The 50+ Most Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles (for 2024): The Best Los Angeles Photo Spots

Wondering where all the most Instagrammable places in Los Angeles are? Fear not  – I’ve rounded up over 50 of the most photogenic places in the City of Angels! Check out these Los Angeles Instagram spots to help you find the best places to take some awesome photos for your feed!

With so many palm trees, beaches, celebrity sightings, world-class museums, and trendy cafes, LA has no shortage of places to explore and photograph, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. So obviously, it’s no surprise that there are lots of super photogenic Los Angeles Instagram spots that are begging to be photographed, helping you rack up those likes.

I spent the first 23 years of my life in the Los Angeles area, and shamefully, I took it for granted. I mean, LA is a huge city – the second largest in the United States after all – and it is notorious for crazy, bumper-to-bumper traffic at all times of day, on any day, with no unexplained reason behind it…which sometimes (ok, most of the time) made me too lazy to explore the awesomeness that was around me.

Enter the age of Instagram. The app has definitely made me change the way I travel and explore, opening my eyes to lots of new, photogenic places that immediately make themselves onto my itineraries.

When I moved to San Francisco for over 10 years, I started trying to make time to hit up and photograph the most Instagrammable places in Los Angeles every time I was back in the area to visit family. And, now that I’m moving to neighboring Orange County, I am excited to find even more of the coolest Los Angeles photo spots!

It’s definitely helped me see the city (and surrounding areas) with new eyes, and I am constantly excited to find cool things to do in Los Angeles and photograph these Los Angeles Instagram spots – and you will be too! But in a city as big as LA, it may be overwhelming to try to find the best ones. Well guess what? I’ve done the work for you and found the best, most Instagrammable places in LA!

From the cool street art in DTLA, the hip-yet-eclectic vibe of Venice Beach, epic viewpoints, iconic landmarks like Hollywood, and much more, there is plenty to photograph in Los Angeles!

Read on to find out where the best places to take pictures in LA are – then post to your IG feed, and wait for those likes to roll in!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase or booking, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Pictures & Words is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to you.

The Most Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Landmarks and Top Instagram Spots

HOLLYWOOD SIGN

Is there anything that screams quintessential LA more than Hollywood? The city has long been famous for the glitz and glamour of the movie industry and celeb sightings, and there’s nothing that symbolizes it more than the iconic Hollywood sign, which also makes it one of the most iconic Los Angeles landmarks and top Instagram spots.

The best way to experience it, in my opinion, is by hiking to the Hollywood sign. Technically, you can’t actually get *to* the sign, but rather right behind and above it (don’t even try to jump the fence to get up against next to it, it’s super illegal).

This is the closest you can get to the sign, and being up close and personal to it is such a unique way to see it and experience it. Plus, the views of the city from the top don’t hurt either, and definitely makes it one of the best Instagram spots in LA. It is also magical at sunset, with the golden hour light and the twinkling lights coming on all over the city.

To access the trail to the Hollywood sign, you must take the Brush Canyon Trail, which starts in Griffith Park (there used to be a second, easier trail that started in a residential neighborhood – however, this trail was closed off in 2017). The hike is rated moderate difficulty, and is a 6.5 mile out-and-back trail, with a 1100 foot elevation gain.

Trailhead address: 3200 Canyon Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90068
More trail info here. 

Not much of a hiker? Check out this alternate photo op near the Lake Hollywood Park. While you won’t get up close and personal as you would hiking up to the sign, you can still get a pretty, Instagram-worthy photo here. The sign pops against the surrounding hillsides here, making it another one of the top Los Angeles Instagram spots

The drive up to this viewpoint is hilly, windy, and honestly, kind of confusing. It is also a very popular viewpoint, so parking is also challenging – I would suggest parking elsewhere taking an Uber of Lyft (or even walking) up to the photo spot.

Address: Canyon Lake Dr & Mullholand Hwy, Los Angeles, CA 90068 (Google maps coordinates)

GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY

City of stars, are you shining just for me? …am I the only one who thinks about La La Land every time I think of the Griffith Observatory? This has always been one of the best and most popular Los Angeles Instagram spots, but has definitely increased in popularity since the award-winning movie came out. You really can’t go wrong with that beautiful domed architecture here, and you get some epic views of the city here!

