Looking for some good places to go out and shoot the MINI (both statically and in motion) while I'm in the area.

 

You might try the Nevada City Adenture this May 17th, Details here!

 

+1 to Don's suggestion as the area will be flooded with Minis, especially classic ones (HINT: "generations")

An alternate is to enjoy the "Festival of Speed" down in Monterey this weekend. Monterey has tons of stunning coastal views that can include cars.

The following is an answer I gave when asked a similar question about car photography near San Francisco...

1. Marin headlands. Get the cliche shot of your Mini with the golden gate bridge and SF in in background. Lots of other cool photo locations scattered around Marin.
2. Treasure Island. Again, get the cliche photo of the bay with SF downtown in the background
3. Golden Gate Park (on a weekday, weekend on very early in the AM due to crowds). It's a huge park full of photogenic spots where you can get your Mini in the photo.
4. Twin Peaks. You'll have to play with the composition and car position, but it's certainly possible. You can get the equivalent of an aerial view from here. If the wind is blowing in lower SF, it will be 10x stronger up on twin peaks, so bring a jacket. You've been warned. The view makes it worth it IMHO.
5. The Castro district has some outstanding Victorian houses in perfect condition. If my sketchy memory serves correct, go explore near 21st St. and Sanchez St. I did a walking tour around there and all I can can remember is killer views and houses. FWIW, if you like Thai food, some of the best in the Bay Area can be found at Thai House Express at 19th St. & Castro St. If you have ultra conservative viewpoints, forget I've mentioned this area; otherwise it's a fun neighborhood to explore.

Hope this helps.

 

This is one of my favorite spots for pictures. Near the Carmel Highlands.

 

North of San Francisco, the drive up the coast along Highway 1.

San Francisco civic center area buildings are done up in neoclassical architecture. Parking in front of the buildings is near impossible.

Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley vineyards if your taste leans towards beautiful estate homes (the wine tasting buildings are often done up in Mediterranean majesty). Touring along the major highways (29, 128) will present rolling hillsides of carefully tended grapevines. Simply awesome in the late afternoon sun.

John

 

When will you be in the area? Norcal MINIs is running Highway 1 through Big Sur and then up and over the Ventana Wilderness to Salinas through Hunter Ligget a military base which has a California Mission. Plenty of great Photo Ops. Check it out in the NorCal MINIs Club forum here on NAM