I was born in LA and have had the amazing joy of living here most of my life. As a Photographer myself, I love the stunning backdrops Los Angeles has to offer. Whether you are a professional photographer or just love taking photos as a hobby, there are countless locations throughout the city that offer the perfect backdrop for capturing amazing photos. From the world-famous Hollywood Sign to the picturesque beaches of Malibu, the city has something to offer for every type of photographer. In this blog, we will explore 10 iconic photo spots in Los Angeles that are sure to inspire your creativity and help you capture the beauty of this incredible city.
📍9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The Beverly Hills Hotel is an excellent location for capturing stunning photographs. With its iconic pink and green color scheme, palm trees, and lush landscaping, the hotel exudes the classic Hollywood glamour that stands timeless. The hotel’s exterior and interior designs are a perfect backdrop for photos. Additionally, the hotel’s history and reputation make it a sought-after destination for photography enthusiasts and celebrities alike. Whether you’re looking to capture the hotel’s iconic façade, lounge by the pool, or enjoy a drink at the Polo Lounge, the Beverly Hills Hotel is a great location for capturing beautiful photos.
📍5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
If you’re looking for a unique and visually stunning photo spot in Los Angeles, the “Urban Light” installation at LACMA is a must-visit location. The installation consists of 202 restored street lamps from the 1920s and 1930s, arranged in a grid formation in front of the museum’s entrance. The lamps are lit up at night, creating a mesmerizing glow that makes for truly stunning photographs. These lamp posts are a popular spot for Instagrammers, photographers, and tourists alike, and for good reason – it’s an iconic and photogenic location that captures the essence of Los Angeles’ rich history and culture.
📍6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036
The Los Angeles Farmer’s Market is a perfect spot for capturing vibrant and colorful photographs. Located adjacent to The Grove, the market offers a bustling and lively atmosphere, filled with a diverse range of food vendors, shops, and street performers. In addition to the market’s offerings, the surrounding area provides a colorful backdrop for photos, with the Grove’s fountains, palm trees, and lively crowds adding to the energy and vibrancy of the scene. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a casual snap-happy tourist, the Los Angeles Farmer’s Market offers endless opportunities for capturing unique and eye-catching photos.
📍9390 N Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The Beverly Hills Sign is an iconic location that makes for a great photo spot. Located at the intersection of North Beverly Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard, the sign spells out “Beverly Hills” in bold, block letters, and is situated against the backdrop of a palm tree-lined street. The sign is a classic Hollywood landmark that has been featured in countless films, television shows, and music videos, making it a must-visit location for anyone who wants to capture a piece of Tinseltown’s history. The surrounding area offers a variety of photo opportunities, from the nearby palm trees to the stylish shops and restaurants that line the street. Whether you’re looking to capture a classic Hollywood moment or simply snap a memorable photo, the Beverly Hills Sign is a fantastic location that won’t disappoint.
📍42505 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265
Neptune’s Net is a scenic and picturesque location that makes for a great photo spot. Situated along the Pacific Coast Highway, this seafood restaurant is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, known for its fresh seafood, beachside atmosphere, and stunning ocean views. The restaurant’s exterior offers a colorful and eclectic backdrop for photos, with its rustic wooden façade and colorful neon sign adding to the ambiance. The surrounding area provides a wealth of photo opportunities, with the ocean waves crashing onto the nearby shore, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and rugged cliffs in the distance. The area is also popular with surfers and beachgoers, adding to the lively and energetic atmosphere of the scene. Whether you’re looking to capture the beauty of the California coastline or simply snap a memorable photo, Neptune’s Net is a fantastic location that offers endless opportunities for striking and beautiful photos.
📍17985 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
The Getty Villa is a stunning location that offers endless opportunities for capturing beautiful and memorable photographs. Located in Pacific Palisades, this museum is dedicated to the art and culture of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. The Getty Villa’s architecture and landscaping provide a striking backdrop for photos, with its symmetrical design, tranquil gardens, and serene reflecting pools evoking the elegance and grandeur of ancient Rome. Inside the museum, visitors can explore a variety of galleries and exhibits that showcase the beauty and craftsmanship of ancient art and artifacts, providing a wealth of photo opportunities. Whether you’re interested in capturing the museum’s impressive architecture, the lush gardens, or the ancient art and artifacts, the Getty Villa is a beautiful and inspiring location that is sure to provide a wealth of photo opportunities.
📍200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Santa Monica Pier is a vibrant and iconic location that offers countless opportunities for capturing fun and memorable photographs. Located at the end of Route 66, the pier features a colorful Ferris wheel, a bustling boardwalk, and a lively amusement park that provides a classic Southern California beach experience. The pier’s brightly colored rides, games, and food stalls offer a fun and festive backdrop for photos, while the surrounding ocean and beach provide a picturesque and scenic setting. Visitors can take a stroll along the pier, snap photos of the iconic Ferris wheel, and even capture a memorable shot of the pier’s sign against the setting sun. The area is also popular with street performers, adding to the lively and energetic atmosphere of the scene. Whether you’re looking to capture the excitement of a beachside amusement park or simply snap a memorable photo, the Santa Monica Pier is a fantastic location that offers endless opportunities for striking and fun-filled photos.
📍2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Griffith Observatory is a stunning location that offers breathtaking views of the city. Located on a hilltop in Griffith Park, the observatory features a distinctive Art Deco design and offers sweeping views of the Los Angeles skyline and the surrounding hills. The observatory’s outdoor terraces and surrounding parkland provide a wealth of photo opportunities, with the cityscape, mountains, and sky all serving as striking backdrops for photos. Inside the observatory, visitors can explore a variety of exhibits and displays that showcase the wonders of the universe, providing a fascinating subject for photos. The observatory’s iconic copper domes and telescopes also make for memorable photos. Here you can soak in the beauty of the city skyline or the majesty of the night sky. Griffith Observatory is a stunning location that is sure to provide a myriad of opportunities for beautiful and inspiring photos.
📍32350 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
El Matador State Beach is a hidden gem that offers stunning views and a perfect spot for taking unique and breathtaking photographs. Nestled in the rocky Malibu coastline, the beach boasts scenic rock formations, pristine sands, and crystal-clear water. The towering cliffs and rugged coastline offer a picturesque backdrop that is perfect for photos, while the stunning sunset and waves crashing onto the shore create an idyllic atmosphere. The beach’s secluded location and natural beauty make it a popular spot for professional photographers and amateur enthusiasts alike, who flock to the area to capture its beauty. The beach and surrounding area have also been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including Baywatch and The O.C. Overall, El Matador State Beach is a fantastic location that offers endless opportunities for beautiful photos.
While this might not be my most professional-looking photo on this list, is by far the most famous backdrop in Los Angeles. The Hollywood Sign is an iconic landmark that is instantly recognizable worldwide, making it one of the best spots in Los Angeles for photos. The sign is perched on the hills overlooking Hollywood and provides a breathtaking and panoramic view of the city skyline. The surrounding hills and the Hollywood Reservoir also offer a range of angles and perspectives for photographers, making it a versatile location that can cater to a range of photography styles. Visitors can take a hike to the top of the hills to get a close-up view of the sign or capture stunning photos of the sign from a distance. This photo was taken from the base of the hiking trail. The sign’s cultural significance and sheer size make it a popular destination for tourists, photographers, and locals alike, and a must-visit location for anyone interested in capturing the beauty and excitement of Los Angeles.