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Curated by author and former San Francisco Chronicle music critic Joel Selvin, the exhibition examines the photographers who “shot,” and also “made” the scene of California rock ‘n’ roll photography in the 1960s and ’70s.
Curated by former San Francisco Chronicle pop music critic Joel Selvin, the exhibit features landmark music photography by the masters – Jim Marshall, Baron Wolman, Herb Greene, Michael Zagaris, Joel Bernstein, Arthur Rosato and others.
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As one of the most photogenic cities in the United States and perhaps in the world, it is only fitting that San Francisco would contain some of the best photo galleries as well. From internationally recognized galleries, to the local gems, here are the ten best photo galleries in San Francisco.
- San Francisco Landmarks and Top Instagram Spots
- Best San Francisco Photo: Parks & Beaches
- Most Instagrammable Viewpoints in San Francisco
- Instagram-Worthy Murals, Street Art, and Staircases
- The Most Instagrammable Museums in San Francisco
- Instagrammable Streets of San Francisco
- Most Instagram-Worthy Homes in San Francisco
- The Most Instagrammable Cafes, Restaurants, and Bars in San Francisco
- San Francisco Instagram Spots: Shops
- Tips For Shooting in San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco’s most iconic landmark definitely deserves a spot on this list of its best photo spots. The famous bridge is not only one of the most iconic San Francisco landmarks and top Instagram spots, it is also one of the most photographed bridges in the world! One look at the bridge and it’s easy to see why the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the best San Francisco photo spots – even after I had lived in San Francisco for over a decade, it still took my breath away every time I saw it. The...
Battery Spencer
Battery Spencer deserves its own mention on this list of San Francisco photography spots because it hands-down the absolute BEST view of the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’ve ever seen the bridge featured in your computer screensaver and wondered where exactly it was shot from then, well, here is your answer! Located in the Marin Headlands, off Conzelman Road, Battery Spencer was originally used as one of the main protection points for San Francisco back in the 19th century. You can still see som...
Bay Bridge
The Bay Bridge is often overshadowed by the Golden Gate Bridge, but it is definitely worth snapping photos with it is another one of the best Instagram spots in San Francisco! You can admire the bridge all along the Embarcadero, and it makes a beautiful addition to the waterfront at any time of day. However, the best time to photograph the bridge is at twilight, when the Bay Lights installation gets turned on! The Bay Lights was originally installed on the western span of the bridge, as part...
Marshall’s Beach
If you are looking for a beach that has one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, that also happens to be somewhat of a hidden gem, then you’re in luck – Marshall’s Beach is all of the above, plus one of the best San Francisco photography spots! This was one of my absolute favorite places in San Francisco, because you not only had an incredible view of the bridge, but also because it had somewhat of a secluded feel. To get here, you will have to hike along the California Coastal Trail,...
Hawk Hill
Here’s another viewpoint of the Golden Gate Bridge on the Marin side that deserves a mention as one of the best San Francisco photoshoot locations. This one is special because of the perspective – it almost makes it feel like you’re standing on top of the bridge! The combination of the bridge, the surrounding green hills, and the blue ocean makes it especially photogenic. You’ll have to hike up a little bit from the parking lot in order to get the best views, but it’s super quick and easy and...
Sutro Baths
Sutro Baths once used to be the site of a large, privately-owned saltwater pool complex. A tragic fire burned it down and you can see the ruins of what remains today, which also doubles as one of the most interesting San Francisco landmarks and Instagram spots. Sutro Baths has always been one of my favorite places in all of San Francisco, and I always loved to take out-of-town visitors there. It’s so fascinating to see the ruins, and it’s got a hauntingly beautiful quality about it. It is als...
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks may just be the best viewpoint in all of San Francisco – it’s located smack dab in the middle of the city and stands almost 1000 feet in elevation, allowing for some epic 360 degree views. Because of this, it is also one of the most popular San Francisco photo spots! You’ll find epic views of the downtown skyline, the bay, both bridges, and beyond from either of the peaks. However, my favorite view from Twin Peaks is from Christmas Tree Point Road. You may be a bit lower in elevati...
