Your ultimate guide to California’s most photogenic gems!
Planning a trip to California? Get ready to experience a state bursting with breathtaking landscapes, iconic landmarks, and hidden treasures that are just begging to be captured on camera. From sun-drenched beaches to towering redwoods, vibrant cityscapes to serene desert oases, California offers a picture-perfect setting for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re curating your dream Instagram feed or simply looking for unforgettable views, this guide will take you to the most Insta-worthy spots across the Golden State. Let the adventure—and the photo ops—begin!
(Click on each one to see additional details and information)
Battery Spencer - San Francisco
Heart Lake - Mount Shasta
Artists Palette - Death Valley National Park
Mossbrae Falls - Dunsmuir
Slacker Hill - San Francisco
Karl Knapp Trail - Redwood National Park
Glacier Point - Yosemite National Park
Cypress Tree Tunnel - Point Reyes
Congress Trail - Sequoia National Park
Golden Gate Overlook - San Francisco
Fallen Tree Log - Sequoia National Park
Shark Fin Cove - Davenport
Big Tree Wayside - Redwood National Park
Mendocino Headlands State Park - Mendocino
Burney Falls - Burney
McCloud Falls - Mount Shasta
Artist Point - Yosemite National Park
Pfeiffer Beach - Big Sur
McWay Falls - Big Sur
Tunnel View - Yosemite National Park
Mount Shasta Viewpoint - Mount Shasta
Zabriskie Point - Death Valley National Park
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes - Death Valley National Park
Cholla Cactus Garden - Joshua Tree National Park
Morro Rock - Morro Bay
California has "insta-worthy" spots all over the state. And it's quite subjective. That being said, these 25 represent a mix of iconic spots that every visitor wants to see, as well as some lesser-known hidden gems. But the end goal with all of these, is to be left in awe of the beauty and views!
Want to visit as many epic locations as you can? Or maybe just want to have more options? No worries! We've got nearly 100 different sightseeing and photo spots in our guide that are scattered all over the state. So make sure to take a look!
Have questions about any of these? Let us know!
Go check out my guide for the best free things to do as well as itineraries and travel tips to make your trip unforgettable.