Known for great food, pretty Victorian style homes and endless hills, the city of San Francisco offers endless scenic views and cute dining options. On my list of places, I often passed up destinations in USA and Canada for Asia, the Indian Ocean, Caribbean or Europe, however, moving to Southern California made this he perfect opportunity to finally visit Silicon Valley, and I’m so excited to share some best instagrammable spots with you.
As a blogger, I’m often looking for the perfect balance of glamour and affordability. I always want great food, cool locations, the best views and trendiest spots, but I rarely say no to run down mom and pop shops that have a reputation of serving incredibly authentic or delicious food, but if a place is so nice that it can be on my instagram feed as well, we have a true winner. Below are some of my favourite spots on this trip around the city.
A Blogger’s Guide to 10 Instagrammable Spots in San Francisco
Palace of Fine Arts – Located in a residential neighbourhood lined up with endlessly beautiful homes is a gorgeous park with a rotunda and collonades. The architecture is really magnificant, well kept and a perfect place to take a short walk, snap a picture and peruse a selection of fine art.
Ferry Building – Located near Pier 3 is beautifully grand building. A great place to grab coffee is the Blue Grotto (and so far my favourite in California, as it’s the only place I’ve been able to get organic milk for a latte that tasted both strong and smooth). They offer a selection of lattes and even have Vietnamese coffee. In the Ferry Building, you’ll find a pastry shop, ice cream, meat shop, olive oils and local honey. If you’re hungry, there are a handful of restaurants nearby. Get your ticket validated for any purchases you make if you park at the Ace Parking Lot.
Union Square – If you’re looking for a mix of high street retailers, luxury brands and big department stores, Union Square will be the place for you. It’s full of great angles, lights, views and there are tons of good restaurants in the area. You’ll find Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Forever21, ZARA. I love the glass dome at the top of the Neiman Marcus at 150 Stockton Street. It really makes for a pretty shot while you’re out shopping. While you’re in the area, snap a photo of the Hearts of San Francisco sculptures in the park.
Tiled Steps Project – If you’re a fan of colorful backgrounds, gorgeous stair tiles and happen to be driving by, stop here for a great photo. There are 153 steps of mosaic tiles!
Golden Gate Park – This park is really more than it sounds. It’s a pretty spot worth wandering through. Golden Gate Park has a Japanese Tea Garden, museum, Conservatory of Flowers, windmills, playground, aquarium and more. Download the map here.
Lombard Street – It is a crooked street that is probably about 600 ft. The most famous spot is the part where it winds down, zigzagging side to side in one traffic lane from the top of the hill towards the bottom.
Golden Gate Bridge – You can get multiple views of the Golden Gate Bridge but in my opinion, the best places to photograph it is at Fort Point in San Francisco or Fort Baker on the other wide of the bridge in Marin County. If you plan to go to Marin County, you will need to pay a toll to cross the bridge.
Twin Peaks Viewpoint – Drive up to this amazing viewing spot for a full view of all of San Francisco. You’ll even be able to see Alcatraz on a clear day.
Cupid’s Span – This is one of the cutest place for a couples photo you could probably shoot in San Francisco. The spot features an enormous arrow and bow shot into the ground. Couples will kiss or be really playful here.
Painted Ladies – Often known as the place seen in the opening theme song for The Full House, this street represents many of the homes often found in San Francisco very well. Pastel colors, victorian style and stairs required to reach your door step.
My favourite part of San Francisco are the endless views and gorgeous homes, so of course, the place I decided to linger around a little longer was in front of the Painted Ladies. You’ll find tons of homes all around the city that are unique, pastel colored, detailed and gorgeous, but this iconic spot was perfect. With Fall season coming to an end, I decided to wear this fun bomber jacket. Detailed embroidery, soft pastel colors and the soft, satiny texture make this a great piece to wear. In Canada, I’d love wearing blacks, greys and whites in the winter. You get to throw on so many luxurious textures when it’s cold. In California, Australia, Florida or travellers who love lighter jackets for warmer climates, this a great addition to the closet. Matching the pastel colored homes in a historic spot makes for a perfect excuse to photograph some great photos and memories, isn’t it?
