Things to Do in San Francisco: 11 Spots for Epic Photos
The city’s most picture-perfect locations you don’t want to miss
- This article contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission if you purchase from them, at no extra cost to you.
I have a confession: I used to visit San Francisco and only leave with blurry cable car shots and selfies with fog-obscured bridge towers. It took me years of getting lost on its hills and talking to local photographers to learn where the magic truly hides.
This city isn’t just photogenic; it’s a layered masterpiece of light, architecture, and nature, if you know where to look. This guide isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about capturing the soul of the city through your lens.
Here are the 11 best things to do in San Francisco for photos that tell a story, not just show a postcard.
Table of contents ⇅
1. Marshall’s Beach at Golden Hour
Forget the classic Bridge Vista Point. For the most dramatic, unobstructed view of the Golden Gate Bridge, you hike down to Marshall’s Beach. The short, steep trail from the parking area above leads to a wild, rocky shoreline where the bridge fills the entire frame, perfectly positioned for sunset.
When the fog rolls in beneath its span, you’ll get a shot that feels otherworldly. It’s less crowded than Baker Beach and offers a raw, powerful perspective that tops any list of san francisco attractions.
Why it’s epic:
You capture the bridge in its full majestic scale with the drama of the Pacific Ocean in the foreground. It’s the perfect blend of natural and human-made grandeur.
Pro Photographer Tip:
Use a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) to capture the scale. Time your visit for low tide to reveal more sand and interesting rock formations. A sturdy tripod is essential for those silky water shots as the light fades.
Plan Your Trip to San Francisco
Everything you need. Compare flights, choose from top hotels, and book unforgettable tours easily.
Safety First:
Be mindful of waves, never turn your back on the ocean, and note that this is a clothing-optional beach.
2. The “Painted Ladies” from Alamo Square
Yes, the row of Victorian houses known as the Painted Ladies with the downtown skyline behind is iconic. But everyone has that shot. For something unique, walk to the west side of Alamo Square park.
From here, you can frame the Ladies with the charming, colorful houses of Hayes Valley in the foreground, creating a richer, more layered image that speaks to the city’s neighborhood charm. It’s one of the most recognizable san francisco tourist attractions, but you can make it your own.
Why it’s epic:
It’s the definitive San Francisco postcard scene. Capturing it well means you’ve captured the city’s architectural heart.
Best Time:
Late afternoon. The front of the houses will be evenly lit, and you can stay for the “blue hour” when the city lights begin to twinkle behind them.
3. The Secret Slides of Bernal Heights Park
Most guides send you to Twin Peaks for city views, but Bernal Heights Park offers a 360-degree panorama with far more personality. The climb is easier, and at the top, you’ll find the famous “Bernal Slide“—a concrete slide built into the hillside with an insane backdrop of downtown, the Bay Bridge, and the East Bay.
A photo of a friend mid-slide with the city behind them is pure joy. It’s a unique, playful entry for any things to do in san francisco list.
Why it’s epic:
It combines an iconic cityscape with a moment of whimsical, local fun. The light at sunset is spectacular, painting the downtown buildings in gold.
Local Insight:
Bring a piece of cardboard for a faster slide! Park on the residential streets and walk up. The view is just as good as Twin Peaks without the tour buses.
4. Lombard Street from the Bottom Looking Up
Everyone photographs the “crookedest street” from the top, looking down its switchbacks. Reverse it. Stand at the bottom of Lombard Street at the intersection with Leavenworth.
Looking up, the red-brick road snakes dramatically between impeccably manicured hydrangeas and pristine houses, with Coit Tower often visible in the gap at the very top. This angle feels more immersive and showcases the engineering marvel against the hill.
Why it’s epic:
It offers a fresh perspective on one of the city’s most over-photographed spots, emphasizing the steep grade and floral beauty.
Logistics:
Go on a weekday morning to avoid the worst of the car traffic coming down. A medium zoom lens (24-70mm) is perfect here.
For sharp cityscapes and versatile street photography, you can’t beat a standard zoom lens. The Sony 24-105mm f/4 G is my workhorse for urban exploration.
5. Sutro Baths Ruins at Sunset
The ruins of the historic Sutro Baths, just north of Ocean Beach, are a photographer’s dream of texture and melancholy beauty. The decaying concrete walls of the old swimming pools are framed by the sea arches and the relentless Pacific.
At sunset, the warm light hits the ruins and the cliffs, creating deep shadows and golden highlights. Long exposures turn the water in the central pool into mist. It’s a hauntingly beautiful spot.
Why it’s epic:
It tells a story of San Francisco’s past, nature’s reclamation, and offers endless compositional possibilities with leading lines and natural frames.
Essential Gear:
A tripod is mandatory. Use a neutral density (ND) filter if you want to smooth out the ocean waves during daytime for a dramatic effect.
6. The Bay from the Water: A Cruise Perspective
You cannot understand San Francisco’s geography until you see it from the bay. A bay cruise is non-negotiable for unique photos. You’ll get the classic shot of the city skyline with Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower, but from a dynamic, low angle you can’t get on land.
The Golden Gate Bay Cruise positions you perfectly to shoot the bridge from underneath, with the Marin Headlands as a backdrop.
Why it’s epic:
It provides the definitive contextual shot of the city as a peninsula and offers unparalleled views of Alcatraz.
Book an afternoon cruise that returns just before sunset. You’ll get great light on the bridge and city, and see the lights begin to turn on.
