Known for its iconic landmarks and picturesque outdoor views, San Francisco offers a lot of spots to get your Fall family portraits. The fall leaves, the bright sunlight, and the jovial weather make a wonderful backdrop for your photos. Here are the 10 most instagram-worthy places that can be the best photoshoot spots for your Fall family portraits. From popular locations to hidden gems of the city, we have it all.
1. The Golden Gate Bridge
We cannot start the list without the most popular and iconic landmark of San Francisco: the Golden Gate Bridge. With the scenic landscape of Baker’s beach sprawling behind the “International Orange” colored bridge, this spot can take your breath away.
With the cool blue and beige tone of the beach and the bridge as the backdrop, you can get wonderful Fall beach portraits of your family. The Golden Gate Bridge can give you Instagram-worthy clicks during sunsets on clear days.
2. The Palace of Fine Arts
If you are looking for Fall outdoor activities for families in San Francisco, you cannot afford to miss visiting the Palace of Fine Arts. Inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture, this monument is the epitome of pure romance.
The stunning building with its stately columns stands proud since 1915. This scenic spot will give a unique and mesmerizing backdrop to your Fall family portraits.
3. Crissy Fields
An abandoned military airfield, Crissy Fields is one of the most picturesque sites in San Francisco. With a panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge, it is a beautiful place to get your family portraits clicked. You will also have the benefit of having the backdrop of the Marine Headlands and the bay in your photographs.
Crissy Fields has a lot of open space, making it a popular recreation spot for locals and tourists alike. So if you are looking for fall outdoor activities for families, Crissy Fields can offer you a quiet stroll by the beach and beautiful hiking and cycling trails.
4. Clearview Orchard
Apple picking is one of the most-loved things to do in the San Francisco bay area. The Clearview orchid is a beautiful apple orchard in the Bay-area. This Watsonville orchard stays open for apple-picking every weekend from September through November. During the Fall season, this place offers a warm and soothing backdrop for your family portraits.
You can spend an entire day from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. in the orchard to pick Fuji and Gala apples, spend quality time with your family, and get your Fall family photos done. As an added perk, you can even try Clearview’s organic local honey, squash, apple juice, and freshly-baked apple turnovers.
5. Fisherman’s Wharf
If you are new to the city, you cannot miss visiting the Fisherman’s Wharf. The Ghiradelli Square, Pier 7, and Pier 39 make this place a favorite spot for photographers. With the bright colors of the neighborhood backed by the Northern waterfront, Fisherman’s Wharf provides you with a vibrant backdrop for your fall family photographs.
In addition, you can enjoy delicious fresh seafood with your family. It is also a great spot to watch fishermen catching fish or sea lions basking in the sun. In short, Fisherman’s Wharf offers plenty of entertaining things to do in San Francisco.
6. Lake Merced Park
A short walk down the paved trails of Lake Merced Park will land you in one of the most delightful locations to take your fall family portraits. The sprawling green space and the calm, blue water of the lake will give you the perfect dreamy backdrop. With cycling and hiking trails, it is also a popular spot for tourists and cyclists.
7. Land’s End
Lands End, located near the Golden Gate bridge, is one of the most underrated spots. It features a rocky shoreline that makes a great backdrop for your family portraits. You will also find plenty of wooded areas to set up for a fall photoshoot. The tall trees, the orange carpet created by the fallen leaves, and a good view of the Golden Gate Bridge will make your family portrait a timeless frame.
8. Painted Ladies
With houses painted in bright colors, the Painted Ladies makes for one of the most lively backdrops for your family photographs. With city skyscrapers behind the houses, Painted ladies is situated just alongside the renowned Golden Gate Bridge. Its soothing surroundings provide the perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying a sunny Fall day with your family.
9. The Dolores Park
Named after Mission Dolores (the oldest building in San Francisco), Dolores Park is a beautiful stretch of greenery. Backed by an entire hillside, this spot offers you a magnificent view of the city of San Francisco. Not only is this park a popular recreation place, but it is also one of the best locations to get your fall family photos. Just pick a sunny day, enjoy a relaxing day with your loved ones and get your memories taken in front of the skyline of the city. You can also visit the Mexican food joints just alongside this beautiful park.
San Francisco is a great city to visit during the autumn season. With hundreds of tourist spots to visit and events to attend, the city will keep you entertained throughout the fall. With beaches and parks, and of course, the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is home to numerous picture-worthy spots. So, whether you are a resident of the city or just a visitor, don’t forget to get your family photo taken in San Francisco during the Fall season.
Hi my name is Christian Alcazaren, a San Francisco photographer for Wedding and Family Lifestyle. I love this city, Let me take you to some of the hidden photo-spots here in San Francisco. I would love to see you go home with wonderful memories to look back and think about the amazing moments you spent here in San Francisco with your love ones