There are a ridiculous amount of Instagram spots in LA or Los Angeles for those who prefer the full name. It’s the second-largest city in America and home to thousands of celebrities, including Insta-famous ones. With dozens of potential ‘gram-worthy spots, there are a few places everyone wants a photo at. Nothing wrong with that. I’m one of them too.
Instagram has completely transformed the way I travel. Is that a bad thing though? I don’t think so. Because of this app, I now allocate time during my travels to finding both hidden gems and popular Instagram spots. Because of this, I have experienced more than I ever would otherwise.
Searching for Insta-worthy places has brought me to all corners of the city, LA included. Suddenly, I’m spending time in lesser-known areas and dining at restaurants I never would have found unless I was in the neighborhood. Hate the algorithm all you want – Instagram is a powerful travel planning tool.
Shameless plug, but you should follow me on Instagram. I share photos of all my trips around the world.
Where can I get Instagram pictures in Los Angeles?
This is a super-quick guide to top places in LA for Instagram pictures. I assume that you won’t want a ton of people in your photos, so you will need to know the best times to go. I will give you my pro tips on when to arrive at these locations and any other necessary information I’ve learned from experience. Soon enough your feed will be looking better than ever.
Sure, I love a good night out in West Hollywood, but for the most part, LA is Instagram heaven. Living only four hours away from LA, I’ve been more times than I can count. These days, I mostly visit LA for a quick beach fix, Disneyland, and photoshoots.
So here it is… .the not so secret photo guide to Los Angeles, aka the popular spots you see over and over again on Instagram.
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Despite me being proud AF for getting this photo, please doesn’t attempt to re-create. I might have cracked the screen after when I missed the catch hahaha.
How can I take better pictures with my smartphone camera?
Unless you’re a professional photographer, you are most likely taking photos on your smartphone. Even then you’re probably using your phone in many situations. I am. My camera bag is heavy and these days, the camera quality on cell phones is phenomenal. I might be out of a job soon! Here are a few tips to help you get even better quality photos on your phone:
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Get a smartphone with a great camera. The best ones are the Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and iPhone.
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Turn off flash and instead use a portable ring light.
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Follow the Rule of Thirds. Go to settings > camera > and toggle Grid on. This will help you better follow this rule.
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Tap the screen to focus on your subject.
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Utilize clip-on lenses.
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Post-edit your photos using free apps like Lightroom Mobile CC.
If you want to invest in a more professional camera without paying an arm and a leg, check out the Sony a6000 mirrorless or Canon EOS M50 mirrorless. Both are incredibly light and produce high-resolution images.
Instagram Spots in LA: Wall Murals
Melrose is a popular shopping street, Melrose is home to some of the most popular murals. Here is where to find the top two.
PRO TIP: Go towards the end of the day to minimize shadows on the wall, or stand super close.
Paul Smith “Pink Wall Mural
For some wacky reason, the Paul Smith Building does not allow professional photos. Even though it’s outside! So instead have your phone ready.
Address: 8221 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Made in LA Mural
You don’t need to be from LA to take a picture with this wall. You just need to prove your just another LA devotee. At least that’s what Brendon Urie says.
Address: 8025 Melrose Ave. (at N Laurel Avenue), West Hollywood
Venice Beach Photo Spots
Remember that beach fix I mentioned at the beginning of this post? I always make a stop at Venice Beach. People seem to have a love-hate relationship with Venice Beach.
Yes, it’s literally populated with beach bums and street hustlers, but it’s also home to great Instagram spots. I’ve had crazy stories here from fighting a robber in the bathroom (a story for another day) to watching the morning waves on top a rainbow-painted lifeguard stand. Ahhh, Venice Beach. I love you.
Adding rainbow hunter as a skill on my resume.
Rainbow Lifeguard Booth
Venice Beach has many lifeguard stands, but nothing like the rainbow one! Arrive around 8 am after the fog lifts and you can see the blue sky.
Address: 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
Love Wall
Send all the love to your followers with a photo at the popular love mural. You can find tons more street art up and down Abbot Kinney, but this one just too adorable to pass.
Address: 1239 Abbot Kinney
Venice Beach Sign
An iconic spot in California in general and one of the most recognizable spots in LA. It captures the essence of Southern California. By the way, I found @tommylundberg account and fell in love. You should follow him because his work is amazing.