Pro Tip
7. Alcatraz Island: The Mood Shot
Alcatraz is about atmosphere, not grandeur. The most powerful photos here aren’t of the prison exterior (though the view back to the city is great), but inside. Focus on details: the peeling paint of Cellblock B, the shadow bars cast on the floor, the stark view from a cell door.
It’s a place for black-and-white photography, high contrast, and capturing a feeling of isolation. This is one of the most profound best things to do in san francisco.
Why it’s epic:
The historical weight and evocative details provide endless opportunities for powerful, storytelling images.
Must-Do:
You MUST book the official Alcatraz City Cruises ferry tickets weeks or months in advance. The night tour is especially atmospheric for photos.
- Alcatraz tickets sell out. Book your ferry ticket and self-guided tour well ahead of your trip
8. Chinatown’s Dragon’s Gate & Waverly Place
Enter through the iconic Dragon’s Gate on Grant Avenue for the bustling, colorful corridor shot. But for the real magic, wander up Waverly Place, known as “the street of painted balconies.”
The ornate temples and association buildings with their layered balconies, draped with flags and lanterns, create a vibrant, textured scene. Shoot upwards to compress the layers of color and architecture.
Why it’s epic:
It’s a burst of vibrant culture and intricate detail in the heart of the city, offering a completely different visual palette.
When to Go:
Early morning, before the crowds, for clean shots of the streets and architecture. Return in the evening to capture the glowing lanterns.
9. The Palace of Fine Arts Rotunda
This Greco-Roman fantasy in the Marina District feels like a movie set. The giant rotunda and colonnades, reflected in the tranquil lagoon, create a sense of serene grandeur. For the best photo, position yourself to capture the full reflection.
Early morning is ideal for soft light and few people. It’s a top spot for san francisco things to do in for those seeking romantic or architectural shots.
Why it’s epic:
The scale and perfect reflection are almost surreal. It’s a timeless, elegant image that contrasts with the city’s modern vibe.
Look for the swans in the lagoon—they make for perfect leading lines to the architecture.
Bonus Shot
10. Twin Peaks for the City-Scape (at night)
Yes, it’s obvious, but for a reason. Twin Peaks offers the highest, most comprehensive view of the city’s grid, the bridges, and the surrounding bay. During the day it can be hazy or crowded. Go at night.
The city lights twinkle like a spilled jewel box, the roads become rivers of light, and you can capture long exposures of car light trails winding through the neighborhoods. It’s cold and windy up there, but worth it.
Why it’s epic:
It’s the ultimate establishing shot. It shows the vastness and the beautiful, chaotic order of the city.
Gear Must:
A sturdy tripod and a remote shutter release are absolutely essential. Use a medium aperture (f/8-f/11) for sharpness across the frame.
11. Muir Woods National Monument
A short drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods transports you to another world. The photos here are about atmosphere and scale. Use a wide-angle lens pointed up at the canopy of the ancient coastal redwoods to capture their dizzying height.
Look for sunbeams piercing the fog (common in the morning). A slow shutter speed can gently blur a flowing creek, adding motion to the still, majestic scene.
Why it’s epic:
The sheer vertical scale and primordial quiet offer a powerful contrast to the urban energy of the city.
Logistics:
You must reserve a parking spot or shuttle ticket online in advance. It’s the only way to guarantee entry.
- Escape to the ancient redwoods. Book a Muir Woods visit, often combined with Sausalito, for a perfect half-day trip.
Where to Stay for the Best Shots
- For Bridge & Bay Views: The Marina District or Presidio Heights. Hotels like the Inn at the Presidio offer stunning, quiet access to photo spots.
- For Urban Energy & Convenience: Union Square or SoMa. The Hotel Zeppelin or The Clancy put you in the center of it all, easy to get anywhere.
- For Charm & Walkability: Nob Hill or Russian Hill. The Fairmont San Francisco is an icon, and the hilltop views are incredible.
Essential San Francisco Photo Trip Tips
- Layer Up: The weather changes by neighborhood and hour. A warm layer, even in summer, is crucial, especially for sunset shoots at windy vista points.
- Transportation: Rent a car for Muir Woods/Napa, but rely on Muni buses, Lyft/Uber, and the iconic cable cars (get a Muni app) within the city. Parking is expensive and difficult.
- Safety: Be smart. Don’t leave anything visible in your rental car, not even for a minute. Use camera straps and be aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best time of year for photos in SF?
September and October are often the warmest and clearest (our “Indian Summer”). Spring can also be lovely. Summer is famously foggy, which can be moody and beautiful for certain shots, but don’t expect sunny bridge photos.
Do I need a car to get to these photo spots?
For most within the city, no. For Marshall’s Beach, Muir Woods, and Twin Peaks at night, a car or a dedicated tour is highly recommended.
Is a tripod necessary?
For epic landscape shots, blue hour, and night photography—absolutely. For daytime street photography, you can manage without.
What’s one underrated spot for photos?
Fort Point National Historic Site. It’s directly underneath the southern anchorage of the Golden Gate Bridge. Looking straight up at the bridge’s underbelly with the crashing waves is a powerful, unique perspective few get.
Any specific food spots near these photo ops?
After Marshall’s Beach, hit Louis’ near Sutro Baths for a classic diner breakfast with a view. In Chinatown, Good Mong Kok Bakery for cheap, amazing dim sum to go.
This guide to the best things to do in san francisco for photos is your key to moving beyond the snapshot and capturing the city’s true character—its dramatic landscapes, vibrant neighborhoods, and timeless architecture.
Pack your layers, charge your batteries, and get ready to see (and photograph) San Francisco like you truly mean it. Now go out and frame your adventure.
