Best Locations for Selfies in LA

There is nothing more Instagrammable than a photo taken in front of an attractive, vibrant background, whether that’s a wall covered in red bougainvilleas, a breathtaking beachfront view, or a colorful mural. There are numerous sites within Los Angeles that would be the perfect backdrop for your photos. I bring to you 16.

The Polka Dot Wall

Instagram / @kershasmine

A pop of color is one thing, but a pop of multiple colors is another. The Polka Dot Wall displays perfectly shaped dots in pinks, purples, and blues.

Address: 608 Mateo St, Los Angeles

The Beverly Hills Hotel

Instagram / @leonniehanne

Pastel pink is perhaps the most popular color on Instagram as of late. For a pop of pink and a dash of vintage, head on over to Beverly Hills Hotel, where you will find both.

Address: 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills

Bradbury Building

Instagram / @gin_oaks

This iconic site has appeared in numerous films, including romcom 500 Days of Summer. Step back in time at the Bradbury Building, where wrought iron staircases line the structure’s interior.

Address: 304 S Broadway, Los Angeles

Placita Olvera Fountain

Instagram / @littlebananie

Olvera street is filled with salsa dancing, delicious Mexican cuisine, and delightful stalls selling treats, traditional Mexican wear, and trinkets. As you walk down the busy alley, you will stumble upon a fountain placed in front of a blue wall lined with items for sale. Perfect Instagram backdrop? I think yes.

Address: 125 Paseo De La Plaza, Los Angeles

Urban Light

Instagram / @lunnavy

Urban Light is a hot spot for pictures. Although part of the artworks at LACMA, this installation is open to the public and free to view. The lights are best to visit at night, when all are illuminated.

Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles

The Last Bookstore

Instagram / @diana_rinatovna

The Last Bookstore may not be the only standing bookstore in Los Angeles, but it certainly is the most unique, featuring art installations and a giant vault. There are many photo ops to have here.

Address: 453 S Spring St, Los Angeles

Venice Sign

Instagram / @alexandrapereira

There’s so much to do in Venice. You can lounge on the beach, visit shops, walk along the shoreline, or take a quick selfie in front of the Venice sign.

Address: 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice

Micheltorena Stairs

Instagram / @discoverla

Up for a walk? How about a quick workout selfie? You can do both here. If you’re not up for a sweaty, post-exercise photoshoot, you can take a cute pic of your fur babies instead, in front of the giant heart to commemorate your love.

Address: 3400 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles

Paul Smith Pink Wall

Instagram / @caraxiang97

If you want a pop of millennial pink in your feed, visit the Paul Smith wall in West Hollywood. Casually lean against it, walk across the camera frame, or even peek from around the corner to capture a moment from a sharp, eye-catching angle.

Address: 8221 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood

The Getty Villa

Instagram / @hannamilosevich

The Getty Villa, perched on a hill that overlooks the ocean, houses Greek and Roman artifacts, from jewelry to sculptures, glassware to mummy portraits. The best part of the museum is the garden, where every corner is Instagrammable.

Address: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades

The Retna Wall

Instagram / @selectedjungle

The pastel pinks and cutesy colorful backdrops can become tiresome. Sometimes, you want a little bit of danger into your feed. For an edgy background, visit the Retna Wall, on which are scrawled scripts and symbols that drip blue.

Address: 625 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood

The Love Wall

Instagram / @wine_hippie

The perfect backdrop for Valentine’s day (or any occasion, really) can be found at Smashbox Studios, where a giant red wall with the words “love” written in cursive stands. Take a pic or two or three.

Address: 8549 Higuera St., Culver City

The Global Angel Wings Project Wall

Instagram / @teppielee

You’ve likely seen this on your Explore feed before: Instagrammers posing in front of a wall painted with angel wings. You, too, can give in to the trend. You can find these murals all over downtown Los Angeles.

Address: 8401 W 3rd St, Beverly Grove

The Hello Wall

Instagram / @myzencupcake

The Hello Wall, part of the Carrera Cafe, is adorned with luscious fruits and flowers. Take a full-body picture here, then head to the entrance of the cafe, where the door frame is covered in deep red roses.

Address: 8251 Melrose Ave, Beverly Grove

Rodeo Drive

Instagram / @ashleybmccormick

Luxury brands and high-end restaurants line the street of Rodeo Drive, where Beverly Hills locals go for an afternoon stroll. If you’re up for a little shopping, stop by this quaint square, where you can also take a quick selfie.

Address: 421 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills

Street Fighter

Instagram / @kimburz

Arcade fans will love the gigantic mural dedicated to the 1987 game, Street Fighter. Pose in front of the lovely yet fierce Chun-Li and the snarling Blanka. This mural is located within the bar Eighty Two. You have to be at least 21 to enter.

Address: 707 E 4th Pl, Los Angeles

If you’re looking for the perfect backdrop to adorn your Instagram pictures, explore the hidden murals, beautiful sites, and inspiring structures within LA. Who knows. Maybe during your trip, you’ll find something new not yet mentioned in this list.

By Anne Felicitas