wings42 Loc: San Diego, CA

Agree about the Golden Gate Bridge. Also: Telegraph Hill walkway for great views, and maybe closeups of the resident parrots...nearby Hoyt Tower for the views...The Embarcadero for photos of Sea Lions...Fort Point right under the Golden Gate Bridge (I used to go fishing there...didn't catch much but never got tired of the view)...The "Seven Sisters" from Alamo Square on Steiner Street (a perfect post card)...drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito (park where you can and look back to the magical city of San Francisco)...Height-Ashbury for the "60s vibes" that are still there...The Castro District when the clouds look like a magic waterfall pouring over nearby Twin Peaks...views of SF Bay and city from the far side of the Oakland Bay Bridge, esp from Alameda and Treasure Island about 1/2 way across the bridge (my dad was stationed there for part of WWII)...while in Sausalito go Muir Woods which is a beautiful example of a California Redwoods forest. This list is but a small sample of the magic of the Bay area. SF is very dog friendly, esp. if you keep it on leach.

timcc Loc: Virginia

Great views of the city from the Marin County end of the GG Bridge -- there are viewing areas both high in the hills, looking down at the bridge with SF in the background, and lower on the other side of the road, looking straight across the SF Bay at the city. The Painted Ladies houses are photogenic, as are the sea lions on Pier 39, Alcatraz, and Coit Tower (from which you also get some great close-up views of the city). Sausalito, Muir Woods, and Stinson Beach in Marin County are also good photo opportunities. For in-city travel, I suggest parking your car and taking Uber or Lyft. The cable car and Ghirardelli Square offer more iconic pics. I've shot these and many other SF sites -- see my website below if you want examples and other ideas. Have fun -- SF is a great city to visit!

ewelling Loc: Salt Lake City, UT

Hello,
A wonderful spot to shoot the bridge from the opposite perspective of the Marin headlands is at the foot of the bridge at Baker Beach. Fantastic view of the bridge from water's edge.

LolaPL Loc: Richardson, Texas

Lands End. Gorgeous scenery!

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

OK - here is my suggestion to getting into SF to the Presidio area - I 80 from Sac - take hwy 37 - just before Vallejo across Black point/Sears Point to 101 south to the GG Bridge - this will give you a good chance to get off 101 at the north end of Saucalito - drive true town and up to the GG view points while the fog is out- then across the GG to the Prasidio area. Much more pleasent than I 80 and then trying to find your way thru SF .
Harvey

Ron Dial Loc: Cuenca, Ecuador

Do not under any circumstances leave anything you care about in the car. Auto break ins are epidemic, thieves watch for out of towners, and will smash a window and be gone in 5 seconds or less. Has become such a problem the police won't even come out and take a report. Best advice is park the car at the hotel and take a cab. As for photo spots, Fort Point under the GG Bridge, china town, Coit Tower Alcatraz. Keep your camera strap around your neck. Just moved away after 30 years. Be careful. SF ain't safe anymore.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Fillmore Street, known for the Steve McQueen chase in Bullitt. A steep drive that ends in the S.F. Bay.

BillyBe

The Palace of Fine Arts is wonderful for evening and night photography. Bring tri-pod. Coit Tower. The Hyatt Regency at The Embarcadero has some great symmetrical shots, inside and out. The Palace Hotel. California Street at Market for Cable Car. The Embarcadero walkway and SF Ferry Bldng area offer great views of the SF/Oakland Bay Bridge with light show at night on the north east spans. Treasure Island for a great view back at The City.

dyximan

dyximan

The Marin headlands on the North side of the Golden Gate bridge has a beautiful view, When there if you take the trail down beautiful view from below the Golden Gate bridge. If travel in about 2 miles up the road. go to the point Bonita lighthouse normally open from about 10 to 3 check dates. The Presidio has a beautiful cemetery and they also have the Disney museum and other exhibits. If you have a chance go past the Presidio to bakers beach and again you're below the Golden Gate bridge but on the South side, Be aware that it is a nude friendly beach and take precautions if you have young ones etc If you can get anywhere near the Embarcadero especially early in the morning beautiful views beautiful shots. You can also venture over to Treasure Island lots of construction but a few areas you can still take some nice photos of the city. If you're the adventurous type you can walk through the city it measure 7 and a 1/2 miles by 7 and a 1/2 miles. , Golden Gate park is beautiful flowers tea house it cetera. , Chinatown Japan town quite colorful. ,, You can also rent bicycles and/or little 3 wheeled motorcycles I think if you bring your dog with you. I could go on and on but you get the point lots of things to see and do.

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

Excellen, thanks for the coordinates!

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

I think everyone has convinced me not to drive my vehicle anywhere except to the lodge. We are going to use Uber and inform them that I have a dog. I don't think the public transport will allow a Golden Retriever on the bus which I sure understand.
All of your suggestions for points of interest will easily fill up our few days there. Thanks so much!

SteveR Loc: Michigan

That's gonna cost you a bundle. I think you should try driving. When we were there BART was on strike so there was no parking. You shouldn't run into that problem, though. I'd try driving for a day and then make up your mind. There's nothing like driving down Lombardy and Fillmore. Plus, if you stop at spots like Coit Tower, or Hawks Hill and take some time, the clicker in the Uber will just be ticking away.

rebride

You won't feel like you're in the 'city' at The Lodge. Nice. The Presidio is very scenic and close to Golden Gate Park and the Cliff House (a must).
Golden Gate Park - go to the California Academy of Science area. The band shell, de Young Museum, Japanese Tea Garden right there.
Dinner at Cliff House. El Mansour is also nearby. Fun and different dining experience. Make sure to get the Bastela du Chef.
North Beach, old historic Italian section - Coffee at Cafe Trieste. Dinner at Cafe Sport. Get the crab salad, not a salad but whole cracked crab with yummy sauce, and the Carbonara. Both to 'die for. Catch the show Beach Blanket Babylon. SF tradition now sadly closing this year. It's a hoot. Parking garage on Green street.
Driving in city not a big deal unless downtown at afternoon rush hour. Parking can be a bear, read all parking signs carefully especially for 'no parking hours' mostly on computer routes during rush hour. Car will be towed toot sweet.
Find Bush and Pine Streets. Multi-lane, one way, timed lights, swift in and out of downtown/Chinatown from your way used by the locals.
Bay bridge is also cool. Bit of a lightshow after dark.
Crissy Field. Actually part of the Presidio. Good for the dog, view of the Bay and Golden Gate. Good size parking area at Crissy Field Beach should be easy parking weekdays.
Like hot food. Different Chinese? Find a Henry's Hunan. Female chefs. Get their smoked ham and/or shrimps.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Oh yeah, be sure not to drive in the trolley lanes!!!