There are few things more satisfying in this world than taking a beautiful photo, posting it to Instagram, and getting a couple hundred likes. The satisfaction of seeing the number of hearts on a photo climb to new heights is unparalleled. Short of buying real Instagram likes from platforms like Plixi, there’s no better way to grow your Instagram presence than through breathtaking photos. (Image Credit: David Mark/Pixabay)
Travel creates many new opportunities for popular Instagram posts, and Los Angeles is one of the best destinations in the country for Instagram-worthy photos. From iconic backdrops to scenic views, there are hundreds of places to capture the perfect photo. Here are the top 10.
The Hollywood Sign
When you started thinking of destinations in LA that are Instagram worthy, the Hollywood sign was likely one of the first things that popped into your head. And it’s totally worth the trip! You can’t visit LA without getting a photo at the sign.
For the best view of the hillside structure, take one of the many hikes leading up to it. It’ll be 100 percent worth the effort when you arrive!
Griffith Observatory
Among the rolling hills that flank Los Angeles’s east side is the Griffith Observatory, an amazing piece of construction that looks over the entire city.
Here’s a great insider tip: Visit the observatory at sunset. This will provide you an incredible view of the city and the gorgeous sunset as well as get you into the observatory in time to check out the planetarium and telescopes after dark.
As a bonus, you can see the Hollywood Sign from the Griffith Observatory parking lot, so if you’re not up for a hike to the sign, snap a photo while you’re visiting the observatory.
The Last Bookstore
Located in downtown LA is a charming bookstore known as The Last Bookstore. It’s an independent retailer founded in 2005 as an online book seller, but it’s since moved to a retail center on 5th and Spring downtown.
The building, which was once a bank, is at 22,000 square feet. Vox spoke with the manager of the bookstore, Katie Orphan, who said: “When we were designing the structures, it was very much done with a sense of whimsy; we wanted to create a space that felt magical and surprising. The upstairs — we call it the labyrinth — was designed to make people feel like they were getting lost in a world of books.”
The store has become one of the most popular Instagram spots in the city and uses #Bookstagram to stay popular. Since the creation of the hashtag, there have been more than 25 million photos of the Last Bookstore on Instagram!
LACMA
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art a popular art gallery in the city, is a popular stop for tourists and photographers. It’s located on Wilshire Boulevard in the Miracle Mile and attracts nearly a million visitors annually.
The interior possesses dozens of stunning exhibits your Instagram friends can’t wait to see. But the exterior of the building with it’s geometric construction and neat row of palm trees creates a stunning backdrop for Instagram photos, especially the Urban Light display. Hundreds of tall light posts in organized rows makes a highly visually appealing backdrop for your Instagram needs, particularly when they’re all lit at night. This display is almost guaranteed to help you build your brand on Instagram.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard is one of the most iconic areas of the star-filled city. Find your favorite celebrities and snap a picture of you casually walking by. You’ll see dozens of other Instagrammers doing the same!
Of course, this sidewalk in downtown Hollywood is in a surprisingly downtrodden area of the city. Many have noted that the Hollywood Walk of Fame should be renamed as the “Hollywood Walk of Shame!” Be safe as you trek to this must-see photo destination!
Micheltorena Stairs
If you’re a dedicated Instagrammer, you’ll take the time to find the Micheltorena Stairs in Silverlake, Los Angeles. Local artist Corrine Carrey designed a steep staircase with rainbow steps and hearts in a hillside.
Bonus: Not only is this staircase an amazing Instagram stop, but it’s also across the street from Alfred Coffee, another stunning destination for your IG profile.
Pink Wall
There’s a popular destination on Melrose Ave. known as the pink wall at Paul Smith Ltd. It’s…a pink wall, and it’s waiting for your creativity and photography skills.
There’s also great shopping, charming cafes, and other iconic photo walls for you to snap a picture. It’s a popular destination for local celebrities, so keep a wary eye for another once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.
Venice Beach
All the beaches around LA County offer some truly amazing Instagram spots. There are few things that can beat the tranquility of a great beach photo. Venice Beach is one of the best spots to stop and pull out your phone camera.
Some of the most Instagrammable spots include the boardwalk, Muscle Beach, the sign hanging over Pacific Ave., and the skate park. One of the best places to stop is the Venice Canal Historic District where neat rows of brightly-colored houses flank a canal featuring ornate bridges and speed boat access, not unlike the canals you would see in Venice, Italy.
Santa Monica Pier
While we’re at it, let’s look at another iconic beach that’s worth your time and Instagram creativity. The Santa Monica Pier has dozens of Insta-worthy spots including the murals on Main St., Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica Boardwalk, and the pier itself.
Stop for some world-class seafood or a ride on the tall Ferris Wheel overlooking the ocean while you’re there. Don’t forget to snap a picture or two!
Hollywood Bowl Overlook
If you want to snap a picture of one of the most beautiful views overlooking Los Angeles, you don’t even have to take a hike to get there. Just ride up to Mulholland Drive and stop when the view of the city, including the skyline, becomes breathtaking.
Go at sunset so that the gorgeous orange and pink colors that never disappoint cast an incredible glow over the city. You’ll look back on your Instagram photos often to remember that amazing view!
