San Francisco is one of the best cities to visit for a weekend getaway. From the delicious food, incredible views, and endless options of things to do, it’s the perfect place to get lost and explore. San Francisco is also full of the most beautiful spots to take pictures, so here’s our list of the most Instagrammable spots in San Francisco:
The Most Instagrammable Spots in San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge:
The Golden Gate Bridge is the most iconic landmark in San Francisco. So you’ll definitely want a picture of it to remember your trip. There are also a lot of different spots to get a shot with the bridge. But one of our favorites is while you’re actually walking across the bridge. The entrance point for pedestrians to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge is from the Golden Gate Welcome Center. This is also one of our favorite activities to do in San Francisco, because the views of the bay and city are amazing! In addition, getting to see the bridge up close and personal is truly breathtaking.
Location: Golden Gate Bridge
Battery Spencer:
If you walk all the way across the bridge (or drive to the other side), another great view of the bridge is from Battery Spencer. This is a super special spot to us, because this is where Ryan proposed. So to say it’s a pretty epic viewpoint is an understatement. So get here early in the morning for the best light and to avoid the crowds.
Location: Battery Spencer
Golden Gate Overlook:
There’s no such thing as too many photos with the Golden Gate Bridge during your trip to San Francisco. Head to the Golden Gate Overlook for a different angle of the bridge. If you have a zoom lens, the shot between the trees gets a lot cooler, because the bridge in the background is brought even closer and the trees frame the image even tighter. But even if you don’t (we didn’t), it’s still a pretty cool shot.
Location: Golden Gate Overlook
*There is currently a rope blocking off the walking area where the photo on the left (top on mobile) was taken. The photo was taken before the conservation process began. So please do not step over the rope to take a photo.
HAWK HILL:
Another great view of the Golden Gate Bridge is up in the Mairin Headlands on Hawk Hill. This is a lot farther away, so the bridge will be smaller in the background. But it is a beautiful lookout spot. Keep in mind, if #karlthefog is hanging around that day (aka it’s foggy), you probably won’t be able to see the bridge from here.
Location: Hawk Hill
KIRBY COVE:
The final Instagrammable spot with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge is at Kirby Cove. In fact, the entrance to Kirby Cove is near Battery Spencer where you can park and hike down to the cove. It’s also a beautiful beach with plenty of pine trees, rocks, and sometimes (when it’s not cut down) there’s a swing where you can get a perfect picture of you swinging with the bay and bridge in the background.
Location: Kirby Cove
PACIFIC HEIGHTS:
If you love photos in front of cute houses, you have to go to Pacific Heights. In fact, Pac Heights is a neighborhood full of charming, classic San Francisco-style houses. There’s also a Salt & Straw around the corner, so wander around the neighborhood and then treat yourself to the best ice cream in the world. Another cute spot for houses is just north of Joe DiMaggio Playground.
Location: Pacific Heights
TWIN PEAKS:
One of the best views of the San Francisco is from Twin Peaks. You also can hike or drive up to the top. Avoid the crowds in the parking lot, and walk around and down into the grass. Then take a shot with the entire city in front of you. If you go at sunrise or sunset, it’ll also be a lot less crowded and you might even get those beautiful orange and pink hues over the city if it’s a clear day.
Location: Twin Peaks
SUTRO BATHS:
Location: Sutro Baths
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THE TRANSAMERICA BUILDING:
Another San Francisco landmark is the Transamerica Pyramid. This is a great place to shoot in front of if you want those “city-vibes” shots in your Instagram feed.
Location: View of Transamerica Building
GHIRADELLI SQUARE:
Ghirardelli Square isn’t only good for chocolate and ice cream sundaes (although they are really delicious and you should definitely get one), but it’s also a great spot to get a shot in front of an iconic San Francisco landmark. If you go right at dusk, the sign lights up and creates a fun “night out” feel to your photo.
Location: Ghiradelli Square
POINT REYES:
If you want to venture out of the city, drive about an hour north of San Francisco to Point Reyes. There is a beautiful lighthouse here (but be prepared, it’s a bit of a hike down and up) and en epic view of a beach that stretches for as far as the eye can see. It feels very coastal and rugged and there are absolutely beautiful untouched sand dunes below. This is a great spot to add some nature into your feed during your time in San Francisco.
Location: Point Reyes
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WHERE TO STAY:
Luxury: The Ritz Carlton San Francisco or The Palace Hotel San Francisco
Mid-Range: Fairmont San Francisco or Intercontinental San Francisco
Budget: The Cartwright Hotel or Hotel Vertigo
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WHAT TO PACK:
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