Steeped in history, San Francisco is a photographer's dream city. From the wondrous Golden Gate Bridge, the mysterious Alcatraz, and the colorful streets of Haight-Ashbury, there's something unique around every corner. And while these places are worth capturing on camera, they're also some of the more popular tourist spots in the city.
Redfin reached out to some local experts, including myself, to highlight our favorite hidden SF gems. Their list includes some of the city's best-kept secrets, from breathtaking gardens to delectable restaurants. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Redfin's list of hidden gems San Francisco, which makes it the best guide for exploring the area like a local.
As a professional photographer, I often find myself drawn to places that offer unique photo opportunities. I shared my favorite photography hidden gem San Francisco with Redfin, and I'm excited to share this location and more with you here.
1. Marshall's Beach: A Hidden Gem in San Francisco
San Francisco is a city rich with history, and that's evident the minute you set foot in Marshall's Beach. The beach is located north of Baker Beach and offers stunning panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands. This hidden SF gem is one of the few remaining natural landscapes in San Francisco, and it's a photographer's paradise.
You can find secluded coastlines and dramatic cliffs at Marshall's beach, making it an excellent spot for landscape photography. As you have to trek down the cliffs to reach the beach, you don't have to worry about dealing with crowds when trying to get that perfect shot.
If you're looking to add Marshall's Beach to your photographer San Francisco itinerary, the best time to visit is in the afternoon when the sun is low in the sky. This will help you capture the stunning golden hour light for which this beach is known. When I shot Ashley and Arnulfo's stunning maternity photoshoot at Marshall's beach, the lighting was absolutely magical.
2. The Palace of Fine Arts: A San Francisco Photography Hotspot
The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most popular wedding photography locations in San Francisco, but it's also a great spot for engagement shoots - exactly what Brenda and Dave opted for! This hidden gem in San Francisco is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the city, and it's perfect for couples looking for a romantic setting for their photos.
The Palace of Fine Arts was constructed in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, and it's the only surviving structure from the event. A lagoon surrounds the palace, and the tranquil gardens make a fantastic backdrop for any photo shoot.
3. Lands End and Legion of Honor: A Majestic Hidden Gem San Francisco
Lands End and the Legion of Honor are two gems in San Francisco that tourists often overlook. Lands End is a rural park that offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and it's the perfect spot for a picnic or a hike. The Legion of Honor is a nearby museum that is definitely worth a visit, and it's surrounded by gorgeous gardens that just call to be photographed.
I took Miss Natalie's senior portrait session at both these locations, and the juxtaposition of both sites played well into my vision for her photos. I loved capturing the grandeur of the Legion of Honor, then we walked over to Lands End, and I was able to shoot some more intimate portraits surrounded by natural beauty.