LA is full of perfect Instagram-worthy photo spots. From the beaches to the mountains to city lights, the options here are endless. Beyond the well-known icons, here are all of my local and lesser-known favorite places to shoot and to enjoy. Start here for a deep dive and full breakdown of the best travel cameras at every budget!
The West Side:
1. Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is iconic, but there are SO many different areas and angles here that the opportunities are endless - from the sunset glowing behind the pier, to in the breaking surf underneath the pillars, to the arcade and rides at Pacific Park, to the restaurants and the city lights - this is one place in our neighborhood that we return to over and over again whenever we need a little inspiration. Make sure not to miss my full Santa Monica travel guide!
Where To Stay Nearby: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows - Stay above Santa Monica Beach at the hotel that houses FIG, close to Ocean Avenue and the pier.
What To Do Nearby: Pacific Park ride wristband - Enjoy the rides at Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier, including the Pacific Wheel overlooking the coast.
2. Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica
Just North of the Santa Monica Pier is Ocean Avenue and Palisades Park. On the left side of the street is a narrow green park overlooking the beach, the ocean, and is a perfect spot to see the sunset. To the right are a number of beautiful hotels, restaurants and buildings that all make great backdrops (don't miss the bright teal Georgian Hotel!)
Where To Stay Nearby: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows - Stay above Santa Monica Beach at the hotel that houses FIG, close to Ocean Avenue and the pier.
What To Do Nearby: Santa Monica taco walking tour - Follow Ocean Avenue and the Third Street Promenade on a guided walk with taco stops.
3. North of Montana Neighborhood, Santa Monica
Just North of Montana Avenue in Santa Monica is one of the prettiest and quietest neighborhoods in all of LA - the lots are massive, the homes are a wide variety of everything from Italian Villas to fairytale castles to flower-lined estates. This neighborhood is one of my favorite places to walk or run at home - it remains one of my favorite areas to photograph!
Where To Stay Nearby: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows - Stay above Santa Monica Beach at the hotel that houses FIG, close to Ocean Avenue and the pier.
What To Do Nearby: Getty Center guided art tour - Drive inland to the Getty Center for a guided look at its art collection and architecture.
4. Venice Plants
Venice Plants is the local's favorite plant shop on the west side - it's lush and pretty, they don't mind if you take photos, and they have great prices on plants - so stop by for the photos, and leave with a new friend or two.
Where To Stay Nearby: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows - Stay above Santa Monica Beach at the hotel that houses FIG, close to Ocean Avenue and the pier.
What To Do Nearby: Marina del Rey kayak or paddleboard tour - Head to nearby Marina del Rey for a guided paddle through the harbor and a chance to spot sea lions.
5. Inspiration Point Hiking Trail
Above Will Rogers State Historic Park is Inspiration Point, offering stunning sunset views over the city and trails extending into the Santa Monica Mountains where access is permitted. Following the 2025 Palisades Fire, only designated areas and trails have reopened. Check California State Parks’ current map and closures before planning the hike. The parking lot at the top is paid, but we always find free street parking just before the lot. Alternatively, if you're not looking to rent a car or traveling with a larger group, consider a luxury charter bus rental in Los Angeles.
Where To Stay Nearby: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows - Stay above Santa Monica Beach at the hotel that houses FIG, close to Ocean Avenue and the pier.
6. Mel's Diner, Santa Monica and Sunset Boulevard
There are a few Mel's Diner locations around LA - all of which are adorably vintage, have great food (both of the cheeseburger and milkshake kind - and the vegan salad and cold press juice variety), and are exceptionally open to photo shoots. Both the iconic Mel's on Sunset Boulevard and their newest outpost in Santa Monica are amazing stops.
Where To Stay Nearby: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows - Stay above Santa Monica Beach at the hotel that houses FIG, close to Ocean Avenue and the pier.
What To Do Nearby: Hollywood and celebrity-homes tour - Continue exploring Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the Sunset Strip on a guided celebrity-homes minivan tour.
