What to Photograph in San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful city, known for its world-famous landmarks and its uniqueness that sets it apart from other cities in California. It has a European flair combined with a Pacific camaraderie.

Looking for subjects to photograph in the city is not at all hard given all these well-known attractions but to help you guide, here's a list of what's worth capturing.

City's Panorama - The best place to go is the Twin Peaks where you get a sweeping 360 degrees view of San Francisco. Another great choice is from the Alcatraz Island, which offers a perfect view of the city from the Bay Bridge all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge - This is definitely one of the most beautiful bridges of the world and San Francisco's most famous attraction. With clouds or strong sunlight, don't ever miss to capture it.

Palace of Fine Arts - A Roman and Greek-inspired building with its beautiful park in the heart of San Francisco is just hard to miss. The place is a common destination for wedding photography.

North Beach - Historically an Italian neighborhood and even these days, it's mostly occupied by Italian merchants. To get a good view of the place, climb up the Coit Tower or alternatively somewhere near Lombard Street where it is elevated.

Victorian Houses - It will take days to hunt these beautiful Victorian houses but for the most interesting, go find the Painted Ladies which are directly facing the Alamo Square. From the Alamo Park, you can have a perfect picture of these beautiful Victorians and even with the city's skyline in the background.

Fisherman's Wharf - The wharf is a very busy place, people bustling around to get to something interesting. What's here to be photographed anyway? Look for the colorful fishermen's boats resting on the dock and a group of sea lions enjoying the sun.

Alcatraz Island - The Rock is a famous destination in the city, both a historical fort and prison. And aside from the magnificent view of the city from the island, it offers several interesting subjects like its untended garden and of course the different buildings which were used during its penitentiary era.

Pier 39 - Catch the lively atmosphere in this place. Pier 39 is normally full of visitors looking for a place to eat, shop or just plainly strolling around.

Financial District - This part of the city is where the financial institutions and big companies are residing. To get a great view of the Financial District, go to Alcatraz Island or to the higher part of the Alamo Square.

The Bay - The San Francisco Bay is definitely an add-on to the city's beauty.
It's blue, clear and normally serene water is a common place for sailing boats.

Cable Cars - Capture the historic cable cars, another famous attraction of the city which goes through Powell & Hyde Sts. and Mason St.

Lombard Street - Nothing more interesting than the Crookedest Street of San Francisco. Its sides are regularly planted with plants and flowers which are normally colorful during spring and summer seasons.

Ghirardelli Square - The square's famous attractions are its historical chocolate factory buildings, which are turned into museums and shops, and its beautiful courtyard.

Sausalito - This is a very charming place across the Golden Gate Bridge. It is being compared to the French Riviera because of its mediterranean flair and beautiful views.

Muir Woods - This is the home to several giant Coast Redwoods which live between 500 to 800 years long. A great place for nature photography.

With all these, you can make an excellent San Francisco photo collection. Enjoy!

Manfred Richter has a passion for traveling and photography.