Whether you’re a Southern California local or visiting from out of town, Laguna Beach is the perfect location for a beach day or weekend trip. The white sand and blue skies are endless, the variety of beachfront restaurants is amazing, and there are thousands of classic photo opportunities. The streets here are made for strolling, window shopping, and, of course, Instagramming. Here are my recommendations on some perfect Instagrammable photo spots in Laguna Beach, California.
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1. Classic Lifeguard Tower
This iconic Laguna Beach lifeguard tower was built in the 1930’s. Its perfect location and classic look make it one of the most Instagrammable photo spots in Laguna Beach. It is no longer used as a lifeguard tower, but is still used for storage. The city actually considered knocking it down at one point, but the fact that it is one of the most photographed and painted spots in Laguna Beach kept it standing.
Located between the street and the beach, it stands out as a major photo opp with the beach in the background. There are benches situated around the lifeguard tower, perfect for sitting and admiring the view. To avoid heavy shadows like in my photo below, be sure to visit this spot in the morning or evening for the best light. Tip: Come for sunset and get some amazing colors in the sky as your backdrop!
Location of the Lifeguard Tower:
105 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
2. Old Pirate Tower (one of my favorite Instagrammable photo spots in Laguna Beach)
The ultimate Instagram photo opportunity lies in visiting the Laguna Beach Pirate Tower. It is a bit hidden, so be sure to check out my more detailed article on how to find it: The Pirate Tower in Laguna Beach. Located on the rocks of the shore of Victoria Beach, it looks like something right out of a fairytale, making this one of the most instagrammable spots in Laguna Beach.
While it’s romantic to dream of it once being the stronghold of swashbuckling pirates, its history is much more tame. However, it’s a known fact that one of the former owners liked to dress up as a pirate and hide gold coins in the sand around the base for kids to discover. Tip: Visit this spot during sunrise or sunset for some photo magic.
Location of the Pirate Tower:
Here is the address for the staircase that leads down to Victoria Beach: 2705-2711 Victoria Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Check my related post for more detailed instructions with photos.
3. Art-a-Fair Building (one of the most colorful Instagrammable photo spots in Laguna Beach)
I’ve often driven past this building on the way to and from Laguna Beach, and recently I stopped to check it out. There is a parking lot located right next door, and, as soon as you get out of your car, you’re faced with a giant colorful wall mural lining the side of the building. As you make your way to the entrance, it feels a bit like entering a rainbow wonderland. The Laguna Beach Art-a-Fair takes place annually, a summer event that celebrates local art in all forms, features local vendors, and always provides excellent food trucks.
While the inside of the building is only open to visitors during the summer Art-a-Fair, you are able to walk around the outside and enjoy the colorful murals and atmosphere. I spent some time walking around the outside and taking photos. Each wall has its own crazy and colorful pattern. I ended up taking so many photos, proving this to be one of the most Instagrammable photo spots in Laguna Beach. I definitely plan to return during the summer Art-a-Fair.
Location of the Art-a-Fair:
777 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
4. Colorful Staircase
Located in a shady intersection on a neighborhood street, this colorful staircase is a classic Instagrammable photo spot in Laguna Beach that you just can’t miss. With plenty of parking along the sides of the street, it is easily accessible. The staircase is very tall and will take you all the way to the top of the hill. It’s surrounded by plenty of lovely plants and succulents and I was one of the only people there. I met some nice people doing laps up and down the stairs. If I lived in the area, I would choose this place for some fitness as well! Tip: wear a color that matches one of the colors on the stairs to really make your photo pop.
Location of the Staircase:
Corner of 3rd St & Mermaid Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
5. Angel Wings Wall Mural (one of the most traditional Instagrammable photo spots in Laguna Beach)
Nothing says Instagram like posing in front of an angel wing wall mural. This particular mural was painted by Colette Miller, and exists on the side wall of a pizza joint. Since angel wings are impossible to pass by without stopping and giving your best pose, I consider it one of the Instagrammable photo spots in Laguna Beach that you just can’t miss. It’s also a great photo stop to plan around lunch time so you can stop and get a good slice of pizza.
Location of the Angel Wings:
477 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, 92651
Equipment I Used When Finding These Instagrammable Photo Spots in Laguna Beach
Camera
Cell phone cameras are amazing these days, but if you’re looking for a good camera recommendation, I use a Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Camera and I love it. It’s lightweight, it has an awesome mix of settings, and includes an instant download to your cellphone for easy Instagram posting on the go.
Tripod
I recently purchased this lightweight camera tripod and I take it everywhere! It’s perfect for getting group shots or shots of yourself if you’re exploring solo. It collapses pretty easily and comes with a carrying case. There are also tripods that are compatible with cameras and phones, like this phone tripod stand. Getting a tripod is definitely an photography game changer!
Other Photography Gear
Check out the rest of my Travel Blogging Photography Gear for tips and recommendations on my favorite products.
Pin it For Later: Instagrammable Photo Spots in Laguna Beach
Looking for More Photo Spots in California?
- Head to Yosemite National Park and check out these top Instagram Spots in Yosemite Valley
- Check out my article on the Huntington Botanical Gardens in Pasadena, California. You will thank me for introducing you to this endless Instagram playground.
- Feel like a photographer in Europe amidst windmills and vineyards while spending a day in Solvang, California.
1 Comment
Your very helpful, I am a resident and didn’t know about some of what you mentioned. I will look for these places. Again I thank you for this fun information.