Having frequented California dozens of times, I have found the most Instagrammable San Francisco photo spots that will help you go viral on IG!

Best San Francisco Photo Spots

Mild climate, Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, fresh seafood… These are just a few things to love about San Francisco.

If you’re in search of Instagram ideas for your next vacation, here are some of my favorite San Francisco photoshoot locations.

Famous Landmarks

1. Golden Gate Bridge

View from Battery Spencer.

Kicking off this list with the number one most iconic landmark in the Bay Area: the Golden Gate Bridge.

Battery Spencer.

H. Dana Bowers Rest Area & Vista Point – Northbound left; Battery Godfrey right.

Golden Gate Overlook.

Despite its name, this 1.7 mile-long suspension bridge is actually a bright reddish orange color.

My top picks for the best Golden Gate Bridge views are from Battery Spencer (in Sausalito), Golden Gate Overlook, and Baker Beach (see “Beaches” section below).

2. The Painted Ladies at Alamo Square

The term “Painted Ladies” was first coined by writers Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen in their book Painted Ladies – San Francisco’s Resplendent Victorians.

While these pastel colored Victorian and Edwardian-style homes are photogenic places to take pictures in San Francisco, they are also symbols of the California Gold Rush.

After the 1849 economic boom, San Francisco’s population skyrocketed from 800 to 25,000. These fancy houses were thus constructed as a way of showing off these newcomers’ newfound wealth + status.

3. Palace of Fine Arts

This architectural masterpiece was originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exhibition. It is now an event space for corporate gatherings, private galas, trade shows, and more.

Whether you’re taking a wide-angle shot of the rotunda, or you’re capturing a close-up of the intricate details, the Palace of Fine Arts is sure to impress.

Parks/Gardens

4. Golden Gate Park

Japanese Tea Garden.

Golden Gate Park is the third most visited park in the country. It spans across 1,017 acres and is home to several San Francisco Instagram spots.

Stow Lake

When in town, I absolutely adore going on weekend dates at Stow Lake.

Golden Gate Pavilion

If you’re already in the Stow Lake area, you, of course, cannot miss the Golden Gate Pavilion.

This traditional moon-viewing platform is a gift from San Francisco’s sister city, Taipei. It comes complete with an island and waterfall, and exudes a tranquil atmosphere for birdwatching.

Japanese Tea Garden

Another one of my favorite Bay Area activities is grabbing afternoon tea at the Japanese Tea Garden.

The garden was initially created for the 1894 World’s Fair. It encompasses five aces of carefully designed landscape with cherry blossom trees, koi ponds, a pagoda, and a zen garden. Talk about a beautiful oasis for San Francisco photography!

Conservatory of Flowers

Conservatory of Flowers is another prime location for San Francisco pics.

This lush Victorian greenhouse is one of the oldest and most well-preserved public conservatories in the United States. It is divided into several different rooms, each with its own unique display of plants and flowers. The Butterflies and Blooms exhibit, in particular, is the most popular. If you are visiting between late March to October, do not miss it!

Three Gems By James Turrell

I know we’re only on #4, but there are so many spectacular SF photo spots in this park that it’d be a shame not to share all of them with you.

It’s best to wear white for photos here. My outfit didn’t match so I asked my friend to model. Since she has long black hair as well, we always joke that I can use back shots of her and no one would know the difference lol.

As its name suggests, Three Gems By James Turrell is an immersive installation created by California artist, James Turrell. He is known for his incredible work with natural and artificial light, and has built over 80 skyspaces around the world. What’s special about this one is that it is his first skyspace to adopt the stupa form.

Because of its hidden location, it’s one of the best secret photography spots in San Francisco. Definitely a must-see if you plan on checking out de Young! (More on de Young Museum under “Art Galleries & Museums” section below)

Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden

Last but not least, don’t forget to see the windmill at Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden. If you come around the end of March to mid-May, you can catch a glimpse of the blooming tulips!