7. Malibu Pier
A day at the Malibu Pier is a Los Angeles summer classic. Come on a weekday if you can for lower parking prices and less crowds, and sit on the gorgeous deck for lunch at Malibu Farm. See more photos from the Malibu Pier here!
Where To Stay Nearby: The Surfrider Malibu - Stay across from Malibu Pier, with a rooftop deck and easy access to Surfrider Beach.
8. Abbot Kinney, Venice Beach
Abbott Kenney Boulevard is one of the cutest, coolest places to eat, drink, and shop by the beach. (As a Westside girl with more of a Silver Lake vibe - this is my favorite place to hang out on this side of town.) There are lots of cute boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and bars along this stretch, along with great street art. Make sure to stop by Great White, Intelligencia, and Butcher's Daughter for gorgeous, photographable interiors.
Where To Stay Nearby: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows - Stay above Santa Monica Beach at the hotel that houses FIG, close to Ocean Avenue and the pier.
What To Do Nearby: Venice Beach street-food tour - Taste your way around Venice with a guide, including stops around Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
9. The Venice Beach Sign
This iconic street crossing is just a couple of blocks from Abbott Kenney and always looks great - day or night. Just watch for cars
Where To Stay Nearby: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows - Stay above Santa Monica Beach at the hotel that houses FIG, close to Ocean Avenue and the pier.
What To Do Nearby: Venice Beach walking tour - Explore the boardwalk and surrounding streets with a guide who explains Venice’s local history and culture.
10. Santa Monica to Venice Bike Path
One of our favorite parts about living on the West Side is riding bikes from our apartment down to the beach - and then through the bike path all the way through to Venice Beach and beyond. From the path itself to the skateparks, the pier, and the Venice boardwalk, there are tons of stops along this one. Rent a bike for a day here - you won't regret it. Many people also make short videos and playful edits from their rides, or even turn snapshots into memes with an online meme generator, adding a lighthearted twist to the adventure.
Where To Stay Nearby: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows - Stay above Santa Monica Beach at the hotel that houses FIG, close to Ocean Avenue and the pier.
What To Do Nearby: Santa Monica and Venice eBike tour - Ride between Santa Monica and Venice with a guide, taking in the beachfront, canals, and local landmarks.
11. El Matador Beach, Malibu
We have jokes that El Matador Beach is really Photoshoot Beach - around sunset, pretty much daily, the beach fills with engagement, maternity, and fashion photoshoots. Luckily, the beach is wide, and there isn't one specific spot, so you can always find a place of your own. The rock formations and caves are unique, and the sun sets through them and right over the water - it's very apparent why it's such a popular spot. See more photos from this amazing sunset spot here!
Where To Stay Nearby: The Surfrider Malibu - Stay across from Malibu Pier, with a rooftop deck and easy access to Surfrider Beach.
12. The Front Yards in Brentwood
With home prices in the multi-millions, in just walking through the neighborhoods here you are surrounded by so much beauty - the same goes for Beverly Hills and Pacific Palisades.
For shooting private properties, I find the rule of thumb here to be: anything from the sidewalk or up to a front gate is fair game and not questionable. Going into yards, onto porches, or beyond barriers is most likely going to be over the line of decency. Anything visible from public streets is perfectly legal and acceptable to shoot, just be respectful and mindful.
Where To Stay Nearby: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows - Stay above Santa Monica Beach at the hotel that houses FIG, close to Ocean Avenue and the pier.
13. Topanga Look-Out Trail
The Topanga Lookout Trail is a very short and easy hike, with a well-known graffiti-covered ending point with amazing views. See the exact location on Google here.
Where To Stay Nearby: The Surfrider Malibu - Stay across from Malibu Pier, with a rooftop deck and easy access to Surfrider Beach.
14. The Fairmont Miramar, Santa Monica
One of the most fun hotels in town, the Fairmont Miramar has so many great spots to shoot - from ocean view rooms, to the 1950's style pool, to The Bungalow. See more of our stay at the Fairmont here!
Where To Stay Nearby: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows - Stay above Santa Monica Beach at the hotel that houses FIG, close to Ocean Avenue and the pier.
