18 Most Instagrammable Places in the US + Tips for Great Photos
Published July 16, 2023, Updated December 26, 2024
Are you looking for the most Instagrammable places in the US? I’ve got 18 stunning and intriguing spots that you’ll want to check out.
Perhaps you’re looking for a breathtaking travel spot close to home that will inspire your creativity. The destinations on my list are ideal for appreciating the natural beauty around the US while also documenting your travels!
Or maybe you’re a world traveler who’s noticed that traveling abroad can be expensive! But that doesn’t make the wanderlust go away.
So, even if you have to put off your trip to Dubai, Switzerland, or *insert beautiful-yet-expensive-place here* on hold, you can find all kinds of stunning destinations close to home!
Keep reading for my top picks for the best Instagram spots, plus tips for the best photos from me, a solo travel blogger.
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IG Worthy Places to Visit Across the US
1. Salvation Mountain, California
Located between Niland and Slab City, Salvation Mountain is a vibrant, hand-painted hillside featuring colorful religious messages and artwork.
The website offers a bit of history and some info about the artist. However, it really is a unique location to experience for yourself.
Pro Tip: Salvation Mountain is free to visit, open all year round, and takes about an hour to get through. It’s in the desert about an hour east of Palm Springs, so bring water, wear good shoes, and lather on the sunscreen!
2. Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Antelope Canyon is an iconic slot canyon located in the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona. And if you’re up for a hike, it’s definitely a spot to add to your bucket list.
It’s a destination you have to see in person to fully comprehend! The smooth, wave-like sandstone walls and vibrant shades of orange, red, and purple make it one of the most photographed natural wonders in the US.
Pro Tip: The Upper Canyon is easier to hike than the Lower Canyon, and you’ll need to book a tour to see both. Aim for a midday hike between March and October for the best chance to capture all the striking colors!
3. Oneonta Gorge, Oregon
Oregon’s Oneonta Gorge is one of the most Instagrammable places in the US. It’s a stunning emerald-green, moss-covered slot canyon with a towering waterfall nestled deep inside the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
The gorge is your reward when you hike the scenic Oneonta Trail, a moderate, 5.8-mile out-and-back trail inside the scenic area. Just be sure to look at the park website before heading out, because some areas can experience closures.
Pro Tip: You’ll be in a rainforest environment, so bring waterproof gear for your camera!
For more scenic hikes to add to your grid, check out my post on the best day hikes along California’s Highway 395!
4. Neon Museum, Las Vegas, Nevada
The Neon Museum in Las Vegas is a treasure trove of vintage signs, where each piece tells a story of the city’s flashy past.
When you visit the outdoor museum, you’ll wander among towering marquees and colorful lights that transform the desert sky into a kaleidoscope of retro glamour! It’s perfect for photos with a nostalgic edge.
Pro Tip: You can choose day or evening admission to the Neon Museum. Go at dusk for a striking contrast with the diminishing daylight and glowing neon signs.
5. Watkins Glen State Park, New York
Located south of Syracuse and Rochester, Watkins Glen State Park is a mesmerizing gorge trail with numerous waterfalls, bridges, and lush greenery.
There’s an admission fee per vehicle to get in the park. Once you’re in, you can explore the park, camp, swim, or simply relax!
Pro Tip: Keep in mind that Watkins Glen State Park is a seasonal destination, open between mid-May through the beginning of November.
6. The Wave, Arizona/Utah Border
The Wave in northern Arizona Known for its surreal, undulating rock formations and vibrant colors, this remote spot looks like a painting come to life!
Accessible only by obtaining an exclusive permit and taking on a challenging day hike through the desert, The Wave offers a truly otherworldly photography experience for those lucky enough to visit.
Pro Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens if you want to do justice to the gorgeous wavelike patterns and unique textures of the rock formation!
7. Marfa, Texas
This quirky desert town is known for its unique art installations, including one of the most Instagrammable places in the US, the famous Prada Marfa.
If you ever find yourself in West Texas, make a pit stop and get yourself some Instagram-worthy photos of their crazy unique buildings!
Pro Tip: For picture of the Prada Marfa installation, include the stark desert surroundings in the frame for contrast. You can also shoot at sunset to add a warm glow.
8. Museum of Ice Cream, New York City
You’ll find endless indoor Instagram-worthy places in the Big Apple, but one of the most fun is the Museum of Ice Cream.
This is an immersive art exhibit, each room filled with bright colors and elaborate installations, like hanging bananas, towering ice cream cones, and a sprinkle pool that you can jump into.
Pro Tip: Dress in candy-colored shades, like pink, purple, and yellow to match the photo spots you’ll find throughout the museum.
9. Bonaventure Cemetery, Georgia
I know that taking pictures of a cemetery might seem strange to some but hear me out (and cue Lana Del Rey music).
Bonaventure Cemetery is a hauntingly beautiful cemetery located in Savannah, Georgia with miles of moss-draped Live Oaks, flower gardens, and intricate gravestones.
Pro tip: Admission is free. However, if you want to dive deeper into the history of this interesting place, it’s worth booking tickets for a walking tour.
