Visit San Diego’s Most Instagrammable Spots
San Diego is a city meant to be photographed. With miles of coastline, breathtaking sunsets, trendy restaurants, and nonstop fun, this city is packed with Instagrammable places. Since there are postcard-perfect vistas around every corner, it’s difficult to go wrong when looking for places to snap the perfect shot.
Even so, there are definitely some that stand out. That’s why we’ve narrowed down the best spots to get a great picture for the ‘gram.
San Diego Beaches
Spend the day at any of San Diego’s countless spectacular beaches and get great photos. There isn’t a beach in town that’s not a perfect backdrop, as well as a great place to spend the rest of your day. Head to Ocean Beach’s Dog Beach for pooches in your picture, or find the hidden Windansea Beach for tide pools at low tide.
Dog Beach: 5156W W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107 (5 miles away)
Windansea Beach: 6800 Neptune Pl, La Jolla, CA 92037 (12 miles away)
Old Town San Diego (2 miles from the hotel)
San Diego has long been renowned as one of the most historic cities on the West Coast, and nowhere is our past more beautifully on display than in Old Town. As the most storied district in a storied city, Old Town is chock-full of stunning sights. From craft markets to street fairs to restaurants, festivals, and art galleries, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to fantastic photo ops.
4010 Twiggs St, San Diego, CA 92110
Photo credit: @visitoldtownsd
Balboa Park (3 miles away)
With over 1,200 acres of gorgeous green space, museums, restaurants, and more, Balboa Park has many Instagrammable destinations within its borders. The Botanical Building and its adjacent Lily Pond is one of the most beautiful spots in all of San Diego. It’s one of the most photographed scenes in Balboa park and a must-see destination. Pro tip: Visit around sunset for a colorful reflection of the sky across the pond.
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Photo credit: @natgeotravel @balboapark
Artelexia (4 miles away)
This traditional Mexican craft store is a vibrant festival of color, beauty, and creativity. Stunning folk art adorns every surface, including the exterior walls. These brilliant backdrops have featured in countless memorable photos shot in San Diego. The best part? You can take a souvenir of your visit home!
3803 Ray St, San Diego, CA 92104
Photo credit: @artelexia
Pigment (4 miles away)
Nestled in the heart of North Park, Pigment is known for being one of the most Instagrammable stores in San Diego. Snap a picture inside this picturesque place and document the unique build-your-own terrarium creation from Pigment’s Plant Lab. Or strike a pose in front of their outdoor succulent wall.
2885 Perry Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
Photo credit: @shoppigment
Holy Matcha (4 miles away)
Holy Matcha is the stuff Instagram dreams are made of. This ridiculously chic green-tea café is located in North Park. The interior decor is simply gorgeous. It has tropical pink-and-green wallpaper, pink sofas, and white marble tabletops. While there, don’t skip on sampling the deliciously intense eponymous hot beverage. The Matcha Latté is a particular local favorite.
3118 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Photo credit: @holymatchaa
“Greetings from San Diego” Mural (4 miles away)
This incredibly photogenic backdrop is quickly becoming just as much of a San Diego landmark as LA’s hillside “Hollywood” sign or the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign in Sin City. The “Greetings From San Diego” mural in North Park just screams “Instagram me!” #greetingsfromsandiego
4225 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Photo credit: @ms.joa, @charlatte711
Sunset Cliffs (7 miles away)
Spectacular sunsets are a hallmark of the San Diego experience. And one of the best places to check them out is at the aptly named Sunset Cliffs, near Ocean Beach. No matter what time of day you visit, you’ll enjoy breathtaking coastal views. For the best photos, you’ll want to head to the cliffs around sunset.
1024 Cordova St, San Diego, CA 92107
Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier (10 miles away)
You simply can’t leave San Diego without securing a pic for your feed at one of the most iconic spots in San Diego: beneath Scripps Pier. This famous La Jolla landmark has been one of the city’s most popular photo settings for years, featured on postcards, holiday cards, in engagement and wedding photos, and countless other stunning snaps.
Photo credit: @thescrippspier
The Carlsbad Flower Fields (35 miles away)
Venture just up the coast to Carlsbad and experience the sweeping beauty of 50 acres of vibrant flowers stretching out as far as the eye can see. The Flower Fields is a popular destination for graduation, engagement, and celebratory photos and provides the perfect way to add a pop of color to your timeline.
5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Photo credit: @the_flower_fields