Not gonna lie, since it’s one of the most famous Los Angeles landmarks and top Instagram spots and everyone knows it – it can be an absolute zoo here at most times of the day. However, even in the middle of the day, you can still get some Instagram-worthy shots if you are patient.

Ideally, the best time to come and shoot here is early in the morning – I’ve heard that the sunrise is absolutely magical here (but have never been that early because hey, this girl loves her sleep).

Traffic and parking can get insane at times (I mean, this is LA after all), especially during busy periods, such as weekends and holidays. If you want to skip the hassle, park elsewhere and take Uber/Lyft, or park near the Vermont/Sunset Metro station You can also park near the Vermont/Sunset Metro station and take the Griffith Park shuttle.

Be sure to also check out the inside of the observatory after you snap those Instagram photos – they have many educational exhibits that are worth checking out, as well as several telescopes to look through, and state-of-the-art planetarium shows. It is an especially cool place to go to witness astrological events, such as a meteor shower or an eclipse. The best part? Admission to the observatory (and grounds) is free!

Address: 2800 East Observatory Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90027

VENICE CROSSWALK

One of the most famous crosswalks in LA, and definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in LA! Those pastel facades with the iconic hanging letters spelling out Venice are just begging to be photographed, and is one of the most iconic sights in Venice Beach.

Yes, this is a busy intersection, and you will probably have to walk up and down the crosswalk several times to get “the shot.” And yes…you will probably feel like a fool because it will seem like EVERYONE is staring at you and laughing at you. That’s ok. You’ve just gotta be patient!

Again, like at the top LA photo spots, it will probably help if you come early in the morning, before there is a whole lot of traffic out on the streets.

Address: Pacific Ave & Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291

WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL

You can never go wrong with a Frank Gehry designed building, and they make the perfect backdrop for your Instagram photos. The striking exterior of the auditorium, which is one of the most unique LA photo spots, features curving panels of stainless steel that are meant to resemble silver sails.

Some of the best places here to snap a photo include right up against the silver exterior, on the steps, and from across the street so you can take in this architectural marvel in all its glory! There is also a garden featuring a mosaic rose fountain centerpiece.

If you happen to catch a performance inside the Walt Disney Concert Hall, be sure to snap some photos of the interior of the auditorium. Gehry visualized this as a “living room for the city,”and there are some beautiful light-filled tunnels inside. Definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in LA!

Address: 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

BRADBURY BUILDING

You may recognize this architectural landmark from many popular movies and TV shows, including Blade Runner and 500 Days of Summer. It is famous for its light-filled glass atrium, brick construction, and ornate iron stairways. Not only is one of the most iconic Los Angeles landmarks and top Instagram spots, it is also the oldest commercial building in downtown LA.

Unfortunately, you cannot freely wander around the premises and are only limited to the first floor and the first flight of stairs. Professional cameras are also not allowed, so you are only limited to phone photos. However, this will still allow you to truly appreciate all the beautiful architectural details, and snap some Instagram worthy shots.

I recommend shooting from a low angle to get all of the wrought iron details in your shot. I also used wide angle mode on my phone.

There’s also a cocktail bar that opened here, but you need to be a member of the NeueHouse coworking space in order to access it.

Address: 304 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

DISNEYLAND

Ok, so Disneyland may technically not be in LA County, but since many people visit it on their trips to the LA area, I’m including it on this list. Disneyland may be the happiest place on earth, and it’s also one of the most Instagrammable places in LA.

It is full of whimsy, fun, and wonder, and definitely makes awesome backdrops for your Instagram photos! Plus you’ll feel like a kid again and spending a day here is guaranteed to put a smile on your face – yes, even as an adult!

You’ll have no trouble finding Instagram-worthy spots at Disneyland, but I’ve included some of my favorite spots in this Instagram guide to Disneyland!

Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802

HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

Yeah, so it may be the most touristy AF place in LA (and locals definitely avoid it like the plague)…but I mean, the place attracts 10 million visitors a year for a reason, and is therefore one of the most well-known Los Angeles landmarks and otp Instagram spots.

The famous stretch of Hollywood Boulevard that is dubbed Walk of Fame spans 15 blocks (plus 3 blocks of Vine Street) and has more than 2600 stars emblazoned with the names of some of the most famous actors, directors, producers, musicians, theater stars, and more.

Seek out the stars of all your favorite, ahem, stars (you can see who has a star on the iconic street, and the exact location here) and snap some photos for your Instagram feed!

