LA is packed with amazing spots that are perfect for the ’gram! From the Hollywood Sign to hidden beaches, we’ve pulled together the top Instagrammable places in LA so you can get those must-have shots. Each spot has GPS coordinates and a quick tip, so it’s easy to plan your next photo adventure and soak up all that LA magic.
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1 Hollywood Sign
GPS Coordinates: 34.1341° N, 118.3215° W
The Hollywood Sign is one of the most Instagrammable places in LA, and getting that classic shot is a must! Lake Hollywood Park turned out to be the easiest spot for us – you can park nearby and enjoy the view from a quiet neighborhood (just watch out for the narrow roads and respect the locals!). There’s also a hiking trail starting close by, though we skipped it with the kids this time.
If you’re looking for a different perspective, Griffith Observatory is another great option. From there, the sign is beautifully framed against the mountains, and you get a wide-angle view of the city below. It’s perfect for sunrise if you’re an early riser and want to capture LA at its most magical!
2 Griffith Observatory
GPS Coordinates: 34.1184° N, 118.3004° W
Griffith Observatory is one of the best spots for stunning views of LA’s skyline, with the Hollywood Sign perfectly framed in the distance. It’s especially magical around sunset or twilight when the city lights start to sparkle, making it a must for iconic LA photos.
Parking can be a bit tricky, especially on weekends when the area is popular for extended hiking tours. There are paid parking options along the road up to the observatory, but spaces fill up fast. When we arrived in the morning, the main lot at the top was already full, so we parked down by the Greek Theatre and walked up. It’s a bit of a hike, but the scenic route makes it a worthwhile start to your visit. Arriving early can help secure a closer spot, but the walk up is enjoyable if you park lower down!
3 Santa Monica Pier
GPS Coordinates: 34.0092° N, 118.4970° W
Santa Monica Pier is a lively spot where you can capture the iconic Ferris wheel with the beach and Pacific Ocean in the background – absolutely stunning at both sunset and sunrise. While walking on the pier itself didn’t leave a lasting impression on us, it’s the atmosphere around it and the view of the pier that truly stand out. The vibrant colors, ocean breeze, and classic California vibe make it one of those must-capture LA scenes.
As one of the most Instagrammable places in LA, it offering a perfect backdrop for your photos at golden hour. There are several paid parking lots nearby, though the main lot next to the pier fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving early lets you take in the area before it gets crowded. Santa Monica Pier is also one of the few places in LA where you can carefully fly a drone, giving you a unique aerial perspective of the pier and beach at golden hour.
4 Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
GPS Coordinates: 34.0674° N, 118.4012° W
Rodeo Drive is the world-famous shopping street where luxury boutiques line the palm-studded sidewalks. It’s an ideal spot to capture the glitzy, glamorous vibe of Beverly Hills, with designer storefronts and sleek architecture that give it a polished, cinematic feel.
Parking can be found in nearby garages, many of which offer the first hour free. Rodeo Drive itself is a short street, so it’s easy to stroll through and take in the scene without rushing. The whole area feels like a movie set, making it perfect for stylish, upscale photos that showcase LA’s luxurious side. Even if you’re not planning to shop, the atmosphere alone is worth the visit for those classic Beverly Hills shots!
5 Venice Beach
GPS Coordinates: 33.9850° N, 118.4695° W
Venice Beach is also one of the most Instagrammable places in LA, where California beach vibes meet street art, skate culture, and a super lively boardwalk. It’s packed with colorful murals, street performers, and the famous Venice Skate Park, where you can catch skateboarders doing their thing. The wide, sandy beach with palm trees and ocean views is perfect for those classic LA photos.
There are paid parking lots along the beach, but they fill up quickly, especially on weekends. The real magic of Venice Beach isn’t just the beach itself – it’s the energy all around it. The boardwalk, the skaters, and the sunset glow make it one of the most unforgettable spots in LA.
6 Venice Beach Sign
GPS Coordinates: 33.9877° N, 118.4726° W
Not far from Venice Beach, you’ll find the iconic Venice Beach Sign, one of the most Instagrammable places in LA. Stretching across Windward Avenue, the glowing “VENICE” letters give the area a laid-back, cool vibe. It’s worth visiting both in the morning, when the soft light creates a warm glow, and in the evening, when the sign lights up and adds an extra touch to your photos.
Parking is similar to Venice Beach, with paid lots nearby that fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Since the sign is right off the boardwalk, it’s easy to stop by for a photo before exploring the nearby shops and cafés or heading back to the beach. It’s a simple but fun addition to your Venice adventure!
7 Paul Smith Pink Wall
GPS Coordinates: 34.0835° N, 118.3737° W
The Pink Wall on Melrose Avenue is one of LA’s most famous photo spots, thanks to its bright pink backdrop outside the Paul Smith store. It’s simple but instantly recognizable, and the bold color adds a fun pop to any photo.
Parking can be a bit tricky as Melrose Avenue is usually busy, but there are metered spots nearby or paid lots within walking distance. Keep in mind, this spot can get crowded, especially on weekends, so it’s best to go early if you want a clean shot of the wall without too many people around.
8 Malibu Pier
GPS Coordinates: 34.0330° N, 118.6795° W
Malibu Pier might not be typical LA, but it’s a beautiful spot just a short drive away and definitely worth the trip. With its classic white wooden structure, peaceful vibe, and views of the Pacific, it offers a charming escape from the city’s bustle. The pier is surrounded by great seafood spots and the iconic Surfrider Beach, making it ideal for laid-back, scenic shots.
There’s a paid parking lot right next to the pier, as well as some street parking nearby. It’s especially gorgeous at sunrise or sunset when the ocean views and soft light create the perfect backdrop for your photos. Malibu Pier brings a relaxed, coastal feel that’s a refreshing contrast to the usual LA landmarks.
9 In-N-Out Burger at LAX
GPS Coordinates: 33.9551° N, 118.3968° W
10 Urban Light at LACMA
GPS Coordinates: 34.0638° N, 118.3589° W
Urban Light is one of the most Instagrammable places in LA, located at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). This iconic installation features restored street lamps arranged in a stunning grid, perfect for artsy photos. The lights look especially magical in the evening when they turn on, creating a warm glow that’s hard to resist.
Parking can be a bit tricky here, so it’s best to plan ahead. Combining a visit to Urban Light with a trip inside LACMA is a great idea. Just visiting the light installation might feel a bit underwhelming, but when paired with the museum’s incredible galleries, it makes for an unforgettable cultural experience. The installation is free to visit and is a perfect stop before or after exploring the museum.
And Many More…
Cruising across LA, especially through the western part of the city, reveals so many hidden gems beyond our top picks. The neighborhoods, coastal views, and unique landmarks make exploring this city such a fun adventure. Whether it’s driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, wandering through charming streets in Venice, or catching the sunset near Santa Monica, LA’s west side has a vibe that’s hard to beat.
The beauty of LA lies in its endless surprises, so don’t be afraid to veer off the beaten path. And if you’re looking to go beyond the city, check out our Southern California road trip guide for even more incredible places to discover. The journey through this region is just as exciting as the destinations themselves!
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