Best Photo Spots in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of those cities where the backdrop can completely change depending on the neighborhood. You’ve got palm-lined streets, skyline views, beaches, architecture, murals, overlooks, and a lot in between.
These are the photo spots I’ve actually visited and would recommend if you want strong photos without spending your whole day driving all over LA chasing locations.
Some are iconic, some are more low-key, but all of them gave me something worth stopping for.
💡 SHANE’S TIP
LA is huge, so group your photo spots by area. Trying to shoot Downtown, Beverly Hills, Malibu, and Griffith Observatory in the same day sounds good on paper, but traffic will humble you fast.
#1: LAX Sign
Location: 9220 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Note: This address will take you across the street from the sign because there isn’t any parking next to it.
#2: Chung King Road
Location: Chung King Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Note: Try to get there before 12 PM PST. because it starts to get really busy around then.
#3: Walt Disney Concert Hall
Location: 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Note: It can get really hot there, so dress in loose clothing if you plan on spending a lot of time taking photos.
#4: Old LA Zoo
#5: Santa Monica Beach
Location: Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, CA 90401
#6: Runyon Canyon
Location: 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90046
#7: Griffith Observatory
#8: Korean Friendship Bell
Location: 3601 S Gaffey St, San Pedro, CA 90731
Note: It’s best to go early because it can get crowded pretty fast.
#9: The Broad (& Infinity Room)
Location: 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Note: The Broad is across the street from Walt Disney Concert Hall
Note: Although the infinity room is in The Broad, it is a separate attraction and you have to make an in-person reservation. I recommend getting tickets to the broad in advance and then getting there early to reserve the infinity slot as it get busy quick.
#10: LACMA (Urban Lights, Floating Rock)
Location: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Note: You can’t use a tripod on the premises.
#11: Greystone Mansion
Location: 905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Note: It’s best to go early because it can get pretty busy.
#12: Venice Beach Canals
Location: 200 Linnie Canal, Venice, CA 90291
#13: Venice Beach
Location: 1800 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291
#14: Hollywood w/ Palm Trees
Location: 400 S. Windsor Blvd (between. 4th and 5th Street)
Note: During peak sun, it’s hard to see the Hollywood sign. I recommend going in the morning before the sun is at its peak.
#15: Elysian Park
Location: 929 Academy Road, Los Angeles, CA 90012
#16: Elysian Park, Secret Swing
Location: Swing on top of Elysian Park (enter that in Google maps)
Note: You have to do a quick hike to the top, so wear shoes/sneakers that you don’t care about messing up.
#17: LAX In ‘N Out Burger
Location: 9149 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Note: The planes are always passing by so, it’s easy to get a shot. Also, this location is about a 5-minute walk from the LAX sign.
#18: Paul Smith (Pink Wall)
Location: 8221 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Note: Guests are no longer allowed to use professional cameras and tripods on the premises (yup, someone messed it up for everyone)
#19: Slauson Street Tunnel
Location: 350 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90003
#20: The Last Bookstore
Location: 453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Note: You are allowed to used tripods as long as it doesn’t interfere with foot traffic.
#21: Rodeo Drive
Location: Rodeo Dr, Los Angeles, CA
#22: Circus Liquor
Location: 5600 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91601
#23: Barnsdall Art Park
Location: 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027