As a native San Franciscan, my knowledge of San Francisco is…let's just say there's not much that gets past me in my 7×7 city. This San Francisco photography guide will set you up for taking all those iconic images of memorable monuments.
Ultimate San Francisco Photography Guide
In this photography guide to San Francisco, you'll discover where to photograph these destinations…
San Francisco Photography Tips with Google Maps and the best time of day to visit.
If you're craving a cornbread muffin, I can tell you where to get them hot! Want to see the new MOMA SF, I got you covered!
And for all of you morning risers, I can show you where to take the best sunrise spots.
When it comes to taking pictures, my San Francisco photography guide has got you covered.
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For the sake of this article and The PlanetD, let's focus this adventure on photography in SF.
I'll be giving 5 of my favourite spots along with when is the best time to shoot.
And I'll even be giving you local San Francisco hashtags and Instagram hubs so you can have a chance of a feature for all of you Instagrammers out there!
Without wasting too much time, let's get a move on to the Ultimate Photography Guide to San Francisco!
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1. Hawk Hill – Two Icons in One Shoot
It took me a while to find where the Transamerica Pyramid aligns with the Golden Gate Bridge, but I finally did!
It is kind of tricky to get here, but I'm going to make it as simple as possible.
How To Get To Hawk Hill – Two Icons
Go to Google Maps and type in “Conzelman Rd, Mill Valley, CA.”
You should see a turning circle. This is where you'd want to set your navigation to. Once there, you should see a dirt parking lot with a bathroom next to it. Park there.
Walk across the turning circle to get to a dirt path (WARNING: don't walk too far out as there is a cliff!).
I'd recommend going when there is light out to scope the place out, then coming back at night or early morning to get the shoot.
Also, this area can be a little creepy late a night so bring a flashlight. Also, watch out for raccoons!
Walk up the dirt place for about 5-10 minutes (be careful as some parts are narrow) until you see the two align.
Best Time to Shoot: Night
What Gear/Lens is Best:
- Tripod
- Telescope Lens
2. Treasure Island – San Francisco's Skyline
Treasure Island has one of the best views of San Francisco's beautiful skyline. Hong Kong's Victoria Peak is up there too) Just across the Bay Bridge, Treasure Island is the easiest to get to.
The most difficult part might be finding parking, but hey, that's San Francisco for Y'all!
How To Get to Treasure Island:
Hop on the freeway and take I-80 E to Treasure Island.
Stay on the far left lane when entering the Bay Bridge as the exit is a sharp left turn in the middle of the bridge.
Continue to follow the road. You'll soon see the city skyline on the left.
I'd park somewhere near the Hot Dog stand if a tour bus isn't hogging the area.
Read: How to Improve your Photography with Filters
Best Time to Shoot in San Francisco: Sunset, Night
What Gear/Lens is Best for photographing San Francisco:
- Telescope (you can see the Golden Gate Bridge from here too)
- Wide Angle
- ND Filter (if you like a silky smooth water)
- Tripod
3. Sutro Baths – San Francisco's Heart
Sutro Baths have to be one of my favourite spots in San Francisco.
Being by the water, enjoying the breezy, finding San Francisco's Heart is just a calming experience.
The parking lot can get filled up quickly and the stairs down to the baths can be a workout, but don't let this detour you from this enchanting place.
Make sure to explore this place thoroughly as there is a cave, a rock-shaped heart (can be seen next to the cave), structural ruins, trail hikes, and much more.
Traveling to San Francisco? Make sure to Pick up your Lonely Planet Travel Guide
How To Get To Sutro Baths:
It is pretty straightforward to get to Sutro Baths. Just enter “Sutro Baths” in your GPS. Once again the most difficult part is finding parking and the many stairs down..and up to the Baths.
Best Time to Shoot: Sunset
What Gear/Lens is Best:]
- Wide Angle
- ND Filter
- Tripod
4. Kirby Cove – Best Sunrise Photography San Francisco
Kirby Cove is a gem. Off of a hiking trail in Hawk Hill, Kirby Cove is a secluded beach equipped with a man-made swing so you can enjoy the waves crashing by under the Golden Gate Bridge.
How To Get To Kirby Cove:
Type in “Kirby Cove” in Google Maps and navigate there. Park along the left side.
Make sure to not leave any valuables in the car or anything that looks worth stealing. There are many car thieves that break into cars here!
After parking, walk up towards a gated path. It should say “Kirby Cove.” The walk down the path is easy and is about a mile long taking around 20-25 mins.
You may see deer roaming around so keep your camera ready to snap.