Address: Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (Google maps coordinates)

UNION STATION

The historic Union Station is not only the largest passenger rail terminal in the western United States, but also one of the most beautiful. The classic Art Deco, and Mission Revival architecture also make it one of the most beautiful places to take pictures in LA.

Union Station is known as the “last grand railroad station built in America,” and you will be amazed at all the vintage details here such as the brass windows, Art Deco chandeliers, mahogany chairs, and tiled floors – these are totally what makes this one of the most beautiful photo spots in Los Angeles. They also offer guided tours so you can learn more about the history and architectural significance that make Union Station special.

This is one of the most iconic sights in LA, and has been featured on many popular movies, TV shows, and music videos, including Blade Runner, Pearl Harbor and Batman’s Dark Knight Rises.

Note that you will need either a valid Metrolink or Amtrak ticket in order to sit in those plus leather chairs, but otherwise, you can still come in an admire the beauty and classic architecture here. Around Christmas, it also boasts a festive Christmas tree out in the gardens, which is one of my absolute favorites around town in the holiday season!

Address: 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

CHINATOWN

LA’s Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood steeped in culture, with plenty of traditional Chinese restaurants, bakeries, specialty stores, and much more. Its pagoda-style buildings, hanging lanterns, and colorful facades make it a perfect spot for some photo ops as well!

You can spend some time wandering through the labyrinth of streets and snapping photos of whatever catches your eye. One of my favorite places to take phots here is at the Chinatown Central Plaza, which is a feast for the eyes with its colorful storefronts and hanging lanterns.

It gets busy on weekend afternoons; coming on a weekend, or earlier in the morning (or at night) will be much less crowded!

Address: 943 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

PASADENA CITY HALL

The stunning Pasadena City Hall is one of the architectural jewels in Los Angeles County. The Renaissance style building has a impressive dome, arcades, and a garden. It’s one of the top Instagram spots in Pasadena, as well as one of the best photo spots in Los Angeles.

The Pasadena City Hall has been featured in many TV shows and movies over the years – it was the Pawnee City Hall in Parks and Recreation, one of my all time favorites!

It’s a popular backdrop for many photo shoots – on any given day, you’ll see wedding shoots, engagement shoots, senior portraits, quincienara photos going on here. One look at the gorgeous building and you can really see why it’s one of the most popular places to take pictures in LA!

Do note that a permit is required for professional photography.

Address: 100 North Garfield Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101

Best Los Angeles Instagram Spots: Murals and Street Art

One of the most fun and most Instagrammable things to do in LA is to go mural hunting, and go chase down all the amazing street art that you can find in the area. There are soooo many fun, colorful walls all throughout the city (and beyond) – they all make super fun Instagram spots, and are the perfect backdrop for all your photos!

There are tons and tons of cool murals throughout the city, but I’ve rounded up the ones that are in the most Instagrammable places in Los Angeles and am telling you where to find them below!

PINK WALL AT PAUL SMITH

This is one of the most popular murals in LA – chances are, you’ve seen at least one of your friends post a photo in front of this wall.

To be quiet honest, I’m not really sure why this wall is so damn popular (or maybe I’m just a bad millennial), but people literally line up to get a shot at this wall, sooo, there you go.

Also note that they don’t allow dSLRs here, so phone photos only (there’s usually a security guard standing here enforcing this policy).

Address: 8221 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

MICHELTORENA STAIRS

Because how could a stairway painted in rainbow colors and adorned with giant hearts not make it onto a list of the most Instagram worthy places in LA? Seriously though, the rainbow colors and hearts will make you super happy, and it will make your IG feed and followers happy too because, come on now, aren’t they the cutest?

The stairway is a little bit hidden and you might not see it right from the street, but it is basically across the street from the Alfred Coffee on Sunset (also further down on this list).

If you’re on a quest to find even more of the most Los Angeles Instagram spots beyond what is on this list, there is also a piano staircase down the street from the Micheltorena stairs, at 3229 Sunset Blvd.

Address: 3400 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

THE WALLS OF ABBOT KINNEY

Abbot Kinney is one of my favorite streets in LA to explore because not only does it have a bunch of cute boutiques, cafes, bars, and restaurants, it’s got some awesome street art that definitely make the area one of the most Instagrammable places in LA.

