San Francisco is a beautiful city, known for its world-famous monuments and its uniqueness that sets it apart from other California cities. It has a European flair combined with a Pacific camaraderie.
Finding subjects to photograph in the city is not at all difficult given all these well-known attractions, but to help guide you, here is a list of what is worth capturing.
Panorama of the city – The best place to go is Twin Peaks, where you get a 360 degree panoramic view of San Francisco. Another great option is from Alcatraz Island, which offers a perfect view of the city from the Bay Bridge to the Golden Gate Bridge.
Golden gate bridge – This is definitely one of the most beautiful bridges in the world and the most famous attraction in San Francisco. In clouds or strong sunlight, never miss out on capturing it.
Palace of Fine Arts – It’s hard to miss a Roman and Greek inspired building with its beautiful park in the heart of San Francisco. The venue is a common destination for wedding photography.
North beach – Historically an Italian neighborhood and even these days, it is mostly occupied by Italian merchants. To get a good view of the place, go up to the Coit Tower or alternatively somewhere near Lombard Street where it is elevated.
Victorian houses – It will take days to hunt down these beautiful Victorian homes, but for the most interesting, look out for the Painted Ladies that are directly across from Alamo Square. From Alamo Park, you can have a picture perfect of these beautiful Victorians and even with the city skyline in the background.
Fisherman’s Wharf – The pier is a very crowded place, people rush to find something interesting. What’s in here to be photographed anyway? Look for the colorful fishing boats lounging on the dock and a group of sea lions basking in the sun.
Alcatraz island – The Rock is a famous destination in the city, both a historic fort and a prison. And in addition to the magnificent view of the city from the island, it offers several interesting themes such as its neglected garden and of course the different buildings that were used during its prison days.
Pier 39 – Capture the lively atmosphere of this place. Pier 39 is normally packed with visitors looking for a place to eat, shop, or just stroll.
financial district – This part of the city is where financial institutions and large companies reside. For a great view of the financial district, head to Alcatraz Island or the highest part of Alamo Square.
The Bay – The San Francisco Bay is definitely a complement to the beauty of the city.
Its blue, clear and normally serene water is a common place for sailing boats.
Cable cars – Capture the historic cable cars, another famous attraction in the city that passes by Powell & Hyde Sts. and Mason St.
Lombard Street – Nothing more interesting than the most winding street in San Francisco. Its sides are regularly planted with plants and flowers that are normally colorful during the spring and summer seasons.
Ghirardelli Square – The most famous attractions of the square are the historic buildings of the chocolate factory, which have been converted into museums and shops, and its beautiful courtyard.
Sausalito – This is a lovely place on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is compared to the French Riviera for its Mediterranean flair and beautiful views.
Muir woods – This is home to several giant coastal redwoods that live between 500 and 800 years. A great place for nature photography.
With all this, you can make an excellent collection of photos of San Francisco. Enjoy!