Bernal Heights Park
Bernal Heights is one of the favorite San Francisco photo spots and viewpoints amongst locals. From here, you’ll get a panoramic view, but with fewer crowds than some of the more popular viewpoints in the city (i.e. Twin Peaks and Lombard Street). It’s got kind of a rustic vibe, with big-city views along with the feeling that you are in nature. In the springtime, the wildflowers bloom and add even more beauty to the park. It’s an easy one-mile loop to get to the top. Unlike some of the more s...
Ina Coolbrith Park
For epic views of the San Francisco skyline, head over to Ina Coolbrith Park. This tiny park tucked into the Russian Hill is one of my favorite San Francisco photo spots for capturing the downtown skyscrapers. Ina Coolbrith Park is at the top of the Vallejo Street Stairs, which are an absolute thigh-burner. Once you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with some stunning views of the tall downtown skyscrapers (including the iconic Transamerica Pyramid and Salesforce Tower), Coit Tower, the Bay...
Clarion Alley
If you’re looking for the city’s best street art, head over to the Mission District. Within the neighborhood, you’ll find several alleys filled with cool murals. My favorite of these is Clarion Alley, located between Mission and Valencia Streets, between 17th and 18th Streets. Here, you will find dozens of socially engaged and aesthetically innovative murals painted by local artists as part of the Clarion Alley Mural Project. The murals represent a variety of artistic styles, and make a state...
16th Avenue Steps
Tucked into a quiet residential area in the Sunset District, these mosaic steps have become one of the most popular San Francisco Instagram spots in recent years. The steps were the result of a community project, a collaboration between local artists and the residents of the neighborhood. The 163 stairs were adorned with an intricate mosaic that depict a shimmering path from sea to sky. Neighbors sponsored individual tiles contained within the mosaic – if you look closely, you can see their n...
Umbrella Alley
If you LOVE murals, then you absolutely *must* head on over to Umbrella Alley! This alley is located in the alley attached to the San Francisco Segway Tours location near Fisherman’s Wharf. While I usually turn up my nose at Fisherman’s Wharf as being overly touristy and honestly kinda lame, Umbrella Alley is one of the attractions there that I think is well worth visiting! You’ll find tons of fun murals and art installations here, with balloons and umbrellas hanging overhead. The most well-k...
SF MOMA
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SF MOMA) is the first museum on the West Coast dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Today, it is one of the city’s must-visit museums and one of the best Instagram spots in San Francisco. The SFMOMA was recently renovated and tripled its gallery space, and is now the largest modern art museum in the US. It now houses over 33,000 works by world-renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keefe, Henri Mattisse, and many others. There are plenty o...
The de Young Museum
Located in Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum is one of San Francisco’s premier fine arts museums. It’s also one of the best San Francisco photography locations I’ve always loved the texture on the building’s facade, which has made it one of my favorite backdrops for photos. It’s a relatively neutral wall, but the texture is a lot of fun to play around with, making it one of the best places to take pictures in San Francisco. Take photos close up with the wall, straight on, from far away, o...
Harmon Observation Tower
The Harmon Observation Tower is technically within the DeYoung, but it’s got one of the best views in the city, so it’s worth a mention all on its own. You don’t need to pay museum admission to go check out the view, which also makes it one of the best free things to do in San Francisco. From here, you can enjoy some stunning views of Golden Gate Park, Ocean Beach, the Presidio, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and the downtown skyline.
Columbus Street and the Sentinel Building
Did you know that San Francisco had its own Flatiron building? San Francisco’s version is officially known as the Sentinel Building, and is made of white tile and copper, and has been painted green. It started construction right before the 1906 earthquake, survived the disaster, and completed construction in 1907. Supposedly, the Caesar Salad was invented in this building during the Prohibition. The Kingston Trio bought the building in 1959 and recorded here. The best place to photograph it i...
