Break Out Your Cameras in San Francisco - Fun Places to Instagram

 There are many places for cool photo opportunities in San Francisco; it is a dream city for photographers and Instagrammers alike.  During our recent visit, we went to these sites and had fun exploring the city while we did it.  We visited several different neighborhoods and locations.  While we did not begin to hit all the possibilities, here are some that we would definitely recommend checking out.

(This post will grow as I have the opportunity to add more about the locations that we visited.  Sites are listed in the order that we enjoyed most and will be updated as more sites are added.)

1) Queen Wilhelmena Garden and the Dutch Windmill

The Dutch Windmill stands tall in the beautiful and peaceful Queen Wilhelmena Gardens in Golden Gate Park.  The flowers gardens surrounding the windmill make it a unique and picture worth location.  The Windmill stands tall, reaching almost 75 feet above the park and gardens below.  It is one of two windmills constructed on the west end of the park and was completed in 1902.  When they were constructed, the windmills were functioning and would pump 1 1/2 million gallons of water a day.  Located near the windy shores of the pacific ocean, they were able to harness the energy of the wind to good use.  In June, there were lots of flowers in the well-tended garden.  It would be amazing to visit here during the tulip season for the full experience.

2) Cupid's Span

Located along the Embarcadero, a short walking distance from downtown and the ferry terminal Cupid's Span, is a 60-foot fall sculpture commissioned by the founders of GAP. The sculpture is designed to represent Cupid's bow with an arrow drawn and ready to be released in the city that represents love.  There are great backdrops of the sculpture with downtown and the Bay Bridge, both offering unique and different perspectives depending on which side of the arrow you are standing on.

3. Cable Cars

Cable cars are an iconic part of San Francisco and make for a great prop when you want to tell your story about your trip to San Francisco.  When we visited last in 2021, the cable cars were still not running because of COVID, but one morning, we were out walking and found this one parked near the Ghiradelli square on the Hyde Street line.  We used the opportunity to get a quick picture hanging onto the side.

4. Umbrella Alley

Umbrella Alley is a collection of interactive murals created by various artists that are the perfect backdrop for shoot your Instagram pics. Located close to Fisherman's Warf, this alley is a colorful collection of street art.

There is no entry fee to visit the Umbrella Alley, but donations are welcome, with a recommended donation of $5.00 per guest. To visit the alley, map your journey to 757 Beast Street, San Francisco. 

Their spring and summer hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.  During the winter, it does not open until 11:00 am and closes at sunset.  The facility is gated to protect the artwork, so you will want to check to make sure you know the current hours.  There is no parking available here, so you will have to find public parking in the surrounding area and then walk to Umbrella Alley.  If you are staying in Fishermans Warf, then it is just a quick walk down the street.

MORE COOL SPOTS TO COME!