25 Incredible Places to Take Pictures in Los Angeles

Looking to take cool photos in and of Los Angeles? We’ve been exploring the city for the past three-plus years and we’ve taken literally thousands of photos and many hours of video footage (seriously!). Now what to do with it all?

Well, we thought it might be helpful to compile some of our most-loved spots in a little video montage that we put together on our YouTube channel. The idea is that you’ll give it a watch, get some inspiration, then go out to take a few photos of your own!

For more information on each of the locations mentioned in the video, scroll below for links to all. I’ve also sprinkled in a few videos spotlighting a couple of the locations so you can get a closer look at the look and feel of each.

As a reminder, you should be fine doing recreational photography at any of the locations mentioned below, but be sure to double-check what fees/permits are required if you’re planning to do professional work.

Hope the list helps!

1. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (free)

2. Eaton Canyon Falls (free)

3. Venice Canals (free)

4. Santa Monica Pier (free)

5. Hollywood Bowl (free during day)

6. The Bradbury Building (free)

7. The Huntington Library ($$)

8. Echo Park Lake (free)

9. Chinatown Central Plaza (free)

10. Ascot Hills Park (free)

11. Vista Hermosa Park (free)

12. Turnbull Canyon Hiking Trail (free)

13. Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area (free on weekdays, $6 on weekends and holidays for single vehicles)

14. 1st Street Bridge (free)

15. Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve (paid parking)

16. El Matador State Beach (free)

17. The Getty Villa (free admission w/paid parking)

18. The Getty Center (free admission w/paid parking)

19. Walt Disney Concert Hall exterior (free)

20. City Hall Observation Deck (free, only open on weekdays)

21. Grand Park (free)

22. Urban Lights at LACMA (free) – Note that the museum offers free admission on second Tuesdays and after 3 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays.

23. Descanso Gardens ($$)

24. Historic Core of Downtown Los Angeles (free)

25. Griffith Observatory (free)

If you enjoyed any of the video episodes embedded above, be sure to subscribe to We Like L.A. on YouTube to get more of the same.