I’d suggest spending an entire afternoon just walking up and down the street, exploring the cute boutiques (the Tom’s flagship store here is super fun, be sure to check out Urbanic if you’re a stationery lover), having lunch (The Butcher’s Daughter  and Gjelina are my favorites!), grabbing some ice cream at Salt & Straw and a donut at Blue Star, and just shooting around at all the fun, Instagram-worthy walls here!

I’ve found that the walls on this streets are always changing – so just walk up and down the street and see what you find! I guarantee you’ll find the perfect backdrop for your Insta photos!

MURALS IN DTLA ARTS DISTRICT

The Arts District in Downtown LA is obviously one of the most unique neighborhoods in LA simply because, well, it has a lot of art. There are soooo many cool murals everywhere you look here – I’ve listed a few of my favorite Downtown LA Arts District murals below, but you can just walk up and down the streets and alleys here, and you’re guaranteed to find something super Instagram-worthy!

Some notable murals at the Downtown LA Arts District:

• Walls at Arts District Co-op: 453 Colyton St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
• Color Outside the Lines Wall by WRDSMTH: 661 Imperial St, Los Angeles, CA 90021(pro tip: there are several other cool walls here!)
• Bloom Wall by Heuman: 3rd & Rose, next to Angel City Brewery
• Hearts wall by Free Humanity: at Willow Studios, 1350 Palmetto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
• Kiss the One You Get by WRDSMTH: One Santa Fe, Los Angeles, CA 90013
• Chromatic Cascade by Jen Stark: 1828 Conway Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021
• Together wall by It’s a Living, 411 S Hewitt St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
• Eyes Wall at EightyTwo by Vyal: 707 E E 4th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90013

CALIFORNIA DREAMING WALL

I love, looooove this wall so much, with the bright gradient of pink and blue, and that scripty font – plus this totally puts you in a “California Dreaming” mood – definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in LA!

This wall is HUGE – you have to stand pretty far back to get the whole mural in your shot. It is also in a parking lot of the headquarters of the shoe company Chinese Laundry, so be aware that there may be a bunch of cars there (there were definitely cars parked here when I went to snap this shot, but we were able to work around them).

Artist: It’s a Living (who also is the artist of one of my favorite murals in Las Vegas!)
Address: 3485 La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

RED LOVE WALL

All you need is love…am I right? This spray painted red wall is one of the best LA Instagram spots for snapping some photos with your one true love, but it’s also a cute backdrop for selfies or pics with your gal pals!

It also makes the most perfect backdrop for all your Valentine’s Day photos!

Artist: Curtis Kulig
Address: 8538 Hayden Ave, Culver City, CA 90232

GIRLS’ TOUR

This pink Girls’ Tour mural is painted on the side of the Sorella Boutique, another fun one on Melrose Avenue. It makes the perfect backdrop for photos with all your gal pals (or even just you)!

Artist: Andrew Haan
Address: 7829 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

RETNA MURAL

The artist Retna has murals all over the city, characterized by his signature look of graffiti-style hieroglyphics. This one is probably the most popular and the easiest to take Instagram photos in front of  – it sits in front of Craig’s on Melrose, and easy to add to your list when shooting at all the other locations in the area that are included on this list of most Instagram worthy places in LA.

He also has a silver nearby version in front of the West Hollywood Library.

Address: 8826 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (black & white)
625 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood (silver)

THE GLOBAL WINGS PROJECT MURALS

Collette Miller‘s iconic angel wings murals reside in cities all over the world; there are several throughout LA, perfect for your Instagram photos! I’ve listed a few locations where you can find these famous wings below:

Arts District Co-op: 453 Colyton St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 (pictured above)
“You Are a Gooddess” Collaboration with WRDSMTH at the BLOC: 700 S Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Brown Wings @ St. Regis Wine & Liquor: 8401 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Pink Wings: Melrose Ave, between N Ogden Dr & N Genessee Ave
Black Wings: 8801 Santa Monica Blvd and Palm Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Musical Wings @ Grammy Museum at LA Live: 800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

OMBRE MURAL AT ART CENTER

I love the colors and gradient on this mural, which also has the look of dripping paint on one side of it. It feels appropriate that this one is in a parking lot of an art school! It makes such a pretty background for all your photos, and is therefore one of the best Los Angeles Instagram spots.