There are a few more spots that I think would make for great instagrammable spots, including Pier 39 for the feel of a local fair, colorful mural walls at Mission District and rainbow lines along the street grounds of Castro District.
I know some of you may have already been to San Francisco, so if you have your own favourite instagrammable spots, let me know in the comments below. I adore this bomber jacket, so if you are interested in this one, details are below. If you’d like to learn more about anything particular related to travel, leave me a note in the comments below. What would you wear for a day of walking around and exploring the city?
Outfit Details
Outfit details below:
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Xo,
Miki
Photo credit to my one and only, Rise Again BJJ.
Love the Painted Ladies!! But I also really love the other spots to take pictures for Instagram! I haven’t heard of the steps, so I’m definitely going their soon to take my pictures!! I also love Lion Stairs, do you know that location? I also really love your jacket, super colourful and bright! Hope you had a great weekend babe!! Big Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com
I haven’t been to the Lion Stairs yet, but that sounds amazing. I’ll have ot check it out on my next trip there. 🙂 I hope you’re having a great week Susanne!
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
What a lovely post! I have yet to visit SF, but I’m pretty sure it’s one of the most charming and delicate cities ever. I love how your outfit/jacket sort of matches the houses, that’s genius and so adorable! Have a lovely week gorgeous! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Thanks so much! I hope you’re having a great week!
Xo,
Miki
Oh wow, it is so beautiful! I love the colourful houses! They are so pretty. Your jacket is lovely too, so colourful! 🙂
Much love,
Marianne x http://www.beautiful-in-essence.blogspot.com
Thanks Marianne!
Xo,
Miki
Such a great post babe! This will definitely come in handy for anyone traveling to San Fransisco 🙂 LOVE that bomber jacket by the way.. really changes an outfit completely from simple to edgy! Have a great week 🙂
Xo Jessi,
http://www.mywhitet.com/pearl/
Thanks Jessi! I agree. The soft colors in this really make it fun and sweet, but the shape is so much sportier. 🙂
Xo,
Miki
This is such a great idea, there are some fabulous spots here, wish we had that in SA 🙂 3 xx
I bet you do. I forget that we had some great spots back when I lived in Canada. Funny how it’s so easy to take that for granted, right?
Xo,
Miki
This whole post is just beautiful! You have an eye for beauty.
Thanks Portia!
Xo,
Miki
I love taking photos in San Francisco, there’s so many pretty places. Thanks for the suggestions!
http://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/
It’s a gorgeous city. Definitely not hard to find a cute corner here. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks Katherine!
Xo,
Miki
I love this post since I have a huge love for Instagram! Your picks are spot on and can’t wait to visit a few the next time I am in Cali 🙂
http://www.pennyanddash.com
Glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂 Hope you get some great shots next time you visit! 🙂
Xo,
Miki
The detail on that bomber jacket is stunning! Love this casual look on you.
Xoxo, Maggie
http://www.maggiekrol.com/holiday-gift-guide-daniel-wellington/
Thanks Maggie!
Xo,
Miki
Pretty amazing look. Love this entire cuteness. You look fantastic!
Thanks for sharing!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
Thanks Len! Hope you’re having a great week!
Xo,
Miki
As someone who was born in SF, Lombard Street and Union Square are some of my fave spots to shoot! Not that I really have because I haven’t really stayed in SF for very long since I started blogging… but this post really makes me want to go back just to take pics! Haha you’re such an inspiration to me babe. Can’t wait to see your beautiful face on Thursday! xoxo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/personal/a-quarter-century/
Lombard street is such a funny street to me. So many people want to drive down it and there are tons of people photographing the winding road. 🙂 I am all about a busy spot, so I actually loved Union Square. 🙂 Hope you go back and take some amazing pics next week. 🙂
Xo,
Miki
Such lovely and stunning photos…love them…xoxo, Neha
http://www.theinstylejournal.com/
Thanks Neha!
