10 Most Instagrammable Places in San Diego
See the City's Most Beautiful Places
San Diego is bursting with historic buildings, stunning natural areas, and rich cultural attractions that are perfect for Instagram photos. You can fill your newsfeed with pictures of zoo animals, native California wildlife, panoramic coastal shots, historic buildings, and unique cultural decor, all on the same trip. From vast parklands to picturesque dining and cocktails, you’ll never run out of amazing pictures of your trip. Find out about the 10 most Instagrammable places in San Diego to plan your itinerary and see all the best attractions.
1. Old Town San Diego
Discover the mysteries of a historic district
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo
Old Town San Diego is filled with historic buildings, top-notch museums, and fascinating attractions that are perfect for photo opportunities. Located near the Pacific Highway, the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is the birthplace of California and preserved to commemorate its rich history. When you visit, you’ll see numerous 19th-century homes that give you a glimpse into colonial life, such as an old adobe ranch house, a schoolhouse, and more. The area is also a local hub for lore and ghost sightings, so you can visit the cemetery and Whaley House Museum to snap a photo of the resident ghosts that purportedly haunt the place. Read more
Old Town San Diego
2. Carlsbad Ranch
Experience the famous rainbow flowers
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch offers long stretches of rainbow-colored flowers on a tranquil hillside overlooking Carlsbad and the California coast. Located in Carlsbad, the ranch’s 50 acres of fields not only offers colorful flowers but plenty of attractions for the whole family. After taking pictures of the famous flower fields, take a tractor wagon ride to see the landscape and themed garden spaces. You could also visit the Ecke poinsettia greenhouse, take the kids through the sweet pea maze, and spend some time in the orchid greenhouses. Kids will also like Santa’s playground, a holiday-themed play area. Read more
Location: 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
Phone: +1 760-431-0352
Carlsbad Ranch
3. Artelexia
Find unique Mexican decor
Good for: Shoppers, Photo
Artelexia is a creative Mexican gift shop that offers textiles, handbags, art, and handmade jewelry. Located in the Arts District, Artelexia is a fun place to take pictures of cultural artwork and pick up some unique souvenirs. You’ll find a range of exciting gifts at Artelexia, including Day of the Dead memorabilia, Frida Kahlo-themed gifts, fiesta decor, books about Mexican culture, and children’s toys. To increase creativity in the community, the owner of Artelexia hosts art workshops and seminars to inspire the artist in everyone.
Location: 3803 Ray St, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 619-501-6381
Artelexia
4. Seaport Village
Explore a historic waterfront
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Seaport Village is a waterfront shopping complex with retail shops, galleries, and eateries housed in historic buildings. Located in downtown San Diego on the San Diego Bay, the complex is entirely pedestrian. In addition to the views of the bay and landscape, you’ll find many attractions at Seaport Village for stunning pictures. The U.S.S. Midway aircraft carrier is docked in the bay and there’s a historic carousel with hand-carved animals. Be sure to stop in the shops and galleries to see what’s on the offer and pick up some gifts. Read more
Location: 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Open: Daily from 11 am to 7 pm
Phone: +1 619-530-0704
Seaport Village
5. Scripps Pier
Marvel at an oceanographic research site
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Scripps Pier is a massive research pier that’s designed for oceanographic studies and scientific dives. Officially known as the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier, the pier is a feature of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and is named for its patron. Because the pier is a vital research facility with delicate scientific instruments and mounting stations, it’s not open to the public. However, the pier hosts public tours each month and special events for the public, so you can book a tour to take photos of the ocean and the research equipment. You can also take pictures from the area around the pier. Read more
Location: 8650 Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Scripps Pier
6. San Diego Zoo
Take pictures of global wildlife
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
The San Diego Zoo is a renowned zoological facility with over 3,500 animals representing over 800 species. Located in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo uses open-air, cageless exhibits that promote naturalistic habitats for the animals. With the picturesque habitats and animals, the zoo is one of the best places to take pictures in San Diego. You can visit the African rainforest, Arctic tundra, and aviaries, all of which have native species that live side by side in the wild. There’s also a safari park with a vast, open setting where you can see more animals. Some of the highlights include the Monkey Trails, Panda Canyon, and Polar Bear Plunge. Read more
Location: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 619-231-1515
San Diego Zoo
7. Torrery Pines State Natural Reserve
Explore a vast coastal park
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Adventure
The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a coastal state park with wild woodlands, a beach, a lagoon, and an abundance of wildlife. Located in La Jolla, the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of the best places to see native wildlife. You can take pictures from the cliff plateau to see the Torrey Pines State Beach and neighboring lagoon, which is home to migratory seabirds. You may also spot bobcats, foxes, coyotes, rabbits, and skunks. On occasion, you’ll spot migrating whales from the overlook, such as humpback whales and gray whales. Read more
Location: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Open: Daily from 7.15 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 858-755-2063
Torrery Pines State Natural Reserve
8. Cabrillo National Monument
See a historic monument and lighthouse
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo
The Cabrillo National Monument is a historic landmark that honors the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay in 1542. Located on the tip of Point Loma Peninsula, the site is an important historical landmark for the state and a must-visit on your trip. Along with seeing and photographing the monument, you’ll also see the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse and museum. The point is one of the best spots to see San Diego’s harbor and skyline as well, especially with views of the Coronado Islands and the Naval Air Station North Island in the distance. Read more
Location: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 619-557-5450
Cabrillo National Monument
9. The Gaslamp Quarter
Take pictures of iconic gaslamps
Good for: Couples, Families, Shoppers, Photo
The Gaslamp Quarter is an iconic neighborhood with historic buildings, beautiful architectural details, and thrilling nightlife. Located in the downtown area, the Gaslamp Quarter is filled with dive bars, night clubs, cocktail lounges, and theaters with regular performances. You’ll find many opportunities to take pictures of attractive buildings, historic bars and restaurants, and the landscape design. One of the highlights of visiting the Gaslamp Quarter is taking a picture of the actual gaslamps, which give the entire street an Old-World look. If you stay for dinner or drinks, you’re sure to have many Instagrammable dishes and cocktails. Read more
Location: San Diego, CA 92101, USA
The Gaslamp Quarter
10. Mission San Diego de Alcala
See a historic mission
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo
The Mission San Diego de Alcala is a restored example of 18th-century Spanish missions. Located 10 minutes north of downtown San Diego, the Franciscan mission was founded by the Spanish friar Junipero Serra and marks the first Christian burial in the region. The mission is an important historic landmark and offers many opportunities for photos of the building and its surroundings. Take some time to walk around the gardens to see the old adobe structures and snap pictures of the flowers and plants. Read more
Location: 10818 San Diego Mission Rd, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 4.30 pm
Phone: +1 619-283-7319
Mission San Diego de Alcala
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