Growing up in the Bay Area has given me the opportunity to frequent The City. Over the past couple months I have really focused on my favorite spots to go and take photos there for my Instagram. I have narrowed down this list for you, even including addresses and store hours. Enjoy this beautiful city, and don't forget to have fun while you soak it all up!
Golden Gate Bridge:
If you are entering the city from Marin County, you must stop at Battery Spencer. This lookout gives you the best view of the bridge. Personally, my favorite time to go is sunset, but any time of the day is incredibly beautiful. There are panoramic views of San Francisco, and you can also see Alcatraz. This really is the perfect spot to start your Instagram photoshoot. It also gives you the chance to check out a bit of the old military set up they had there. It is always windy and cold there, so be sure to dress accordingly. Parking and entrance is free. For more information you can view their website here.
(Conzelman Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965)
Painted Ladies:
These are an iconic part of San Francisco. Though there is a common misconception that this is the house where Full House was filmed, it was actually another neighborhood almost twelve blocks away. These houses are very famous nonetheless. Type in Alamo Square, it will give you directions on how to get to the park across the street where you will want to be take your pictures. It will be crowded if you go on a weekend or the later part of the day, but you can still get great photos. *
*(Steiner St & Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94117)
Across the street there is some murals hanging, which also make great instagram photos.
Sutro Baths:
The Sutro Baths is one of the lesser known jaw dropping spots in San Francisco. These baths used to be a large, privately owned salt water pool. It was built in 1896, but is now in ruins. Located near the Cliff House, these ruins now give beautiful sunset views, along with incredible photos. You are right next to the ocean. There is also a little cave you can walk through to see the waves come crashing up against the rocks. This is personally one of my favorite spots in the entire city. If you don’t believe me, see for yourself.
(1004 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121)
Ampersand:
This lovely little flower shop has been the location of many blogger/influencer’s photoshoots. The converted carriage house has ample character and beauty. Flowers are plentiful, cuteness is everywhere, and the camera shutters are clicking. To be polite, I always ask a shop if I can take pictures in their store before I pull the camera out and start shooting. I also bought these roses while I was there to thank them. I believe that you should make the experience as mutually beneficial as possible for all parties involved. Don't ruin it for all the other people who want to shoot at places like this in the future.
(80 Albion St, San Francisco, CA 94103)
16th Street Tile Steps:
I swear there is magic in these steps. They are SO beautiful! The colors are amazing, and so are the designs. It has the sun, moon, ocean, and more. I highly recommend checking this spot out. It is such a fun stop. Also, if you climb to the top of them at Sunset, it gives you an awesome view of the city. Please not that the steps are in a residential neighborhood, so please be considerate. There is easily accessible parking, but beware that break ins happen often there. They have signs up all over to warn you to take your valuables with you. Though we had no issues, just be conscious.
(Located on Moraga St. between 15th & 16th Ave)
Mr. Holmes Bakehouse:
This is home to the famous “I GOT BAKED IN SAN FRANCISCO” neon sign. This highly instagrammed bakery is not only adorable, but delicious. While there, make sure you try one of their cronuts. It is a mix between a croissant and a donut that will make your mouth water. They say that they are open until 3, but normally they sell out of pastries around 1ish, so make sure you get there as early as you can. Though the pastries are around $4.50 each, you pay for the experience and the photos you get with the sign/food. Plus, their pastries are delicious.
1042 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Hours: Monday - Friday: 7AM–2:30PM
Saturday - Sunday 8AM–3:30PM
** OR UNTIL SOLD OUT **
Palace of Fine Arts:
This is one of my favorite places in San Francisco. The building makes you feel as if you are in a Roman or Greek city far far away. You temporarily forget that you are in the middle of a densely populated city. It is peaceful and the perfect escape from the bustling streets.There is fountains, grass, and benches where you can sit and enjoy some quality people watching between photos. You can even walk under the dome if you follow the paved path all the way around. I cannot recommend this beautiful place enough.
(3301 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123)
Home Cafe:
Home Cafe is known for its rainbow lattes and many different avo toast options. This is one of my favorite spots, as I am a lover of both those things. Plus, let's be honest. It makes for amazing instagram pics. As soon as I heard this place sold rainbow lattes, I was sold. Though I have to say I really am a quirky coffee shop connoisseur, so this is totally up my alley. Many people come and take tons of photos here, so they are acustom to it. #NoShame
(location one: 1222 Noriega St, San Francisco, CA 94122)
(Location two: 2018 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94122)
Clarion Alley Mural Project (C.A.M.P):
In the mission district there is an alley that allows local artists highlight what they believe to be political, social, and economic issues which their community experiences. There is some beautiful murals here, as well as some very powerful ones. This is so awesome and I hope that you take away as much as I did from this place. I love that they are peacefully spreading their messages through a medium which everyone can understand and connect with- art. Also if you go to their website, you can donate and support these artists.
(90 Clarion Alley, San Francisco, CA 94110)
China Town:
Chinatown gives you the opportunity to experience another culture from the comfort of home. You don't have to cross and ocean, or even have a passport. Plus, SF Chinatown is the oldest in the United States so you are getting some history as well. You can get authentic food, watch fortune cookies be formed right in front of your eyes, and even go into some of their temples. It is such a fun experience, plus you can dance under the street lanterns. Some of my favorite places to go in Chinatown are the Dragon's Gate, Fortune Cookie Factory, and every single restaurant I can find.
I truly hope that this post has given you some inspiration to go do a SF photoshoot! For more pictures and inspiration, follow me on Instagram. Tag me in your SF pictures if you head over to any of these amazing spots! If you want to see a full video of the best photo spots in San Francisco, you can watch it over on my Youtube channel. If you have any more questions, please email me at postcardstoca@gmail.com .
Keep Traveling,
Sarah
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