Artist: Risk Rock
Address: 950 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

CROCHET RAINBOW WALL AT PAPER BAG PRINCESS

This wall is so fun and whimsy that you can’t help but get a smile on your face when you see it! There are three crocheted rainbows along with a crocheted peace sign here in front of the vintage couture boutique Paper Bag Princess, which is right across from some of the other spots on this most Instagrammable places in LA list!

Definitely snap some photos here when you go to the others, and bring some peace, love, and joy to your Intsagram feed.

I suggest coming earlier in the morning, or in the late afternoon, as you’ll avoid shadows cast on to the wall from the trees on the street.

Address: 8050 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Best LA Photo Spots: Beaches and Parks

THE SANTA MONICA PIER

There’s just something so fun and nostalgic about a good boardwalk, which makes it perfect for Instagram photos, isn’t there? The Santa Monica Pier is definitely one of the most iconic Los Angeles landmarks and top Instagram spots, with plenty of fun photo ops!

I love photographing ferris wheels, and the one here is no exception. You can snap a photo either directly on the beach, or from the pier, where all the fishermen hang out.

Some other places here to snap photos include the Santa Monica Pier Sign, in front of the rides and games at the Pacific Park amusement park, the carousel, in front of Pier Burgers on the boardwalk, and in front of the lifeguard towers on the beach – such endless possibilities for photo ops here, which makes it one of the best photo spots in LA!

Be sure to also walk under the pier and snap some photos there as well – it is an especially magical spot for photos during golden hour, right before the sunset.

Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

VENICE BEACH

When one thinks of California, Venice Beach is usually one of the things that immediately comes to mind. The beach, the boardwalk, and the palm trees here truly represent that quintessential image of California, making this one of the best Los Angeles photo spots.

It is definitely worth walking or biking from the Santa Monica Pier to Venice Beach (or vice versa). You’ll definitely encounter some characters along the way. Be sure to take a moment to check out the street performers (there are some interesting ones out there), and the skateboarders at the skate park here as well – they do some super cool tricks!

It’s definitely worth coming here early during the day for the best photos, without all the crowds. Afterwards, you can walk around and people watch and experience what makes Venice weird and special in its own way.

Address: 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

PRIDE LIFEGUARD TOWER

This rainbow colored lifeguard tower in Venice Beach was originally created to celebrate Pride Month in 2017. Painted by artist Patrick Marston, the stripes symbolize diversity, acceptance, and the LGBTQ community.

The rainbow stripes were originally intended to be a temporary installation, however, the city decided to make them permanent due to its popularity. Lucky thing, because it is one of the most fun and colorful LA photo spots!

Address: 998 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

VISTA HERMOSA PARK

When I first saw a photo of this view, I immediately thought about the park from 500 Days of Summer. Well, actually this isn’t that spot – that was actually Angel’s Knoll, which basically in reality was a bench on a patch of grass in the middle of the city (and no longer exists) – but I’d say it’s even better!

This is kind of a hidden little park a lot of people don’t know about, even after living in LA all their lives (like most of my friends). That view of the DTLA is hard to beat, though, and definitely makes it one of the secret photo spots in Los Angeles.

Address: 100 N Toluca St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

MALIBU PIER

There are a number of awesome piers in LA (as well as in nearby Orange County), but I think Malibu has one of my absolute favorites in the area.

Why? It’s because of these cute blue umbrellas, which will give your photos a whimsical feeling.

I wish I wore blue (or white) to match the umbrellas and the blue of the ocean, but I still loved how the yellows and reds of my dress ended up popping against all the blues!

To find these umbrellas, walk all the way down to the end of the pier and go up to the upstairs viewing area. There is also one set of pink umbrellas near the parking lot (although the light was really harsh when I was there so I didn’t love the photos).

Address: 23000 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265

Most Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles: Museums

LACMA

With over 100,000 works in its collection, the Los Angeles Country Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest art museum in the western United States. It features works that span both history and geography, and is also surrounded by 20 acres or beautiful outdoors spaces. This is also what makes it one of the best phototography spots in Los Angeles.

The highlight here is the outdoor Urban Lights installation, which features 202 street lamps, all of which once lit the streets of Los Angeles. Created by artist Chris Burden, the lamps are seemingly perfectly aligned, but upon closer inspection, you’ll discover that they are not arranged in a perfect grid and you’ll get a different perspective of them depending on where you stand.

This is definitely a super popular spot because everyone knows it’s one of the best places to take pictures in LA – be sure to come early in the day for the least crowds.

