California and Jones Street

The intersection of California and Jones is a great place to stand if you want to photograph one of San Francisco's most iconic symbols; the cable car. It's a busy intersection that features The Grace Cathedral. Just a block away is the famous Fairmont Hotel (featured in the TV series Hotel), The Pacific Union Club and The Mark Hopkins Hotel, all great San Francisco destinations. Three blocks away at the corner of Powell and California the Mason/Powell and the Market/Van Ness Cable Cars intersect and there is a great view of the Transamerica Pyramid.

The best timeto take pictures is in the fall or spring when the sun shines directly down California Street, in the late afternoon. Stand just west of Jones Street to capture images of the cars coming up the hill and heading west. With a telephoto lens you can capture the Bay Bridge in the background. Stand in the crosswalk when the light changes but watch out for cars. You will need to be persistent to get a clear shot without an automobile in it. Cross California and stand on the south corner of Jones and California to catch cars coming from Van Ness and moving towards Market.

After you are done photographing the cable cars look around; there is a lot more to see on this busy street.

Looking east on California Street

Looking west on California Street

The view south down Jones Street

Pedestrians crossing Mason Street, viewed from Powell Street