Xo,
Miki
Such a beautiful and awesome post my dear! I will totally check it again when in SF next time. Loving this look too btw! Great pick babe!
Love,
Cindy
http://bellezarebel.com/
Thanks Cindy! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it. Have a great week!
Xo,
Miki
Nice colorful pictures! I love your outfit!
Natallia
http://www.genevainspiration.com
Thanks.
xo,
Miki
Wait I need these spots! Can’t wait to go back and know where to take photo’s! xx, Erin – http://www.stylebythepeople.com
I hope you do! 🙂 Have a great week Erin! Thanks.
Xo,
Miki
I can’t wait to visit San Francisco! And that jacket is everrryything! x
Thanks Alicia! I love this bomber! So fun. Definitely a cute place to visit. 🙂 I hope you visit soon.
Xo,
Miki
Those places you listed are all my favorite spots in San Francisco. I haven’t been to SF since I started blogging so I’ll definitely want to shoot there when I go next year. San Francisco is just an amazing city, no matter where you go! I love your printed bomber jacket, it looks gorgeous on you babe.
xo,
Jo
http://www.glamfashionbook.com
These are all great spots! I need to go back to San Francisco and make a list of these so I remember. Thanks for sharing! Love your bomber jacket by the way 🙂
Love, Lindsey
http://www.thenomisniche.com/
I love SF and love the amazing inspiration found in every corner of the city. You picked such fantastic spots to photograph at and all of those have their own character and uniqueness. This jacket is such a major statement piece and it is a must have! Love the edgy ballet flats as well. If I am in SF again soon, I will definitely have to go visit these places. xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Thanks Christine. You’d definitely rock this jacket and the ballet flats for sure. San Francisco is very picturesque. It’s hard to get a bad shot there. I hope you’re having a great week babe.
Xo,
Miki
Really nice places!
Joyce | http://joycentricity.blogspot.com
Definitely great spots. Thanks Joyce.
Xo,
Miki
Totally keeping this in mind the next time I visit SF! I’ve never been to the tiles one!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Glad you enjoyed this Tina. The tiles is pretty sweet. I love colorful walls, but colorful tile stairs is pretty awesome. 🙂
Xo,
Miki
San Fransisco looks so instagramable! I showed your photos on instagram to my fiancé and he is all in for traveling there soon! As for your look you already know how much I love it, especially Miu Miu ballerinas! Thanks for sharing and have a great rest of the week hun!
xoxo
Stella
http://www.stellaasteria.com
Thanks Stella. You’re so sweet. I love these Ballerinas, but I rarely wear flats. They’re more for travelling when I don’t want to wear heels for 12 hours of walking. lol I love them though. 🙂 Have a beautiful week!
Xo,
Miki
It’s like they created this city only for Instagram. Such perfect places to take pics.
XO
http://nuclearglitter.com/
It really is a gorgeous city. Every corner and house is just beautiful! Thanks! Have a great week.
Xo,
Miki
I LOVE SF and I love your recommendations! My hubs is from SF and I remember last year when we went…It was so fun and I agree: So many awesome backdrops!
YOU LOOK FAB!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
How awesome! You must have your own favourite spots. 🙂 San Francisco is so incredibly picturesque. 🙂 I hope you’re having a beautiful week V!
Xo,
Miki
Great post, thanks for sharing 🙂 perfect Instagram spots!
Camille xo
http://www.cococami.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks Camille!
Xo,
Miki
It’s been so long since I’ve been to SF, these photos are making me nostalgic! you look amazing, and I love those ballet flats on you!! can you plz do a list for LA too?
http://www.prettyinleather.net
I am getting to that soon, I promise. lol Thanks Yuka. Have a great week babe.
