San Francisco Photography Walk Discover Pier 70 and Mission Bay

Photograph a historic part of San Francisco that most visitors never discover—now evolving into parks and neighborhoods.

Pier 70 and Mission Bay were once central to San Francisco’s World War II shipbuilding efforts. Today, it’s being reimagined and put back to use.

This is a neighborhood worth slowing down to see.

On this walk, we’ll use our cameras (or camera phones) to slow down—and look closely at how the area’s industrial past is being put to use alongside new development.

You’ll get guidance as neeed throughout—what to notice, how to compose, and how to translate what you see into a photograph.

We’ll explore:

Pier 70
Historic shipyard buildings, large-scale structures, and working waterfront elements now being reused as retail, offices, and public space. A place to explore texture, scale, and industrial form.

Crane Cove Park
Shoreline, water, and industrial remnants. Photograph sand and sky alongside metal and structure—both up close and at a distance.

Mission Bay
Bold color, public art, and modern architecture built on a former rail yard. A contrast in rhythm, scale, and energy.

Distance: ~1.75 miles, relaxed pace
Terrain: mostly flat, a few stairs (can be avoided)