kate Tova. You’ll find her bright and colorful hearts throughout the city in just about every neighborhood. She started putting her hearts throughout the city during the pandemic to bring joy to her neighborhood, and her hearts have taken off from there!

Banksy

Thankfully, I looked up from my phone as I stood on the corner of Columbus & Broadway to see a small Banksy high on the side of a building. As the light turned green I quickly snapped a photo and wondered if it was the real deal. I do know there have been quite a few copycats of him, but according to Google, it is a true Banksy! Next to a man it reads “If at first you don’t succeed, call an airstrike”.

It’s also a good reminder to stay off our phones when exploring the city; you never know what you may stumble upon.

North Beach Parking Garage

Is it weird that I’m recommending a parking garage, perhaps? But this one is special. Each space of the North Beach parking garage holds a fortune for you. Walk carefully through the levels to find the fortune that speaks to you and snap a photo!

Or head to the very top floor for fewer cars and excellent views of North Beach, including Coit Tower.

San Francisco Photo Spots: Museums

deYoung Observation Tower

The Hamon Observation Tower at the deYoung Museum is open again! Ride the elevator to the top for provides 360^o views of San Francisco from the glass walls. Bonus – it’s free to visit!

San Francisco Photo Spots: Homes

One thing San Francisco does not have a shortage of is uniquely decorated and colorful homes. We already discussed the painted ladies, but I just want to highlight a few more unique San Francisco homes.

Haight Ashbury Homes

In the 1960s, musicians like Janis Joplin, Bob Marley, and the Grateful Dead called the Haight Ashbury home. Since then, their homes have become tourist destinations. The Grateful Dead house is a bit dark and eerie looking from the outside; Janis Joplin’s is a fun bright pink, and Bob Marley’s is a deep red. For some reason, I feel like this works for their previous tenants. 

If you decide to go check out these homes, remember they’re currently private residences so please respect that.

Also, in Haight Ashbury, you’ll find beautiful Victorian homes located along Paige and Waller, including another group of Painted Ladies that reflect the season. The winter home is my favorite. Go find yours!

Flamingo House

As I mentioned above, fnnch has Flamingos located throughout the city. One of his murals is on the side of home in the Inner Richmond, just around the corner from one of my favorite matcha latte spots in San Francisco.

Sea House

This is one of my favorite homes in San Francisco. Located just steps from Ocean Beach is a home that is decorated in an ocean life theme. Sea Horses, starfish, and brightly colored algae adorn this beachside Victorian. Take a stroll on the Great Highway and see if you can spot it!

Phew. Ok. This list of San Francisco photo spots is more than enough to get you started snapping your way through the city. Is it an exhaustive list, no probably not. I’m 100% certain that there are more quintessential and hidden gems throughout the city that I haven’t found yet. But I can also 100% guarantee that as I find them, I’ll come back and update you so you can add them to your San Francisco Instagram bucket list as well.

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