San Francisco's Best Photo Spots

How does a little boutique compete for attention in a city with loads of attention-grabbing sights? Piedmont Boutique’s answer: hang a pair of giant fishnet-stockinged gams out of your upper-story window. Done.

The arts have always been meant to bring communities together. The CAMP fulfills this mission by making art a publicly interactive event. With this project, a nondescript and bland alleyway is being turned into a bright and colorful happiness-inducing world. The project has included over 500 international artists and draws 200,000 visitors annually. (Submitted by Re)

One of the best Chinatowns in America is San Francisco Chinatown so where better to set up a fortune cookie factory? Wander through alleyways until you can smell the aroma of sweet, almond in the air. Then you know you've reached your destination. Upon entering, you'll be plied with samples of the crispy, delicate bicuits, freshly warm. You'll observe the workers griddling away but photos of them in acti...

Made out of cement, this double slide is deceptively smooth. So smooth, in fact, that you are warned not to try it out after rain. The parallel dual-slide was constructed in 1973 from a design created by a 14-year-old girl. It's suggested that you bring a large piece of cardboard to sit on - it will provide some protection between the cement and your derriere and you will go much faster with the decrease...

If Tony Bennett really did leave his heart in San Francisco, then maybe that’s what Cupid’s giant arrow is targeting. Created by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje an Bruggen in 2002 and situated along the Embarcadero Waterfront, this massive public art piece has raised many questions among residents as to what its purpose truly is. According to the artists, it was inspired by the city’s reputation as the homepo...

Sure, this row of Victorian beauties are featured on more San Francisco postcards than anyone could possibly count. It’s not just that the color-coordinated houses are pristinely kept, there’s something about their perfect uphill incline and their stunning cityscape backdrop that just gets folks itching to snap some shots. Don’t hate them because they’re beautiful.

When you know the history of this place, you find its current state almost a tragedy. In 1890, Adolph Sutro wanted to build something that everyone, rich and poor, could enjoy. So, seven salt-water pools fed by the tides were constructed under a glass roof. He even showcased artifacts he picked up during his travels including mummies and stuffed exotic animals. A tram took people from the city to the bat...

Not only do you get a workout but you also get some cultural enrichment when climbing the Moraga Steps. Each of the 163 steps is inlaid with tiles to create a mosaic that can be seen when you are at the bottom. You may want to save your workout for the evening when the tiles glisten in the moonlight.

Not only will you get an eyeful of vibrators past, but you’ll learn some rather titillating facts about them at the Good Vibrations Antique Vibrator Museum. Trivia question: when did the first vibrator hit the market? Answer: 1902. Shocking, given that the western world was still reeling from the super-repressive Victorian Era. But, doctors at the time touted them as a legit medical cure for female “hyst...

Isn’t it cool when nature and science meet art? One awesome piece that perfectly fits the bill is the Wave Organ — an acoustic sculpture by Peter Richards and George Gonzalez. Built on a jetty in San Francisco’s Marina district, the work consists of 25 PVC organ pipes and concrete, and creates “music” when hit by waves and water flows in and out of the pipes. Visit at high tide for the full musical effect.

Come on out to Pier 39 and visit the barking herd of “Sea Lebrities” that hang out there regularly. We didn’t make that moniker up, folks. That’s what they’re actually called by locals. If you really want an eyeful of pinnipeds, visit in the winter when they can number into the 900s!

Known for its high-quality, inexpensive focaccia pizzas, Golden Boy caters to late-night customers looking for some comfort food after visiting the clubs and bars. It was established in 1978 by Peter Sodini and has remained in its same North Beach location ever since. Easily seen with its sparkling clean red and white exterior, this parlor is still owned and operated by the Sodini family. (Photo by JRDY.M)

A grazing herd of bison is probably not what you’d expect to see when strolling through San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, but, believe it or not, they’re there. What’s more, they’ve been there since 1892 and are currently being cared for by the San Francisco Zoo staff. Their enclosure is located along JFK Drive, west of Spreckels Lake.

Everyone who visits the City is required to drive down Lombard Street — the most crooked street in the world — at least once in their lives. Otherwise, San Francisco authorities will seize your drivers’ license when you try to depart without having done it. Just kidding. But that doesn’t change the fact that you should do it and, of course, digitally document your drive.