In San Francisco, there’s almost too much beauty to go around. But sometimes that’s hard to remember in the middle of a dreary winter when the fog clouds our view. So, we decided to round up some of our favorite places, all Instagram-ready, to remind you of sunnier days. Check out our pick of the most beautiful places in San Francisco and start planning your selfies now.
The 10 Most Beautiful Spots in San Francisco
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Published Feb 17, 2022
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1. The Top Of Nob Hill From Huntington Park
Ah, Nob Hill. Take a seat at Huntington Park while you gaze upon the stunning surroundings: Grace Cathedral, the Fairmont Hotel, Top of the Mark and the Pacific-Union Club.
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2. The Painted Ladies
From Full House to Fuller House, these beauties never get old.
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3. Palace Of Fine Arts
A relic of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, this architectural marvel is one of our all-time favorites…even if it is the default site for engagement photos and tourist snapshots.
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4. Japantown Peace Pagoda
Meet us under the uniquely circular Peace Pagoda—which was gifted to SF from sister city Osaka, Japan, in 1968—for a selfie and then walk with us over to the futuristic St. Mary’s Cathedral, a Star Wars-meets-Frank Gehry mash-up. Bonus points if you visit in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
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5. Fine Arts Museums Of San Francisco
De Young and Legion of Honor, you couldn’t be more different, and we heart you both for your striking facades. But Legion of Honor, with your French neoclassical architecture and location across from Land’s End, you steal the show time and again.
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6. Golden Gate Bridge
Need we say more? This international orange beauty never gets old, no matter how many times we’ve marveled at it over the years.
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7. Cliff House
Not even the iconic Cliff House restaurant was strong enough to survive the pandemic. After 157 years in business, it closed its doors for good in 2020. While you can no longer warm up with a bowl of clam chowder or enjoy a sunset toast at the bar, you can still take in its breathtaking ocean views at For-Site Foundation’s “Lands End” exhibit (through March 27), in which artists from around the world address the planet’s health with striking site-specific installations.
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8. Ferry Building
You had us at farmers market and fancy food hall, but you’re a sight for sore eyes, too. Plus, alfresco oysters and caviar on the back plaza overlooking the bay—enough said.
Yuval Helfman / EyeEm/Getty Images
9. The Presidio
A national park right inside city limits. How could we be so lucky? With 24 miles of hiking trails and four site-specific, environmental works by British artist Andy Goldsworthy, this is where you’ll find us every weekend.
Shanna Baker/Getty Images
10. City Hall
If you’re going to tie the knot in a civil ceremony, you might as well do it at one of the most gorgeous city halls in the entire country.
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