5. Bernal Heights Park

I first discovered Bernal Heights Park on Instagram and I was instantly mesmerized by the cute tree swing here.

My friend and I walked the entire park and sadly found no trace of it whatsoever. We asked other park goers, but no one seemed to know anything about it. That said, it’s safe to assume that the swing was taken down. However, the views are gorgeous nonetheless.

6. Lands End

Located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Lands End is a city park home to two San Francisco photography spots.

Lands End Lookout

This stunning lookout provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge, and San Francisco’s rugged coastline.

You can explore interactive exhibits at the Visitor Center, or embark on a short 3.4-mile (5.5-kilometer) hike along the Lands End Trail.

Sutro Baths

Sutro Baths used to be a privately owned public saltwater swimming pool complex back in the late 1800s.

The original owners had converted the baths into a skating rink in hopes of generating more profits. Things unfortunately didn’t go as planned and they failed to generate enough revenue to maintain the building. As a result, Sutro Baths eventually closed in 1966, and was later burned down in June.

Today, you can visit the ruins and join a free tour to learn more about its history.

7. Crissy Field

Crissy Field boasts stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and is perfect for scenic bike rides.

My boyfriend and I rented a tandem bike from Blazing Saddles. Not only are their daily rates affordable, their staff is super friendly and helpful. Our back tire popped (from possibly going over broken glass on the ground) and they sent us a new bike right away. 10/10 would recommend!

8. Mission Delores Park

Looking for the best views in the city? Pack some sandwiches and enjoy a relaxing picnic at Mission Delores Park.

Beaches

9. Marshall’s Beach

This unofficial nudist beach stretches from the Golden Gate Bridge to North Baker Beach. The views here are phenomenal. Only catch is that it is somewhat of a trek to get to with lots of steps going down.

10. Baker Beach

Feeling lazy? Baker Beach is a wonderful alternative to Marshall’s Beach. You can walk down directly from the parking lot and golden hour here is simply mesmerizing.

Keep in mind that both beaches have large waves and rip currents. Swimming is strongly discouraged!

11. Kirby Cove/Kirby Beach

Kirby Cove is a pristine beach located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in Marin County. (Technically speaking, it’s not in San Francisco city, but it’s within the San Francisco Bay Area.)

This hidden gem offers stellar views of the Golden Gate Bridge and its IG-friendly swing is a sight not to be missed!

Iconic Streets & Neighborhoods

12. Lombard Street

Known as the “crookedest street in the world,” Lombard Street is a steep, winding road lined with vibrant flowers and residential houses.

13. Twin Peaks

At an elevation of 922 feet, Twin Peaks is the second-highest point in the city.

The lookout point here offers expansive 360-degree views of the city. On a clear day, you can photograph the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, the downtown skyline, and San Francisco Bay’s surrounding hills.

14. Union Square

At the center of Union Square is a large open plaza surrounded by palm trees and historic architecture. You can find San Francisco General Hospital Foundation’s painted heart-shaped sculpture here.

During the holiday season, the plaza even transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with an ice rink and festive decorations.

15. Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in the United States.

The intersection at California Street & Stockton Street is a fantastic San Francisco street photography location for shooting cable cars + the Bay Bridge.

Cable cars have their own lane and come less often/drive much slower than regular traffic. You can easily stand on the red block for photos and not have to worry (as much) about getting run over. (You should, of course, still be mindful of your surroundings.)

17. Fremont Street & Harrison Street

The intersection at Fremont Street & Harrison Street provides a golden opportunity to photograph the Bay Bridge.

Bay Bridge, or Oakland Bay Bridge, connects San Francisco to Oakland. Believe it or not, it is four time as long and twice as busy as the Golden Gate Bridge.

You can walk through the intersection and have a friend click your pictures. (I unfortunately didn’t come early enough and traffic was way too busy.)

18. Hyde Street & Beach Street

No trip to the Bay Area is complete without riding a cable car.