Other Instagrammable works at LACMA include the colorful La Gerbe by Henri Matisse, the Levitated Mass walkway, and Andy Warhol’s iconic Campbell soup cans.

Also check out the view of the city from one of the upper floors of the museum, and the nearby La Brea tar pits.

Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

THE BROAD

Most people head to the Broad for one thing: it is the home of two of Yayoi Kusama’s famous infinity mirrors. Do note that you must have a reserved time slot in order to see The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away, the more famous of the two works.

You can make a reservation online here to schedule a visit to the Broad. Admission to the museum is free. Reservations get released on the last Wednesday of every month at 10am.

You MUST make a reservation for the combined museum admission + infinity mirrors in order to access the Kusama exhibit.

The Broad has a acclaimed contemporary art collection, another part of the reason why it is one of the top LA Instagram spots, so there is definitely a lot to see! Other notable works to check out include Glenn Ligon’s America 2, Warhol’s self portraits, and Jeff Koons’s rendition of a rabbit and tulips.

Also be sure to snap a photo in front of the museum’s exterior!

Address: 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM

I never used to pay attention to this museum until I got really into Instagram and started seeing it pop up on people’s feeds – I mean, that exterior is just plain COOL. Such a modern facade with a cool, curved, stainless steel ribbons, which definitely makes it eye-catching and one of the best photo spots in LA.

Use a wide angle lens or wide angle mode on your phone to capture as much of the facade in all its glory!

The museum itself is one of the largest of its kind in the world, and has about 300 cars on display, including historically significant American and European classics, hot rods, groundbreaking race cars.

Address: 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Hours: 10am-6pm daily

The Most Instagram Worthy Hotels in LA

THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL

It’s no wonder that the Beverly Hills Hotel is known as one of the most Instagrammable places in LA – you’ve gotta love those pastel colors and retro font. Plus, the hotels just screams old-school Hollywood glamour, which is just part of the appeal of LA, isn’t it?

Address: 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

WAYFARER HOTEL

I’m a sucker for colorful places, especially hotels, so I flipped when I saw the colorful lobby of the Wayfarer Hotel. Downtown LA is full of cool boutique hotels, but the Wayfarer is one of the Instagram-worthy ones of them all.

Also be sure to check out the rooftop bar here!

Address: 813 Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

DOWNTOWN PROPER HOTEL

I’ve always loved the Proper hotels for their ultra-hip design, and I especially love the one in Downtown LA. While every single corner of the hotel is drool-worthy and straight out of an interior design magazine, I especially love this ceiling near the elevators.

Address: 1100 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015

THE KINNEY

The Kinney is one of the most fun and colorful hotels in LA! Every inch of the property is filled with bright, happy colors – and you can’t help but smile.

I loved the cute wallpaper in the rooms, the fun common spaces, and even the mural behind the pool!

Instagrammable Cafes, Bars, and Restaurants

BOTTEGA LOUIE

Is it just me, or are macarons just about the most Instagrammable dessert? The colors usually make them irresistible, and I can’t help but pick up at least a few of them. This is especially the case at Bottega Louie – the macarons in their display case always make me swoon – there are just so many of them, in the most scrumptious flavors, in the prettiest colors, making this one of the most Instagrammable places in LA!

Address: 700 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90017

DOTS CAFE

Dots Cafe serves two of my absolute favorite things in life: pretty murals and cupcakes.

The red velvet cupcakes here have long been some of my favorites since they first opened up their first location in South Pasadena years ago (when I still lived in the area), and so I was super excited when I first found out that they opened this location, which has some Instagram-worthy walls out in the back.

The inside of the cafe itself is also super cute and one of the most Instagram worthy places in LA (and in Pasadena) as well! (and again, the cupcakes…)

Address: 3819 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107

PERCH DTLA

 You can’t beat a good rooftop bar with epic views of the city, and Perch is one of the best in LA. The only caveat – everyone knows that it’s one of the best rooftops and one of the most Instagrammable places, so it tends to fill up FAST.

My suggestion is to come at aperitif hour (Monday-Friday 4-6pm) – during the winter months, this happens around sunset time, so not only do you get incredible sunset views, you get to enjoy it with a discounted cocktail in hand. Win-win in my book.