Address: Pacific Ave & Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Santa Monica Instagram Spots
Besides being mentioned in almost every song about LA (ok maybe I’m exaggerating) Santa Monica is also a popular spot for photographers. Practically every picnic blanket you see on the beach is some influencer taking photos for a sponsored post. #ad.
PRO TIP: It’s nearly impossible to get a photo on the pier without people in it. For that, I recommend using the pier as a backdrop so people in the distance don’t distract the photo as much.
Not shown: my burning thighs after biking 2-miles. I internalized it well for this photo.
Santa Monica Pier Backdrop
Conveniently located next door to Venice is Santa Monica Pier. Instagram loves those color carnival pics! Rent a bike from Venice Bike Rentals and bike to Santa Monica.
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Under Santa Monica Pier
This spot brings me back to my Hollister wearing days when I used to listen to Yellowcard and watch Laguna Beach. Nevertheless, this is a great place to capture the beach vibes if that’s what you’re going for.
Address: 301 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Instagram Spots in LA at Night
When the sun sets a whole new side of the city comes out. Here are the best Instagram spots at night.
PRO TIP: Blue Hour is to nighttime what golden hour is to daytime. Blue hour is the short period after golden hour when the city lights come on, but before the night sky is completely black. This is the best time to capture your photo.
Add more light to your photo by using fairy lights or sparklers. You will get the city lights while still illuminating yourself.
This is a great place to overcome your fear of heights. A glass slide over the side of the US Bank Tower.
Que SkySpace
SkySpace is the tallest observation deck in LA offering amazing views of the entire city. It does cost you $25 to get up there, plus $8 to ride the slide. You have to ride the slide. Did I mention it’s a glass slide over the side of a skyscraper? Purchase tickets here.
Address: 633 W 5th St #840, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory may actually be the best spot to view the city. Well worth sitting in traffic to get there. At least from where my hotel was. This is one of those spots you want to visit when it’s completely dark outside.
Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
LACMA transports you back to the old Hollywood days – even for a brief moment.
LACMA
A must-see regardless of the time of day, but especially at night. When these lights come on, it adds that classic Hollywood charm to your photos. If you plan to set up a tripod don’t be surprised if a guard comes to stop you. For that, ask someone to take the photo for you. Save yourself a headache.
Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Instagram Worthy Restaurants in LA
Never have I ever been in more beautiful restaurants than the ones in LA. These are the ones worth going to.
Trying to make it on the next season of Vanderpump Rules.
PUMP
Walking into Pump was like walking into my ultimate tea party dreams for lights and umbrellas were hanging everywhere I turned. It’s the cutest, most magical looking restaurant I’ve been to in LA. Snap a photo outside, but for the real winner, head inside to the back. There are open tables and way more fairy lights giving your photos that insta-worthy touch!
Address: 8948 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
The beautiful entrance to Catch LA.
Catch LA
Catch LA is all about the entrance. Walkthrough this gorgeous atrium with flowers, water fountains and lush green vines from top to bottom. Perfect for Instagram! Did I mention their avocado toasts are equally splendid? If you’re using a DSLR the hostess might tell you to put it away. Just FYI. If you’re using your cell phone, then by all means, snap away. Just make sure you follow those tips mentioned above.
Address: 8715 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
There are so many great things about LA. It’s a photographers playground with endless possibilities. That said, I am excited for your photos to come. Drop your Instagram links below so I can see and share them on my story. Let’s inspire each other!
Psst. . . Looking for more California fun? Check out these guides:
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Coachella Camping: 5 Survival Tips No One Tells You
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12 Reasons to Love Disneyland as an Adult
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Flixbus Puts the Fun & Comfort Back in Road Trips
What do you love most about Los Angeles? Share in the comments below, as well as, links to your LA Instagram posts.
This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission (at no cost to you) when you purchase through these links, which helps me keep my lights on and order pizza from Dominos! I am extremely grateful. Thank you.
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Love the round up! I also went to Pump when I was in LA but it was by accident as I saw their happy hour. It’s so gorgeous inside!
Raincouver Beauty
It really is. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Ok so I wish I had of seen this guide before we went to LA!!!! So many beautiful places.