Most Instagram Worthy Locations Near San Francisco
There's a reason why so many people leave their heart in San Francisco. Not only is there culture, a foodie scene and sweeping views, but there are plenty of opportunities for postcard perfect pictures. Make your Instagram followers jealous with a feed filled with quintessential landmarks and hidden gems though out the city. Here are the locations to visit to get the most popular backgrounds for your selfies and shots that will be liked by the masses.
Golden Gate Bridge
One of the most iconic landmarks in San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge connecting San Francisco and Marin is not only one of the most recognized but also one of the most photographed. Not only is it hard to get a bad angle, there are several vantage points from the Marin and San Francisco side that give you different but equally amazing perspectives. On a nice day, check out the view from Baker Beach, it's a photographer's favorite where the Golden Gate Bridge is the background.
Sutro Baths
Down near Lands End lies the ruins of Sutro Baths. This saltwater swimming pool was built in 1896 and considered the largest indoor swimming pool complex at the time. Not much remains except concrete walls, foundation and stairs but it is a great place to explore. Also because of its location on the Pacific Ocean, it makes for some breathtaking views. This location is also ideal for night photography.
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is an expansive flat beach with plenty of space to spread out to stroll, kite, picnic or have bonfires. This beach is picturesque with sand and surf. The seawall also has graffiti that lends to the fact that this large beach is in a well populated urban city. Instagram worthy moments such as sandcastle building contests, sand artists and bonfire parties.
Treasure Island
Treasure Island was built for the World's Fair but today it is one of the best places to get a full view of the San Francisco skyline. This view is Instagram worthy anytime of day with views of Alcatraz and Marin as well. This man made island is a great place to photograph firework displays in the city as well as the light installation on the Bay Bridge. Some Instagram pictures will have nothing to do with the view though since Treasure Island also hosts a music festival where the main focus is music and fashion.
Alamo Square
Alamo Square is known for its Victorian architecture that surrounds a park. Tourists get off by the busloads to get a picture in front of the "Painted Ladies". This row of Victorian houses is not only on postcards but its fame also comes from being in the opening credits to the beloved television show Full House. On a day without fog Alamo Square is a unique vantage point to view downtown and the Transamerica Pyramid.
Twin Peaks
While some will argue where the best view in the city is, Twin Peaks offers 360 degrees of San Francisco on a clear day. Located near the center of the city, this is one of the highest places you can capture the entirety of the city. Just make sure you don't go on a foggy day because there's not much to see. The fog that high can be epic and also Instagram worthy, just make sure you tag Karl the Fog since San Francisco fog has its own Instagram account.
Chinatown
San Francisco has the largest Chinatown outside of Asia. From the gates to the lantern lined streets, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco. The bright colors, food, souvenirs and crowded streets make it a delight for any social media maven. The hustle and the bustle of the district is part of the fun, but its also a great location to capture at night when its empty with wet streets and lit lanterns.