2016-12-21 02:08:24
READY TO SHARE SOME JEALOUSY-INDUCING PICTURES FROM YOUR TRIP ON SOCIAL MEDIA? HERE’S WHERE YOU’LL FIND SOME OF THE CITY’S COOLEST PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES: GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE There are plenty of options for postcard-worthy shots of the City by the Bay’s most iconic structure. Start out with a walk or bike ride to get out onto the bridge for a closer look (as well as amazing views of the Marin headlands and city skyline). After that, head down to Fort Point, which sits beneath the bridge, for unique perspectives on the massive steel structure and then east toward the Presidio to capture a wider shot of the full span. Want more vantage points? Try a hike at Battery Spencer on the Marin County side of the bridge to get a different angle. INA COOLBRITH PARK This park dedicated to California’s first Poet Laureate is situated on a steep side of Russian Hill. The uphill trek will be worth it when you see the inspiring panorama that stretches from the glass and steel high-rises of the Financial District across Chinatown and North Beach, past the Bay Bridge and Coit Tower to glimpses of Alcatraz. You might even spot some wild parrots in the trees (if you can pull your eyes away from the skyline). The top of the park borders Taylor Street at Vallejo, and walking north on Taylor is the easiest approach, but there are also stairs from below on Vallejo, if you want more of a workout. CHINATOWN DRAGON GATE On Grant Avenue and Bush Street stands one of San Francisco’s iconic monuments — Chinatown’s Dragon Gate. This enchanting entry to the neighborhood is flanked with a charming array of lions, dragons and fish to symbolize wealth, prosperity and other good things. Dedicated in 1970, the stone structure’s design is based on traditional ceremonial gates from rural China. The inscription reads, “All under heaven is for the good of the people.” MISSION DOLORES PARK Located a couple of blocks south of Mission Dolores in the eponymous Mission District, this popular park draws big crowds on sunny weekends, so be sure to show up early if you want to claim a prime picnic spot. From the top of the park, along 20th Street between Church and Dolores, you’ll find phenomenal photo opportunities with the park in the foreground and city skyline rising behind it. Once you’ve snapped your shot, head east to explore more of the Mission District along Valencia (see page 14 for a neighborhood stroll). PALACE OF FINE ARTS Constructed for the 1915 Panama- Pacific Exposition, this structure’s columns and lavish architectural details are a popular subject on Instagram. There are plenty of options when it comes to snapping the perfect picture at this pastoral park, so take a stroll around the whole structure to find your favorite viewpoint. One of our favorites is from across the pond with the reflection of the dome in the foreground. SHARE YOUR FAVORITES. Tag your photos with #AlwaysSF on Instagram. SCAN THE PAGE WITH LAYAR TO SEE SOME OF SAN FRANCISCO’S FAVORITE INSTAGRAM PHOTOS.
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