The Most Instagrammable Spots in San Francisco
There are a lot of words that can accurately describe San Francisco: weird, hilly, gorgeous, beachy, and warm-but-chilly-at-night. But another word people may not immediately associate with San Francisco is Instagrammable. Yep, the City by the Bay offers a million different spots that are perfect for capturing a beautiful Instagram shot and reeling in the likes. We’ve narrowed these spots down to the best of the best, and we can safely say these are some of the most Instagrammable spots in all of San Francisco.
The Presidio
Just because San Francisco is a major metropolitan city doesn’t mean greenery is nowhere to be found. In fact, one of the most impressive parks-within-a-city is The Presidio, a 1,500-acre park that has become a major outdoor attraction. The park was built on the site of a former military post, and today it features acres of forests, miles of hiking and walking trails, and vista points to admire stunning views of the city.
The Conservatory of Flowers
Speaking of green, it’s not just outdoors that San Franciscans can enjoy some good old nature. At The Conservatory of Flowers inside Golden Gate Park, you can take in the gorgeous sight of 2,000 species of flora. Plus, the greenhouse building itself is a treat for the eyes, so it’s no surprise that the Victorian-era glass structure is frequently Instagrammed.
The Color Factory
Remember the Museum of Ice Cream, the one-of-a-kind exhibition that began in New York and made its way to the West Coast, igniting a social media frenzy along the way? The Color Factory is riding the wave of enthusiasm that trailed the Museum of Ice Cream, and the social media excitement is pretty much just as loud and colorful. The Color Factory, located in Union Square, was designed with Instagram in mind, and you’ll get to descend rainbow staircases, play with colorful balloons, and snap photos of some seriously decked-out exhibits. The lighting is also spectacular, so you really don’t have to worry about taking a bad selfie.
Financial District
Want to capture the hustle and bustle that makes San Francisco a thriving metropolis? All the tall buildings in the Financial District make the perfect setting for framing shots of busy city folk going about their business. Plus, if you’ve spent most of your time in the suburbs or rural towns, the neighborhood provides a nice opportunity to take shots of towering skyscrapers jutting into the clouds.
Lands End
You can’t leave San Francisco without an obligatory shot of the Golden Gate Bridge. But the bridge itself doesn’t provide the best setting to snap those photos, as it’s too huge to fit into one picture if you’re up close. Instead, make your way over to Lands End, which is the perfect spot to get photos of the Golden Gate. No, we’re not talking about the casual apparel store. Lands End is a park located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It’s a rocky, windy area along the water, nestled in between the Sutro District and Lincoln Park. Once you’re done getting those perfectly framed shots of the bridge, go for a hike along one of the many trails that wind through this area. The Coastal Trail is one of the most popular and takes you to some beautiful vista points.
Mount Tamalpais
This Marin County mountain is the darling of the North Bay, and residents affectionately refer to it as Mount Tam. Hiking Mount Tam, you’ll get to take in absolutely stunning views of the gorgeous rolling hills, the cliffs that touch the clouds, and even the massive Pacific Ocean. The hike is frequently a bit foggy, but most regulars agree that the fog adds to the beauty of the hike and gives it a mysterious quality in photographs. Get exercise, enjoy great views, and beef up your Instagram game at Mount Tamalpais.