Fun fact… San Francisco’s cable car system is the world’s last manually-operated cable car system. It consists of three lines: the Powell-Mason line, the Powell-Hyde line, and the California Street line.

You can pose next to one at Powell & Hyde Cable Car Turntable on the corner of Hyde Street and Beach Street. Or, you can snap one in action going down Hyde Street.

Art Galleries & Museums

19. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

SFMOMA houses one of the largest modern and contemporary art collections in the U.S. This includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, and multimedia installations by artists, such as Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock, Jeff Koons, Gerhard Richter, and Diego Rivera just to name a few.

20. Legion of Honor

The California Palace of the Legion of Honor is an art museum housing European painting and sculpture, ancient art, contemporary art, and prints and drawings. Along with de Young Museum, these two make up the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

21. de Young Museum

de Young Museum focuses on textile arts and costumes as well as American, African, and Oceanic art.

As mentioned above, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco comprises of both Legion of Honor + de Young Museum. Not only is it the largest public arts institution in the city, it’s one of the largest art museums in the country.

22. California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a natural history museum and research institution. It is one of the largest natural history museums in the world, featuring exhibits and attractions that showcase the diversity of life on Earth and the interconnectedness of the natural world.

23. Exploratorium

The Exploratorium is a hands-on, interactive museum of science, art, and human perception. There are over 650 exhibits that cover a wide range of topics from physics and biology to art and culture.

24. Asian Art Museum

The Asian Art Museum is one of the largest museums in the Western world devoted exclusively to Asian art with over 18,000 objects spanning 6,000 years of history.

It showcases a variety of exhibitions, programs, and events throughout the year including lectures, workshops, and performances. You can either participate in guided tours or explore the museum on your own.

Murals & Street Art in San Francisco

25. Umbrella Alley San Francisco

Situated in Fisherman’s Wharf, the Umbrella Alley was initially created by local merchants and artists to help attract foot traffic to the area.

You can find several picture-worthy murals like “Greetings from San Francisco” and “I left my heart in San Francisco.” It’s free to visit and it’s also right by Hyde Street and Beach Street so you can group these two Instagrammable places in San Francisco together on your itinerary.

26. 16th Avenue Tiled Steps

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps is made up of 163 steps that lead up to Grand View Park.

This colorful mosaic staircase is a project between local artists, Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher, and residents of the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood. 

It has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, and is a charming backdrop for San Francisco pictures.

27. Lincoln Park Steps

Lincoln Park Steps is another eye-catching staircase created by Aileen Barr, with the help of local volunteers.

Its design was inspired by the surrounding natural environment and incorporates images of birds, butterflies, flowers, and various elements that can be found in the nearby Lincoln Park.

Cute Cafés in San Francisco

28. Le Marais

I’m not exaggerating when I say Le Marais has the best croissants I have ever tasted outside of France.

They have two locations with the one at 498 Sanchez Street being more IG-worthy imo.

29. Rose’s Cafe

When talking about top brunch restaurants in San Francisco, Rose’s Cafe is my new found obsession.

They serve delicious Italian fare made from organic local produce, fresh seafood, humanely raised meats, and free-range poultry. Come for the gram, stay for the food.

30. Home Coffee Roasters

Adorable coffee that tastes good? Say no more!

31. Tartine Manufactory

Tartine was founded in 2002 by pastry chef Elisabeth Prueitt and bread baker Chad Robertson. They are known for their high-quality, artisanal breads, pastries, and desserts, many of which are made using locally-sourced ingredients.

There are three locations in San Francisco: Tartine Bakery, Tartine Manufactory, and Tartine Inner Sunset. The bakery is a fabulous choice if you’re short on time and want to grab a quick pastry to go whereas the other two are terrific sit-down brunch venues.