The Rainbow Crosswalks of the Castro
These colorful rainbow crosswalks in the Castro District celebrate the spirit of the city’s LGBTQ neighborhood. They were painted as part of a streetscape improvement project back in 2014 and you can’t help but feel joyful when you look at them, making it one of the best San Francisco Instagram spots! You can find the rainbow crosswalks on the corner of Castro and 18th Streets.
Waller Street
The homes in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood are my favorite – there are so many colorful, historic Victorians here everywhere you look. Some of my all-time favorite homes in the city are on the 1300 block of Waller Street. This group of Victorians are sometimes referred to as the Four Seasons houses – they kind of remind me of the Painted Ladies, but jewel-toned!
San Francisco might just have the prettiest homes in all of the US (not biased at alllll). The city is filled with unique houses, from beautiful Victorians, to colorful facades. Just a reminder that these are all private residences, so please remember to be respectful! Don’t make a lot of noise, stay on the sidewalk (don’t climb up to the porch), a...
Son & Garden
If you are looking for Instagram-worthy restaurants in San Francisco, look no further than Son & Garden. Everything here is made for Instagram – from the drool-worthy decor, the extravagant cocktails, and even the dishes themselves. For the most Instagrammable experience, I highly recommend coming for afternoon tea. Do note that reservations must be made in advance for tea service, and it is only available on certain days and times. I love Son & Garden because it’s one of those rare places th...
Avotoasty
As soon as I laid my eyes on this avocado mural outside Avotoasty, I knew I had to make a stop here ASAP. And, with a name like “Avotoasty,” you know exactly what you’re going to get here – avocado toast, one of my favorite things! Not only is that avocado mural suuuuper duper cute, the inside of the restuarant/cafe is adorable as well! Not only is there a variety of toasts (both with and without Avocado), they have salads, acai bowls, smoothies, colorful lattes and more.
Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters
The pineapple wallpaper here makes it one of the most Instagrammable places in San Francisco! You’ll find some of San Francisco’s best cups of coffee here as well.
Miette
Coming to Miette always makes me feel like a kid in a candy store…literally! I love the jars of candy jar lined up on the wall, as well as the pretty floral wallpaper. They have lots of yummy treats here – candy, chocolate, cupcakes, and macarons. And speaking of macarons…they have a macaron happy hour every weekday from 5pm to closing! Also check out the tables set up outside – the pastel green matches perfectly with the pink storefront! If you also walk around the corner, there is a perfect...
Flora Grubb Gardens
Part plant store, part art gallery, you’ll be amazed at the plant installations at Flora Grubb Gardens! I’ve always loved this succulent wall – it makes me want to collect alllll the succulents! Grab a cup of coffee at the Four Barrel location here, and admire all the plants here (and pick up a few for your collection). Also check out the wall of colorful lawn chairs!
Succulence
And speaking of Instagram-worthy plant shops, you must also check out Succulence! They sell a well-curated mix of plants and home decor items. Check out all the plants in the back – this succulent U Sexy display is everything!
I often get asked what gear I use to shoot my photos – I love my Sony a6000as it is compact, lightweight, produces high-quality images, and is ideal for travel. My go-to lens is the Tamron 17-70mm...I love this tripod, which is sturdy and ideal for those sometimes windy SF days. I also use this selfie stick tripodto help me take self-portraits on my phone!Keep in mind that San Francisco has microclimates, so be prepared for all weather conditions. Bring a jacket – ALWAYS – even when you think you don’t need it, because the fog can roll in super quic...While San Francisco is generally safe, there has been an uptick of property crimes. If you are driving (I recommend against it – take public transit or Uber/Lyft instead! Parking can be a HUGE head...Nov 4, 2023 · Discover the featured photographs of San Francisco and get a guide to the best photo spots in this comprehensive photography resource. Plan your perfect shots today!
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Dec 28, 2022 · San Francisco has a huge variety of places to photograph. From the iconic images of the Golden Gate Bridge to stunning cityscapes, we’ve included all the best photo locations in the city and all our tips to help you get the best images of the city as possible. Map of the Best San Francisco Photo Locations.
