TL;DR: Our picks for the most Instagrammable places in LA are the Paul Smith Pink Wall and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
There are tons of palm tree-dotted, Instagrammable places in every Los Angeles neighborhood. Many spots in LA are so famous that folks line up waiting to get their shot.
You’ve probably seen some of these places before, such as the famous angel wing murals, the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Hollywood Sign, Rodeo Drive, or some of the iconic views of LA’s skyline.
However, some of the best photo spots are hidden gems in the city’s lesser-known corners.
This list will give you many options for Instagrammable places in LA, from stunning nature shots to the cutest cafes in the city.
Your followers will love keeping up with your travels through your incredible Instagram photos.
So dig out your cutest outfits, and get ready to pose!
Map of Los Angeles Instagram Spots
Popular Tourist Destinations
Griffith Observatory
Location: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA
Griffith Observatory is easily one of the most Instagrammable places in LA.
It’s probably even in the top most Instagrammable places in California as a whole, as it offers many different types of photo ops all at one location.
The Griffith Observatory sits atop a mountain overlooking the city, so the views are some of the best in Los Angeles. You can see the entire city with the iconic Hollywood Sign in the distance and the surrounding mountains.
There is also a giant wing sculpture, which makes for an excellent photo spot while you’re up there.
The architecture and the building itself are also quite Instagram-worthy. No wonder it’s one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
Hollywood Walk Of Fame
Location: Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA (Most of the Hollywood Walk Of Fame is on Hollywood Boulevard from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue. It also runs up Marshfield Way between Hollywood Blvd and La Brea Ave, and Vine Street, Yucca Street, and Sunset Boulevard)
The Walk of Fame is one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations.
It can be fun to hunt down the names of your favorite actors and Hollywood characters. You’ll see many visitors squatting down to snap photos with the stars.
Hollywood Boulevard is perhaps the most Instagrammable street in Los Angeles for its many attractions. It is, however, in tough competition with Rodeo Drive for this title.
The TCL Chinese Theatre
Location: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA
The Chinese Theatre is the world’s most iconic movie palace and one of LA’s most recognizable Instagram photo spots.
It’s a historical landmark in Hollywood that hosts consistent movie premieres, ceremonies, and film festivals annually.
Snag a photo of yourself standing on the iconic staircase inside the theatre.
The Hollywood Sign
Location: Hollywood, CA (The sign is atop Mount Lee in the Beachwood Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles)
Hollywood Sign photos are a staple of any LA Instagram feed.
Though most people assume The Hollywood Sign is on Mount Hollywood, it’s actually closer to Mount Lee.
The best place to get photos of the Hollywood Sign is in Griffith Park. You’ll find spectacular views from many spots in the park.
You can also get pretty good views from Lake Hollywood Park.
Mulholland Drive
Location: Mulholland Drive is a road in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains that runs 21 miles from Hollywood to Calabasas.
Mulholland Drive has some of the city’s best views and encompasses some of the most Instagrammable places in LA, thanks to its many lookout points.
You can drive over Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Universal City, downtown Los Angeles, Laurel Canyon, and continue through the mountains. You can also see the Hollywood Sign.
The most popular Instagram spot on Mulholland Drive is the Hollywood Bowl Overlook.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Location: 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA
The Walt Disney Concert Hall offers many awesome photo spots with its unique and stunning Frank Gehry architecture. It’s by far one of the most aesthetic places in LA.
The entire building consists of curved stainless steel panels sweeping from earth to sky. If you like playing with angles, this one is a must.
Bradbury Building
Location: 304 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
The Bradbury Building in Downtown LA has appeared in several movies and TV shows. It’s one of the most recognizable buildings in LA.
It’s also aesthetically stunning with dark wood, wrought iron railings, and trellises on all five stories.
The building offers fantastic photo spots both on the exterior and interior courtyard.
Murals/Walls
The Paul Smith Pink Wall
Location: 8221 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA
This pink wall is a famous Instagram spot for any fashion blogger or Instagram influencer who visits LA.
The Pink Wall is on the side of designer Paul Smith’s flagship store on Melrose Ave.
As of recently, a security guard on the premises does not allow cameras, so plan to take photos on your phone.