Most Instagrammable Restaurants in San Francisco

32. Leo’s Oyster Bar

Having heard rave reviews about SF’s award-winning 3-star cocktail and seafood restaurant, I had always wanted to come this San Francisco Instagram spot. And let me tell you… It did not disappoint!

The oysters were fresh and the drinks were delectable. It may be pricey, but you do get what you pay for.

This is where everyone takes the iconic atrium shot.

For reference, my boyfriend and I had a weekday reso for 4:00PM (which is when they open) and space was already filling up fast. Given its location in the Financial District, it’s quite the busy hangout spot for afterwork drinks!

33. Son & Garden

Created by the owner of Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine, Son & Garden is a whimsical breakfast restaurant featuring delicious comfort food and photogenic cocktails.

Note that they have three locations: San Francisco, Menlo Park, and Palo Alto. Their SF branch is the one with the IG-famous “Hello Gorgeous” flower wall.

34. Bonita Taqueria Y Rotisserie

They have three locations and 2257 Chestnut Street is where you’ll find this bright yellow wall.

Bonita Taqueria Y Rotisserie serves Mexican classics like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.

I was not a fan of their steak taco (steak was way overdone), but my friend enjoyed her fish one. Maybe something to keep in mind when you order?

35. The Rotunda

Their Lobster Club is to die for.

If you ever get tired while shopping at Neiman Marcus, fuel up at The Rotunda!

36. RH Rooftop Restaurant Marin

Restoration Hardware is a big brand name in the high-end furniture industry, but did you know that they also have Instagrammable restaurants across the United States?

Its Marin location is situated within a glass-enclosed venue and its menu focuses on elevated American cuisine.

Similar to Kirby Cove, it’s not in San Francisco city, but it’s within the San Francisco Bay Area and only a short 15 minute-drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. (There is an RH San Francisco and its restaurant is called The Palm Court. I personally think RH Marin has a much better view though.)

Other Instagrammable Restaurants in San Francisco

Without making this guide too long, here are a couple more Instagram spots in San Francisco:

• Villon
• Empress
• Wilder
• Foreign Cinema
• Media Noche
• Fiorella
• The Grove
• Lazy Bear
• Wildseed

Instagram-Worthy Bars & Lounges

37. The View Lounge

The View Lounge is an Art Deco-inspired rooftop restaurant and bar at San Francisco Marriott Marquis.

I personally found their drinks to be overpriced and nothing special. (To be fair, I have noticed that SF bars seem to charge an arm and a leg for the simplest cocktails.) Sunset here is marvelous though. Be sure to arrive early to secure a table by the window!

38. Charmaine’s Rooftop Bar & Lounge

Leave it up to my terrible luck with weather to visit a rooftop bar on the one day that it rains in San Francisco for the first time in three years. Yup.

My boyfriend and I came for date night on a work trip back in November of 2022.

We loved the Pork Belly Skewers and Crispy Fish Tacos, but their cocktails are obviously the main stars. They have a ton of innovative creations, as well as beers, wines, and other spirits. Bonus points for the chic aesthetics too of course!

Sharing San Francisco Proper’s Instagram with you because my photos simply do not do it justice.

39. Secret Bar at Son & Garden

Unlike its name, the Secret Bar is not so secret. It is right next door to Son & Garden, and is an enchanting venue for girls night out.

One thing I must mention is that both Secret Bar and Son & Garden are located in Tenderloin.

For many years, this neighborhood has been the epitome of San Francisco’s homeless population and is notoriously known for drug exchanges.

When I stopped by Son & Garden in March of 2022, I didn’t know any of this. (Because no one likes to share the ugly side of things on Instagram!) Since there was no parking, my friend looped around while I got out of the car to go grab us a seat first. I cannot tell you how anxious I felt walking down these streets even during broad daylight.

Fast forward to November 2022, I checked out Secret Bar – this time at night. I do have to say that the environment has improved drastically and I felt a lot safer. BUT, as my friend and I were taking pictures by the window, a man stood outside, watched, and hollered (disgusting) remarks at us.

