Six iconic shots: how a local photographs San Francisco’s sights

Lisa Rosanty is a travel content creator based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She specialises in showcasing iconic spots, scenic destinations and practical travel tips through short-form video and photography. Her work focuses on making travel feel inspiring and easy to plan, with guides, itineraries and helpful tips for every kind of traveller. So who better to share some insider tips for San Fran shots?

San Francisco is one of those cities that’s just made to be photographed. It has everything: cityscapes, ocean views, hills, historic neighbourhoods and that signature fog. Over the past few years, I’ve been exploring the city with my camera, always looking for the best angles, lighting and timing to get the perfect shot. In this guide, I’m sharing six of my favourite iconic locations, plus simple tips to help you capture them, whether you’re using a smartphone or a mirrorless camera.

1. Frame the bridge through the cypress at Golden Gate Overlook

Golden Gate Overlook in the Presidio is one of the best places to capture the Golden Gate Bridge from a unique angle. I love this spot because the bridge lines up between two big cypress trees, and you get a direct view of both towers leading into the hills. I visited near sunset when the light was warm and soft, and the view looked even better in person than it does in photos.

I stood a few steps behind the railing so the trees could naturally frame the scene. If you’re using a phone, tap to focus on the bridge and lower the brightness just a little to keep the colours balanced. Portrait mode works well here too if you want to be in the shot. With a mirrorless camera, try a 70–100mm lens to fill the frame without distortion.

Access tip: drive to Langdon Court carpark in the Presidio, then walk the short gravel path to the overlook. Parking is limited, so aim for earlier in the day or near golden hour for easier access.

2. Soak in the skyline from Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks has one of the best views in all of San Francisco. From the top, you can see the entire city, from downtown’s skyline and Market Street cutting through the middle, to the Bay Bridge and even the ocean on a clear day. It’s the kind of spot that makes you pause for a second, especially when the sky is clear and the light hits just right.

I went around golden hour when the sun was low and the shadows added more depth to the shot. You don’t need any special gear here. Even on a phone, the Panorama mode works great. For cameras, a wide lens like 16–24mm helps you capture the full skyline. I took this photo facing northeast with the winding road in the foreground, which adds a really cool curve leading into the city.

Access tip: drive or rideshare to Christmas Tree Point. There’s a small carpark at the top, or you can hike up if you’re feeling adventurous. Bring a jacket since it gets windy.

3. Watch the sea lions at Pier 39

Pier 39 is one of those classic SF stops that never gets old. The sea lions have taken over the docks, and they’re the real stars here. I like coming in the late morning when the lighting is soft, the crowd is still manageable and the sea lions are super active. You can hear them before you even see them.

For this shot, I stood near the far end of the viewing platform to frame the floating docks, the Pier 39 sign and the city skyline in the background. If you’re using a phone, shoot in wide mode to capture the full scene. I like to keep the camera at chest level to make the sea lions feel larger and closer. On mirrorless, go with a 35mm or 50mm to keep the background sharp and give it that city-meets-nature feel.

Access tip: Pier 39 is walkable from Fisherman’s Wharf or Embarcadero. There are multiple parking garages nearby.

4. Take the classic cable car shot on Powell-Hyde line

There’s nothing more recognisable in SF than a cable car. I took this shot along the Powell-Hyde line, which is my favourite route because it passes Ghirardelli Square, the waterfront and some beautiful hills. The cable cars themselves are full of charm and colour, and it’s fun to capture one mid-street with the architecture around it.

I waited at the corner of Hyde and Beach where the cable cars pause for a moment. This gave me time to frame it straight on with a clean background. If you’re using a phone, try Portrait mode for a focused look or shoot wide for more of the scene. With a mirrorless camera, I used around 50mm to frame the car cleanly while keeping the background architecture sharp. A fast shutter speed helps if the car is moving.

Access Tip: head to Hyde and Beach near Ghirardelli Square. Cable cars pass frequently, so it’s easy to catch one in action.

5. Capture Alcatraz Island from the shoreline

Alcatraz Island is one of the most spectacular views in San Francisco, and you can photograph it clearly from Pier 39 without needing to take the ferry. On a clear day, the island sits perfectly framed across the water, with layers of sky, sea and city behind it. It’s simple but dramatic, and the view changes depending on the light and fog.

I took this shot from the far side of Pier 39, where the angle lines up beautifully. For phone users, try using 2x or 3x zoom to bring the island closer while keeping the frame steady. For camera users, zoom in around 85–100mm to compress the background and highlight the buildings on the island. I also kept my shutter speed high to avoid any blur from the wind. Slightly off-centre framing works well here to balance the water and sky.

Access tip: head to the back side of Pier 39, past the sea lions, for the clearest and most open view of Alcatraz.

6. Photograph the dome up-close at the Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts feels like it was made to be photographed. With its massive Roman-inspired columns and dramatic rotunda, it’s one of the most beautiful spots in San Francisco. I visited during the day and focused on the architectural details, the warm tones of the stone, the ornate carvings and the way the light hits the dome from below.

I took this photo using my phone, standing close to the edge of the rotunda and tilting the camera slightly upwards to capture the height and symmetry. Tapping to focus on the dome helped bring out the texture and detail. I also lowered the brightness a bit to avoid washing out the sky. If you’re shooting with a camera, a wide lens like 18–24mm works great for this angle without too much distortion.

Access tip: there’s a small carpark on Palace Drive, right next to the site, and street parking along Marina Boulevard and Lyon Street. Early visits are best for fewer people.