Xo,
Miki
SF is such a vibrant city. I forget all about the Victorian charm for some reason even though what attracts me to this city is for that very thing. I’ve wanted to visit the painted ladies forever. At first because of full house (lol) but as I’ve gotten older I’ve come to appreciate the actual beauty of that street.
Sxx
http://www.daringcoco.com
COMME des GARCONS GIVEAWAY
It’s funny that this street represents so much, but I think all the homes are so pretty. These are a good representation of what San Francisco homes look like. All different, no cookie cutter homes, all with stairs and of course, on a hill, right??? Have a great week Sonia! 🙂 Thanks.
Xo,
Miki
im so happy you did this! heading to SF at the end of the month 🙂
francesca
Frank Vinyl : A California Fashion Blog
So glad this is helpful to you! Enjoy your trip! 🙂
Xo,
Miki
this is exactly what I need if I do visit SF in the near future 🙂
http://www.samanthamariko.com
Haha. Well, I hope you visit again soon. 🙂
Xo,
Miki
I LOVE This whole post but mostly your outfit! That bag and jacket!! It suits you so well. I wished I lived near Instagrammble places!!
You live in UK, where all the homes and landscapes are gorgeous. I’ll be happy to switch places with you for a month. lol Thanks so much Leah! 🙂
Xo,
Miki
Love the look, the colors in the bomber jacket are great ! Believe it or not I have never been up to San Fran but hopefully headed there this spring so I will use these great tips !
xx, gracie
snappedbygracie.com
Oh, you’d really enjoy it there! I hope you head out for a visit sometime soon. 🙂 Thanks Gracie!
Xo,
Miki
Fab list of places to visit in San Francisco! I really want to go back and visit now after reading your post 🙂 Your photos are so gorgeous. I will never tire seeing the painted ladies!
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
Thanks Jo! Painted Ladies are pretty easy on the eyes, aren’t they? 🙂
Xo,
Miki
Oh babe your bomber jacket is super cute. I love the whole look tho.
xoxo, Rachel
http://www.rachelvogttrends.com
Thanks Rachel! 🙂
Xo,
Miki
Oh I love this! I’ve never been to Cali but I plan on so thanks for sharing this! I also love your bomber, it’s so fun and vibrant!
http://WWW.MARIANNYC.COM
Thanks Mariann! Maybe you’ll find an amazing flight deal to SF or LA soon! There are so many great flight deals that pop up. 🙂 Have a great week!
Xo,
Miki
Babe you have definitely capture the most beautiful spots in SF! It’s been a while since I have been there, but I have specially loves for SF. I’m from Melbourne and somehow I see the resemblance in the two cities. I would definitely check out those spots when I visit SF next time =) thanks for sharing.
xx,
Jessie
http://4evajessie.com/bolder-brighter-braver/
That’s awesome. I have never been to Melbourne, but I would love to visit. I have a giftfriend who lives in Australia right now and she’s been asking me to visit. The only thing that keeps me from going are the thought of large bugs. OMG, scares me to death. lol Have a great week!
Xo,
Miki
I love SF so much! I fell in love with it the second I got there! Your outfit is super cute! Love the jacket so much! Where did you get it? You always have such great styles!
Linh
http://xcapewithlinh.com/how-i-stay-motivated-inspired/
Such a cute place to be. My jacket is from Dezzal. Link is up above just over the shopping boxes. 🙂 You’re super sweet! Thanks girl. Have a great week Linh!
Xo,
Miki
This is such a fun post, and something I will definitely have to come back to whenever I finally get a chance to come and visit! I love the bomber jacket that you’re wearing! The happy, bright colors are so fabulous!
Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
Thanks Stephanie! I didn’t expect to be wearing pastels, but it’s been so warm and sunny in California that I figured it’s one of the few places I could do that right now. 🙂 Have a great week!!
Xo,
Miki
Would you believe me if I told you I went to SF 3 years ago and did not go see the painted ladies?! I know what a shame! I’ve visited the gate of course and loved Lombard Street!