Address: 448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

MALIBU FARM

Not only are you getting pretty views of the pier and the gorgeous beaches of Malibu, the food here is farm fresh, organic, and absolutely delicious. This is one of the most popular restaurants and one of the LA Instagram spots for a reason!

Address: 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

ALFRED COFFEE

I love Alfred because they totes get me…my life motto is basically “but first coffee.” I love the neon sign on floral combo at their Silverlake location on Sunset Boulevard, but their location on Melrose is also equally cute and definitely one of the most Instagrammable cafes in LA.

Address: 3337 1/2 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
8428 Melrose Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90069

ALFRED TEA ROOM

You, me, matcha…
Tea, yes. You, maybe…

I mean, how can you not love this place? Plus it has soooo much pink everywhere – definitely makes it one of the most Instagram-worthy cafes in LA!

Address: 705 N Alfred St, Los Angeles, CA 90069

CARA CARA

Located atop the Downtown Proper hotel, Cara Cara is one of LA’s hottest and trendiest rooftops, as well as one of the most Instagram-worthy. I mean…can you see why? The picture-perfect view of the DTLA skyline as well as that checkered tile design make for the best, most Instagram-worthy combo!

Address: 1100 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015

THE BROKEN SHAKER

Downtown LA has no shortage of amazing rooftops, but the Broken Shaker is one of the longest-standing and one of the best. I love the eclectic South Beach vibe here, with green spaces and colorful furniture.

You can’t go wrong with the view of the skyline from here, either! It’s got an awesome pool area as well.

Address: 416 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

BOULON D’AMOUR

Pink lovers rejoice! This pretty in pink cafe is one of the most Instagrammable in town, with a floral photo booth, a cute pink VW bug, and a black and pink floral mural outside.

They have some pretty drinks + some amazing toasts as well!

Address: 1798 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007

OCEANFRONT KITCHEN

In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a sucker for all things colorful so obviously I loved these brightly painted stripes at Oceant Kitchen, located at Venice Beach’s famed boardwalk. The stairs are also painted in the same colors and make the perfect photo op as well!

Address: Ocean Front Walk #2011, Venice, CA 90291

Los Angeles Instagram Spots: Shopping

RODEO DRIVE

Rodeo Drive is one of the most well-known Los Angeles landmarks and top Instagram spots, famed for its utlra-luxury boutiques.

Even if you can’t afford any of the shops on Rodeo, it’s still fun to walk down and pretend – and to snap some photos, as it is one of the best places to take pictures in Los Angeles.

It is especially Instagram-worthy during the holidays, as you’ll find a bunch of festive decor and lights here – including a beautiful tree, a giant ornament, a bunch of wreaths, garlands, and much more! It’s truly one of the best places to see Christmas decor in LA

THE BLOC

This mixed retail/office space in DTLA is chock full of colorful murals and installations that are perfect for fun Instagram photos!

Just walking around the Bloc will yield with you with plenty of photo ops. Some of my favorites include the graffiti love wall by Ruben Rojas (on the Flower Street side, between 7th&8th), the pink & orange block heart wall by Matt Smiley (in the main courtyard), and the colorful whimsy creatures mural (on 8th & Flower St), and the living wall in the main courtyard.

This is also one of the best Christmas photo spots, as they put on a really cool light show during the holidays every year!

Address: 700 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

THE LAST BOOKSTORE

I have been an avid reader for all of my life, so I’ve always been sucker for discovering a good bookstore on my travels. The Last Bookstore will always be one of my favorites because of the elaborate displays that are scattered throughout the store, the best of which is the impressive book tunnel.

Definitely spend a few hours to browse all the books here, and take in all the installations at one of the top Los Angeles Instagram spots.

Address: 453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

THE PIECE COLLECTIVE

This boutique on Abbot Kinney in Venice features a signature triangle on its storefront, which makes it known as one of the most Instagram worthy places in LA. It used to be a bright, sunshine yellow, but is now a classy gold foil. Be sure to also take a look inside the store, which has a well curated collection of unique clothing, accessories, and home decor items. 

Address: 1629 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

ROW DTLA

This outdoor retail complex in the heart of the Downtown LA Arts District is definitely one of the best LA Instagram spots for the collection of fun murals you can find here. They also have some trendy boutiques and hip eateries that are worth checking out. 

If you have a chance to go to an event that takes places on the rooftop at Row DTLA, definitely go – the views of the city and skyline are pretty sweet from there! You must also check out Smorsgasburg, its weekly open-air food market (the same one as the original in Brooklyn) – some yummy eats to be found there!

