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15 Los Angeles photo ops to put on your bucket list

Michael Juliano
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Michael Juliano
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As we jealously scroll through L.A.'s essential Instagram accounts, we can't help but think why that isn't us out there on that mountaintop or brunching it up by the ocean. Well, it's about time we start to tackle some of our bucket list items—and humble brag the crap out of our covetable conquests in the process. We're all guilty of particular Instagram posts, but these photo ops deserve a spot in your camera roll. Do it for the likes. Do it for the sense of exploration. It doesn't matter the reason—these are the 15 memorable photo ops around L.A. to which you should aspire.

The Bridge to Nowhere

 

Trek into the wilderness north of Azusa and you'll eventually come upon this 1936 bridge that leads to, well, nowhere.

Behind the Hollywood Sign

 

Hollywood! #la #hollywood #ca

A photo posted by K Sanchez Photo (@ksanchez_photo) on

 

You've taken out-of-towners to see the sign from afar, but start a hike in Griffith Park and wrap up behind the iconic Hollywood Sign.

Atop Los Angeles City Hall

You owe yourself a visit to L.A. City Hall's semi-secret observation deck.

 

From inside a wave curl

 

Some barrels for you hungover donkeys #spl #westward

A photo posted by Shaun Scopinich (@shaunscop) on

 

Surf's up—just don't ruin your phone in the process.

Going down Skyslide

 

Waiting my turn... #Skyspace #skyslide #downtown #la #70floorsup

A photo posted by Marilyn Foley (@mj_foley) on

 

If you're going to brave the 1,000-foot-high Skyslide, you're going to want some photographic evidence.

Snow within L.A. County

 

One reason why I love #LA so much. ❄️❄️ #AngelesCrestHighway #AngelesForest #NewcombsRanch #5kElevation 📷: @dangoshoot

A photo posted by Newcombs Ranch (@newcombs__ranch) on

 

Don't let the palm trees (and drought) fool you—it's easy to find snow in L.A. Just venture up Angeles Crest Highway in the winter and you're sure to see the white stuff by the time you hit Newcomb's Ranch.

Inside the Magic Castle

 

Magic Castle memories ✨🔮

A photo posted by Natalie Zimmerman (@natalienotions) on

 

Photos aren't allowed inside of the members-only club, so you'll need to work on your sleight of hand to snap a pic.

From the Stahl House at night

 

Mid century and Laura glam. #stahlhouse #midcenturymodern #casestudyhouse

A photo posted by Marit CM (@maritscm) on

 

Julius Shulman's photograph of Case Study House #22 is about as iconic of an L.A. image as you can find. Try your hand at recreating it with a visit to the Stahl House.

Dinner at Wolvesmouth

 

my favorite place to spend time in california is this one, @wolvesmouth . 📷 @logcad

A photo posted by austin brown (@austinbrown__) on

 

It's not easy to score an invite to this in-house pop-up dinner, but do so and you'll find Wolvesmouth to be one of the best dining experiences in L.A.

In a helicopter above Downtown

 

Pre Instagram Photoshoot of US Bank Tower. By @ablesvision #lostinla #losangelesaerial #copterpilot #usbanktower #@skyspacela

A photo posted by Los Angeles Aerial Photography (@copterpilot) on

 

Just don't stare through your camera lens too much if you have a weak stomach.

Inside Disneyland's Club 33

 

Sunday Brunch at the exclusive Club33 @disneyland

A photo posted by @threesixty_photospheres on

 

Sure, you've been on the best Disneyland rides, but have you been inside the theme park's members-only speakeasy? Bring us along and we'll be happy to snap your photo.

Sunset at El Matador

 

As one of L.A.'s best beaches, El Matador also consistently provides stunning sunsets.

Sunrise over the city

 

Good morning, #LA. How about that #sunrise? Photograph: @mjuliano #LAgram

A photo posted by Time Out Los Angeles (@timeoutla) on

 

The sun comes up over the mountains to the east and sets the whole sky ablaze. The Hollywood Bowl Overlook is an easily approachable spot with a perfect vantage point.

From the summit of Mt. Baldy

 

What a amazing day! #mtbaldy #hikela #california #wildernessculture #

A photo posted by Peter Stylianoudakis (@petestyl) on

 

At 10,000 feet, it's the highest peak in the county—you've earned this photo op.

From the Dodger Stadium outfield

 

#dodgerstadium #fridaynightfireworks #la #dodgers #california #mlb

A photo posted by Jorge (@jorgieroosta) on

 

Grab tickets to a Friday night game at Dodger Stadium and you can watch the post-game fireworks show from the field.

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