What To Do Nearby: Private Santa Monica photoshoot - Arrange a personal photo session along Santa Monica’s coastal streets and viewpoints.
15. Fig Restaurant, Santa Monica
Fig Restaurant is inside the Fairmont Miramar Santa Monica, but is one of the most gorgeous restaurants that I had to include it twice! In the day, light streams in beautifully, and after dark the entire interior twinkles. Come by early for Fig at 5 - from 5-6PM every day of the week almost the entire menu is half price, it's one of our favorite things to do here at home!
Where To Stay Nearby: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows - Stay above Santa Monica Beach at the hotel that houses FIG, close to Ocean Avenue and the pier.
16. Santa Monica Airport
Brandon trained at Santa Monica Airport when he was studying for his pilot's license and we fly out of here - it's a beautiful little airport and is a great place for aviation enthusiasts. There is a public restaurant with a large outdoor deck overlooking the runway where you can sit and catch the Cessnas and celebrity private jets coming and going.
Where To Stay Nearby: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows - Stay above Santa Monica Beach at the hotel that houses FIG, close to Ocean Avenue and the pier.
17. Santa Monica Beach
You come to LA for the beach, right? The Santa Monica beach is very wide and sandy, and extends for miles, with tons of options for parking. The sunsets in particular are stunning here - come play in the water on a hot day and stay through to watch the sunset. We usually head a bit North from the Santa Monica Pier to Will Rodgers State Beach for our beach days
Where To Stay Nearby: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows - Stay above Santa Monica Beach at the hotel that houses FIG, close to Ocean Avenue and the pier.
What To Do Nearby: Santa Monica surf lesson - Get into the water with an instructor for a small-group introduction to surfing at Santa Monica Beach.
18. The Getty Villa
The Getty Villa is at the top of my shoot list still! We stopped by here briefly with a couple of friends on a very cold and cloudy day (not pictured: my big coat), and I have been meaning to return here ever since. The Villa is free to enter, but with a $20 charge to park, regardless of how many people you have with you. The grounds are very European, with fountains, pools, and manicured gardens, as well as museum exhibits! It's a great way to spend half a day in LA - and I very much need to return and get some more dramatic photos!
Where To Stay Nearby: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows - Stay above Santa Monica Beach at the hotel that houses FIG, close to Ocean Avenue and the pier.
Central Los Angeles / East Side:
19. OUE Skyspace LA (closed)
These photos show our visit to OUE Skyspace LA, the former observation deck and glass slide at the US Bank Tower. The attraction has permanently closed. For a current skyline viewpoint, visit Griffith Observatory, or explore Downtown LA’s architecture at street level.
Where To Stay Nearby: The Hoxton, Downtown LA - Stay in Downtown LA for its historic architecture, galleries, and restaurants, with the Arts District a short ride away.
What To Do Nearby: Downtown LA food tour - With Skyspace closed, explore nearby Downtown on foot through its food scene, including Grand Central Market.
20. Sunset Junction, Silver Lake
The East Side's version of Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Sunset Junction in Silver Lake, also has amazing restaurants, boutiques, vintage stores, and a couple of music venues. It's one of my favorite places to spend a day in the neighborhood, and it is full of great pockets, art, and interiors to shoot. While you're here, check out the Micheltorena Stairs.
Where To Stay Nearby: The Hollywood Roosevelt - Stay on Hollywood Boulevard for the Walk of Fame and a convenient driving base for Griffith Park.
What To Do Nearby: Silver Lake painted-stairways walk - Explore Silver Lake’s colorful stairways on a guided walk that also stops at a local bakery.
21. The Last Bookstore
This downtown book shop is one of the best in LA for actually buying books, and is really designed for photos. Check out the iconic frame of books as well as the book tunnel, which are the two most well-known spots, but there are a number of other beautiful corners to check out as well. They are very relaxed here about taking photos, which is always a huge plus!
Where To Stay Nearby: The Hoxton, Downtown LA - Stay in Downtown LA for its historic architecture, galleries, and restaurants, with the Arts District a short ride away.
