The Coolest Instagram Spots In The Golden State

Scenic views and unforgettable memories are a given on any trip in the Golden State—and you must let your followers know. Ask any blogger or influencer, California’s Instagram spots are almost too good to be true. These locations are here to make sure that your social media is just as awesome as the vacation. Capture the moment and make your IG feed pop at the most Instagrammable places in California. 

Top Instagrammable Places in California

The Flower Fields

Want to create the coolest Instagram post? The Flower Fields in Carlsbad is one of the best places to take pictures. Open once a year from March to mid-May, the flower garden blooms with kaleidoscopic fields, resulting in a chromatic landscape. Snap away while enjoying an Antique Tractor-Wagon ride and capture the best of the garden displays. If you feel like taking a selfie, purchase a freshly harvested bouquet to add a pop of color to your IG photo.

Salvation Mountain

This colorful testament of faith is probably the most Instagram-worthy place in all of California. One can spend an entire day taking photos at Salvation Mountain and not tire. Considered one of the weirdest places in California, Salvation Mountain was created to spread a message of love.

The multicolored man-made mountain is a folk art site that features all sorts of murals. The Christian sayings and Bible verses found throughout the attraction make the perfect inspirational post for your IG feed. 

Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Designed by Louis Kahn, the Salk Institute of Biological Studies aimed to draw the best researchers in the world. While it certainly accomplished that, the institute also attracted social media influencers. This California Instagram spot is the ideal photo op for a minimalist IG feed.

Its stunning aesthetic consists of harsh lines, boxy buildings, and unfinished concrete walls. A thin water channel divides the institute and merges with the horizon. If you want to take sunset photos, you know where to go. 

University of California Botanical Garden

Need a new Instagram feed layout? You’ll find lots of beautiful photo ops at the University of California Botanical Garden. The 34-acre garden consists of nine distinct regions of naturalistic plantings, from South Africa to Australia to California natives. With over 10,000 types of plants, you’ll never run out of Instagram-worthy photos to take.

The vivid red and pink rhododendrons will make any picture pop. Close-ups of the featured desert plants will definitely have your photo on IG’s trending section. Whenever you feel like taking pictures, head over to this Instagram spot for unlimited photo ops.

Northern California Instagram Spots

Lover’s Lane 

Who would’ve thought that the best photo op in the Bay Area was in the Presidio? Lover’s Lane features a fairytale-esque tree tunnel with a curvy woodline right in the middle—it’s one of the most romantic places to pop the question.

If you’re planning on proposing to your partner, get your friends to take pictures of the moment as the love of your life says yes. You’ll have an entire album of photos to include in your San Francisco Instagram story highlights.

Apple Hill

Elevate your fall aesthetic on Instagram at Apple Hill, a regional treasure waiting to be featured on your feed. Take your pick among the best Apple Hill farms and head over to snap the coolest photos for your social media. Picking apples and posing in pumpkin patches—whatever your vision is, this year-round destination serves as the perfect backdrop. 

Point Bonita Lighthouse

When it comes to black and white or Lomo photography, Point Bonita Lighthouse is the place to be. While this scenic Instagram spot is especially eye-catching when it’s sunny, foggy days are the best for moody photography. Stroll the bridge to the lighthouse with your significant other and marvel at the breathtaking views along the way. Use the white wooden bridge, jagged cliffs, and old-world lighthouse as your backdrop.

Best San Francisco Instagram Spots

Saints Peter and Paul Church 

Set on a lush emerald lawn, Saints Peter and Paul Church is a must-see S.F. architectural gem and a visual delight beyond comparison. The white basilica stands out against the bright blue sky, making it a great photo op. Take a picture with the four large pillars to add a European feel to your Instagram feed. 

Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden

Dreaming of running wild in a field of tulips? Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden is the Instagram spot to go to. Tulips are in bloom only during spring, but not to worry. Vivid flowers of all kinds can be photographed here throughout the year. Don’t forget to capture the historic Dutch windmill in your shots.

Japanese Tea Garden

#SpringIsHere and that means we’re taking pictures of cherry blossoms in bloom at the Japanese Tea Garden. The oldest in San Francisco, the garden boasts pagodas, stone lanterns, koi ponds, and an arched drum bridge—all these features are embellished with native Japanese plants. Show off your international experiences found within the borders of California on your Instagram feed and you’ll be getting more engagement than ever. 

Instagram Worthy Places in Southern California

Potato Chip Rock

A hike up to Mount Woodson rewards the bravest with a super Instagrammable place—a rock formation that resembles a single potato chip. Along your way, the glimmering Poway Lake and rock-studded hillsides come into view. Once you’ve made it to the top of Potato Chip Rock, get creative with your angles to snap the coolest Instagrammable photos.

El Matador State Beach

El Matador State Beach is a not-so-hidden gem in Malibu, but it’ll definitely become your new favorite Instagram spot. Here, you have plenty of space to experiment with light, especially during sunsets. It’s never too crowded here, so you can take as many rad and ridiculous Instagram-worthy photos. Don’t leave the birds hanging—capture them soaring high in the Malibu sky and chillin’ like a villain on the cliffs.

Korean Friendship Bell

Channel your inner nerd and have a Mortal Kombat themed photoshoot at the Korean Friendship Bell with your bestie. Showcase your skills as you pretend to high kick your BFF for the perfect Instagram photo. Stand anywhere along the stone structure and capture the green hillsides, ocean blues, and fluttering kites.

Los Angeles Instagram Spots

Micheltorena Stairs

The Micheltorena staircase is exactly what’s missing from your social media. The painted rainbow stripes and hearts at Sunset Boulevard adds the perfect amount of love and LGBTQ+ support on your feed. Stand in the middle of the hearts, strike a pose, and caption it #LoveIsLove.

Venice Sign

Venice is one of the most Instagrammable places in L.A. But before you go snapping away in the neighborhood, you have to pose by the iconic Venice Sign first. Greeting you amid the bustling intersection, the Venice Sign captures the bohemian spirit of the community. Have a quintessential L.A. girl photo on your feed and post this Instagram-worthy picture on #ThrowbackTuesdays. 

Museum of Neon Art

The Museum of Neon Art is a must-see in L.A. not only because it’s cool, but it’s also one of the best places to take pictures. The neon signs at the museum are just begging to be photographed. Filled with colorful lights, the museum has all sorts of signs for you to get creative. Stand in front of the angel wings and take awesome pictures that are out of this world.