1. Crissy Field

Where: North of Mason St.
Parking: Easy
Public Transportation: MUNI lines 28, 29, 43

I'm down here so often, I'm surprised that the park police haven't questioned me. A jogging path runs from Ft. Mason to Ft. Point, and is usually crowded with walkers, runners, dogs, strollers, and photographers.

Note that the dock in the bottom photo has been rebuilt and doesn't look much like this anymore.

2. Fort Point

Where: End of Long Ave.
Parking: Usually easy
Public Transportation: MUNI lines 28, 29

At the end of the path through Crissy Field, you'll find the old Ft. Point, which sits under the Golden Gate Bridge. In fact, the bridge was modified to fit over it (as you'll see in person). Besides the fort, you'll get great views of the bridge and the Marin Headlands. This is also a popular surfing spot. Be warned that the waves often crash onto the road. You may get wet!

3. Palace of Fine Arts

Where: Baker at North Point
Parking: Can be difficult
Public Transportation: MUNI lines 30, 30X (one block away)

Just a few blocks from Crissy Field, this is the only remaining relic of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, at least in terms of design. The original rotunda building was torn down in the mid 1960s', and was rebuilt shortly after. Even with the new building, the whole area is in a state of disrepair, and I hope it gets fixed up soon.

4. Marin Headlands

Where: Across GG Bridge, take Alexander Ave. exit, turn left under the freeway, then drive west up the hill (follow the crowds)
Parking: Moderate
Public Transportation: MUNI line 76 (among others)

This isn't actually in SF, and it'll cost you $5 to drive across the bridge to see it, but it's worth the trip. Park anywhere along the road near the gun batteries and walk up the hill. The view of the GG Bridge and City beyond is amazing.

5. Golden Gate Park: Rose Gardens

Where: North of JFK Drive, near Park Presidio
Parking: Generally Easy
Public Transportation: MUNI lines 28, 44

This is really easy to miss if you drive by too quickly. If you go at the right time of year, you'll see an impressive display of roses from around the world. Bring your tripod!

6. Golden Gate Park: Tulip Gardens & Windmill

Where: Fulton at Great Highway
Parking: Can be difficult
Public Transportation: MUNI lines 5, 18

All the way near the beach you'll find a Dutch windmill and an impressive display of tulips (if you go at the right time of year).

8. Painted Ladies / Alamo Square

Where: Steiner at Fulton
Parking: Difficult
Public Transportation: MUNI lines 5, 21

If you've ever seen postcards of San Francisco, you've undoubtedly seen this shot. The neighborhood can be a little sketchy at night, but it's okay in the daytime.

9. Mission Dolores
Where: Dolores at 16th St
Parking: Can be difficult
Public Transportation: MUNI 22, J-Church lines

Mission Dolores was founded in 1776 by Spanish Missionaries. The adobe church shown below right was completed in 1791, and survived both the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes. It's the oldest building in the City. Equally impressive, but not as old, is the basilica, built in 1918.

10. City Hall

Where: Franklin at Fulton St
Parking: Can be difficult
Public Transportation: MUNI lines 47, 49; or walk from Van Ness Metro station.

The most popular night shot as of late is of SF's City Hall. This building is more impressive than most State Capitals, California's included. Note that the housing projects are just a block away, so keep your eyes peeled at night.

Be warned: the security people in the park across from City Hall (between Van Ness and Franklin) are pretty nasty. You actually need a permit to use a tripod on the grounds during the day, and you can't use one at all at night. Strangely, handholding a camera is okay.

11. Chinatown

Where: Start at Grant St at Bush St, go north
Parking: Difficult (use a garage if you drive)
Public Transportation: Many MUNI lines; Walk from Powell or Montgomery St BART/Metro stations as well.

Chinatown is an interesting mix of real Chinese culture and good old American tourist traps. My favorite spots in Chinatown are the Grant St. gate, Old St. Mary's Cathedral, the Trade Mark building, and Portsmouth Square.

12. Treasure Island / Yerba Buena Island

Where: Take the Bay Bridge (I-80 East), get off at Treasure Island exit, go down the hill to the gate.
Parking: Easy
Public Transportation: MUNI line 108 (among other options)

The Treasure Island night shot is a common sight here on the DCRP. It's easy to get to, and a nice shot, especially with a good camera and lens. Be sure to bring a tripod!

If you're familiar with the area, head up to Yerba Buena Island, just above the west portal of the tunnel to get the shot to the right.

1. Cantor Center for Visual Art

Where: Museum Way at Lomita

I've never actually been inside the museum, but I'm told that it's nice. They have a world class Rodin sculpture garden on the west side of the building. The Gates of Hell is also here, and an original cast of The Thinker can be found near the library (shown later).

2. Memorial Church

Where: Main Quad

By the time I usually get down to Stanford, the sun's in the wrong place to get a frontal shot of the church. That's why I usually take the picture of the back of it. It's worth checking out the inside as well.

3. Old Firehouse

Where: Santa Teresa at Duena St

Just a nicely restored building from 1904.

4. Old Union

Where: Panama Mall near Duena St

Another historic part of campus.

5. Hoover Tower

Where: Between Lasuen and Galvez Malls (hard to miss it!)

This tower is really the symbol of the university. Never been up to the top... yet.