Whether you’re a dedicated Instagrammer or just a casual observer, eye-catching photos are an important part of traveling. The USA has an abundance of picturesque spots and the best camera equipment can help you capture them.
Stunning destinations include Yellowstone National Park with its lush forests and iconic geysers, as well as a scenic horseshoe bend in Arizona.
1. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a natural wonder that stretches over 2.2 million acres. It’s where you can see the world’s most amazing hydrothermal features, dramatic waterfalls and a tapestry of wildlife including America’s largest herds of bison, moose and elk and its predators, grizzly bears and gray wolves.
Some of the most stunning places to visit in Yellowstone include Grand Prismatic Spring and Tower Fall. Here, two circular boardwalks span a total of 3/4 mile through beautiful pools of different colors that are caused by bacteria. One of the most interesting is Abyss Pool, which is a deep blue-green color because it was previously black from its sulfur content.
Other must-see spots in Yellowstone are Old Faithful and West Thumb Geyser Basin. In the latter, you can find a series of pretty hot springs with varying water levels and collapsing ledges, along with the 132-foot Tower Fall waterfall.
2. Los Angeles
The United States is home to breathtaking locations that are perfect for Instagram photos. These locations often showcase unique scenery, vibrant colors, and beautiful architecture. Some of these Instagrammable spots even offer fun activities that are sure to capture the attention of your followers.
Located in California, Los Angeles is a popular tourist destination. The city offers many Instagrammable photo opportunities, including the Hollywood sign. The city also has a number of other attractions, such as the Urban Light sculpture and the Getty Center.
The State of Liberty is another iconic American landmark that makes for a great Instagram photo. This famous landmark is a must-see for any visitor to the United States.
3. Las Vegas
A must-stop for any Vegas road trip is the Neon Museum. It pays homage to the city’s rich neon history by featuring a collection of vintage signs. It’s an iconic Las Vegas experience and definitely Instagrammable! Another tip is if you’re renting, hire a cleaner to make your chores easier to handle.
If you’re looking for more fun photo backdrops check out the Hope Outdoor Gallery in Austin, Texas. You’ll find street art and murals that will capture your attention. You may even recognize some of them from scenes in L.A Ink or Entourage!
Honolulu is home to beautiful landscapes and iconic landmarks that are sure to capture your attention. It has a lot to offer including picturesque beaches, tranquil botanical gardens, and historic monuments.
The Grand Canyon is a stunning natural wonder that’s worth visiting at least once in your life. Its vastness and dramatic cliffs are captivating. Make sure to stop by at the sunrise or sunset for some incredible photos! The Haiku Stairs in Oahu, Hawaii are another must-see Instagram spot. They resemble a naturally-formed bridge and are popular with hikers and thrill seekers!
4. Seattle
The Seattle area is full of picturesque neighborhoods, lush forests, and stunning waterfront views. For a picture-perfect view of the city, head to the iconic Space Needle. For a more tranquil scene, stroll through the peaceful grounds of the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens. In addition to its natural beauty, Nashville is also home to plenty of historic Southern charm, including the streets lined with oak trees dripping with Spanish Moss and cute boutiques. For a truly Instagrammable photo, head to the Percy Warner Park for breathtaking views of the cityscape or the Downtown Broadway area to capture the hustle and bustle.
Yellowstone is famous for its wildlife, but it’s also a popular spot for beautiful scenery. Be sure to visit the Grand Prismatic Spring, which is known for its eye-catching colors. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities to take pictures at Horseshoe Bend, which offers an epic view of the cliffs and water below.
5. Austin
If you’re an Instagram photographer or vlogger, then you know that there are certain places in the United States that are just more photogenic than others. These locations are the perfect backdrops for your pictures, videos, and posts.
One of the most Instagrammable spots in the USA is Niagara Falls, a breathtaking sight that both you and your followers will fall in love with. Make sure to snap some shots of the mist rising over the American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe Falls.
Seattle is another Instagram-worthy destination in the US with tons of attractions and beautiful scenery to offer. Take some pics of the reflected Seven Magic Mountains in front of the city’s iconic skyline or head to the waterfront for gorgeous sunsets and sunrises.
The Grand Canyon National Park offers breathtaking views and cliffs that will wow you and your Instagram audience. The park’s Grand Prismatic Spring is also a popular spot for pictures.
6. Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City sits amidst the stunning landscape of Utah’s Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains. It’s home to world-class ski resorts, as well as the 2002 Winter Olympics. The downtown area features a thriving arts scene that includes theater productions, art galleries and festivals.
Visitors looking for shopping have a variety of options to choose from, including Trolley Square—a renovated trolley barn shopping center filled with independent art boutiques, restaurants and national retailers. In addition, the 9th and 9th district is a hot spot for foot-traffic friendly coffee bars and shops like Tulie and a burgeoning food scene that highlights local ingredients and techniques.
A trip to Utah wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Great Salt Lake State Park, where travelers can snap photos of one of the Western Hemisphere’s most remarkable natural wonders. There’s also a nature center where visitors can learn more about the unique environment and even feed brine shrimp (better known as sea monkeys) that inhabit the lake.
7. Aspen
The picturesque town of Aspen has a lively art scene, melodious music scene, and many gorgeous Victorian homes. Aspen also has plenty of shopping, from chic boutiques to outdoor sports stores. The most popular attraction in Aspen is the Maroon Bells, which are a must-see for visitors. The mountains are incredibly picturesque, and their reflections in the lake create a real-life painting.
In winter, Aspen is a ski paradise. The slopes are covered with snow, and the town is bustling with après-ski activities. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s something for everyone in Aspen.
You can find some of the most Instagrammable spots in the United States by following travel influencers on social media or consulting travel guides. These locations are breathtaking and offer unique photo opportunities for your Instagram feed. They’re sure to elevate your travel photos and give your followers a glimpse into your journey. Capture the memories with a quality camera and perfect your shot with some editing software.
8. Grand Teton National Park
The massive mountains of Grand Teton National Park erupt from the Jackson Hole valley, forming one of America’s most iconic views. Here, you can stroll tranquil trails and join a climbing expedition to scale a peak while wildlife roams meadows and rivers.
Visitors can also reel in a fish at Jackson Lake or learn about the geology, ecology and wildlife of this area at one of six visitor centers. The Mormon Row Historic District, a set of wooden barns made famous by photos of the Tetons, is a must-see spot for history buffs and photographers.
For more big-sky views, head to the Oxbow Bend Overlook for a view of Mount Moran in its mirror-like reflection on calm days or Schwabacher Landing for the iconic image of snow-etched Teton peaks. For more information, visit the park’s website.
9. Joshua Tree National Park
Located less than an hour from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is where two distinct desert ecosystems meet. Visitors will find giant boulder formations and the twisted jumble of trees for which it is named, plus fascinating plants and animals living in a landscape sculpted by weathering and erosion.
There are many ways to experience Joshua Tree National Park including scenic driving along the 18-mile Geology Road that offers stops with information about how the region’s craggy peaks and canyons were formed. Other highlights include hiking the trails, rock scrambling, and observing the wildlife in a habitat that can be as harsh as it is beautiful.
While the park is open year-round, summer months offer ideal conditions for exploring Joshua Tree and its surroundings with moderate temperatures and clear skies for stargazing. In winter, however, visitors can expect cooler temperatures and occasional snowfall in some parts of the park. Regardless of the season, there is always something to discover in this bewitching desert oasis.