10. The Biltmore Estate, North Carolina
You can visit the absolutely beautiful Biltmore Estate in North Carolina to experience its opulent Gilded Age architecture set against the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The 250-room mansion, originally built and owned by the Vanderbilts is a study in Maximalism. Explore intricately designed rooms offering countless Instagram-worthy angles.
Outside, the sprawling grounds feature perfectly manicured gardens, while the mansion’s grand façade makes for a jaw-dropping backdrop.
Pro tip: You can book tours or even stay on the grounds for a variety of different experiences and photo opportunities.
11. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
This place is seriously a favorite of mine. Located next to Holloman Airforce Base, White Sands is a surreal landscape of white gypsum sand dunes that create a dreamlike atmosphere.
Before you visit, be sure to visit the National Park Service website (the park occasionally closes off the main road for missile testing).
Pro tip: Shoot at sunrise or sunset for softer light and shadows that emphasize the curves of the dunes.
12. Hamilton Pool Preserve, Texas
Hamilton Pool Preserve feels like a hidden paradise in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. It’s a striking turquoise pool tucked beneath a sun-bleached limestone grotto with a cascading waterfall flowing over the grotto’s upper ledge.
The pool is accessed via an easy quarter-mile hike from the park entrance through a wooded area.
Pro tip: The park is open year-round, but reservations are limited and open to 3 months in advance for this popular destination, so book well in advance.
13. Thor’s Well, Oregon
Located off the Oregon coast in Yachats, a captivating natural sinkhole creates the illusion of draining water into the depths of the Pacific Ocean.
In addition to visiting this area, there are also some fantastic trails in the area that you can check out.
Pro tip: Visit during high tide for the most dramatic water flow and use a tripod with a long exposure to capture the motion of water spilling into the hole!
14. Union Station, Washington, DC
Union Station in Washington, DC, makes for incredible photos. Its grand Main Hall features soaring arches, intricately detailed ceilings made with sparkling white granite and gold leaf, and expansive marble floors.
After you marvel at this stunning indoor Instagram spot, take time to explore the buzzing station with its shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits.
Pro tip: Take a visually appealing symmetrical shot by standing directly under the station’s grand arches in the station’s Main Hall.
Staying in DC overnight and looking for a place to stay near all the attractions? Compare Booking.com, Agoda, and VRBO for a variety of lodging options.
15. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Visit the Badlands National Park in South Dakota to experience its otherworldly landscapes, like sharp pinnacles, deep gorges, and sweeping vistas.
The park’s layered rock formations create a striking contrast against the wide-open sky and soft, grassy plains.
Plus, there are a variety of ways to enjoy the park. You can camp, go on scenic drives, or take on a variety of hiking trails.
Pro tip: The Badlands National Park is a great spot to visit if you’re interested in nighttime photography because of the very low light pollution in the area!
16. Rainbow Row, Charleston, South Carolina
If you’ve never heard of Rainbow Row, you’ll quickly understand why it’s considered one of the most Instagrammable places in the US!
The pretty cobblestone street is lined with historic homes painted in every shade you can imagine. It perfectly captures the city’s Southern charm.
Tip: Shoot early in the morning to avoid cars parked along the street.
For more budget-friendly content, read all about how to plan a Grand Canyon adventure on a budget!
17. Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
Spring, summer, fall, or winter, Apostle Islands offer a stunning collection of 22 islands in Lake Superior.
The islands are probably best known for their ice formations that cover the sea caves in winter. But if you opt for the summer, kayaking to explore the sea caves offers a completely different experience from the water!
Pro tip: Most of the Apostle Islands have sea caves that you can visit on your own, but for the best experience, I recommend booking a local kayaking tour.
18. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier National Park is a photographer’s dream, with its towering, snow-capped peak framed by lush forests, alpine meadows, and cascading waterfalls.
The burst of wildflowers in summer creates a perfect foreground for sweeping landscape shots, while the glacial blue lakes and dense fog in the fall make for the perfect moody setting!
Spend your days hiking trails and exploring every corner of the park for breathtaking moments waiting to be captured on camera.
Pro tip: Take time to plan out where you’re going and what you want to see. The park is MASSIVE. For first-time visitors, start in the Paradise area for iconic meadow views and picturesque waterfall hikes.
Tips for Taking Photos at Instagram Spots
While I’m no pro, I take a lot of photos! Here are some of my best tips for capturing photos at Instagrammable spots:
- Timing is key – Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best natural light and fewer crowds.
- Play with angles – To add interest to your photos, experiment with low angles, overhead shots, or framing elements like arches or trees.
- Capture movement – Incorporate action, like flowing water or a person walking, to add life and energy to your photos.
- Focus on details – Zoom in on unique textures, colors, or patterns that make the location special, like intricate tiles or weathered wood.
- Dress strategically – Wear outfits that contrast or complement your surroundings.
- Be patient with crowds – If the location is busy, just wait a little bit for a gap or frame your shot to minimize other people.
Check Out 18 of The Most Instagrammable Places in the US
You can find so many gems right in our backyard! And this isn’t an exhaustive list of the most Instagrammable places in the US, by any means. I’m sure I’ll be back with part 2…
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