22. The Bradbury Building
The Bradbury Building is an LA icon - dating back to the 1800s (which for us here in California is old! There is hardly anything here over 100 years old.) It has a beautiful Art Deco interior and is famously featured in a few movies, including Blade Runner. The lobby of the building is open to the public, and you can take photos - but you have to be careful, or you will get yelled at by the security. We were scolded for "directing" when Brandon was telling me to take a step over. But it's not difficult to make it work and get your shot!
Where To Stay Nearby: The Hoxton, Downtown LA - Stay in Downtown LA for its historic architecture, galleries, and restaurants, with the Arts District a short ride away.
What To Do Nearby: Downtown LA architecture walking tour - Explore Downtown LA’s historic buildings and streets with a guide for context behind the architecture.
23. Hollywood Boulevard
One of the most well-known sights in Los Angeles is Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame - and is often one of the biggest disappointments to visitors. The area can be a bit seedy and dirty and a bit like Times Square but worse, but! It can still make for some great photos, especially at dusk when the lights come on but the sky still has a midnight blue glow.
Where To Stay Nearby: The Hollywood Roosevelt - Stay on Hollywood Boulevard for the Walk of Fame and a convenient driving base for Griffith Park.
What To Do Nearby: Dolby Theatre guided tour - Go inside the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard for a look at the home of the Academy Awards.
24. The Four Seasons Hotel, Beverly Hills
This dreamy Beverly Hills hotel has so many beautiful corners and details - from the sunny citrus-lined pool to the French palace-inspired drawing room, to the beautiful hotel rooms and endless views themselves. The Four Seasons is one of my favorite - and most photogenic - hotels in LA. See my full blog on the Four Seasons here!
Where To Stay Nearby: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills - Stay near Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, a convenient base for the area’s shops, cafés, and architecture.
25. The Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is an LA icon up in the Hollywood Hills, with glistening white Art Deco architecture overlooking the Hollywood sign. The observatory has a little bit of everything - a planetarium, exhibits, special events, public telescopes, cafe, bookstore, and insane views of downtown LA. Admission to the observatory’s grounds and main building is free; planetarium shows and parking have separate charges.
Where To Stay Nearby: The Hollywood Roosevelt - Stay on Hollywood Boulevard for the Walk of Fame and a convenient driving base for Griffith Park.
What To Do Nearby: Griffith Park hike to the observatory - Hike with a guide for Hollywood Sign views and a visit to the grounds of Griffith Observatory.
26. The Broad Museum
The Broad is one of Los Angeles’s best-known contemporary art museums. General admission is free, and advance reservations are useful even though walk-ups may be available. If you want to visit Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room, select the separate timed Infinity Mirrored Room + General Admission ticket on the museum’s official site; the old text-message queue described after our visit is no longer the booking method.
Where To Stay Nearby: The Hoxton, Downtown LA - Stay in Downtown LA for its historic architecture, galleries, and restaurants, with the Arts District a short ride away.
What To Do Nearby: The Broad and MOCA guided art tour - Explore Downtown’s contemporary art scene with an artist guide, including visits to The Broad and MOCA.
27. The Maybourne Beverly Hills Spa (formerly Montage)
Treat yourself to a facial or a massage - and then stay a while in this beautiful Moroccan-inspired spa in central Beverly Hills at what was then the Montage Hotel, now The Maybourne Beverly Hills. It's even more stunning in person!
Where To Stay Nearby: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills - Stay near Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, a convenient base for the area’s shops, cafés, and architecture.
28. The Beverly Hills Hotel
The Beverly Hills Hotel may be Los Angeles's most famous hotel - and even if you don't go inside and have lunch under the baby pink and banana leaf wallpaper, it is worth a stop at the vintage hotel sign.
Where To Stay Nearby: The Beverly Hills Hotel - Stay at the iconic pink hotel for its gardens, historic interiors, and location near Beverly Hills’ residential streets.
29. Bluestone Lane Restaurants
There are a few Bluestone Lane locations around Los Angeles, and every single one of them is beautiful! They are consistently one of my favorite casual restaurants for a healthy meal, a quick coffee, and a photo op.
