What comprises a stunning, Intagrammable place depends on your personality and lifestyle; while some appreciate magnificent, natural environments, others prefer visiting world-class cities. With that in mind, we’ve chosen five locations across the United States that are the ultimate in Instagrammable.
The California Coast and the Golden Gate Bridge
We’ll begin our Instagram tour across the San Fransisco Bay in Marin County; this is the best place to get stunning shots of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. While you’re in Marin, be sure to visit Muir Woods National Monument, a stunning, 240-acre stand of old-growth redwood trees. It’s not nationally well-known, but it is a spot cherished by the locals.
Also in Marin County is the fabulous Point Reyes National Seashore. Take the cliff-hanging Highway 1 to not only get to Point Reyes but also to snap more Instagram-worthy pictures. Along the way, you’ll pass through unexpected, quaint small towns like Olema, Inverness, Stinson Beach, and Point Reyes Station. Once you make it out to The Point, you’ll be treated to expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as dramatic cliffs, and an abundance of flora and fauna. You might even be able to snap pictures of seals basking on the beach or catch sight of a bobcat or fox.
Of course, once you cross back into the City of San Fransisco, there are dozens of Instagrammable sites. Our top picks are Golden gate Park, twisty, turny Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and the iconic “Painted Ladies” row houses shot from Alamo Square.
The Entire State of Utah
We’re going to go beyond the glitz of Sin City and Vegas Instagram spots to the Beehive State. You can’t go wrong bringing your camera to the gorgeous state of Utah; from mind-blowing Red Rock formations to quaint pioneer towns, the Beehive State has it all. Once you land in Salt Lake City, head over to the Salt Lake Temple for a shot of the Angel Maroni. The gothic-style, 253,015 square foot Temple took 40 years to complete and serves as the headquarters for the LDS Church. Keep in mind, many areas of the Temple are off-limits to non-Mormons.
The Wasatch Mountains surrounding Salt Lake City offer a dramatic, snow-capped backdrop to Salt Lake City. Here, you’ll find cool, pine forests, quaking aspens, as well as and world-class ski resorts, providing plenty of Instagrammbale moments.
Rent a car and head south 300 miles from Salt Lake City on Interstate 15 to begin your visit to the Big 5 National Parks. You’ll begin with the stunningly beautiful Zion National Park. The Red Rock canyons here hide many natural wonders, from hidden waterfalls to Native American petroglyphs.
From Zion, the next stop on the Mighty 5 Tour is the incredible Bryce Canyon, with its wavy, towering pink sandstone walls and hoodoos. From there, you might want to rent a jeep to tour the expansive Capital Reef National Park, known for its towering, natural arches. Next up is Canyonlands, with its endless deep canyons and huge, mysterious rock formations. Finally, you’ll end up in Moab, gateway to Arches National Park, a 73,234-acre wonderland of red sandstone arches, hoodoos, canyons and lots more.
Chicago, the Windy City
Often considered the capital of the Midwest, Chicago Instagram spots abound. This world-class city on the shores of Lake Michigan is well-known for its downtown architecture and the river that runs through it.
Your first stop has to be the infinitely Instagrammable Millennium Park. There, you’ll find “Cloud Gate”, the epic, abstract sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor. It looks like a bean-shaped mirror, and its a great place to snap a unique selfie. While you’re in Millennium Park, also pay a visit to Lurie Gardens, where you can capture the juxtaposition of Chicago’s fabled skyscrapers and the raw beauty of nature. There is so much architecture and art in the park, you could spend an entire day here snapping pictures.
Built in 1927, Buckingham Fountain is one of the best Instagram spots in Chicago. The massive, ornate fountain looks like it should be in Europe, not the American Midwest. The Chicago skyline provides a majestic backdrop for the fountain, and at night, you can capture it illuminated with dazzling lights.
A boat tour through downtown along the Chicago River provides many great Instagram moments, including the DuSable Bridge at Michigan Avenue. A boat tour through the glass and steel jungle of downtown Chicago will not disappoint.
New Orleans, “The City That Care Forgot”
Visiting The Big Easy features too many Instagram locations to mention here, but anywhere you go, you’ll see the Crescent City’s iconic streetcars. Once you take a picture, hop a streetcar to the French Quarter, which has to be the most Instagrammable spot in all of New Orleans. From the frilly wrought iron to the quaint cafes, the French Quarter provides plenty of memorable pictures. At the centre of the French Quarter is Jackson Square, a small park where you can snap a picture of the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral.
If you can time your trip to New Orleans for Mardis Gras, you are guaranteed hundreds of weird and wonderful Instagram moments. What can we say, New Orleans has to be one of the most Instagram-worthy cities in the country.
Washington DC
On the East Coast, the Nation’s capital provides endless opportunities to Instagram. The National Mall is the place to start; here you’ll find all of the country’s iconic monuments, from the long, black wall of the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial to the epic Lincoln Memorial. The Thomas Jefferson Building at the Library of Congress is saturated with rich classic art and architecture.
In addition to all of the national monuments, Washington DC is also home to several unique neighbourhoods. The fabulous, 60-foot tall Friendship Archway in Chinatown is a must; at night, its ornate sculptural features are lit up in bright, neon lights. Finally, no matter where you wander in Washington, you’ll find murals, such as the homage on the side of Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street.