Los Angeles boasts some of the most Instagrammable places in the country. From palm tree-lined streets to glittering skylines, there’s no shortage of spots where you can take IG-worthy snaps in Los Angeles, CA.
The city’s diverse neighborhoods and endless light make it a photographer’s dream, whether you’re chasing sunsets or street art. Because there’s so much to see, I’m sharing a roundup of Instagrammable places in Los Angeles, blending iconic landmarks with hidden gems for your feed.
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Most Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles
Whether you want to show off your LA trip just to your closest friends or create epic photos to share with the world, this article covers famous draws like the Hollywood sign alongside secret lesser-known treasures.
Save this to Pinterest for later so you have it handy for your trip. Keep reading for practical details on locations, best times, and what makes each spot shine for your Los Angeles, CA adventures.
What does Instagrammable mean?
Before diving into the Instagram spots in LA, let’s define what I mean. “Instagrammable” spots are ones that grab attention with visual appeal. They’re what make your followers stop scrolling to really examine your pictures. In popular travel areas like Los Angeles, some of the best places are known across social media.
They evoke emotion in the viewer. Picture vibrant contrasts, golden-hour glow, or unexpected architecture that feels cinematic. In LA, consider palm tree-lined streets, neon lights, Hollywood sidewalks, ocean views, and other iconic locations.
What makes your snaps really pop is using photographic principles like leading lines, coordinated colors, the rule of thirds, depth of field, and symmetry. Let’s dive a bit more info this so you walk away with epic photographs.
How to take IG worthy photos in LA
Master these basics to elevate your shots at any of these Instagram spots in LA.
Use the rule of thirds
Divide your frame into a 3×3 grid and place key elements along the lines or intersections for balanced, engaging composition. For example, align the Hollywood sign off-center against the hills 1/3 from the center of your photo for pro-level drama. To help, I like to keep grid lines on my phone camera.
Leverage leading lines
Roads, stairs, or railings draw the eye through the photo, adding depth. Think about framing your shot so these lines draw viewers’ attention toward an element of your shot. For example, the Venice Canal bridges drawing your eye across the water.
Play with depth of field
Blur the background with a wide aperture (that’s a lower number) to make subjects pop. This is especially ideal for portraits. And if you can get some light in the background, you’ll get little glowing dots blurred out in the background called bokeh. Try it amid the glow of the Urban Light sculpture at LACMA!
Coordinate colors
Seek harmonious color palettes, like pastel murals against blue skies, or golden-hour tones at Santa Monica Pier. If you’ll be in frame, coordinate your outfit so it pops instead of blends in.
Plan for golden hour
Shoot an hour before/after sunrise or sunset for warm, flattering light that transforms everyday scenes. Then stay for the main event to get pictures that show how the landscape changes as the minutes pass.
Embrace patience and movement
Patience is key for great photos. Wait for crowds to clear or, if you don’t have time, use motion blur for dynamic effect.
Where are the most Instagrammable spots in Los Angeles?
Alright, now to the iconic spots to snap some images. LA has endless options—from Hollywood classics to the gritty Arts District murals. Check out my 4 days in Los Angeles itinerary to weave these into your trip. Some are free, while others have entrance or parking fees.
All of these spots in Los Angeles deliver endless photo ops. Happy snapping!
Hollywood Sign
neighborhood: Hollywood (get directions) | best for: iconic landmarks
Take an easy hike up the canyon for postcard views of THE iconic landmark overlooking Hollywood. The white letters gleam against green hills, screaming classic LA glamour. Some of the best places to capture are shot are from Brush Canyon Trail and Lake Hollywood Park.
Venice Beach
website | neighborhood: Venice (get directions) | best for: classic beach scenes
Capture graffiti-covered palm trees (before they’re painted over), the skate park’s energy, and the famous Venice sign amid Muscle Beach action. Its raw, colorful chaos perfect for street-style snaps.
Venice Canals
neighborhood: Venice (get directions) | best for: romantic bridge scenes
Stroll the quiet waterways lined with charming bridges over waterways, evoking an Italian feel in LA. Arched walkways and reflective pools offer serene, ethereal shots. Plus it’s away from the hustle and bustle of Venice Beach.
Santa Monica Pier
website | neighborhood: Santa Monica (get directions) | best for: iconic boardwalk and and glittery sunsets
Frame the ferris wheel on the pier against the sunset, or shoot the iconic welcome sign with ocean waves crashing in the background. It’s quintessentially California.
