The Top Bay Area Photography Sunrise Spots (2023)
Last update: December 6, 2023
Looking for the Best Bay Area Photography spots for Sunrise this year?
You’re in the right spot.
From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, I’ve got you covered with the best locations for capturing your perfect shot.
Grab your camera and join us on a journey through the Best Bay Area Photography spots for Sunrises!
Best Bay Area Sunrise Photography Spots Guide:
Twin Peaks - San Francisco's Best Sunset Spot
Twin Peaks is San Francisco’s best spot for sunset and sunrise.
Positioned in the heart of San Francisco, Twin Peak offers unbeatable 360 degrees views of the city.
The direct view down Market street to the Ferry building is unmatched.
Just go here for the best sunrise in San Francisco possible!
It gets very windy, so pack a jacket and plan accordingly.
Insider Tip: Crowds are expected but if you walk away from the main viewing platform you can have unobstructed and empty viewing areas.
Lake Merritt - Oakland's Outdoor Mecca
If you’re in Oakland, Lake Merritt is an unbeatable place for a Bay Area sunrise or sunset.
Aside from the beautiful glow that will light up the skyline and create lovely reflections off of the lake, the energy that surrounds this place is why you visit.
The 3.2 mile track that surrounds Lake Merritt make it easy to venture to various spots to experiment with lighting.
Lake Merritt is easily one of the top East Bay sunset spots.
Related Read: Make sure to visit the Kaiser Rooftop Garden 🌸 when exploring this lovely area!
Berkeley Marina - Berkeley's Waterfront Harbor
The Berkeley Marina is the closest vantage point to Treasure Island and is solid place to see the sun rise or fall.
This is one of my favorite Berkeley photography spots but is much more of an effort to reach than the rest.
Insider tip: grab a Mai Tai from Trader Vic’s before the sun sets and stroll along the waterfront path before the bridge lights up in front of you.
Related Read: ☕️ San Francisco’s Best Coffee Shops to Visit in 2022
Treasure Island - Bay Area's Hidden Treasure
Treasure Island is arguably the best location in the Bay Area for photographing a sunrise or sunset.
However with recent developments on the island, access to specific areas have made this destination a bit more challenging.
However, the views from the backside of the island facing the the bridge are excellent and if you don’t mind walking or briefly stopping (illegally in the center of the road), the overhead tunnel view shot is majestic.
Mt. Tamalpais - BEST Spot North of the Golden Gate Bridge
Mt. Tamalpais aka Mt. Tam is my favorite spot for sunsets in the North Bay and Bay Area region.
With windy roads & unobstructed 360 views depending on where you position yourself, Mt. Tam can’t be missed.
Bring your camera so you can catch the coastal fog lingering on the hillsides or shoot your shot directed at Stinson Beach.
Follow this if you want to find more about the best Mt Tam hikes
Middle Harbor Shoreline - West Oakland's sleeping beauty
The Middle Harbor Shoreline Park is hidden Oakland gem for Bay Area Photography sessions.
Tucked away next to Oakland’s shipping port, this lightly trafficked park gives you one of the closest views of the bridge & Treasure Island.
You might feel like you are heading in the wrong direction or in an non authorized area, but keep heading towards your coordinates and the glory will be waiting for you.
Grizzly Peak (Fish Ranch)- Berkeley Hills Landscape Top Spot
Grizzly Peak aka Fish Ranch, is the top place for East Bay Area sunsets.
With ridge line views of the surrounding area & into San Francisco, this spot never disappoints unless it’s cloudy.
Even when cloudy, still worthwhile to enjoy your time up in the clouds.
The road is very windy and narrow so be careful not too stare too long at your view until you make your way too the top!
7 MORE of the Best Sunset Spots in San Francisco
Grandview Park
The name speaks for itself at Grandview Park.
Besides its unbelievable views over Golden Gate Park and the Sunset/Richmond District, Grandview park requires some serious effort to reach.
This is a quality spot to catch a San Francisco Sunrise in 2021
Steep, and very steep stairs if you take the long route up or more steep but tough parking situations if you drive up closer to the viewing sections.
Combine your trip here with the 16th street stairs it’s one memorable way to end your day.
Bernal Heights Park
Bernal Heights Park is a low-key gem on this list.
Often overlooked by everywhere else on this list and more, Bernal Heights shows off more of Eastern SF and the East Bay.
Those who live in the Mission/ Bernal Heights Area will love frequenting this spot.
Ocean Beach
The outskirts of San Francisco are not the easiest to get to but are definitely worthwhile.
I love Ocean Beach for a San Francisco sunset for many reason but I’ll let you enjoy one first so you can understand!
Yes, I’m talking about Ocean Beach.
San Francisco’s surf neighborhood makes for unforgettable sunsets if you can venture your way here in time!
Lands End
Lands End is one of the most popular hikes in San Francisco.
It’s also one of the best bay area sunset spots to check off of your list.
Bring a friend, some water, and revel in the beauty of this iconic spot.
Baker Beach
Baker Beach provides visitors with one of the most iconic Golden Gate Bridge shots.
When the lighting is right here, this is easily the best place to witness a San Francisco Sunset.
Crissy Field
Crissy Field is the best place on this list to gather with friends for sunset.
Relatively easy access and spacious room make it an ideal area to have a sunset picnic or lounge on the waterfront grass.
Alcatraz + Ocean
For the lucky people who own boats, taking in a sunset from the water is an unreal experience.
If you don’t own a boat but want to take in views from the most notorious prison in the world, do the nighttime trip to Alcatraz and take advantage of the colors from the water!
More Than Just Bay Area Photography
Catching a Sunrise Bay Area style needs to be on your list today!
If there’s any other San Francisco sunrise spots, drop them below!
Besides the spots listed here in this article, the Bay Area has an endless amount of amazing spots to enjoy the sunrise or sunset.
Need some inspiration for other things happening in the Bay Area?
There are tons of amazing things to do just outside the heart of the Bay.
Bay Area Drone Services for Hire
Like any of the Bay Area Drone shots from this piece?
Most of these spots are a part of the Best places to fly a drone in the Bay Area too.
Need an estimate for Bay Area drone services or looking for the Bay Areas best wedding venues?
Thank you for reading and hope to hear from any and all of you today!