It probably doesn't surprise you that local spots like Disneyland and Dodger Stadium have the official honour of being among the most Instagrammed places in the world. But, the L.A. love doesn't end there. A slew of haunts pops up in our Instagram feeds on the reg, courtesy of locals and out-of-towners alike.
Ahead, get ready to feast your eyes on some of the coolest, most photogenic corners of the city — without ever having to sit in traffic. From a Blade Runner building to the dreamiest art havens around, click through for the L.A. spots that are always #instagood.
The Polo Lounge
This might be the most popular power lunch spot in all of L.A. — and for good reason. It's a classic. While you're more likely to spot a celeb if you grab a spot at one of the booths, we recommend donning your sunglasses, ordering a big fruity drink, heading out to the patio for some major people watching.
The Polo Lounge, 9641 Sunset Boulevard ; 310-887-2777.
Photo: Courtesy of punkodelish.
Hollywood Farmers' Market
Head here every Sunday morning and you've got an equal chance of spotting the perfect peach or a few of your favourite celebrities. Luckily, both look great in photos.
Hollywood Farmers' Market, 1600 Ivar Avenue; 323-463-3171.
Photo: Courtesy of @thehfm.
Point Dume State Beach
This little corner of Malibu feels like it's all your own — well, you and 100 of your new best friends. Parking can prove tricky, but the extraordinary view from the top of the cliff is more than worth it.
Point Dume State Beach, 7103 Westward Beach Road, 805-488-1827.
Photo: Courtesy of @kaylynslevin.
The Piece Collective
If you build it (and slap a graphic design on it), Instagrammers will come. Not to be outdone by the cool exterior, this Venice shop's selection of clothes and home decor is truly top-notch.
The Piece Collective, 1629 Abbot Kinney (near Venice Boulevard); 424-238-8382.
Photo: Courtesy of @trevorhanson7.
Santa Monica Pier
There's a place off Ocean Avenue...
(Yes, we're aware the song is probably not about the pier. But, do we really need an excuse to throw it back to '03?)
Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier (at Ocean Avenue); 310-458-8901.
Photo: Courtesy of @kimbgenevieve.
Paul Smith
Refinery29 EIC Christene Barberich knows the formula for a perfect portrait: bright pink wall + clear blue sky = #instagold.
Paul Smith, 8221 Melrose Avenue (at North Harper Avenue); 323-951-4800.
Photo: Courtesy of @christenebarberich.
The Museum Of Contemporary Art
Feeling highbrow? MoCA's permanent collection is full of Insta-worthy gems. #abstractexpressionism #franzkline4life
The Museum of Contemporary Art, 250 South Grand Avenue (at West 3rd Street); 213-626-6222.
Photo: Courtesy of @mocalosangeles.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
This Frank Gehry-designed concert hall — which cost an estimated £192 million — is the Beyoncé of buildings: curvy in all the right places.
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 South Grand Avenue (at West 2nd Street); 323-850-2000.
Photo: Courtesy of @zhoual.
Getty Center
The natural light, the clean white lines — it's like Christmas morning for Instagrammers. From the Research Institute to the Museum, the Getty Center's grounds are chock-full of picture-perfect pockets, #nofilter necessary.
Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive (near Beverly Park Drive); 310-440-7300.
Photo: Courtesy of @thegetty.
Los Angeles River
Fancy a dip in the grime-caked waters of the Los Angeles River? No? Well, swap your bathing suit for your iPhone and admire from a distance, because the drought-besieged landmark makes for one heck of a pretty picture. (And, a cool car-race scene.)
Photo: Courtesy of @domflowersss.
Venice Canal Historic District
Listen, George and Amal might not have floated down our version of the Venice canals, but we happen to be pretty fond of it anyway — and, we have Mr. Abbot Kinney to thank for it.
Venice Canal Historic District, Carroll Court (at Eastern Canal Court); no phone.
Photo: Courtesy of @vikyuuu.
Hollywood Walk Of Fame
R29 Executive Creative Director Piera Gelardi brings her unique sense of style to everything that she does — even a classic Hollywood Walk of Fame pic.
Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood Boulevard (between La Brea Avenue and Gower Street); 323-469-8311.
Photo: Courtesy of @pieraluisa.
LACMA
Sure, LACMA's Urban Light installation was already popular, but the No Strings Attached scene with Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman made these the most sought-after lampposts on all of Instagram.
LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Boulevard (at South Fairfax Avenue); 323-857-6000.
Photo: Courtesy of @mr.cheam
Ace Hotel
Once characterised by Skid Row (and confusing one-way streets), DTLA has been given new life, thanks in no small part to the Ace Hotel. The historic building is a beacon for 'grammers near and far.
Ace Hotel, 929 South Broadway Street (near West Olympic Boulevard); 213-623-3233.
Photo: Courtesy of @petitepassport.
Tongva Park
Skip the touristy 3rd Street Promenade in favour of Santa Monica's Tongva Park, which boasts amazing sculptural works, peaceful garden paths, and A+ ocean views. You'll be handsomely rewarded in the form of Insta likes.
Tongva Park, 1615 Ocean Avenue (at Colorado Avenue); 310-458-8310.
Photo: Courtesy of @matty_westside.
Hollywood Sign
Arguably the most iconic landmark in all of L.A., the Hollywood Sign has been sitting pretty since 1923, when it still read "Hollywoodland." If we had a dollar for every time it's played backdrop to a photo...
Hollywood Sign, 3000 Canyon Lake Drive (near Arrowhead Drive); no phone.
Photo: Courtesy of @chiaraferragni.
