The Best Places to Take Pictures in San Diego
San Diego is a city in the state of California, close to Mexico’s border. Sometimes, it is referred to as America’s finest city, which is understandable since it has such a variety of beautiful locations, both man-made and natural. In this article, we’ll look at the best of them and discuss how each can be used to make your pictures really stand out.
Old Town
This district is deemed the birthplace of California, and therefore, it has plenty of historical buildings. Many of them are highly photogenic and are sure to add some charm to your photos. While you’re here, don’t forget to buy some artisan goods and try homemade dishes — these simple things will ensure your immersion into San Diego’s vibrant culture.
La Jolla Sea Wall and Tide Pools
Everyone visiting San Diego for the first time is recommended to see this place. The reason that attracts many tourists is the enchanting seals and their pups. You can observe the animals either from the sea wall or by the tide pools located nearby. La Jolla Cove, Children’s Pool, is perfect for photographing wildlife, like pelicans and seals. You can enhance your photos even further by taking a kayak tour through La Jolla sea caves. If you visit the cove in August, you may get lucky and spot some leopard sharks, as well.
Salk Institute of Biological Studies
The functioning research facility may not be the most obvious choice for a photoshoot, but it certainly has to be on the list of places to take pictures in San Diego. The Salk Institute boasts outstanding Brutalist architecture that will adorn any photograph. Keep in mind that you will need (free) permission to access the territory.
Carlsbad Flower Fields
Available only during the spring months, this location is an ideal backdrop for a floral photoshoot spanning over 50 acres. Besides taking pictures, you can enjoy one of many activities offered here for people of all ages. When walking the field, follow only designated areas and be respectful of the plants.
Blacks Beach
Blacks Beach is considered one of the most picturesque locations in San Diego. The beach itself is a nude one, so be aware when going there and especially when photographing. You can access the beach by the Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) Trail, which is a bit complicated for beginners but is definitely worth visiting due to its rock structures’ quirky beauty.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
As it is clear from the site’s name, it is a prime spot for taking sunset pictures and enjoying the view. An arch is used for jumping into the Pacific Ocean during summer, and a sea cave (sinkhole) is an excellent location to be explored independently. It would be a good idea to visit Sunset Cliffs during low tide to access all the places hidden under the water at other times.
Horton Plaza
What can a shopping mall do on a list of photoshoot locations? This one deserves it due to its unusual architecture, which makes you feel like a fairytale character. Come marvel at the colourful interior; just remember that security guards don’t approve of professional photographers and can ask you to leave if they spot a tripod or a professional camera.
Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier
By all means, one of the most beloved photo spots in San Diego, this outstanding pier is a symmetrical beauty in double because of its reflection in the wet sand. The pier itself is inaccessible to the public, but you can observe this magnificent structure from La Jolla Shores Beach. The best photos can be taken here during sunrises and sunsets, but you may have to wait in line since the pier is often used for professional photoshoots.
Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
This spot can be considered a hidden one, which means you won’t have to wait for dozens of people to take their pictures. The footbridge, built in 1912 across Kate Sessions Canyon, is a nice vantage point for observing the valley below. Like any suspension bridge, this one tends to swing when there are lots of walkers, so you need to be careful with your camera.
Balboa Park
The greatest park in San Diego has an array of picture-worthy locations; take your time to explore this place with all its pretty corners (maybe the whole day). One of them is the Botanical Garden, an iconic spot impressive with its huge amount (over 2,000) of palm trees, orchids, and ferns hidden under the domed ceiling. Another reason to visit the park is that it’s free to enter. Lily Pond, in the territory of the Botanical Garden, may become the next location for your amazing photoshoot.
Aside from the garden, there is much to see and do within Balboa Park. For example, it has 16 (!) museums, the San Diego Zoo, the Japanese Friendship Garden (blooming in spring with cherry blossoms), the Botanical Building, Cactus and Rose Gardens, Spanish Arts Village, Spanish Baroque/Colonial Casa del Prado, and much more. So many opportunities—so many photos!
Torrey Pines State Park
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This immense park is full of places to take your best pictures with nature as a backdrop. Hike or walk to the Torrey Pines Gliderport, a popular paragliding spot. Even if you are not a fan of extreme activities, you will appreciate the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean coastline. In spring, the park is swamped with pretty yellow flowers, another bonus feature for an ideal shot.
Hotel Del Coronado
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The Victorian-styled building isn’t just a wonder itself; it also has fantastic views of the beach and an array of cocktail-serving venues. The pristine white-sand beach with cabanas for rent is publicly accessible, so make the most of this trip and enjoy your drinks with a view of the Pacific.
La Jolla Swing
The place every city guide mentions is this swing, which is so beloved due to its spectacular position atop the cliff overlooking the ocean. The steep path to the swing is about 100 feet long; wear proper shoes to climb up safely. Moreover, the spot can be reached from the Coastal Walk Trail via the pedestrian bridge, either by walking down with a rope or following the route down to the water. The swing is made by locals who renew it every time it falls, painting a new cute inscription on its seat.
Street Murals
San Diego is proud of having dozens of wonderful murals adorning its walls; everyone is bound to find one’s favourite backdrop and make an inspiring picture.
A boutique plant shop, Pigment, features a pink ombre wall and a wall of succulents in boxes. Greetings from San Diego mural is a must-see to remember the city; the picture resembles a postcard featuring some of the city’s iconic sights. Artelexia is a great choice for lovers of bright colours and Frida Khalo, with such empowering statements as «you are radiant» and «love yourself», set by a Mexican gift/craft shop. Fractal #35 is a breathtaking mural collection painted on the wall of the Studio Door gallery. All these murals can be found in the neighbourhood called North Park.
Smile, you’re in San Diego is a huge colourful wall in the Gaslamp district. East Village murals are 12 pieces painted by female muralists to give the district a makeover; find these works of street art on San Diego mural map following the link https://www.sandiego.org/explore/things-to-do/arts-culture/mural-project.aspx.
The Favorite Color mural may be the most popular of San Diego’s multiple street art pieces. The idea behind this mosaic picture is to paint the cubes by asking people in the street for their favourite colour. La Jolla district has a whole lot of other amazing murals—check them out on the map!
Chicano Park, which was occupied by the armed forces during WWII, has now become a place literally packed with murals—over 80 paintings on seven acres of land! This photoshoot spot, perhaps one of the world’s largest concentrations of murals, can be observed in Logan Heights.
One more exciting mural, with an imaginative title, Quarantine Dreams, is devoted to things people lacked during the COVID-19 pandemic. The painting shows a surfboard, a suitcase, a sun, love, a palm, a baseball bat, etc. The mural is not only a nice photo spot; it also makes you think about your life now, after the pandemic is over, and appreciate the things we can do.
All in all, it is plain to see that San Diego is a treasure trove, not just for those hunting for new Instagram-worthy photographs but for everyone wishing an inspiring vacation in a bustling city. America’s finest city has everything a traveller can wish for: breathtaking scenery, warm climate, colourful landmarks, all kinds of bars and restaurants, and hundreds of exciting activities awaiting around every corner! May the photo spots not be the only reason you choose San Diego as your next destination — come for more and explore everything this enchanting city offers!