Having lived here for a few years now - and taken a lot of photos - here is my top list;
1) Chinatown. Some great stuff there. Don't miss Russ alley which is the oldest alley in chinatown (also haunted).
2) Lombard street (the world's crookedest (is that a word?) street in the world.
3) Golden Gate Bridge (three 'angles' - down from Fort Pointe (you are at sea-level photographing up), on the vista to the right when you cross over the bridge and finally the vista to the left when you cross over the bridge (north) where you are above the bridge (that's where all the photos are taken when it's really foggy and you just see the top of the bridge).
4) Spend an hour and drive north and see:
- John Muir Woods (redwood trees)
- Stinson Beach (old hippy beach-town),
- Napa/Sonoma county (you will think you are in Italy with all the rolling hills and wineyards there...free tasting in most places as well 😉 ).
5) Japantown (it's small but fun to visit - especially the mall there).
Takara has the best sushi there - you fill up for 15 dollars!
6) For traditional downtown shots go to Union Square downtown.
7) Right now there's a Egglestone exhibit at SoMa Museum (I havent been myself).
8) For high-tech freaks go to Sony Metreon on 4th and Mission - and after you're done shopping step outside to Yerba Buena Garden and sit in the grass and enjoy a coffee. Most weekends there are some free band or something playing there.
9) Fort Funston. It's about 15-20 minutes outside of San Francisco close to Daly City. Hanggliders, old fortifications, ocean views, dogs off leash, beach access, etc.
10) Ocean Avenue. Park and stroll along the beach.
11) Korea/Irish 'town'. Along Clement street up in the Richmond district. Very eclectic area. I'd say between around 8th avenue or so. A lot of good fabric stores as well - atleast one that is 'semi-famous'.
12) If you feel brave: 6th street between Mission and Market street - and anywhere in the Tenderloin district. Real dodgy area - I'd say avoid more than anything...
13) Street cars. You gotta ride one ofcourse. Easiest way is to take it from the turn-around down on Market (there are two - just follow the lines...).
14) Fisherman's wharf - with pier eh...39...41..42? The one that the sea lions have taken over.
15) Alcatraz. Actually really interesting to go over and see it.
16) Treasure Island. This is the island between Oakland and San Francisco (the mid point of the bay bridge). Take off on the exit and go down to the old military installation and you have an amazing view of San Francisco.
All I can think of right now...