Where To Stay Nearby: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills - Stay near Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, a convenient base for the area’s shops, cafés, and architecture.
30. The Hollywood Sign Hiking Trail
While you can't get to the Hollywood Sign itself, the hiking trail up behind it has amazing views and makes for an incredible photo oportunity - especially at sunset. Just make sure to bring lots of water - it's a little longer than you think and gets very hot in the daytime.
Where To Stay Nearby: The Hollywood Roosevelt - Stay on Hollywood Boulevard for the Walk of Fame and a convenient driving base for Griffith Park.
What To Do Nearby: Hollywood Sign summit hike - Follow a guide up to the ridge above the Hollywood Sign for city views and stories about Los Angeles.
31. Palm Tree Lined Streets - Santa Monica and Beverly Hills
Did you even come to Los Angeles without taking photos of rows of Palm Trees in the streets? Some of the best streets for this are in the Wilshire-Montana Neighborhood of Santa Monica and the mansion-lined streets of Beverly Hills.
Where To Stay Nearby: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills - Stay near Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, a convenient base for the area’s shops, cafés, and architecture.
32. Beverly Terrace Hotel
This cute, quirky hotel on the border of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood is one of my favorite little places to stay in LA. There's a huge rooftop sundeck, lush courtyard, super cute rooms, and an amazing on-site Italian restaurant. See more from our stay here!
Where To Stay Nearby: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills - Stay near Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, a convenient base for the area’s shops, cafés, and architecture.
33. Beverly Gardens Park
Beverly Gardens Park along Santa Monica Boulevard is home to the famous Beverly Hills sign, and is one of the lushest, most manicured parks in the city. The perfect place for an adorable picnic lunch!
Where To Stay Nearby: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills - Stay near Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, a convenient base for the area’s shops, cafés, and architecture.
34. Rodeo Drive
You already know Rodeo Drive. The ultra-lux shopping street is full of cobble stoned pathways, pristinely manicured flower displays, and glittering gold store fronts. If you're visiting Beverly Hills, you have to stop by for some fantasy window shopping, or some actual splurge shopping!
Where To Stay Nearby: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills - Stay near Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, a convenient base for the area’s shops, cafés, and architecture.
35. Carrera Cafe
The insta-famous West Hollywood cafe is known for both its famously topped lattes and its constantly changing, beautiful mural wall. It's directly across from the famously pink Paul Smith wall and is always worth a stop.
Where To Stay Nearby: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills - Stay near Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, a convenient base for the area’s shops, cafés, and architecture.
36. The Grove Mall
The Grove Mall is particularly incredible at Christmastime - with lights, giant Christmas trees, snowy villages, and giant glass ornaments at every turn - and they even have artificial snow a couple of times a night throughout December! See more photos of Christmas at the Grove here! But in the rest of the year, the Grove is still a stunningly beautiful mall, with rotating seasonal displays, luxe outdoor dining, and endless shopping options.
Where To Stay Nearby: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills - Stay near Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, a convenient base for the area’s shops, cafés, and architecture.
The Canyons and The Valley:
37. Malibu Wine Safaris (past visit)
These photos are from our past Malibu Wine Safaris visit at Saddlerock Ranch. The old safari experience is no longer a current booking recommendation. For a wine-focused outing, check the current offerings from Malibu Wine Tours or Malibu Wines & Beer Garden in West Hills; these are different experiences from the animal safari pictured here.
38. The Oaks Mall
Up in Thousand Oaks, the Oaks Mall is an indoor/outdoor mall that has undergone extensive renovations over the years to be perfectly Californian, high-end and adorable. While you're up here, also check out the European-inspired Westlake Village Plaza.
39. The Santa Monica Mountains
Whether you're driving through the canyons or going on any number of hiking trails, the Santa Monica Mountains are naturally stunning. Come through in March or April after a wet winter to see them glowing green or covered in wild flowers!
Where To Stay Nearby: The Surfrider Malibu - Stay across from Malibu Pier, with a rooftop deck and easy access to Surfrider Beach.