Hollywood Bowl
If only Instagram had been around when The Doors played their legendary concert at the Hollywood Bowl in '68. Jim Morrison's leather pants would have looked great in Valencia.
Hollywood Bowl, 2301 North Highland Avenue (near Odin Street); 323-850-2000.
Photo: Courtesy of @hollywoodbowl.
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
The only thing this gorgeous natural reserve is missing is a yellow brick road leading to Emerald City. Prime poppy season is fast approaching (it's mid-February through late May), so we suggest road trippin' it out to Lancaster, STAT.
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, 15101 Lancaster Road (near 160th Street West); 661-724-1180.
Photo: Courtesy of @stephjoi.
Mural at Gjelina
It's a wolf! It's a cheetah! It's a unicorn! It's...all three. Diana Garcia 's creative mural at Gjelina is a total crowd-pleaser. In fact, it might be even more popular on Insta than food snaps from the beloved resto. And, that's saying something.
Gjelina, 1429 Abbot Kinney Boulevard (at Milwood Avenue); 310-450-1429.
Photo: Courtesy of @shelikesnicethings.
LAX
You can take any photo you want, as long as it's either a) a shot of you with your luggage à la Aimee Song, or b) a close-up of your plane ticket tucked into your Smythson passport case. The pilot will be checking.
LAX, 1 World Way (near South Sepulveda Boulevard); 310-646-5252.
Photo: Courtesy of @songofstyle.
Bradbury Building
Remember when Tom meets Autumn at the end of 500 Days of Summer? Yep, that was the Bradbury Building. You might also recognise the architectural gem, built in 1893, from Blade Runner. Just don't forget to soak in the historical significance between shots.
Bradbury Building, 304 South Broadway Street (at West 3rd Street); 213-626-1893.
Photo: Courtesy of @theloftexpert.
Griffith Observatory
Be honest: Could you ever get tired of that view? The Griffith Observatory is the ultimate Kodak — er, Instagram — moment.
Griffith Observatory, 2800 East Observatory Road (near North Vermont Canyon Road); 213-473-0800.
Photo: Courtesy of @patrictheswede.
Dodger Stadium
Forget singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh-inning stretch — 'gramming is the new baseball tradition in town. Heads up: You can root for the Boys in Blue at the Dodgers' home opener on April 6.
Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Avenue (near Stadium Way); 323-224-1507.
Photo: Courtesy of @johndoukas.
Bottega Louie Macaron Case
Who knew a case of macarons could achieve L.A.-landmark status? Thanks to a certain app, this rainbow-bright sight is familiar to users the world over. When it comes to Insta-worthiness, the rest of the Italian restaurant ain't too shabby, either.
Bottega Louie, 700 South Grand Avenue (at 7th Street); 213-802-1470.
Photo: Courtesy of @bottegalouie.
Gallery Brown
Local artist Retna 's rad murals are the definition of Instagram bait. You can spot them all over town, but we're partial to this stunner, located on the side of Gallery Brown.
Gallery Brown, 140 South Orlando Avenue (near West 3rd Street); 323-651-1956.
Photo: Courtesy of @tarasowalty.
Maxfield
It's not always so bad being a non-celebrity. Instead of shielding yourself from paparazzi during your trek from your car to the front door of Maxfield, you can take a moment to appreciate the Insta-goodness of this cement scene.
Maxfield, 8825 Melrose Avenue (at North La Peer Drive); 310-274-8800.
Photo: Courtesy of @kouzenhm.
Melrose Trading Post
We dare you not to post a #humblebrag Insta of the thrifty thrills you scored at this iconic flea market.
Melrose Trading Post, 7850 Melrose Avenue (at North Fairfax Avenue); 323-655-7679.
Photo: Courtesy of @_missivy.
Disneyland
Disneyland: The (Snap-) Happiest Place on Earth.
Disneyland, 1313 Disneyland Drive (near West Ball Street); 714-781-4636.
Photo: Courtesy of @disneykid32.
Made In L.A. Mural
Don't worry: We won't tell anyone you weren't actually born here.
Cisco Home, 8025 Melrose Avenue (at North Laurel Avenue); 323-932-1155.
Photo: Courtesy of @lchosmer.
Rose Bowl Flea Market
Friends, if it's the second Sunday of the month, we regret to inform you that we cannot attend your baby shower or birthday brunch — we have a standing reservation at the Rose Bowl Flea Market. With more than 2,500 vendors to choose from, we always find a tchotchke (or twelve) worth taking home.
Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive (at Seco Street); 626-577-3100.
Photo: Courtesy of @jinneydao.
Barneys New York
Bad news: Your wallet will probably take a beating at Barneys Beverly Hills. Good news: At least you won't have to hit the gym after climbing these babies. If there were a Most Instagrammed Staircase in L.A. award, these stark white steps would surely take the cake.
Barneys New York, 9570 Wilshire Boulevard (at South Camden Drive); 310-276-4400.
Photo: Courtesy of @ericalinggg.
Venice Street Art
Venice is prime real estate for murals and other street art. One of our favourites is this wave design on the side of local bar The Otheroom. Designed by Love bErto, the cool pattern just screams #OOTD.
The Otheroom, 1201 Abbot Kinney Boulevard (at San Juan Avenue); 310-396-6230.
Photo: Courtesy of @chrissihernandez.
Alfred Coffee
It may or may not be illegal to go into Alfred Coffee and not take a photo of this wall. We can't be certain, so you better play it safe.
Alfred Coffee, 8428 Melrose Place (near Melrose Avenue); 323-944-0811.
Photo: Courtesy of @rseldon.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The Most Instagrammable Places In London
These Are The Most Annoying Things People Do On Planes, According To You