Favorite Spots to Take Pictures in San Diego

Landmarks, City Scapes and Animals Make Great Subjects

As a professional photographer, my travel plans always include finding the best places to shoot pictures. And San Diego has a bounty of great spots. Beautiful beaches, lush gardens, interesting architecture, public art and Southern California’s outdoor lifestyle all provide the perfect background for travel pictures. Here's a list of my favorite places to shoot in San Diego.

By: Julie Kremen, San Diego Photography Tours

10 Great Photography Locations in San Diego

Learn how to avoid the typical "vanilla" tourist snapshots and instead capture stunning images—taken from the best vantage points, at the best time of day. Whether you're an avid shutterbug or just a weekend warrior, a photography tour is a great way to see the sights and snap images to last a lifetime.

Photo By Julie Kremen

Old Town

Populated with photogenic spots everywhere you turn—from historical adobe architecture, to people dressed in period dress (1822-1872), to reenacted crafts of the era (like blacksmithing, candle making, etc.), Old Town is a feast of wonderful photo ops. Whether tortillerias, festive decorations, beautiful landscaping, colorful dancers, or photographically fun specialty gift shops, Old Town is a nonstop delight for your eyes and your camera!

Photo By Julie Kremen

Balboa Park

You could keep busy for hours just photographing its nearly twenty varied, scenic gardens (including thousands of species of exotic vegetation). But add to that exquisite Colonial Mediterranean architecture and beautiful tile fountains and you could easily spend a full day here, and never enter one museum or the zoo! Lose yourself in this tranquil cultural oasis in the heart of the city and make sure to bring plenty of memory cards or film.

Photo By Julie Kremen

Cabrillo National Monument

Dramatic vistas, tide pools and its two iconic lighthouses are only part of the picture which makes this captivating and stunning location the 8th most visited National Monument in the U.S., as well as a top San Diego photographic hotspot.

Photo By Julie Kremen

The Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter features beautiful Victorian architecture to capture during the day, or stick around after dark to shoot the epicenter of San Diego nightlife. Day or night, you surely will want to bring your camera to this very photogenic neighborhood.

Photo By Julie Kremen

La Jolla

From seascapes to sea lions to seagulls, grab your camera and head to sensational seaside La Jolla. Translated "The Jewel", La Jolla delivers on its name with spectacular cliffs, cormorants and crashing waves. You certainly won't run out of scenic things to photograph in postcard picture-perfect La Jolla.

Photo By Julie Kremen

Mission San Diego de Alcala

Along with its iconic bell tower, this historically important building complex has some hidden treasures inside—don't miss its enchanting courtyard and beautiful chapels. You could easily spend three hours here taking photos of the oldest of the 21 California Missions.

Photo By Julie Kremen

San Diego's World-Class Attractions

It goes without saying that San Diego has some of the best show-stopping animal photography in America! Whether swimming, jumping, swinging or flying, there are endless animal photo possibilities in all three of these world-class attractions. Don't forget to check out the Photo Safari Caravan at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park—a top-notch photo experience for up-close encounters with animals in the wild.

Photo By Julie Kremen

The Embarcadero

It's never a dull moment down on the embarcadero promenade walkway—whether bobbing boats, birds or bustling boardwalk activity. On the southern area near Seaport Village or behind the Convention Center, snap away at colorful boats with the harbor or Coronado as your backdrop. And, near the majestic Star of India, sunset produces pretty reflections on the water with the lights of the Pt. Loma Peninsula in the distance.

Photo By Julie Kremen

Chicano Park

You'll be challenged to find anything more colorful than Chicano Park's historic murals. Not only are they the largest collection of outdoor murals in the country that are painted by cutting edge artists, but their unique location on the pillars of the Coronado Bridge make them a geometric delight for photos.

Photo By Julie Kremen

Neighborhood Signs

Hunt around San Diego's varied neighborhoods and discover the charm of each one through its signature landmark sign. With no two signs the same, you will have a fun time framing each one to highlight the individual feel of that neighborhood.

