Best 200 photo locations in California

California is known for its abundance of beautiful landscapes, making it one of the most popular destinations for photographers. From sweeping coastlines to towering mountains and rolling hills, the Golden State offers a variety of photogenic locations to capture memorable images.The Pacific Coast Highway is arguably the most iconic route in California, with sweeping ocean views and a plethora of picturesque spots to capture stunning photos. From the iconic Bixby Bridge near Big Sur to the charming beach towns of Santa Cruz and Monterey, the PCH is perfect for taking postcard-worthy photographs.Yosemite National Park is another must-see destination for photographers. The park is home to some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in the world, with towering waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and lush forests. The park also offers a range of activities for shutterbugs, from hikes and camping to wildlife viewing.The Mojave Desert is another great place for photos. The vast desert landscape is a photographer’s dream, with dramatic rock formations, hidden canyons, and desolate sand dunes. For those looking for a more urban feel, the cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco offer plenty of photographic opportunities, from bustling city streets to iconic landmarks.The redwoods of Northern California are some of the most awe-inspiring sights in the state. Photographers have the opportunity to capture the majesty of these ancient trees, while also exploring the surrounding nature trails and beaches.California’s wine country is also a great spot for photos. With rolling hills, lush vineyards, and pastoral scenes, it’s easy to find the perfect backdrop for your photos. Along the way, you can also take in the charming towns and boutique wineries.Finally, Joshua Tree National Park is a great place for photographers to explore. The park offers sweeping desert views, spectacular rock formations, and plenty of opportunities for camping and hiking.No matter what type of photos you’re looking to capture, California offers plenty of great locations. From its stunning coastlines to its towering mountains and lush forests, the Golden State is a photographer’s paradise.

Top photo spots in California, United States

  1. Bay Bridge - 45 photos; sunset, landscape, nature, water, architecture, urban, panoramic, transport
  2. View from Potrero Hill - 26 photos; urban
  3. Lombard Street - 45 photos; urban
  4. The Tufa Towers of Mono Lake - 45 photos
  5. San Francisco from Treasure Island, California - 44 photos; sunset, architecture, urban, panoramic
  6. San Fernando Valley - 9 photos; landscape, nature
  7. Red Rock Canyon - 45 photos; landscape, urban
  8. Walt Disney Concert Hall - 45 photos; architecture, urban
  9. Shark Fin Cove - 45 photos; sunset, water
  10. Bixby Bridge - 45 photos; sunset, water, architecture
  11. Dos Lagos - 31 photos; architecture, panoramic
  12. Belmont Art Park - 1 photo; abandoned
  13. Barn on the Hill - 9 photos; sunset, landscape
  14. Hoover Dam - 45 photos; water
  15. Davenport Pier - 45 photos; sunset, water
  16. Palace of Fine Arts - 45 photos; architecture
  17. Griffith Observatory - 45 photos; sunset, urban
  18. Sutro Baths - 45 photos; sunset, nature, water, people, astro
  19. The Wave, Valley of Fire - 45 photos; sunset, landscape, nature
  20. Alabama Hills - 45 photos; landscape, nature, astro
  21. Natural Bridges State Beach - 45 photos; sunset, water
  22. Hole in the Wall Beach - 45 photos
  23. Big Sur - 45 photos; nature, water
  24. Panther Beach - 45 photos
  25. Team Beach - 45 photos
  26. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park - 45 photos
  27. Sacramento from over the Tower Bridge - 45 photos; sunset, architecture
  28. Lake Tahoe near Sand Harbor - 45 photos
  29. Painted Ladies - 45 photos; architecture, urban, abandoned
  30. Hakone Japanese Garden - 42 photos; landscape, architecture
  31. Sycamore Canyon Test Facility - 4 photos; abandoned
  32. Garrapata Beach - 38 photos; water
  33. The Lou Ruvo Brain Institute - 45 photos; architecture, urban
  34. Rodeo Beach - 45 photos
  35. Old Rocklin, Ca. roundhouse - 32 photos; architecture, urban
  36. Panther Beach - 45 photos
  37. Valley View, Yosemite - 45 photos; sunset, landscape, water
  38. Muir Woods - 45 photos; landscape, water, architecture
  39. Abandoned Building - 45 photos; abandoned
  40. Santa Monica Pier - 45 photos
  41. Decommissioned marine base - people, architecture, urban, abandoned
  42. Coyote Pond - 27 photos; water, wildlife, urban
  43. Zabriskie Point - 45 photos; sunset, landscape, panoramic
  44. Old Water Wheel - 33 photos; nature, water
  45. Bay Bridge - 45 photos; sunset, water, architecture
  46. Abandoned Hospital (Linda Vista Hospital) - 12 photos; abandoned
  47. Spring Chapel II - 45 photos; landscape, nature
  48. Victoria Beach - 45 photos
  49. The Magnolia Boulders - 45 photos; landscape, nature, urban
  50. Dutch Windmill - 45 photos; sunset, abandoned
  51. Silicon Valley, Star Trails - landscape, astro
  52. Japanese Tea Garden - 45 photos; people, abandoned
  53. Bowling Ball Beach - 32 photos
  54. Dana Point - 6 photos
  55. Alma College - 33 photos
  56. Golden Gate Bridge from Fort Point - 45 photos; sunset, architecture
  57. Las Vegas Skyline - 8 photos
  58. Salk Institute - 45 photos; architecture
  59. Rocks near Ruby Park - 45 photos; sunset, water
  60. Twin Peaks Summit - 45 photos; urban

Photo spots in California, by area

Questions about photo spots in California, United States

What are the best photo spots in California, United States?

The top 5 of the 11,909 photo spots ShotHotspot has mapped in California, United States, ranked by how often they're photographed, viewed and voted for:

  1. Bay Bridge - 45 photos, good for sunset, landscape and nature photography
  2. View from Potrero Hill - 26 photos, good for urban photography
  3. Lombard Street - 45 photos, good for urban photography
  4. The Tufa Towers of Mono Lake - 45 photos
  5. San Francisco from Treasure Island, California - 44 photos, good for sunset, architecture and urban photography

Where can I photograph the sunset in California, United States?

The top-ranked spots in California, United States for sunset and sunrise photography:

  1. Bay Bridge - 45 photos, good for sunset, landscape and nature photography
  2. San Francisco from Treasure Island, California - 44 photos, good for sunset, architecture and urban photography
  3. Shark Fin Cove - 45 photos, good for sunset and water photography
  4. Bixby Bridge - 45 photos, good for sunset, water and architecture photography
  5. Barn on the Hill - 9 photos, good for sunset and landscape photography

Where can I do a photoshoot in California, United States?

The top-ranked spots in California, United States for portrait, people and wedding photography:

  1. Sutro Baths - 45 photos, good for people, sunset and nature photography
  2. Japanese Tea Garden - 45 photos, good for people and abandoned photography
  3. California Wildlife in McKinley Park - 44 photos, good for people and sunset photography
  4. Long Beach Harbor - 44 photos, good for people, sunset and nature photography
  5. Mile Rocks Lands - 45 photos, good for people, sunset and water photography

Are there abandoned places to photograph in California, United States?

Yes: ShotHotspot has mapped 1,621 abandoned places in California, United States, including Belmont Art Park, Painted Ladies and Sycamore Canyon Test Facility. Many are private property or unsafe, so get permission before you visit.

Abandoned places in California, United States

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