The Best Photography Spots in North Park, San Diego
If you’re trying to snap some shots for the ‘gram, look no further than North Park! Full of hidden gems and instagrammable opportunities, North Park is a photographer’s dream no matter what your goals are.
Greetings From San Diego Wall Art
Located on the corner of 30th and El Cajon Boulevard, this iconic mural is a must-see for anyone visiting San Diego. Details of many San Diego landmarks are in the text, including The Del in Coronado, Belmont Park in Mission Bay, and Balboa Park.
If you’re looking for more street art, head East down the alley and a few steps away are more colorful murals. There are many more murals and lots of different pockets of street art littered throughout North Park. A trip down 30th is a great place to see different pieces of street art in the neighborhood.
Even University has its fair share of art, whether it be on/around buildings or standalone in alleys. If you’re passionate about photography, especially street photography, getting lost while looking for street art is a great way to spend a day in North Park!
The Boulevard/North Park Neon Signs
Whether you’re just visiting San Diego, or a long-time local, the signs welcoming you to different neighborhoods are unavoidable; Gaslamp, Hillcrest, North Park, and many more all have big, bright banners letting you know where you are. El Cajon Boulevard sports one right on the corner of Park and El Cajon, while the North Park sign is in the heart of town by 30th and University.
If you’re craving a throwback to neon signs and pastel colors, the sign on El Cajon boulevard lights up with a glow in the evening. Traffic runs on either side of it, making it a perfect spot to practice your long exposure photography.
North Park Water Tower
Just North of the North Park Community Park is an old, massive water tower that has been a landmark since 1924. While the actual structure is fenced in you can get a clear view of it from the surrounding area. Standing 127 feet tall, the tower was instrumental in helping the North Park area develop and expand.
My favorite shots of it are looking straight down Howard Ave, facing East during sunset. Oftentimes, pink clouds and a golden hour light will bring a magical air around the water tower. I have never been for sunrise, but again, being that it is so easy to see, any unique orientation would definitely yield great pictures.
Because it is so tall and imposing, you can see it from any side, including the North, on El Cajon Boulevard. Because the other three sides are more residential, this allows you to get creative with your composition.
Along El Cajon Boulevard
If you are a fan of street photography, then El Cajon Boulevard is the place for you. From huge, fancy apartment buildings to pawn shops and deserted, closed-down storefronts, El Cajon Boulevard is a great place to take a stroll and shoot some pictures along the way.
The sheer difference between the gentrified and ungentrified pockets of this area make for interesting subjects. In no way do I support “poverty tourism” – please don’t go around shoving your phone or camera in homeless people’s faces, and be respectful of any and all residents you encounter.
As my area of photography lies more in landscapes and cityscapes, I love seeing where the old and new clash. El Cajon Boulevard is a fun example of somewhere just like this.
Georgia Street Bridge
Another area for sunsets, sunrises, and long exposures, the Georgia Street bridge offers a great view from above looking East into North Park. When you visit, you’ll be standing on a piece of history, as this bridge was built in 1914! It underwent a lengthy facelift a number of years ago, but still stands strong today.
While cars are allowed, there are sidewalks and it is pretty low traffic, so this can be a great site for a photoshoot. Looking West shows off beautiful Hillcrest, while a 180 will give you a view down University Ave towards North Park. In my opinion, this spot is best visited during golden hour. Before the sun sets, the light pours over University Ave, making North Park glow warmly.
Bird Park
At the top North-East section of Balboa Park lies Bird Park, a beautiful grassy area that makes for great pictures of the San Diego skyline. Another spot that is best during sunset, a lucky evening can yield orange, red, and pink clouds that beautifully frame the skyscrapers of downtown San Diego.
If you enjoy candid shots or sports photography, there are plenty of fields nearby. One of the best picnic spots in San Diego, Bird Park is also a top location because of its proximity to great food! Places like Underbelly, The Taco Stand, and Pete’s Seafood are only a few minutes away. Order takeout and spend the evening watching the sunset, or just walk over for a drink and food after!
30th Street and North Park Way
I know I’ve hyped up this location plenty of times, but the corner of 30th Street and North Park Way is great for all kinds of activities, including photography. Pigment and Artelexia are great for photos, both inside and out, so be sure to walk around the buildings and see the colorful walls. This is another area that is perfect for photoshoots.
Depending on the time of day, it can be relatively low traffic, so if you want to take your time and hit all of your poses, go for it! The South facing side has one section painted in an ombre pink and a wall of succulents for you to take advantage of.
Right across the street from Pigment is Verbatim Books, which is one of the best spots to take a date in North Park. However, it is the inside of Verbatim that really shines. A huge chandelier lights up the back wall that has “Verbatim Books” spelled out in books on a shelf. Antique tomes fill in the rest of the wall, making this a perfect place to get creative.
On Thursday evenings, the North Park Farmer’s Market comes to this intersection, bringing people, vendors, and lots of photo opportunities. If you like food photography then this is the place for you. If you prefer street photography, then there will be endless opportunities too.
