The Presidio
Presidio National Park, also known as the Presidio, is located on the northwestern coast of San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge, which feeds into the park, offers photographers an opportunity to frame their shots against one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The plants and animals native to the park, which include over 200 species of birds and many rare and endangered plants, add a natural backdrop to a photo shoot. The park also contains some of San Francisco's clearest views of the Pacific Ocean.
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island, located inside the entrance of San Francisco Bay and formerly home to a maximum security prison, is a popular choice for photo shoots due to its location and architecture. Photographers can enter the prison block and capture artistic shots by taking advantage of the sunlight falling in slender, vertical columns through the cell block's high windows. They can also exit the prison and frame their shots against a backdrop of San Francisco's skyline to the south or the Golden Gate Bridge to the west.
The Twin Peaks
The Twin Peaks region of San Francisco is located in the geographic center of the city and is marked by two hills that rise 1,000 feet above sea level. During the day, the Transamerica Building, city hall and the downtown area are clearly visible in the distance, while in the evening, the two hills offer a view of the city's skyline lit up against the night sky. Due to their height, the hills offer a clear view of the surrounding area even in foggy weather, making them an excellent spot for capturing photos framed by the city's skyline or the Golden Gate Bridge shrouded in fog.
Chinatown
San Francisco's Chinatown, the largest and oldest Chinatown in the United States, offers photographers a chance to frame their photos against a backdrop of Chinese architecture. Photographers can shoot against the traditionally decorated Chinatown Gate, which welcomes visitors with two twin dragons perched on its top, or against the various temples such as the Kong Chow Taoist Temple and the Norras Buddhist Temple. Chinatown's public art murals, such as "Chinese Railroad Workers," located at Victory Memorial Hall, are another backdrop option in the area.