More great California photography tips: Photography Guide to Big Sur
Best Time to Shoot: Sunrise
What Photography Gear/Lens is Best:
- Wide Angle
- Tripod
5. Twin Peaks – The City Glow
Twin Peaks has one of the best views of the city. You can see all of downtown, the Bay Bridge, and even the Golden Gate Bridge.
How To Get To Twin Peaks:
Once again, just enter “Twin Peaks” in Google Maps. It'll take you to the top of the peak where you'll find a parking lot.
This requires minimal effort as the view is just right there. Not a lot of walking!
If there's no parking, I usually just go around the hill and park on the side.
This area can be a little dangerous if you are not familiar with the area. Some roads turn from a one-way to a two-way traffic! BE CAREFUL especially at night or when it is very foggy!
Always drive slow, keep your headlights on and READ THE SIGNS!
Best Time to Shoot: Night
What Photography Gear/Lens is Best:
- Wide Angle
- Mid-Range
- Telescope
- Tripod
San Francisco Social Media Photography Hashtags:
#alwayssf #bestofbayarea #nowrongwaysf #streetsofsf #ilovesanfrancisco #sfnative #mysanfrancisco #wildbayarea #thesanfrancisco #sfguide #sfdreaming
Note: San Francisco Hubs are the same handle as their hashtags!
Love Instagram? Enjoy these iPhone Photography Apps to Create Kick-Ass Shots.
San Francisco Photography Guide: Author Bio:
Eric Bravo runs a travel photography blog called Let’s Go Bravo providing travel guides to popular destinations geared towards travel photographers.
Follow His Social Media Accounts:
Instagram: @letsgobravo
Facebook: Let’s Go Bravo
Twitter: @ericbravo
YouTube: Let’s Go Bravo
Eric's hope is to give readers an informative overview of their next destination, to ease the stress of researching the nitty-gritty of travel to find that happy balance of getting the shot and immersing in a new culture.
These travel guides include suggested accommodation, transportation, food & drink, things to do & see, and most importantly, the best photography spots in the area.
Read More about San Francisco:
Outdoor Adventures; Hiking in San Francisco
Photography Guide to Big Sur Coastal Drive, California
72 Hours in San Francisco – A Local’s Guide to the City
Jim Wohlhueter says
I’m from the Seattle area. I stopped at Treasure Island back in February 2019 to shot San Francisco and found a tall cyclone fence erected along the island waterfront. I see there is massive construction going on. Do you know when the cyclone fence will be coming down? We didn’t explore the entire west side of the island. Are there other vantage points from the island to consider? Thanks.
Frances says
Beautifully written guide, Dave and Deb! Thanks for compiling this list, I’ve definitely added some on mine. A photo app I’m working for features 150+ of California’s best photo locations and I think you’d be interested! It’s called Explorest – it leads you to the world’s most beautiful photo locations using GPS coordinates & tips by the country’s best photographers. We’ll be expanding to New York and many more places soon!
Edward Blocker says
I’ve never been to SF and really really want to go! Clearly will reference this post if I do haha.
Lindsey says
I plan on renting a lens for my upcoming trip. How wide do I need to go for a Full sensor Nikon D750? The widest I currently own is a 35mm.
Dave and Deb says
I would recommend 16mm. It’s good for landscapes and city views.
J San Fran says
This guide that you have had enlisted here are very helpful for us newbies. Thank you so much for helping us co-photographers! By the way, are these all free-access?
Visas and Work Permits says
This is a great article. Thanks 😀
Marquis Carry says
Wondefull pictures, I am fascinated with this. I thinking fliying San Francisco on November. I love this city. See you soon San Francisco.
Alex Mastin says
We were planning to move to SF in 2017…..and you’ve just fueled the fire!!
Beautiful images and write up – I would have loved to see some images of the surfers at Ocean Beach though! next time!
Angela says
Awesome photography! When I will be there in San Francisco, I will not miss to take photos with the help of your tips.Thanks for sharing useful information.
Indrani says
I have never tried filters. The results seem great! Thanks for the tips.
Fantastic captures. It is my dream to see the SF Bridge!
Hopefully some day…
ILikelocal says
Great post with useful info & fantastic photos…
Zach says
Wow great pictures! I’ll be visiting San Francisco at the end of next month I’ll make sure to check out some of these spots, thanks!
Andi Wahyudi says
Useful and interesting guides. We can learn much from this guides to take good photoes. Though I can’t find those places in Indonesia, but at least I know how to take photoes with good methods. Thanks for sharing