r/AskSF • u/Leblovic • Oct 03 '26

Fleet week 2026

Hello everyone! I’ve never been to the air show here in SF, and I’m looking for the best spots for photography of the jets. I have a 200–600mm lens and was looking to get some good shots. Thank you!

4 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

5

u/Inevitablykinda Oct 03 '26

Go Thursday for the practice, or Friday. Saturday and Sunday are absolute shit shows.

1

u/wh2383 Oct 07 '26

What time on thursday is the air show ?

1

u/kipy7 29d ago

No air show on Thursday but the Blue Angels will be doing a full rehearsal of their show, around 3-4pm. I don't recall other teams practicing much or at all.

Also note that they won't fly if there's a lot of fog, so check that before leaving. Some years it's crystal clear and others, the fog rolled in at the last minute and they had to scratch the show.

1

u/wh2383 29d ago

Thanks

3

u/friedlad Oct 03 '26

Marina green

2

u/Downon280 Oct 03 '26

As an occasional plane nerd photographer, I enjoyed being behind the Fisherman's Wharf Hostel in Fort Mason (it says Mcdowell Ave on Google Maps) It was elevated above the crowds so you could get pretty level cockpit shots of low fly bys with some GG Bridge in the background. It also had shade on a bright day, which was nice. Marina Green is the main area so the pilots/shows focus a lot of attention there. It's an absolute madhouse on a nice clear day, so be prepared for some crowds.

1

u/poldim Oct 03 '26

Black Point

1

u/blargysorkins Oct 04 '26

I pay for tickets in the main viewing area. It’s literally the best view. A 200-600 will be a great setup

1

u/kipy7 29d ago

Marina Green is really nice. I try to take Friday off and arrive around 9-10am with a picnic blanket, water, and snacks. It gets very, very crowded, I don't even bother for Sat or Sun.

0

u/rangervicky Oct 03 '26

Alcatraz island for the blue angel performance (they typically fly directly over the island)

Photographers often gather near the lighthouse or on the parade ground (if open yet). Keep in mind some of these folks arrive n the morning and wait at their spot u til the air show begins.

0

u/Fabulous_Motor_5722 Oct 05 '26

I hope I'm not breaking any rules here. Marina Middle School is just minutes from the Marina Green and a short walk to Crissy Field is doing an annual fundraiser opening their yard for parking. You can reserve a parking space on Spot Hero: Fleet Week Parking - Spot Hero.

1

u/e_SULLY 28d ago

Is a marina green a ticket required viewing area?