When it comes to exploring the best photo spots in San Francisco, there are too many to choose from. This blog post is actually being split into two (restaurants & places) because it was getting crazy! I’m listing some of my favorite spots, some famous, and some a little less well-known. Keep reading to check out the 16 most Instagrammable places in San Francisco. I have been building this list for over a year, but when my good friends Emma of Emma’s Edition and Karya of Karya Schanilec Photography came to visit, we got more spots on the list!
16 Most Instagrammable Places in San Francisco, California
1 ) Conservatory of Flowers & Golden Gate Park
I hadn’t been to the Conservatory of Flowers since I was 10 years old, so I was excited to be back! It is located within Golden Gate Park, and is a great options for a rainy day.
- Location: Golden Gate Park, 100 John F. Kennedy Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 6:30 PM. Closed Mondays.
- Entrance Fee: Prices differ depending on residency, and tourist type. Adult GA is $9. Visit the website here for more accurate info.
- Pro Tip: Go right when they open to avoid the crowds. Also a great indoor activity on a rainy day.
While you’re in Golden Gate Park, you could easily spend all day here, but let me call out a few of my favorite spots:
- Windmills & Tulips
- Carousel
- De Young Museum
2) Golden Gate Welcome Center
Looking to take a photo like mine above? Head to the Golden Gate Welcome Center. Fun fact: the Bridge has 746-foot tall towers, and over 10 million visitors a year!
- Location: Depending on where you’re coming from, there are different access points. Check out the directions on their website here.
- Pro Tip: I would highly recommend taking an Uber/Lyft instead of driving. It can be hard to find parking and hard to find the right spot! (I’ve both Ubered and driven there).
3) Land’s End
If it’s a clear day in the city, Land’s End makes for a perfect hike. The view are absolutely breathtaking! The trail is about 4 miles long and features lots of stairs and uphill climbing. But if you’re in okay/decent shape (or not so decent shape like me) you’ll still survive!
- Location: 680 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121
- Pro Tip: Check the weather before you go. If it is cloudy, I would skip it.
4 ) Mosaic Stairway
The Mosaic Stairway is tucked away in a neighborhood on Outer Sunset. There is actually another stairway located down the street as well that I’ll list below.
- Location: Moraga St &, Moraga Steps, San Francisco, CA 94122
- Other Stairway: 16th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
5) Outer Sunset Homes
While you’re in the Outer Sunset neighborhood, I would pick a random street and start walking! This area is known for having lots of bright and colorful houses (just like the one that we named the ‘Barbie House’ above). If you’re looking for the number one most Instagrammable places in San Francisco, this is it!
- Location: Outer Sunset Neighborhood
- Pro Tip: People do live in these houses, so it’s important to be respectful.
6 ) Crissy Field
Crissy Field is my go-to for a summer picnic, and an alternate view of the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re only in the city for a short time, I would skip this stop. But if you’re local or looking for something more relaxed, this is the way to go!
- Location: 1199 E Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94129
- Pro Tip: Go early if you’re planning to drive as there is limited parking.
7) Palace of Fine Arts
Hands down, the Palace of Fine Arts is one of my favorite places in all of San Francisco. It’s beautiful, it’s peaceful, and it feels like you’re not even in the US! It was originally created in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific Exposition, as was meant to be an exhibition site.
- Location: 3601 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123
- Pro Tip: After visiting the Palace, go for a walk along the waterfront, and grab a coffee of Philz Coffee from their coffee truck!
8 ) Painted Ladies
The Painted Ladies, one of the icons of San Francisco, are located around Alamo Square. The row of homes is known for their Victorian and Edwardian architecture.
- Location: 710–720 Steiner Street, San Francisco, CA
- Pro Tip: For best photos, shoot from a high point of the hill in Alamo Square.
9) The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
I have stayed at the Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel a couple of times while doing little staycations in San Francisco. I love the history and architecture! They have everything from pastel purple hallways to a ginormous chair in their lobby. You can check out some of the photos of the pastel stairs in my friend Emma’s Instagrammable Places blog post.
- Location: 495 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Pro Tip: Consider also visiting their Redwood Room for dinner/ drinks if you’re into the old San Francisco glamour and history.
10 ) Union Square
To be totally honest, when it comes to great photo spots, Union Square isn’t exactly my favorite. Unless you’re going for big city vibes. However, it is worth a stop since it is surrounded by some other Instagrammable spots further down the list.
- Location: Maiden Lane, San Francisco, CA
- Pro Tip: If you do end up in Union Square, I suggest visiting Maiden Lane. It has big city vibes, fairy lights, and is generally super cute! Go early to avoid the crowds.
11) Fairmont Hotel
Another historic hotel is The Fairmont. I like this spot if you’re looking for something that has a stately vibe. I love the white colonial looking exterior.
- Location: 950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108
- Pro Tip: I’d especially recommend a visit at Christmas time where they have a huge gingerbread house and lovely decorations.
12) SF MOMA
I try to make it out to the SF MOMA at least once a year to check out their latest exhibits. You could easily spend an entire afternoon there with all the floors and rooms. I personally love all the fun photo corners there are (especially the patio views of the city).
- Location: 151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Hours:
- Entry: Adults are $25, but prices do vary. Check out all the details here.
13) Le Marché
Le Marché is the cutest little French shop/ studio space. I love their egg chairs, and they have great small French gifts like mugs, t-shirts, and more.
- Location: 1144 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109 (between Polk St & Larkin St)
- Hours: Sat & Sun 10 AM – 6 PM
14) Yerba Buena Gardens & Rooftop
The Yerba Buena Gardens & Rooftop, located down the street from the SFMOMA is very reminiscent of New York’s Highline. The location features restaurants, public art, gardens, and more.
- Location: 720 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Hours: Daily 6 AM – 10 PM
15) Chinatown
Chinatown in San Francisco is one of the biggest outside of Asia. Every time I visit the city I love walking through the bustling streets and stopping for a BBQ Pork Bun, an egg tart or even Dim Sum if I have time!
Pro Tip: Visit late in the afternoon to find some empty photogenic spots.
16) Treasure Island
If you happen to be visiting the city the last weekend of the month, I highly recommend a visit to Treasure Island for TreasureFest. It is a giant market with food, vintage finds, local artisan crafts and more. It also features awesome views of the city!
There you have it folks! My list of the most Instagrammable places in San Francisco ! Coming soon is my list of restaurants that I can’t wait to share!