A photography tour is a fun way to see the city. San Diego Photography Tours has professional photographer guides who have spent years in the field on assignment capturing sites all over the world—and countless hours scouting the best photogenic locations in San Diego, both well known icons and secret spots. They offer private walking or shuttled driving tours ranging from four hours to a full day. During their very hands-on tours, they help you to take better quality pictures and make sure you go home with great photos of San Diego.

More on capturing San Diego for your feed from Picture Paradise, Instagrammable San Diego.

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San Diego Music Scene for Teenagers

Venues, stores and tours

Teens on a San Diego vacation will enjoy all-ages music venues, record stores and a unique tour where teens can get caught up in San Diego’s local music scene.

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Galleries & Museums

Free Things to Do that Arts Enthusiasts Will Love

Immerse yourself in art without blowing your budget

Budget-friendly travel doesn’t have to mean giving up the finer things in life. From a 17th century masterpiece to a sci-fi hybrid of technology and art, San Diego has plenty of places to engage your mind and stretch your dollar.

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History & Heritage

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá

First of the great California Missions

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, the first of the great California missions, marks the origin of Christianity in the American west. Founded in 1769, this remarkable historical shrine provides an understanding of the roots of Catholicism in this part of the world, and a look at the extraordinary dedication of the Spanish priests who traveled far from their home country.

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Galleries & Museums

7 San Diego Hispanic Heritage Experiences

A city rich with authentic cultural opportunities

Embark on an immersive exploration of how Hispanic and Latin culture help shape San Diego, with vibrant, colorful art, traditional cuisine and more.

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Guides to the Good Stuff

Experts of San Diego|

Aaron Chang

During his time as head photographer for SURFING Magazine, Aaron Chang traveled the world capturing the most epic surf shots imaginable. Now he resides in sunny San Diego and shoots the scenic splendor right in his own backyard.

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Alana Nichols

hile any activity in San Diego is sure to bring a smile to your face, there’s something about being in the water that’s inspiring in a deeper way. It brings a sense of surrealness and peace that help define the good vibes of San Diego’s culture. The only way to feel it for yourself is to dive in.

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Rob Machado

Australian-born, California-raised, pro surfer Rob Machado has spent most of his life atop a surfboard. Still one of surfing’s most iconic and beloved figures, he never strays too far from his favorite San Diego swells.

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Events to check out

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San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025

Where the cars are the stars! The San Diego International Auto Show features the widest variety of new vehicles under one roof.

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Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

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Nov 6 - Dec 31, 2024

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for another incredible year, the family favorite features the songs...

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Cash'd Out Christmas Show

Belly Up

Dec 13, 2024

Ticket Price: $25advanced / $29 day of show / $46 reserved loft seating (available over the phone or in person at out box office)

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Favorite Spots to Take Pictures in San Diego

Landmarks, City Scapes and Animals Make Great Subjects

10 Great Photography Locations in San Diego

Old Town

Balboa Park

Cabrillo National Monument

The Gaslamp Quarter

La Jolla

Mission San Diego de Alcala

San Diego's World-Class Attractions

The Embarcadero

Chicano Park

Neighborhood Signs

Find a place to stay

Related Articles and Features

Guides to the Good Stuff

Aaron Chang

Alana Nichols

Rob Machado

Experts of San Diego

Aaron Chang

Alana Nichols

Rob Machado

Deals just for you

Stay 3 Save 20%

Show Your Badge & Save at Bronze Bird

Linger Longer Offer

Events to check out

San Diego International Auto Show

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Cash'd Out Christmas Show

Stay in touch

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Favorite Spots to Take Pictures in San Diego

Landmarks, City Scapes and Animals Make Great Subjects

10 Great Photography Locations in San Diego

Find a place to stay

San Diego Music Scene for Teenagers

Free Things to Do that Arts Enthusiasts Will Love

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá

7 San Diego Hispanic Heritage Experiences

Guides to the Good Stuff

Aaron Chang

Alana Nichols

Rob Machado

Aaron Chang

Alana Nichols

Rob Machado

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