Our stay was so short and I can’t wait to go back! Jeans, sneakers and a stylish top would be my go to ootd
Bisous, Josie
http://www.petiteandbold.com
No way. A great excuse to always return is that you haven’t quite seen everything. 🙂 Maybe on your next visit! I hear you girl – flats or comfy shoes are a must for lots of walking when travelling! 🙂 Have a great week Josie!
Xo,
Miki
Can we talk about how awesome that bomber jacket is firstly?! Secondly, it’s been years since I went to SF and I’m definitely going to need this list when I come next!!
Helen xx
https://ch1k.com/summer-christmas-gifts-for-her
Thanks Helen! I’ll switch places with you for a week haha. I’d love to go to Australia for a visit. Why is it so far?! Hope you are having an amazing week!
Xo,
Miki
This is such a great share! I’ve been meaning to travel to SF again some time soon and I’m always looking for great Instagram worthy spots to shoot at. 🙂 I’ll definitely bookmark this post as reference when I go again in the future.
xoxo
http://www.atsunamatsui.com
Thanks girl. So happy you enjoyed the post. 🙂 I hope you end up visiting again soon. 🙂 Have an awesome week Atsuna!
Xo,
miki
I was in SF this year and was one of my favourite cities of all times!!! Definitely visit some of these spots and will make sure to check out the rest on my next visit!! Thanks for sharing babe!
xo
Marcy
Such a pretty city. 🙂 Reminds me a bit of Toronto and Hong Kong only with much prettier homes everywhere. 🙂 Thanks Marcy!
Xo,
Miki
omgosh I was JUST in San Fran, I wish this list was out before I went but I did end up going to the Full house houses. 😀
With Love,
Yuena
http://www.simplyyue.com
Oops! Well, good excuse to return again, right? 🙂 I thought these houses really represented San Francisco well. 🙂 All pretty homes that are different – no cookie cutters. 🙂 Thanks Yuena!
Xo,
Miki
Omg I’m bookmarking this!! I absolutely can’t wait to travel to San Fran someday and this post is super helpful!! The Painted Ladies is so iconic (especially when I’ve grown up watching Full House LOL). I can’t believe there’s also a Union Square in San Fran, there’s on in NY! PS that jacket is perfect hehe love the vibrant colors xx
Jenn | http://www.jennsemble.com
So happy you enjoyed this! I am going back again with my sister, so I will have to bring her to a few of these. I love the Union Square in NY. It’s actually a spot I have been to on almost every trip I make out there. When I lived in Toronto, I was visiting at least once a year. I think 4 visits in the last year. lol The Union Square in the night is like a mix of Union Square and Times Square. Have a great week!
Xo,
Miki
Thankfully I visited all these places when I went there! The Palace of Fine Arts is my favourite out of them all. So many people having photos taken when i was there haha
http://bunnybernice.com
The Palace of Fine Arts is gorgeous. It’s one of my favourite spots in San Francisco. 🙂
Xo,
Miki
The tiled steps projects sounds so cool. Although I’d probably spend at least a full day or so at Union Square shopping till I drop haha. And that is the perfect jacket to blend into the colorful streets of San Francisco. So fun!
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
I would definitely do that too. I could get lost in that district and be so happy! Thanks Yasmin! Have a beautiful week!
Xo,
Miki
Amazing jacket!
Iuliia,
http://lookonblog.com/
Thanks Juliia!
Xo,
Miki
I have been to many of the spots you have mentioned but never heard of the Tiled Steps Project, that location sounds amazing. Will definitely check it out when I am in SFO next.
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Thanks Kusum!
Xo,
Miki
Ooooo I’ll have to come hit every single one of these spots when I come to SF!
Jordan xx
http://www.thehatlogic.com
Haha Enjoy! They’re all worthy spots. 🙂
Xo,
Miki
As a bay area girl, this post made me so homesick! All fantastic instagram spots 🙂 You’re making me excited to visit home next week for the holidays
Have fun Maille! Such a pretty place!
Xo,
Miki