San Diego / 11 photo spots
11 Instagram spots in San Diego worth stopping for
Murals, a mission-style park and cliffs over the Pacific: San Diego spreads its photo spots across the city. These 11 run from Balboa Park to the coast.
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Photo spots on the map
2 of 11 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.
Select a highlighted number to show its sourced location on the map. Every name links to the photo spot.
If the map does not load, use the OpenStreetMap link or the photo spot list.
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Lily Pond - Balboa Park
A lily-covered pond reflects the ornate Botanical Building behind it. Shoot across the water in the morning for the reflection without wind ripple.
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“Greetings from San Diego” mural
Big postcard letters filled with city scenes, painted by Victor Ving and Lisa Beggs. Stand at the marked spot in front to fit the full word.
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Potato Chip Rock
A thin slab of rock juts over the drop at the end of a 6.5-mile hike. The shot is the step onto the slab; expect a queue of hikers doing the same.
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Scripps Pier
Concrete piles march into the sea in even rows off La Jolla. Shoot through the piles at low tide, when the wet sand mirrors them.
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La Jolla mural
Bright wall art fills the lanes of this coastal neighborhood. The color blocks read best in flat midday light.
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The Flower Fields
Rows of ranunculus stripe the hillside near Carlsbad for about eight weeks, March to May. Check the bloom report and go on a weekday morning.
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Sunset Cliffs
Sandstone cliffs run along the ocean with arches and sea caves below. The last hour of light faces the water, which is when to go.
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Pink Wall - Pigment Boutique
A solid pink shop wall made for portraits. Keep the framing tight so the pink fills the background.
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You are Radiant! mural - Artelexia
Bold lettering and bright colors cover this North Park wall. Center yourself under the text and shoot straight-on.
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Moonlight Beach
A sandy cove with cliffs at the north end. The cliff path gives the elevated view down the beach.
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North Park
Cafes, shopfronts and side-street murals fill this walkable neighborhood. Evening brings lit signs; daytime is better for the wall art.
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