Since it’s on Melrose Drive, a hipster part of LA, the area is trendy for shopping and aesthetics. You’ll see some incredible fashion if you stroll up and down Melrose.
You’ll stumble upon plenty more Instagrammable places as you stroll toward Beverly Hills.
The Angel Wings (Kelsey Montague Wings)
Location: Multiple locations (you can visit this map to see all LA wings locations)
These giant angel wings have become an international Instagram phenomenon, all thanks to artist Kelsey Montague.
Montague has been designing unique angel wings all over the globe as part of The Global Angel Wings Project.
Visitors can stand in front of these gorgeous, colorful murals and have their photos taken looking like fairies.
Carrera Cafe Mural Space
Location: 8251 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA
When you’re visiting Los Angeles, there’s no shortage of great street art. Right across the street from the Paul Smith Pink Wall, you’ll find Carrera Cafe.
The rotating mural space here may change, but every colorful, curated mural here is an opportunity to take dramatic photos that ar eperfect for the gram.
Be sure to hit up both photo opportunities when you’re in the area!
The Made in LA Wall
Location: 8025 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA
This iconic wall is on the Cisco Home building along Melrose Ave, just past Fairfax.
It’s a giant, relatively normal-looking grey building from the front. If you head down Laurel, you’ll see one of LA’s most popular photo walls.
Melrose Ave is one of the trendiest places in LA, and this wall is a go-to for LA Instagram influencers.
This entirely grey wall is an awesome photo spot if you wear something colorful while you’re taking photos.
The Crochet Rainbows Wall
Location: 8050 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA
This one is my favorite of the art walls in LA; it’s such a unique sight!
On the side of The Paper Bag Princess vintage store, this wall features several hand-made crochet rainbows on a gleaming white wall with a giant painted peace sign.
The Crochet Rainbows Wall is one of the city’s most amazing photo spots, and a significant tribute to peace and universal love, right on an iconic street in Los Angeles.
You might even find some free street parking on one of the side streets.
The Red’ Love’ Wall
Location: 8549 Higuera St, Culver City, CA
New York artist Curtis Kulig gifted this beautiful wall to LA as part of his Love Me campaign that began in 2005 and spread from New York to LA, Paris, and Tokyo.
This famous Los Angeles Instagram spot is situated right in Culver City. This mural is bright red and white with the “Love” all over it, and is one of Kulig’s most famous works in North America.
On top of all that, it looks great on the IG feed.
The Geometric Mural Wall
Location: 12120 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
This mural is one of the best Instagram spots in Venice Beach. There are always plenty of influencers rockin’ around the Venice palm trees on their skateboards, capturing the best shots.
The wall is on the side of the National Council of Jewish Women Thrift Shop and offers a different shot from every angle.
The Goddess Wall
Location: 700 S Flower St, Los Angeles, CA
If you’re in the DTLA area, stop by The Bloc to check out this beautiful motivational wall by WRDSMTH and Colette Miller.
This giant mural features a lovely message; “You are a goddess living in a city of angels.”
There is also a pair of angel wings to pose with, like the goddess you are.
Instagram Museums in Los Angeles
Getty Center
Location: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA
The Getty Center is super Instagrammable, thanks to the museum’s extensive collection of art and the beautiful buildings themselves.
This location is one of the most gorgeous museums in Los Angeles, with some of the best views.
You can gather inspiration from the many works by famous artists in the museum and then head outside to stroll around the buildings to find your perfect Instagram spots.
LACMA Urban Light
Location: 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County Museum of Art offers many Instagram-worthy photo ops. The most popular is the “Urban Light” installation.
The series of 202 street lamps creates a forest of street lights to walk through.
This spot is also one of the best places to take pictures in LA at night due to the gorgeous lights and romantic glow surrounding the installation.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Location: 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
While there are plenty of Instagram spots inside the museum, the best photo op is of the “Death Star” from Star Wars, which sits outside the museum.
Of all the LA Instagram spots, this museum will be a favorite if you’re a film buff!
Max Factor Hollywood Museum
Location: 1660 N Highland Ave, Hollywood, CA
Max Factor is like stepping right back into the golden age of Hollywood.
There are plenty of excellent Instagram spots in staged 1950s Max Factor make-up rooms, giving old Hollywood glamour galore.
