Best car photo spots in San Diego

Hand-picked spots in San Diego

Coronado Ferry Landing skyline

Skyline & city lights · Best: Blue hour

The downtown San Diego skyline straight across the bay.

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Harbor Island skyline

Skyline & city lights · Best: Night

Waterfront lots facing downtown and the bay.

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Chicano Park

Murals & street art · Best: Morning

Huge murals on the pillars under the Coronado Bridge; park on the surrounding streets.

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Hotel del Coronado

Historic · Best: Golden hour

The red-roofed 1888 beach resort.

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Sunset Cliffs

Scenic & lakeside · Best: Sunset

Pullouts along Sunset Cliffs Blvd right above the Pacific.

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Mount Soledad

Scenic & lakeside · Best: Sunset

360° views over La Jolla from the summit lot.

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Balboa Park

Historic · Best: Morning

Spanish-style towers and the Cabrillo Bridge; drive in early for open lots.

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Murals and street art in San Diego

Murals are the most popular car photo backdrop. Pull up alongside the wall, keep the car parallel to it and shoot from a low angle so the art fills the frame behind the car.

More spots in San Diego

• Lifeguard Station Scenic & lakeside
• The Lot Neon & retro
• The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center Neon & retro
• South Bay Drive-In Theatre & Swap Meet Neon & retro
• I Street Viewpoint Scenic & lakeside
• D Street Viewpoint Scenic & lakeside
• Tidepools Scenic & lakeside
• High Point Scenic & lakeside
• J Street Viewpoint Scenic & lakeside
• Georgia Street Bridge Bridges
• Nimitz Bridge Bridges
• Gilman Bridge Bridges
• Roscoe E. Hazard Memorial Bridge Bridges
• Voltaire Street Bridge Bridges
• Famosa Boulevard Bridge Bridges
• Santa Fe Depot Industrial
• Battery Ashburn Commander Station Industrial
• Naval Training Station Historic District Industrial
• Ski Beach Scenic & lakeside
• Shelter Island Boat Launch Scenic & lakeside
• PCF-816 Berth Scenic & lakeside
• A Dock Scenic & lakeside
• Fifth Avenue Landing Scenic & lakeside
• Visitor Dock Scenic & lakeside

Tips for car photos in San Diego

• Shoot at golden hour or blue hour. The hour after sunrise and around sunset gives soft light without harsh reflections; blue hour is best for skylines and neon.
• Go early on weekends. Popular mural walls and downtown streets are quiet before 9 AM, so you can park right in front.
• Respect the spot. Stay off private lots when asked, don't block traffic and keep the engine noise down in neighborhoods.
• Hide your plate if you want. Check your shot before you post it.