The Hollywood Sign, palm trees, the Downtown LA skyline, the Santa Monica Ferris wheel, the Walk of Fame, or the Griffith Observatory… The list of iconic spots this city offers to both locals and visitors is endless. Many of these locations, thanks to their beauty, have even been immortalized in films. If you’re looking to capture the breathtaking postcards of Los Angeles, keep reading to discover the best photo spots around L.A.!
1. Hollywood Hills
For the best place to take a picture of the Hollywood sign, hike to the top of the mountain for a behind-the-sign shot with a sweeping view of the city. If you prefer a scenic drive, you can also reach the area by car, stopping for photos along the way and capturing the sign from above. Want something more unique? Try a horseback ride to the sign for a creative photo opportunity!
📍 Location: 6101 Mulholland Hwy, Los Angeles, CA 90068
📸 Recommendation: Arrive early in the morning to dodge the crowds, or begin your hike an hour before sunset for a stunning view of the city lights.
2. Venice Canals
The name says it all! For a taste of Italy, head to the Venice Canals, just a short walk from Venice Beach. It’s also near the popular Abbot Kinney Boulevard, the skate park, the iconic boardwalk, and even a great spot for kayaking. This location isn’t just a unique place to snap photos in LA, but also an ideal spot for a romantic date.
📍 Location: Venice Canals district, Venice, CA 90292
📸 Recommendation: Take your photos from the canal for a panoramic view of the water, or pose by the shore with a bridge as your backdrop.
3. Griffith Observatory
Did you know that more than 38 movies have been filmed at the Griffith Observatory? From Rebel Without a Cause to the wonderful La La Land, this spot offers an impressive range of space and science exhibits. But it’s the breathtaking views that steal the show!
From the top, you can take in all of Los Angeles and the famous Hollywood sign. It’s one of the best spots to take pictures in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
📸 Recommendation: Position the observatory as your backdrop, with the stunning city skyline in view. Though it can get crowded, the sunset is the perfect time to get the best results.
4. Lifeguard towers
As featured on Baywatch, these unassuming water safety towers can be the perfect backdrop to fill up your Instagram feed. You’ll find them on every beach around L.A.!
📸 Recommendation: Choose sunrise or sunset for softer light and better results. Wear contrasting colors to ensure you stand out against the white of the towers.
5. Rodeo Drive
The most expensive street in Los Angeles is lined with photogenic palm trees, charming cafés, designer boutiques, and the well-known square that bears its name. It’s a great destination for fashion enthusiasts and celebrity spotters alike.
At the start of Rodeo Drive, you’ll find a park featuring the Beverly Hills Sign, plenty of cacti, and free parking.
📍 Location: 9390 N Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
📸 Recommendation: Begin at the park surrounded by towering palm trees, then stroll down Rodeo Drive all the way to the end.
6. Santa Monica Pier
From the Ferris wheel to the Santa Monica Pier and boardwalk, This is one of the best places to take pictures in LA. The ocean makes a stunning backdrop, and you can even experiment with long exposure photography at the various attractions on the pier. Once you’ve wrapped up your photo session, be sure to indulge in some delicious seafood if you get hungry!
📍 Location: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
📸 Recommendation: Consider posing under the pier, taking a ride on the Ferris wheel, or strolling over to the nearby swing set.
7. Urban lights at the LACMA
If you’re on the hunt for cool places to take pictures in L.A., the LACMA Urban Lights installation is the ideal spot. This museum features a stunning setting with artistic displays that will provide plenty of inspiration for a creative photo shoot in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
📸 Recommendation: For an all-white futuristic backdrop, visit during the day. If you’re interested in long exposure and light experiments, head there at night!
8. Canon Drive
If you’re searching for a quintessential palm tree-lined street in Los Angeles, this is your spot. Canon Drive is a very picturesque street, located in Beverly Hills, featuring the most beautiful and recognizable palm trees.
📍 Location: 9641 Sunset BlvdBeverly Hills, CA 90210
📸 Recommendation: Concentrate on locations where palm trees are more prominent than parked cars to achieve a more authentic vibe!
9. Rainbow Steps
Colorful and steep, this hidden gem for photography enthusiasts is nestled in the trendy neighborhood of Silver Lake. While the colors may be a bit faded, you can easily brighten them up in post-production. The steps make for a fantastic outdoor photoshoot backdrop!
📍 Location: 3324 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
📸 Recommendation: Visit the spot early in the morning on weekdays to steer clear of the crowds.
10. Malibu beach
There are plenty of things to do in Malibu, and one of them is capturing stunning selfies. With its picturesque beach, dramatic cliffs, and trendy restaurants by the shore, this area is an excellent spot for taking photos in L.A.
📍 Location: Cliffside Dr &, Birdview Ave, Malibu, CA 90265
📸 Recommendation: Make your way to Point Dume, a cliffside along the Malibu coast that offers some of the most breathtaking views of the ocean.