San Francisco is a vibrant city with incredible sights around every corner. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the breathtaking hills, the City by the Bay is an Instagrammer’s dream.

If you’re looking for a few spots to capture some photos on your next adventure, check out these amazing places for taking photos in San Francisco.

Sutro Baths

The Sutro Baths was a huge saltwater swimming complex on the shore in the Lands End area. The original building was erected in the late 1800s and was fed by ocean water, similar to a marina. This once prominent hotspot was closed and subsequently consumed by flames in the late 1960s.

Now, the remaining pool and ruins along the gorgeous beach create an ethereal location for taking photos. If you grab some shots here, remember to include the fascinating history of this area when composing your good selfie captions.

Hawk Hill

Hawk Hill is just one of San Francisco’s many hiking destinations. What makes this spot so magical is the sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

This area is particularly stunning at sunrise when the bridge becomes enshrouded by fog in the early morning light. You often get fewer tourists in this area as it’s a bit farther out, but it creates the perfect backdrop for your travel photos.

Mission District

Mission District is a neighborhood that’s known world-wide for its incredible street art. Everywhere you look, the walls and fences are covered in vibrant colors and scenes depicting important cultural events. If you want unforgettable Mission District photos, understanding the definition of how to take a good selfie is a must.

You won’t want to miss Clarion Alley, a walkway with numerous murals. The Women’s Building MaestraPeace Mural is also a breathtaking piece of art to witness.

Lombard Street

Unlike many of the gargantuan hills in San Francisco, Lombard Street is recognizable by its switchback roadway surrounded by stunning gardens. In addition to its iconic hairpin turns, Lombard street also boasts bricks rather than asphalt, making it look like a scene out of The Wizard of Oz.

Take a quick walk on Lombard Street and capture a few fantastic photos of this whimsical roadway.

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz is one of the world’s most infamous prisons. If you love history and true crime, you won’t want to miss an Alcatraz tour. The best photos are taken from the water or in the exterior landscape with the facility in the background.

The Swings

The San Francisco swings are a hidden gem that makes for great photo opportunities. There are numerous rope swings hidden around the city in iconic spots, with the most notable being the Billy Goat Hill Swing. The Kirby Cove Swing also provides a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the shoreline.

Dutch Windmills

Golden Gate Park has two old Dutch windmills, each with something special to offer. The South Windmill is one of the largest remaining windmills and creates an impressive backdrop for photos. Conversely, the North windmill is surrounded by live tulips that bloom during the late winter and early spring.

Flora Grubb Gardens

Flora Grubb is a legend in the landscaping design community. With her passion for gardening, she turned her yard into an oasis that features the latest in design trends. She shares that passion with the Flora Grubb Gardens center, where you can buy rare plants, designer furniture, and sip coffee in the lush green surroundings.

This small business doubles as a special find for taking beautiful selfies and photos with friends.

These eight places all offer varying perspectives of San Francisco. In a city that’s bursting with creativity, photographic inspiration is never hard to find.