Address: 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

MELROSE PLACE

This quaint little street tucked around the corner from the bustling Melrose Avenue has some of the prettiest and most charming storefronts, which makes it one of the most Instagrammable places in Los Angeles!

My favorite storefront here is LoveShackFancy, which always some of the prettiest floral facades that you’ll find.

Address: 8473 Melrose Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90069

Instagram-Worthy Streets + Neighborhoods

ICONIC PALM TREES

When one thinks of LA, one of the things that come to mind are the iconic palm trees that line the streets…so obviously, snapping a Instagram photo with them is an absolute must. There are many streets in the city (and surrounding areas) that are lined with those tall palm trees that are an iconic LA sight, some of which are already near several of the best photo spots in Los Angeles that I mention in this article.

My favorites tend to be in Beverly Hills, around Hollywood, and near Griffith Park. The palm tree-lined streets of Beverly hills are especially Instagrammable because the streets are so manicured and you can get a glimpse of some really, really amazing houses slash McMansions. Canon Drive is one of the best palm-tree lined streets in the area.

The ones around Hollywood and Griffith Park are some of the best Instagram spots in LA because you also get an amazing view of the hillside, and sometimes even a glimpse of the famous Hollywood sign.

My advice would be to start driving or walking around the surrounding streets after you check out some of the other Los Angeles photo spots that are on this list, such as the Beverly Hills Hotel (where I snapped the photo above), Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood sign, Griffith Park, or the Walk of Fame. You’ll be sure to end up with a Instagram-worthy shot with these iconic palm trees!

CATALINA ISLAND

Located just 22 miles off the coast from Los Angeles, Catalina Island is Southern California’s own island paradise. You’ll feel a world away, with pristine waters, and cliffside vistas, making you swear that you’ve transported yourself to the Mediterranean.

You’ll find plenty of stunning views and beautiful natural landscapes all around the island, as well as charming storefronts and facades. It is full of some of the best phototography spots in Los Angeles county!

It is only an hour away from LA via the Catalina Express, making it a super easy day trip – but I recommend staying for at least a weekend if you can!

Read my guide for more information about Catalina Island (and for some of the best photo spots there!).

VENICE CANALS

Did you know that the Venice of California also has its own canals? This is one of the most unique places to take pictures in LA The canals are somewhat hidden, and it’s easy to just walk by them and miss them if you didn’t know that you were there.

They are right off 25th street, and are basically a neighborhood of houses that line four quarter-mile long canals. There are also bridges and sidewalks along the canals so you can really admire what is one of the top Los Angeles photo spots!

The story behind the canals: The Venice of California was originally founded by tobacco millionaire Abbot Kinney in 1905 with the intention of being a beach resort town. Kinney dug several miles of canals to drain the marshes and, yes, to mimic the Venice of Italy. Over the years, many of the canals were filled as there was an increased need for more roads, but there are a few that remain.

Address: near Venice Blvd and 25th St (Google Maps coordinates)
Parking: lot at the end of Venice Blvd

SPADENA HOUSE

This iconic home in Beverly Hills is one of the most popular Los Angeles photo spots during Halloween because it looks like a witch’s house – straight out of a storybook.

The house was built in the 1920s and was initially used as offices and dressing rooms for a silent movie studio in Culver City, but was eventually moved to its current locations.

Over the years, it’s appeared in several silent films, including Hansel & Gretel (which is pretty fitting), and was the witch’s house in Clueless. While everyone thinks it was the Hocus Pocus house, it is actually. ot.

Keep in mind that this is a private residence, so please be respectful.

Address: 516 Walden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

ST. VINCENT’S COURT

This tiny little alley is tucked into the bustling streets of Downtown LA and gives off a charming European vibe. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, and one of the best places to take pictures in LA!

Fun Fact: It actually used to be the site of St. Vincent’s College, now Loyola University, which was the first institution of higher learning in Southern California back in 1868.

Address: Between Broadway and Hill St.

Have you been to Los Angeles? What are your picks for some of the most Instagrammable places in Los Angeles?

You might also like: 
Los Angeles Bucket List
Things to Do in Venice Beach
Most Instagrammable Places in Pasadena
Catalina Island Travel Guide
Orange County Bucket List
Magical Instagram Spots in Disneyland