I know it’s easy to gloss over things, but every city has its own issues. The drinks are honestly great and I’m not saying this to discourage you from visiting in any way, shape, or form. It’s just something to keep in the back of your head. Stay alert and try not to venture this area alone.

40. Top of the Mark

On a lighter note…

Top of the Mark is a high-end cocktail bar perched atop of the Mark Hopkins Hotel. It provides panoramic views of the city and is especially breathtaking during golden hour.

Aesthetic Hotels

41. Fairmont San Francisco

Fairmont San Francisco is the first ever Fairmont property to have opened with history dating all the way back to 1907.

I have stayed with them twice (once in the Main Building Balcony Suite), and the service has consistently been superb. More importantly, you cannot beat its convenient location in Nob Hill.

42. Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

If it’s your first time in the Bay Area, you HAVE to treat yourself to a stay at Four Seasons.

There are tons of yummy restaurants and bars in the area. Plus, it’s within walking distance to major tourist attractions, such as Union Square and SFMOMA. And I mean… would you look at that view!?!!!

For reference, my boyfriend and I spent two nights in the Superior Room.

43. San Francisco Proper

Proper Hotels is well-recognized for their captivating interiors by renowned designer, Kelly Wearstler. With that said, its San Francisco property is one of the most Instagrammable places in SF.

Not staying as a guest? You can still grab brunch at Villon or drinks at Charmaine’s Rooftop Bar & Lounge!

44. Palace Hotel

Palace Hotel is a 4-star Luxury Collection Hotel located within a historic building. Its décor is reminiscent of the grandeur of the Gilded Age. However, they are most Instagrammed for high tea at The Garden Court Restaurant.

45. Staypineapple San Francisco

Staypineapple is known for its bright and cheerful vibes.

Having experienced its properties in San Francisco + Chicago, I can honestly say that any stay with them is always a good time!

46. Cavallo Point Lodge

Cavallo Point Lodge is actually located in Sausalito. Regardless, it’s a short drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and 100% worthy of being listed in this best photo spots in San Francisco guide.

Other Fun Photo Ops in San Francisco

47. San Francisco City Hall

This Beaux-Arts monument is one of the most popular San Francisco landmarks and top Instagram spots for wedding photography.

My friend, Laurie, had the prettiest gown to match. Another photographer left his wagon by the steps though and we were too shy to ask him to move it. Nothing a little cropping or Photoshop can’t fix!

With weddings costing as much as a car or a downpayment for a house, more and more people are opting for civil ceremonies at City Hall instead.

You can always find couples getting married or doing engagement photoshoots here. With that in mind, it does become incredibly difficult to take pictures with no one else in the background. Be patient and allocate extra time in your itinerary should you wish to visit.

48. Pier 7

Although not as well-known as Pier 39, Pier 7 is beloved amongst photographers for its view of the modern 48-story Transamerica Pyramid.

Grab a jacket and enjoy a sunset photowalk here.

49. Pier 14

Illuminate SF is a light art festival that takes place every year from Thanksgiving until New Year’s. It features more than 60 permanent and temporary art installations, which act as perfect subjects for those interested in night photography.

At Pier 14, you can find the tallest public art installation in the country, “Day for Night.” This versatile light art installation by Jim Campbell is displayed at the top of Salesforce Tower where the building is covered in 11,000 lights and video screens that play daily scenes of San Francisco city life.

50. Alcazar Theatre

Between 1918 and 1970, Alcazar Theatre was an Islam Temple used for Shriner meetings and ceremonies. Its facade incorporates ornate Byzantine arches and polychrome terra cotta with granite water table.

While it has since become a small theater venue for touring Broadway and Off Broadway plays, the exterior remains Instagram-worthy for San Francisco photos.

And there you have it! 50 Instagrammable San Francisco photo spots.

Don’t forget to pin this for later and check out my other USA guides for more inspo!