Step into the dressing rooms of Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, Joan Crawford, Judy Garland, and many more.
Madame Tussaud’s Hollywood
Location: 6933 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
If you’re looking to fool all your IG followers with photos of you and your favorite celebrities, Madame Tussaud’s is one of the most popular LA Instagram spots for super fans.
Of course, only you will have to know your photo companions are wax.
Madame Tussaud’s is within walking distance from the rest of the attractions on Hollywood Blvd.
Museum of Neon Art
Location: 216 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA
The Museum of Neon Art is an indoor collection of vintage and contemporary neon signs and art. This contemporary art museum offers many photo ops worthy of your Instagram feed.
Neon makes for great photos; just make sure your flash is off.
Peterson Automotive Museum
Location: 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Are you a Pixar fan? Me too.
You can expect to run into Lightning McQueen from Pixar’s Cars at this museum, amongst many other famous Hollywood cars.
You can also get some great shots outside.
Beautiful Beaches, Parks, and Outdoor Spots
Santa Monica Pier
Location: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
The Santa Monica Pier provides endless Instagram opportunities.
You can get photos with Santa Monica Beach as a backdrop, any iconic Santa Monica Pier restaurants, Pacific Park, or even the arcade.
I love Bubba Gump Shrimp on Santa Monica Pier as a cute, recognizable feature of Santa Monica. It’s a classic!
Looking for more things to do at the Santa Monica Pier? Check out our full guide!
Leo Carrillo State Beach
Location: At the end of Mulholland Highway in West Malibu, CA
Leo Carrillo is one of Malibu’s most famous beaches for its gorgeous views, cliffs crashing into the ocean, and the sandy beach.
Many films, including Grease, Inception, Point Break, and 50 First Dates have been filmed there. You can get gorgeous photos in these notable movie locations.
El Matador State Beach
Location: 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Perhaps one of Malibu’s best-kept secrets, El Matador Beach, is a collection of cliffs plunging into the Pacific Ocean, rocky points, and a sandy beach that makes for an incredible photo.
I love photos from up on the Pacific Coast Highway with the car. It gives vintage California road trip vibes.
Check out the Beverly Hills Hotel if you also like the vintage California vibes.
Pirate Tower
Location: Laguna Beach, CA 92651
The Pirate Tower is a unique spot in Laguna Beach you probably haven’t seen on anyone’s Instagram.
On the beautiful beach, the Pirate Tower is a 60-foot tall tower beside the ocean.
You can’t go inside the tower but can walk around it and get up beside it for photos with the coastline in the background of the shot. It’s seriously so cool.
Point Vincente Lighthouse – Palos Verdes Peninsula
Location: 31550 Palos Verdes Dr W, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
The Palos Verdes Peninsula offers some of the most Instagrammable places in LA if you’re looking for palm tree-lined streets, stunning views, and gorgeous houses.
If whimsical photos excite you, drive straight to the Point Vincente Lighthouse.
The lighthouse stands right beside the ocean and is surrounded by stunning cliffs.
Elysian Park Secret Swing
Location: 929 Academy Road, Los Angeles, CA (the best way to get to the swing is to just type “Swing On Top of Elysian Park” into Google Maps; it will take you right to the trailhead)
The Sceret Swing is honestly one of the best secret photo spots in Los Angeles.
A candid swing photo is a great capture, and this swing’s position offers a view with all of LA in the background.
If you’re not one for heights, skip this one for sure.
But if you want that iconic photo, swing out over the city!
Muscle Beach, Venice Beach
Location: 1817 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA
Muscle Beach is one of the most recognizable spots in Venice Beach because of its long history with the American physical fitness boom of the mid-20th century.
Celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Vic Tanny, and Joe Gold frequented this spot to train and compete in international competitions.
In the spring and summer, this spot becomes packed with fitness enthusiasts. Flex your muscles and get some great shots for your IG feed.
Venice Beach Sign
Location: Pacific Ave & Windward Ave, 1501 Main St #205, Venice, CA
The Venice Beach Sign is suitable in the vibrant Venice Beach neighborhood on the famous Windward Ave, leading visitors to the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
The sign hangs over the street so you can stand right below it with the bustling boardwalk, street vendors, skateboarders, and many other local artists in the background.
