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Best Places for Pictures in San Diego


San Diego skyline logo

There’s plenty of places to snap the perfect Instagram photo during your trip out to San Diego. Here’s the insider tip on great ways to see famous San Diego Landmarks, including a local’s perspective on great places to snap shots of beautiful San Diego.

First, here’s a couple fun ways to help you get around while sightseeing:

  • Speed Boat Adventures: Drive your own speed boat around the San Diego Bay! Speed Boat Adventures takes you on a 13 mile route to the must see landmarks on the water. First, you’ll head out to the US Navy Submarine Base, where you’re almost guaranteed to see sea lions. Then you’ll speed over to the USS Midway and experience being 55 feet under the flight deck. A little drive over to the Maritime Museum is where you’ll hear about San Diego’s historical fleet. You get to see ALL of this in our thrilling two hour tour.
  • Go Car Tours: Not wanting to spend miles on that rental car you purchased? Book a tour with Go Cars and hop in a storytelling car that’ll guide you to famous San Diego landmarks. You can take as long as you want, all day or just an hour, it’s all up to you! You pick a tour and decide what spots you want to see and when you want to stop. Book a Go Car Tour today online or over the phone. (800) 914-6227  https://www.gocartours.com/locations/san-diego-sightseeing-tours/

Bayview Park, Coronado

This a perfect place to get a fantastic view of the San Diego Skyline. It’s perfect for a day time picnic on the grass or visit it at night to see the downtown lights, sitting on the park’s benches. Last year, the Red Bull Air Race was held in San Diego right in front of Bayview park! You can easily find parking on the street in the residential area surrounding the park.

413 1st St., Coronado

 

Cabrillo National Monument

This is by far the best place to experience a panoramic view of all of San Diego. The drive up to Cabrillo National Monument is one of the best parts too. Just a $15 entrance fee that’s good for the following 6 days gets you in to see: Cabrillo Statue & Museum, Old Point Loma Lighthouse, and the tidepools!! You may even see the Pacific Gray Whales that pass Point Loma and Cabrillo on their winter journey.

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106

 

Sunset Cliffs

We all need a good place to get those sunset pictures. Well it’s called Sunset Cliffs for a reason! This is one of the best places tourists and locals will go to watch the sunset. There’s not many places for actual beach access here but there’s trails and benches along the cliffside to watch the sunset. During the summer it’s common to see many locals sunbathing on the cliffs and even some recreational cliff diving.

Sunset Cliffs, San Diego, CA 92107

 

Torrey Pines

Want to do something active with a great view?!? Well then this is the place to go! Torrey Pines is one of the best hikes in San Diego that’s super close to the beach! The natural trails formed throughout the cliffs make it a great photo spot. You might even see the paragliders that fly around Torrey Pines! You’re not going to want to miss out on the panoramic ocean views that you’ll see at Torrey Pines. It’s $8 per vehicle to park in their parking lot but there’s free parking on Torrey Pines Road.

12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

 

Balboa Park

You’ll find endless spots to take pictures at Balboa Park. Balboa Park is home to 17 museums, beautiful gardens, art venues, trails, and other recreational attractions including the San Diego Zoo! One of the most photographed locations in the entire park is the lily pond. A crowd pleaser for it’s architectural backdrop & the numerous Koi fish swimming around in the pond.

1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

Information courtesy of balboapark.org