Griffith Observatory
website | neighborhood: Los Feliz (get directions) | best for: overlooking the city and unbeatable sunset views
Perched in Griffith Park, snap LA skyline panoramas from the observatory domes, or stars through telescopes at night. The architecture and views are unbeatable and instantly recognizable. It’s Los Angeles at its best.
Pro tip: The observatory itself is free, so go inside for a break from the heat. The planetarium shows are ticketed, but they’re amazing because it’s a live narrator! The gift shop also has really chic swag.
Bradbury Building
neighborhood: Downtown (get directions) | best for: vintage architecture
This historic downtown gem’s inner ironwork atrium, vintage stairs and elevators, and stunning skylights create timeless, moody interiors. You may recognize it from iconic movies like 500 Days of Summer, Bladerunner, and The Artist. Bonus: it’s completely free to enter!
Grand Central Market
website | neighborhood: Downtown (get directions) | best for: neon lights and eats
Near the Bradbury Building, you can step into the infamous food hall seen in the date scene of La La Land. The neon signs and food stalls make great subjects. Check out the Jarritos photo spot and taste the pupusas while you’re there.
The Broad Museum
website | neighborhood: Downtown (get directions) | best for: immersive art
The Broad (announced “brode”) is a free museum that has Instagrammable exhibits full of bold, oversized contemporary art that screams modern cool. One of my favorites is Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Rooms with hundreds of dazzling lights. Don’t forget to also take your picture outside in front of the honeycomb facade and in front of Jeff Koon’s metallic balloon animals.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
website | neighborhood: Downtown (get directions) | best for: architectural curves
Frank Gehry’s shimmering stainless-steel curves reflect surreal patterns off this breathtaking building. Climb the circling ramps or stand across the street for the ultimate background.
Urban Light at LACMA
website | neighborhood: Mid-Wilshire (get directions) | best for: art installation
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is full of gorgeous exhibits that would make for excellent photos. But the most iconic is outside: Chris Burden’s 202 glowing vintage lamps installation called “Urban Lights” that forms hypnotic rows or lamp posts. It’s magic day or night, and the perfect backdrop for practicing getting a shot with leading lines!
Universal Studios Hollywood
website | neighborhood: Universal City (get directions) | best for: themed fantasy
Universal Studios has a bunch of cool themed areas of the park, from Nintendo World to The Simpson’s Springfield. But wander the Wizarding World for Harry Potter is next level immersion. You’re surrounded by streets straight from the movie, where you can get butter beer with Hogwarts in the background.
Disneyland and California Adventure
website | neighborhood: Anaheim (get directions) | best for: iconic Disney nostalgia
Get the classic castle shot or pose with your favorite characters at Disneyland. At California Adventure, snap the ferris wheel reflecting on the lake or Radiator Springs for Pixar’s Cars nostalgia, especially when the street comes alive at sundown. Take a pic in front of the purple wall for bonus cool points.
Silver Lake Murals (Micheltorena Stairs)
neighborhood: Silver Lake (get directions) | best for: steps adorned with street art
Take shots at the rainbow heart stairs by Corinne Carey hidden in the hip Silver Lake neighborhood north of downtown LA. Capture stunning skyline views, both vibrant and viral, and see what other street art is nearby that day. You can also check out this stairway self-guided walking tour for more Instagrammable places in Los Angeles.
Beverly Hills
website | neighborhood: Beverly Hills (get directions) | best for: upscale retro vibes
Pose by the Beverly Hills sign, stroll Rodeo Drive’s luxury storefronts, or snap the Beverly Hills Hotel’s pink glamour. This ritzy neighborhood is classic and iconic for a reason.
Downtown Arts District
website | neighborhood: Arts District (get directions) | best for: street murals
Murals explode on walls amid breweries, cool restaurants, and shops, showing a gritty side of LA with raw, urban edge. After you walk the area, head to Row DTLA for an old warehouse complex that’s since been turned into a cool shopping area.
Chinatown
website | neighborhood: Chinatown (get directions) | best for: colorful cultural architecture
Lanterns, gates, and faux facades glow with personality in Chinatown. Capture the stunning red and gold decor while shopping and enjoying authentic Asian eats.
More picture-worthy spots to explore
After you check all the Instagrammable places in Los Angeles off your bucket list, explore more of the city and other Instagrammable places on the west coast!
- Unique Restaurants in Los Angeles
- The Perfect Weekend in Santa Barbara
- Places to Visit on the West Coast at Least Once
- Ultimate San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip
- Instagrammable Restaurants in Seattle
- Best Places to Take Pictures in Seattle
- Stunning View Points in Seattle
- Most Instagrammable Places in Seattle
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