10 Good Places to Take Pictures in San Francisco

San Francisco’s natural features make it one of the most visually stunning cities in the country: there’s the San Francisco Bay, Pacific Ocean, rolling fog, dizzying hills, and nearby mountains. A hub of innovation, great food, and vibrant neighborhoods, San Franciso never fails to delight its millions of annual visitors from around the world. However, with a city this dynamic, it may be difficult to narrow down where to snap the best photos. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of good places to take pictures in beautiful San Francisco (and some of these locations are truly hidden gems!)

1. This magical rainbow sanctuary

This beautiful space is a perfect combination of quirky, otherworldly, and cozy. The central focus of this sanctuary is the rainbow light that bathes the whole place! You really could spend hours here snapping photos… there’s nowhere better to let your creativity run wild. Plus, it’s only a five-minute walk from Ocean Beach and half a block from Golden Gate Park. There’s a reason we’re putting this space at the top of our list of good places to take pictures in San Francisco!

2. This bright, industrial-style production space

This 6,000-square-foot art gallery and cafe is imbued with all the energy of its community, and also totally epitomizes industrial chic. Renting out the ground level, you’ll find features like skylights, exposed brick, attractive hardwood farm tables, and of course tons of gorgeous art, all of which will make for an ultra-enjoyable photoshoot.

3. This rooftop penthouse

Here, you’ll find fabulous views of the surrounding city from your vantage point on the spacious wrap-around patio, not to mention plenty of natural light when you’re enjoying the comfortable and welcoming indoor space. (Frankly, we’d love to live here!) The decor is tasteful, warm, and modern, and would make an ideal backdrop for your next photoshoot.

4. Baker Beach

We’d say this destination should be included on just about any list of good places to take pictures in San Francisco. That’s because Baker Beach is one of the best and most unique places from which to photograph the iconic, quintessential San Francisco landmark that is the Golden Gate Bridge. Standing on the beach, you’ve got a great view of the bridge itself, not to mention the beach, water, and rocks. You may even catch a glimpse of some adorable harbor porpoises in the water!

5. This prime kitchen & event space in the Mission

You’ll find an abundance of useful amenities at this kitchen and event space. We think it’d be a lovely location for a culinary and cooking-themed photoshoot, because the commercial kitchen is attractive, well-stocked, and professional. The decor, with lots of sunlight, wood, and splashes of subway tile, is warm and comfortable. It sits at the perfect point between rustic and modern.

6. This artist’s airy sky loft

If breathtaking views are your first priority, we’ve got the space for you! There’s so much to love about this loft, which really does feel like it’s nestled high in the sky. Through the massive, two-story windows (!) you’ll have 180-degree views of the Mission, Twin Peaks, and downtown, beautiful both during the day in bright sun and at night, when the city lights are twinkling. The furniture and decor are tasteful and chic, allowing the view to really speak for itself. One reviewer commented, “I wish I could rate this space and host 10 stars!!!!” while another described it as “a wonderful creative space with high ceilings, artwork, and a lovely deck.”

7. Coit Tower

Coit Tower is the ideal vantage point from which to photograph the city. For a reasonable entrance fee, you’ll take an elevator to reach the tower’s observation deck, with its stunning 360-degree views of the city. The tower itself is also an interesting sight—built it 1933, the white column stretches up from the top of Telegraph Hill to be one of the highest vantage points in the city.

8. This premier downtown gallery salon

Packed with artwork, photography, and books, this gallery is brimming with details and texture that lend themselves perfectly to intriguing photography. Its got character in spades—perfect for a gloomy, misty day in the Bay.

9. Fisherman’s Wharf

Sure, it draws lots of tourists, but there’s a reason Fisherman’s Wharf is a major attraction! The vibrant marketplaces, distinctive waterfront vistas, iconic ships, and sea lions basking on the piers are just a few of the many great photographic subjects to be found here.

10. The Angelwood House

This Ashbury Heights home is unique: it’s both whimsical and chic, tasteful and rustic. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped outside of the city, surrounded by lush vegetation and sequestered from the hustle and bustle (despite being so close to all its world-class offerings). With details like 18th-century reclaimed Italian floor tiles, custom mosaic walls, and a central spiral staircase, this elegant and unexpected home is a major standout among good places to take pictures in San Francisco.

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