Best Spots For Memorable San Diego Photos
San Diego is a city that practically begs to be photographed. Miles of coastline, breathtaking sunsets and endless attractions all add up to shutterbug-worthy vistas everywhere you look. Given the fact that there are postcard-perfect locations around every corner, it’s difficult to go wrong when looking for places to get the perfect “I was there” souvenir snap. Even so, there are still some that are definite standouts. If you’re looking for some places to get started, here are our favorite spots to grab some great San Diego photos you’re sure to treasure.
Miles of Beaches
Spend the day at any of San Diego’s countless spectacular beaches, and you’ll inevitably walk away with amazing memories, as well as a phone full of photos your friends and family will “ooh” and “aah” over. There isn’t a beach in town that’s not a perfect backdrop for snapshots, as well as a great place to spend the day. Need some ideas of where to start? Check out this local beach guide from our friends at Humphreys Half Moon Inn.
Sunset Cliffs (3.5 miles away)
Spectacular sunsets are a hallmark of the San Diego experience. And one of the best places to check them out is at the aptly named Sunset Cliffs, a seaside sandstone formation near Ocean Beach. No matter what time of day you visit, you’ll enjoy breathtaking coastal views. Still, for the most awe-inspiring photos, you’ll want to head to the cliffs — you guessed it — around sunset. It’s nearly impossible to not be inspired.
1024 Cordova St, San Diego, CA 92107
Old Town San Diego (4.2 miles away)
(Photo: @visitoldtownsd)
San Diego has long been renowned as one of the most historic cities on the West Coast, and nowhere is our past more beautifully on display than in Old Town. As the most storied district in a city famous for them, Old Town is chock-full of stunning sights. From craft markets to street fairs to restaurants, festivals, and art galleries, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to fantastic photo ops. There’s beauty everywhere you look here.
4010 Twiggs St, San Diego, CA 92110
Balboa Park (7.5 miles away)
With over 1,200 acres of gorgeous green space, museums, restaurants, and more, Balboa Park has many photo-worthy destinations within its grounds. The Botanical Building and its adjacent Lily Pond is one of the most beautiful spots in all of San Diego. It’s one of the most photographed scenes in Balboa park and a must-see destination. And be sure to get a few shots of the Japanese Friendship Garden while you’re there, as well.
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
“Greetings from San Diego” Mural (8.2 miles away)
(Photo: @saviaguate)
This incredibly photogenic backdrop in North Park quickly became just as much of a San Diego landmark as LA’s hillside “Hollywood” sign or the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign in Sin City. There’s just no better spot to snap a “wish you were here” pic than right here. And after you grab your shot, there’s plenty to do in the area, too — starting with stopping in at next door’s Belching Beaver Brewery for a few pints of local cheer.
4225 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier (10.6 miles away)
You simply can’t leave town without securing a pic at one of the most iconic spots in San Diego: just beneath Scripps Pier. This famous landmark has been one of the city’s most popular photo settings for years, featured on postcards, holiday cards, in engagement and wedding photos, and countless other stunning snaps. If you’d like to grab a few for yourself, the short drive to charming nearby La Jolla is worth the trip.
8650 Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA
Torrey Pines Reserve (18 miles away)
Torrey Pines Reserve is one of San Diego’s most visually stunning outdoor spaces. Ancient sandstone features sweep elegantly across the terrain here, adjacent to truly spectacular views of the Pacific. If hiking’s your thing, While here, don’t miss getting a shot of the most notable feature of this striking area — the reserve is one of the only places on Earth where you can see the Torrey Pine, one of the rarest trees in existence.
12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
The Carlsbad Flower Fields (29.5 miles away)
(Photo @the_flower_fields)
Head just a bit further up the coast to Carlsbad, and you’ll be able to take in one of the most jaw-dropping views southern California has to offer: the sweeping beauty of 50-plus acres of vibrantly colorful flowers stretching out as far as the eye can see. The Carlsbad Flower Fields are a popular destination for graduation, engagement, and celebratory photos and provide the perfect way to add a pop of color to your camera’s photo reel.
5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Potato Chip Rock (32.2 miles away)
To get to this spectacular spot is a bit of a hike — literally — but it’s well worth the effort. Potato Chip Rock (so named for its unique shape) is a slim outcropping on Mt. Woodson Trail, and a favorite destination for locals. Once you behold it for yourself, you’ll no doubt see why. If you’re feeling up for making the trek, your reward will be the opportunity to snap a few landscape shots featuring this incredibly unique natural geological formation.
Mt. Woodson Trail, Ramona, CA 92065
Plan Your Stay at The Dana on Mission Bay
Ready to start planning your photo tour of “America’s Finest City”? Take a look at our special offers to select the San Diego travel deal that’s right for you, and we’ll make sure to have your room ready. And be sure to tag us in your photos on social using the Instagram hashtag #TheDanaHotel, and @danamissionbay!
(Top photo: @yes._travel)