These 5 Spots in the U.S. Were Made to Be Photographed
Whether you’re just trying your hand at Instagram or have well over 20,000 followers, travel is the perfect excuse to beef up your account on the social media platform. And America is chock-full of landscapes worthy of an added Perpetua or Aden filter. From the murals of Miami to the peaks of the Elk Mountains and on to the glaciers of Montana, we’ve rounded up some of the most picturesque scenery around the U.S. that is sure to earn you a like or two.
Rainbow Row, Charleston, South Carolina
Rainbow Row, located near the city’s historic waterfront, consist of more than a dozen brightly painted houses that date back to the mid-1700s. The buildings fell into disrepair after the American Civil War and remained in poor condition until the early 1900s when they were eventually renovated by Dorothy Porcher Legge. These pretty pastel-colored row houses are iconic landmarks frequently visited by tourists and residents.
Wynwood Walls, Miami, Florida
Lovers of urban graffiti will want to check out the Wynwood Walls in Miami. This open-air gallery is located in the Wynwood district, north of downtown Miami, and features bright, vibrant street art. The murals were once old warehouse buildings but were turned into canvases in 2009 by real estate visionary Tony Goldman. More than 50 artists from 16 countries have added to Wynwood Walls since its inception in 2009.
Maroon Bells, White River National Forest, Colorado
For a truly incredible landscape, head to White River National Forest to snap a picture (or 10) of the Maroon Bells. Located in a glacial valley roughly 10 miles southwest of Aspen, the beautiful Maroon Bells feature a reflective lake and two 14,000-foot peaks, Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak. After you’ve captured your perfect shot, head out for a day of hiking around the surrounding area. Visitors should note that there’s restricted access to the Maroon Bells during the summer and fall months due to popularity.
Grinnell Glacier, Glacier National Park, Montana
While there’s certainly nothing wrong with Yellowstone National Park, the 1,583-square-mile Glacier National Park, located on the northern border of Montana and Alberta, Canada, is an equally photogenic option. Make sure to pay a visit to the Grinnell Glacier, named after George Bird Grinnell and one of the most popular glaciers in the park. Visitors will find little need for Instagram filters for this location, thanks to the vibrant greenery, sparkling blue lake and imposing surrounding peaks.
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Kern County, California
If you’re keen to recreate the poppy scene from the “Wizard of Oz,” we suggest checking out the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, located in the western tip of the Mojave Desert. Though you won’t be able to make like Dorothy and frolic in the poppy fields themselves (there are strict rules about this, including not taking selfies among the poppies), you can still enjoy and capture these brightly colored flowers from the surrounding trails. The best time to visit is from the midmorning, when the flowers first open, to late afternoon, when they begin to curl up again.
Pittock Mansion, Portland, Oregon
Head to the West Hills of Portland and visit the opulent Pittock Mansion. This French Renaissance-style château was built in 1914 and belonged to Henry Pittock, a pioneer and the former editor of The Oregonian. The mansion stayed in the Pittock family until 1958 but remained empty for several years before it was saved by Portland residents. The mansion was purchased and repaired (it had sustained major damage a few years prior), and the property was eventually reopened it to the public as a museum in 1965. Today, visitors head to the property to explore not only the mansion but also the spectacular views of Portland.
Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois
If you love capturing shots of not only beautiful landscapes but also wildlife, make sure to pay a visit to the Nature Boardwalk. The conservation area was added to the Lincoln Park Zoo, located in northwest Chicago, in 2010 and was designed to help improve the water quality, landscape, accessibility and hydrology of the Lincoln Park’s South Pond. Though the surrounding area offers plenty of photo ops, visitors will also find beautiful views of Chicago’s skyline. The partially covered pavilion, constructed from prefabricated wood and fiberglass domes, is also worth a few snaps.
Ashley Bess is an editor turned freelancer writer who describes herself as short, opinionated, recently repatriated, lover of gin and travel and with a head full of useless song lyrics and movie quotes.