LA is an Instagram girl’s dream in itself. Living here, you become accustomed to seeing vloggers film while they walk down the street, people going to all lengths to get the perfect food shot, and throngs of bloggers waiting in line just to take a photo in front of a pink wall. When everyone is snapping the same pictures, how do you make your feed stand out from the rest? I have put together a guide to the lesser known, but still very Instagrammable spots in this social media obsessed city. Not only does each of these spots make the perfect backdrop – they’re also a must for anyone visiting this beautiful city of ours. Consider it your guide to the prettiest spots the city has to offer.
Olive and June – Beverly Hills
There’s nothing more relaxing than getting a mani-pedi, especially when the salon is just as gorgeous as it is tranquil. Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, Olive and June is my absolute favorite place to get a manicure in LA. Not only do they have a great selection of colors (plus organic polish!), the boho-minimalistic decor is absolutely amazing. They are famous for their simple, subtle designs that are pretty much made to be Instagrammed!
Macaron lovers, rejoice! Complete with a restaurant, gourmet market, patisserie, and cafe, this downtown hotspot is a must see. It’s perfect for a brunch with your girls, or even a date night. You won’t be able to resist snapping a photo of the beautiful case of desserts.
Silverlake is arguably the hippest neighborhood in LA, and this unique photo-op fits right in. This beautiful art installation is located on the homeowner’s property, and it’s lit up every single night. Silverlake is a great place to eat, grab coffee, or shop (hello, vintage!), so stop by and snag a pic of this unique tree before you head back home at the end of the night.
Rooftop bars are perfect for happy hour, and the views they provide make them a great spot to pose with your girls for a cute picture to commemorate your evening. While rooftops like Perch and The Standard seem to reign supreme, I love the whimsical vibe of Mama Shelter. Go at sunset, when the colorful decor and yummy drinks pair wonderfully with the incredible view!
Huntington Library and Gardens – San Marino
If you’re willing to drive a little (and where in LA doesn’t require driving a little?), this could be the best day trip. This 120 acre piece of property was established by Henry Huntington in 1903, and is home to more than a dozen beautiful gardens with plenty of different themes. With more than 15,000 different types of plants, it’s the ultimate place to bust out your phone and use portrait mode to capture some exquisite details. It’s fun for all ages, and could be an excellent tourist destination to spend the day with friends and family.
Los Angeles is no stranger to the concept of trend, especially when it comes to desserts. Little Damage is an ice cream shop that specializes in black ice cream. That’s right, the soft serve and the cone are black! They naturally color them using activated charcoal, and the flavors rotate out with the seasons. They can even mix in toppings like fruity pebbles, coconut shavings, and Oreo cookie crumble. Your Instagram followers will be amazed!
Restoration Hardware Rooftop – West Hollywood
One of my favorite secret spots in LA is the Restoration Hardware rooftop garden on Melrose. While the first and second floors serve as a furniture and home store, the 10,000-square-foot third floor rooftop is complete with fire pits, olive trees, and granite walkways. Grab a juice at Joe and The Juice down the block, bring it upstairs, and enjoy the 360 degree views!
El Matador State Beach – Malibu
You can’t come to Southern California without soaking up a bit of sun at the beach, and Malibu is a definite must see. With picturesque views, and plenty of nooks and coves to choose from, it’s a great place to bring a friend or a book. There’s a famous archway here that serves as the perfect backdrop for an epic Insta pic (see mine here!).
Melrose Trading Post – Fairfax
A very LA version of a flea market is held every Sunday in the parking lot of Fairfax high school. They sell funky vintage clothes, handmade jewelry, art, and even homemade beauty products. They have a whole upper section dedicated to food, drinks, and live music. It’s notorious for celebrity spottings, so keep your eyes peeled!
Good Times At Davey Waynes – Hollywood
Located just a few blocks from the infamous Hollywood Walk of Fame, this 70s bar is as quirky as it is fun. You enter through an old fridge, walk up the stairs, and wind up in a 70s style home. The patio is great to grab a drink with friends, but the line can become unbearable after 10 or so.
Being a big time book lover, The Last Bookstore in DTLA is pretty much my dream. It is the largest new and used book and record store in all of California, and is one of the largest independent bookstores in the world. Grab a cup of coffee and spend the afternoon reading, and maybe even snapping a few pics of the gorgeous stacks.
I am obsessed with this new cafe, and it’s not just because the wonderful owners are friends of ours. The Aussie inspired menu is full of fresh, local produce mixed with fun, friendly vibes. So bring your friends for a proper Australian brekkie, enjoy a juice, and take a fun pic. Check them out on Insta here.
So there you have it, a new and fresh approach to Instagramming your LA experience. Tag me in your pictures when you visit these spots, and happy posting!
What I’m Wearing: Trousers by Joseph, Jacket from Macy’s, Similar tee here, Sunglasses by Kendall & Kylie, Flats by Alberta Ferretti
xx,
Bombard jackets are so in these days. <3
Beautiful outfit.
We hope you can make it to our photogenic vintage market in Woodland Hills! We are LA’s 4th Sunday flea market, known as one of SoCal’s best sources for vintage goods. Our next show is this Sunday, April 22, but you can find us at Pierce College on the 4th Sunday of the month for years to come.
Love your Blog!
Patrice
co-founder
Topanga Vintage Market