You’re thinking of visiting Southern California but don’t know where to go yet? San Diego brings you the coastal beauty and urban charm, making it a fantastic destination for photography lovers. But where can you find the most instagrammable spots in San Diego? In this guide to the best photo locations, you’ll discover the top places you won’t want to miss. Without further ado, let’s make your IG feed pop!
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Why You Should Take Photos in San Diego
As a photographer or someone who just LOVES taking those memorable Instagram pictures, San Diego is an amazing place to be. This sunny coastal city offers the perfect mix of Southwestern landscapes, unique architecture, and the SoCal charm. From buildings in the Spanish Colonial Revival style to breathtaking coastal views, there’s no shortage of opportunities to fill your camera roll. Highlights definitely include the beachy vibes, vibrant downtown, and hikes to picturesque viewpoints. And if LA feels too crowded and mainstream, San Diego offers a more relaxed alternative, all while still capturing the essence of Southern California.
When navigating the city, knowing where to find the best photo spots is key. That’s why this guide even includes a map of the most instagrammable spots in San Diego! Stay tuned for plenty of inspiration for your camera roll.
Most Instagrammable Spots in San Diego
Let’s dive into the best places in San Diego to capture beautiful pictures for your SoCal camera roll…
Map of the Best Photo Spots in San Diego
Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
Starting with a local hidden gem in the suburbs of San Diego — the suspension bridge on Spruce Street. It’s located in the Bankers Hill neighborhood and is thus not as popular among tourists. While on this 375-ft-long bridge, you’ll get beautiful views of Kate Sessions Canyon, 70 ft below. The green trees around the symmetrical structure of the bridge create a stunning backdrop for your Instagram photos. Depending on the time of day, you’ll encounter more or fewer locals crossing over. Be mindful and don’t block their way while taking photos.
Balboa Park
One of the most instagrammable places in San Diego is Balboa Park. What makes this place so special is the abundance of picturesque areas within the 1,200 acre historic park. Think beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, botanical gardens with a grand lily pond, courtyards with fairy lights, and so much more. Besides, there are lots of activities to do here too: museums, theaters, restaurants, and the San Diego Zoo. No matter what you do, you definitely cannot miss Balboa Park!
Best Photo Locations in Balboa Park:
- Museum of Us – architecture & courtyard with fairy lights
- House of Hospitality – architecture & vibrant pink flowers
- Casa del Rey Moro Garden – ornate fountains & Spanish tiled terrace
- Spreckels Organ Pavilion – grand white columns
- Palm Canyon – wooden staircase surrounded by trees
- Alcazar Garden – flowers, boxwood hedges & views of California Tower
Scripps Coastal Meander Trailhead
You want views of the Pacific Ocean? This 380-ft-long trail along the La Jolla coastline is a mesmerizing place for morning walks, sunset views, and of course, taking photos. The wooden trail along the shore, surrounded by greenery and the Scripps Pier in the background, creates the perfect setting. If you’re lucky, you might even spot seals or sea lions nearby!
La Jolla Secret Swing
Also located in La Jolla, a short distance from the Coastal Trailhead, is the secret swing. It’s a hidden gem in the area and can be accessed by parking in the Birch Aquarium parking lot close to the hill. A small dirt trail leads up to a scenic viewpoint where you can enjoy views of La Jolla’s shores, towering arched trees, and the trendy swing. Unfortunately, the swing has a history of being taken down, so keep that in mind. However, swing or no swing, the sunset views from this spot are totally Instagram-worthy.
Sunset Cliffs
Another place where you can take instagrammable photos in San Diego is at the Sunset Cliffs. As the name already suggests, this is THE spot for sunsets. In this 68-acre hillside park spanning along the Point Loma Peninsula, you can get magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and its crashing waves. The sandstone cliff formations photograph beautifully and create a dramatic backdrop for portrait or landscape shots. This must-see natural park truly brings the SoCal vibes to your Instagram feed. Also, you can spot gray whales here too!
Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown
Adding to San Diego’s best Instagram spots is the famous Gaslamp Quarter in downtown. This historic neighborhood dates back to the 1850s and gets its name from the old-fashioned gas lamps across the area. Gaslamp Quarter also features well-preserved Victorian-era buildings and a vibrant nightlife, which add to its charm. It’s a lovely place for an afternoon stroll and exploration!
Ocean Beach
To finish this list of the most instagrammable spots, we can’t forget beaches. Ocean Beach is super popular in San Diego and offers classic SoCal beach vibes with a boho atmosphere. It’s definitely worth a visit, whether you’re soaking up the sun, exploring the pier, or catching the waves. The tall palm trees lining the sand and the ocean views are the perfect backdrop for any photo shoot.
And that’s a wrap on the Most Instagrammable Spots in San Diego! With this guide, you’ll be set to capture the San Diego vibes & create a beautiful Instagram feed.
Where will you take your first photo?
Please also share your suggestions for photo spots in the comments! 🙂
Looking for more Photo Spots? Try these:
Phoenix || Bangkok || Maui, Hawaii
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We just got back from another trip to San Diego. Love your selection of instagram spots. I think the only one we’ve missed is the swing in La Jolla, which we’ll have to find on our next trip.
Beautiful spots! I haven’t been to San Diego in far too long. Putting at the top of my wish list!