Doing It For the Gram

Urban Dictionary defines ‘doing it for the gram’ as doing things in your life so you can take pictures and show off on Instagram.  Is doing it for the gram really so bad?  For travel, it inspires us to do more and see more and be a part of the picture. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Research in Quality of Life, just planning or anticipating your next trip can make you happier than actually taking it (view abstract).  A study published by the American Psychological Association shows that traveling can spark a person’s mind to see outside the box by cultivating a trifecta of traits that lead to heightened creativity.

As of 2018, Instagram had more than a billion users, and the platform has succeeded in making travel photography and selfies a rite of passage for many adventurers.  The platform has also given tremendous exposure to previously hidden gems and shining a light on some of the most beautiful spots. There’s no doubt Instagram is changing travel, for good and bad, in ways we’re only just beginning to understand, and it’s also starting a conversation and making us think about visits to different places.

Let’s embrace everyone who is doin’ it for the gram. To all the people who are getting out of their comfort zone, trying new things, going new places and being more adventurous. And yes, they might do it because it makes a great photo but you will also have a great time in the process!  Whether you’re planning your travel bucket list or just love exploring photogenic places, get ready to catch a case of serious wanderlust with a few of the top instagrammable locations in San Francisco.

I Got Baked in San Francisco

Possibly one of the most sought-after Instagram spots in San Franciso is a neon “I Got Baked in San Francisco” sign at Mr. Holmes Bakehouse. View #mrholmesbakehousesf grams

Mosiac Steps in San Francisco

At 16th and Moraga, you will find the most famous set of mosaic stairways in San Francisco. This community project was worked on by more than 300 neighbors. It’s was a labor of love and you can tell in the final design. This 163 step beauty was completed in 2005. View #16thavenuetiledsteps grams

The Hearts at Union Square

In Union Square, just a few blocks from Tilden Hotel, are heart sculptures.  The hearts are located at each corner of the square and they are painted by Bay Area artists. Every year, new heart sculptures replace ones that are auctioned for the benefit of San Francisco General Hospital Foundation. The heart at the far left depicting the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge was painted by singer Tony Bennett, renowned for “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”. View the #UnionSquareSF grams

Painted Ladies

One of the most photographed locations in San Francisco, Alamo Square’s famous “Painted Ladies”. Depicted in the TV show Full House, this vista is very popular. The park itself is an ideal spot to take a break or have a picnic. View the #paintedladies grams

Lombard Street

Lombard Street is commonly known as the “Crookedest Street in the World,” and it is one of San Francisco’s most popular landmarks. Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors walk or drive down the eight sharp hairpin turns. View the #lombardstreet grams

Golden Gate Bridge

Do we need to say anymore? View the #goldengatebridge grams ~ only about 2,541,015 and counting.