Top 6 Instagram Spots in Los Angeles

From museums and parks to piers, beaches and amphitheaters, L.A. is more picturesque than most cities, with its rolling hills, wildflowers and iconic architecture. There are so many great places for photography in Los Angeles that narrowing down our list of the best Instagram spots in L.A. to just a few picks was a challenge. Here are some of the most visually stunning locations for a photo op in La-La Land.

1. Snap a selfie at the Santa Monica Pier

The waterfront amusement park at Santa Monica Pier feature a lighted Ferris wheel at night and has been featured in numerous popular films.

The Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier is recognizable to almost anyone who’s seen it even once before. It helps that most amusement parks aren’t set up with the Pacific Ocean and jaw-dropping Malibu mountains as the backdrop. This quirky pier is straight out of actual movies (A Night at the Roxbury, Forrest Gump, Iron Man and Titanic to name a few) and is easily the most cinematic Instagram spot in L.A. For added fun, reenact a favorite movie scene!

2. Have an after-hours photo shoot at the LACMA Urban Light exhibit

The columns and lights of 202 restored early 20th-century streets lights make the LACMA’s Urban Light exhibit one of the best places in L.A. for Instagram pics.

One of the best places to take pictures in Los Angeles at night is at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in L.A.’s Miracle Mile neighborhood. Here, the streetside LACMA Urban Light exhibit—a large-scale outdoor installation by artist Chris Burden—features a colonnade of 202 restored and lit street lamps from the ‘20s and ‘30s. The sculpture has been in place for over 10 years and still causes drivers on Wilshire Boulevard to stop their cars and run over to catch a shot.

3. Geek out at The Last Bookstore in DTLA

The stacks of books and atrsy décor of The Last Bookstore make it one of the best Instagram spots in L.A.

One of the coolest bookstores in the entire world—and one of the best Instagram spots in L.A.—is downtown’s The Last Bookstore. Not only is this one of the largest vendors of new and used media, including books and records, but it’s also housed inside a former bank building. On some shelves, hardcover books are arranged in colorful spectrums, and for others, re-purposed books are incorporated into sculptural art displays, making for a beautifully vibrant photo backdrop. With books and art covering the majority of two levels, it’s no wonder The Last Bookstore has been a local favorite for almost 15 years.

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4. Capture foodie images galore at the multicultural Grand Central Market

Bustling crowds, delicious food and neon signage makes Grand Central Market one of the best Instagram spots in L.A.

Incredible food can be found all around Los Angeles, especially at Grand Central Market, with mouthwatering fare from all over the world. Open since 1917, this DTLA landmark has held onto its history while adding modern flashes for a 21st century. One neon art piece taking up an entire wall creates a flashy, fun backdrop for shots and is one of the best places to take pictures in L.A. While you’re there, grab some falafel, an ice cream cone, or a drippy and delicious egg sandwich (with bacon, of course!), then get your cameras or phones ready. A half-eaten meal won't look as great in photos, but it sure will feel good in your belly!

5. Pose with the Hollywood Sign at Griffith Observatory

The best spot for catching a selfie with the Hollywood sign is not at the sign itself but about three miles across Bronson Canyon at Griffith Observatory.

Rebel Without a Cause, La La Land, Charlie’s Angels and many other movies were filmed at this Mount Hollywood wonderland, another one of the best Instagram spots in L.A. Take a drive up the hills, or maybe a hike is more your speed. However you decide to arrive, carry your most glamorous L.A. accessory with you (doesn’t everyone keep a feather boa, pearls and statement sunglasses on hand?). This may not be the typical spot to catch a glimpse of the Hollywood Sign, but on a clear day, you can snag stunning photos of the famed sign, the observatory and perhaps even the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

6. Discover street art in any L.A. neighborhood

The grand scale of Westside L.A.’s “Made in LA” mural makes this the perfect spot for catching the right Instagram pic.

You’ll find many of the best Instagram spots in L.A. on the sides of otherwise ordinary buildings. Graffiti and street art is huge in the City of Angels, and we know you’ve spotted that Pepto pink Paul Smith wall if you’ve been here before. But there are more! The “Made in LA” wall on Melrose Ave. is a favorite for locals and L.A. natives. Then, there’s the “Love Me” piece by Curtis Kulig, which has been spotted on walls in different parts of the city. The “Bleeding Hearts” wall in Venice is similar to “Love Me,” in case you find yourself on L.A.’s Westside. And last but not least is the “Angel Wall” that’s part of the Angel Wings Project. If you don’t snap a pic here, did you really even fully enjoy your time in L.A.?

Now grab your phone and start planning your trip to one of our Los Angeles hotels! Your followers back home will thank you.

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