Picture-Perfect LA: Where to Snap, Shoot, and Get Your Gram On
If Los Angeles were a supermodel, it’d never run out of angles. Dereck Zoolander had Blue Steel. LA has every color under the Southern California sun. From star-studded homes in the hills to beach coves and curling waves, the city seems designed to max out your phone/camera’s memory card. So pack your things into the luxury car you have rented from 777 Exotics and get busy with the catalog of classic photos that scream the good life.
1. LA’s Iconic Landmarks
- Griffith Observatory (2800 E Observatory Rd): Come for the panoramic skyline views just steps from the Hollywood sign, stay for the jaw-dropping sunsets over the City of Angels.
- Santa Monica Pier: You have probably seen this one in films and TV. The carnival rides, ocean breezes, and cotton-candy colored skies? This pier’s the place to practice your “I’m casually living my best life surrounded by entertainment” shot.
- Hollywood Sign: Whether you’re hiking up Griffith Park or scoping out Runyon Canyon, the iconic letters are your official welcome to Tinseltown.
2. Artistic Installations
- Urban Light at LACMA (5905 Wilshire Blvd): Picture rows of vintage street lamps lighting the night. It’s basically the city’s biggest “selfie ring light.”
- The Getty Center (1200 Getty Center Dr): The architecture alone could fill an album—throw in the lush gardens and you’ll need a spare battery.
3. Unique Neighborhoods
- Melrose Avenue Murals: Funky street art meets trendy shops. Snap a pic of yourself in front of a mural you found on social media… because that’s how we do it.
- Venice Canals: Picture postcard footbridges, charming houses, and a dash of Venice (the Italian one). Your photos might fool your friends into thinking you jetted off to Europe.
4. Natural Settings
- El Matador Beach (32215 Pacific Coast Hwy): Rugged cliffs, sea stacks, and golden sand. It’s like a movie set, without the studio lights—or the director yelling, “Cut!”
- Runyon Canyon: Catch the city skyline from the top of a hiking trail while simultaneously bragging you’ve “totally done cardio” this week.
5. Cultural Hotspots
- The Broad (221 S Grand Ave): This contemporary art museum’s architecture is as much of a head-turner as the exhibitions inside.
- Chinatown Central Plaza: Color, culture, and architecture that pop in any photo. Also, some of the best eats around—fuel for more photo expeditions.
6. Additional Gems
- The Last Bookstore (453 S Spring St): Where else can you browse a labyrinth of books while snapping pics of a 3D book tunnel? #LiteraryGoals.
- Walt Disney Concert Hall (111 S Grand Ave): The shiny, curvy exterior can capture reflections like a fun-house mirror—minus the nightmare clown.
So grab your camera (or phone), charge those batteries, and dive into LA’s endless supply of photo-worthy wonders. Because if it’s not on Instagram, did it really happen?
Two Holiday Road-Trip Treasures Around Los Angeles
Los Angeles is mostly known for its Hollywood sparkle, but venture outside the City of Angels and you’ll discover some truly Angelic drives. From U.S. coastal highways to desert escapes and mountain caverns, here are five of 777 Exotics favorite road trips near LA:
- The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
- Why Take The PCH? Well, if you like dramatic ocean views, classic surf vibes in and around Malibu, and a relaxed beach-town feels like Santa Barbara, this is the convertible top-down, ocean-breezy trip for you.
- LA Insider Tip: Pull over at scenic overlooks to spot dolphins, watch the surfers, and look south to see the Santa Monica Skyline at sunset. That’s the prime time!
- Stay Close and Tour Beverly Hills
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- Why Driving in Beverly Hills? So you can get inside a tour bus, and hear the loud speaker describe the city and its famous residents. Or, you can visit Beverly Hills like a local. Cruise down Rodeo Drive for shopping and fine dining. Play the music you like while relaxing in the luxury of a Mercedes, Rolls Royce or even a Ferrari. Pull up to valet and be treated like a star stepping out of your private car. .
- LA Insider Tip: Go to Urth Cafe! The parking is easy, the outdoor dining is perfect on a sunny day in LA, and you will see a mix of people and posh pets coming in for the craft pastries, sandwiches and desserts.
