Oakland/San Jose Cali Ideas

Be heading out that way for a graduation in June. Based on trip advisor im pretty bummed there doesn't seem to be any obvious spots to get great shots (I know there has to be tons, many of which may not appear on a map). Anyone in this area or been there have any ideas? We will be there a week with a car, plenty of time to get around and sightsee

Head west to the coast, Hwy 1. Just about all of Hwy 1 from Santa Barbara(about 4-5 hours from San Jose) to Washington state is considered one of the most beautiful areas in the US. Big Sur, Carmel/Monterey, Santa Cruz, to San Francisco are all on Hwy 1 are great tourist attractions and are within 1-1/2 hours of SJ. There is also Big Basin park near Santa Cruz, it has big redwood trees. Of course there is also San Francisco which is about 1 hour from SJ. I'm not very big on urban photography so I can't suggest anything in SJ/Bay Area.

Bay Area residents could answer better if you said what sort of scene you want. For street photography, you can go to any of the downtowns: people, murals, graffiti. There's also a rapid-transit system, partly underground and partly elevated. Part of Oakland near Jack London Square has an active music scene. The architecture all over this area is varied, from old and classic (or picturesquely rundown) to ultramodern. The people are varied, too, from superstraight (suits) to human tattoo museums.

For big landscapes, there are the bridges and the water. Or go up in the hills for wide views.

Just got the Tamron 24-70 looking to just get some basic landscape/architecture stuff at the 24 end on my crop body. Mostly family stuff with some cool cali backdrops. We looked into the Redwoods and will definitely heading to San Fran. Trying to find a great spot for a golden gate shot too. Good stuff here, any ideas are appreciated no real agenda so who knows where we end up. Thanks guys

I would look into Muir Woods, it is great spot to get trees, when you are done there I believe it is a short drive to Stinson Beach. It is north of SF, but not to far. The only thing is you will need to get there early to get decent parking.

sjammer wrote in post #17574936
I would look into Muir Woods, it is great spot to get trees, when you are done there I believe it is a short drive to Stinson Beach. It is north of SF, but not to far. The only thing is you will need to get there early to get decent parking.

It really has nothing to do with parking. It has more to do with all of the zoo faced tourists from all over the world. I got there about 9:30 and by a little after 10 a half dozen tour buses rolled in and within minutes the place was literally overrun with people who spoke no English and screaming kids whose parents thought it was cute when they jumped in front of most any picture I was trying to shoot. I had to leave. It's a shame.....it's a beautiful place.

I found must better shooting driving down the coast toward Big Sur.

Go to Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands if you want that picturesque GG bridge with SF in the background shot

I'll second Marin Headlands for the Golden Gate.

Pier 39, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Park, Palace of fine arts (sunset) etc in the city.

The coast would be my first choice for scenery shots, Carmel, 17 mile drive, Pebble beach are all within 90 mins of San Jose. Winchester Mystery house in San Jose itself.