Venice is constantly bumping with crowds and excitement in the summer months, so you’re sure to get some great photos that capture the community’s eclectic energy.
Venice Canals
Location: Off of 25th Avenue in Venice. (If you park at the end of Venice Blvd and head south on the boardwalk to 25th Avenue, you can cut into the canals.)
The Venice Canal Historic District is a little bit of Europe in Southern California. These canals are also kind of hidden.
Six waterways trickle through a neighborhood of palm trees and beach houses, and it’s a whole vibe for the Instagram feed.
The Canal District is one of the most Instagrammable places in LA that few people venture to.
Unique Photo Locations
Micheltorena Heart Stairs
Location: 3324 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Of all the Instagrammable places in Downtown LA, this one is one of the most colorful hidden gems.
If a rainbow staircase excites you, wear your most colorful outfit and head to Sunset Blvd to strut up and down the stairs and get some shots.
The Last Bookstore
Location: 453 S Spring St, Ground Floor, Los Angeles, CA
The Last Bookstore is a good spot for a cute little bookish vibe with a coffee on a cozy day trip.
Expect plenty of natural light and tons of books and records, and make sure you get some photos in the iconic book tunnel.
Spadena House
Location: 516 Walden Dr., Beverly Hills, CA
If you’re into a witchy house straight from the fairytales, this one will be your favorite Instagrammable place in Beverly Hills.
It’s a big yellow storybook house, originally built in Culver City and transported to Beverly Hills in 1934.
The Spadena House a private residence, but you can stand outside and get your photo with the most unique backdrop in LA.
You’re also not far from the Beverly Hills sign or Beverly Gardens Park. Check those out while you’re in the area!
You could also pop over to Rodeo Drive.
Getty Villa
Location: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA
The Getty Villa is an educational center and art museum with stunning grounds in the Pacific Palisades. This neighborhood has the best coast views, no matter where you are.
The beautiful building surrounding the fountain and landscaping make for endless photo opportunities.
Most Instagrammable Restaurants and Bars in LA
71Above
Location: 633 W 5th St 71st floor, Los Angeles, CA
71Above is a restaurant and bar with a SkyLounge that offers some of the most stunning views of all the spots in Los Angeles to get a drink.
There’s a proper dress code, so wear your most excellent threads, order a fancy cocktail, and take many photos.
Yamashiro Hollywood
Location: 1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Yamashiro is one of the most photogenic restaurants in Los Angeles for its stunning views of the city from inside a pagoda above Hollywood Boulevard.
The beautiful Japanese garden, rose gardens, and classic interior make it attractive both by day and night.
Grand Central Market
Location: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
Grand Central Market is full of cultural foods and finds from all over the world. The colorful neon signs and bustling energy make it an excellent photo opportunity.
This foodie wonderland is one of the best spots in Los Angeles to grab a bite.
Iconic Cafes
The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker
Location: 8653 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA
Not only does this gorgeous cafe-restaurant offer stunningly aesthetic white and blue surroundings and great food, but their coffee art is unparalleled.
Ask for their signature ColorBurst Latte, and feast your eyes on the most Instagrammable latte you’ve ever seen. Your followers will be tripping over themselves at the chance to get their own.
Cafe On 27
Location: 1861 N Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA
This cafe is a little outside of LA in the gorgeous Topanga Canyon, but the experience is worth the drive.
The cafe perches amongst the treetops on Topanga Canyon Blvd, with stunning views of the valley. Twinkling lights come on in the evening throughout the palm trees.
This hidden gem is my personal favorite on the list.
Dinosaur Coffee
Location: 4334 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The interior design in this cafe alone makes it worthy of your IG feed.
It takes its visual cues from the building’s previous occupation as a music repair shop in the Silverlake community.
Designed by MASS Architects, it’s fresh, modern, and uniquely inviting.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Taylor Neal
Taylor is a multi-disciplinary artist, writer, yoga instructor and frontline worker who spends most of her time in her van (Vannigan) winding through the coastal and mountain roads of California where she feels most at home.
From navigating the realities of van-life to the fluctuations in diverse climates and landscapes, Taylor is excited to bring everything she’s learned about California to fellow wanderers seeking beauty and adventure.
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