When it comes to planning a professional photoshoot, location is everything. Whether you’re shooting your next big marketing campaign, filming with a client, or simply capturing some fresh visual content for your brand, it’s crucial to get the backdrop just right. LA is, without a doubt, one of the most photogenic places on the planet—but where to start?
You could head to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, have your team set up in front of the Hollywood sign, use the scenic Venice beach or the Santa Monica pier, or head over to the LA Museum of Art. However, if you’re searching for something a little more unique, look no further than this list. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to the most breathtaking video and photoshoot locations in Los Angeles, including Instagram show-stoppers, must-see locations, and hidden gems.
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1. Abalone Cove Shoreline Park – Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Source: Instagram
As far as stunning coastal scenery goes, Abalone Cove has it all—from sparkling emerald waters and lush greenery to dramatic rock formations. Head to Abalone Cove on a clear, sunny day, or wait until dusk for a romantic twilight shoot.
How to get there: Abalone Cove is one of two beaches belonging to Abalone Cove Shoreline Park. Head to 5970 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275. From the parking lot off Palos Verdes Drive South, follow a (pretty long) trail to Abalone Cove Beach. You’ll find park opening hours and admission fees here.
2. The Totem Terrace – Topanga, CA
Source: Airbnb
Nestled in the mountains of Topanga, the Totem Terrace is a spectacularly unique Airbnb rental. Boasting picturesque mountain views and rugged landscapes—not to mention the quirky decor and, of course, the totem pole—Totem Terrace is a treasure trove of photo and video opportunities or Instagram spots.
How to get there: Topanga belongs to western Los Angeles County, California. Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Totem Terrace overlooks the vast Topanga Canyon. As this is an Airbnb rental, so you’ll need to contact the owner for the exact address and directions.
3. Historic 1st Street Bridge – DTLA
Source: Instagram
The iconic backdrop of downtown Los Angeles has inspired countless photo and video shoots, and you won’t find a better vantage point than the historic 1st Street Bridge. Built in the early 1900s, 1st Street Bridge is a neo-classical design bridge traversing the LA river framed by the LA skyline. Ideal for both photo and video, the sheer diversity of angles and perspectives is what really sets this Los Angeles photoshoot location apart.
How to get there: Accessible both by car and on foot, 1st Street Bridge connects downtown Los Angeles and Boyle Heights. If you’re traveling by car, exit the 101 Freeway at Alameda Street and head south on Alameda. Turn left onto First Street and you’ll see the bridge. If you’re taking public transport, head to Union Station. From there, it’s a 0.6-mile walk to the bridge.
4. The Carrizo Plain – San Luis Obispo County, CA
Source: Instagram
Los Angeles has certainly been blessed by Mother Nature, and there is nothing quite like the Carrizo Plain in full bloom. From March onwards, this unique expanse of windswept plains are aflame with wildflowers. Even outside of peak flower season, Carrizo has plenty to inspire your next photo or video shoot; that rocky skyline alone makes for an extraordinary backdrop in Southern California.
How to get there: You’ll need a car for this one (and preferably a four-by-four). Head for the Carrizo Plain National Monument, located on Soda Lake Road, Maricopa, CA 93453. Bear in mind that only the northern eighteen miles of Soda Lake Road is paved, so it’s best to visit the park from the north via Highway 58. The intersection of Highway 58 and Soda Lake Road lies 27 miles west of McKittrick, and 40 miles from Santa Margarita and US-101.
5. Wayfarer’s Chapel – Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Source: Instagram
Wayfarer’s Chapel, also known as the Glass Church, is a little-known photogenic gem located in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Open daily to the public from 9am to 5pm, the chapel has everything you need for a unique photo or video shoot: striking architecture, cool geometry, and plenty of natural light to make it one of the top Los Angeles photo spots.
How to get there: From the LA freeway system, take 1-110 Harbor Freeway and drive south towards San Pedro. Take the last exit onto Gaffey Street and proceed south. Turn right onto 25th Street, which becomes Palos Verdes Drive South. You’ll see the Chapel driveway on your right and the ocean on your left. Remember: the chapel will be closed for private ceremonies, so be sure to call ahead before traveling.
6. Pedestrian Bridge at Slauson Station – Florence Graham, CA
Source: Instagram
This quintessential urban backdrop sets the perfect stage for a nighttime portrait in the city of Los Angeles. The overhead pipeline lighting combined with the chain link tunnel creates the perfect stage for anyone looking to capture the grittiness of an inner-city shoot. It’s truly a hidden gem and one of our favorite photoshoot places in LA.
How to get there: Travelling from DTLA, take the 745 from Harbor Freeway Station 8 stops. Transfers at Broadway/Slauson onto the 108 to Paramount, 9 stops. Exit the train at Slauson and Long Beach. Walk up the platform to the overhead pass and you’ve arrived.
7. Grimes Canyon Road – Ventura County, CA
Source: Instagram
If you’re looking to convey a sense of adventure in your next video or photoshoot, Grimes Canyon Road provides the ideal setting. Located in Ventura County, about an hour’s drive from downtown Los Angeles, this spot has everything from dramatic skies, majestic mountain scenery and, of course, that hairpin bend.
How to get there: From Los Angeles, take the 110 N towards Pasadena. Then, take the US-101 N, CA-170N/Hollywood Freeway and CA-118 W to Princeton Abe Moorpark for 45 miles. Take exit 19A from CA-118 W. From there, continue on Princeton Ave and turn onto Spring Rd and Championship Dr to Grimes Canyon Road.
8. Mount San Jacinto National Park – Idyllwild, CA
Source: California State Parks, 2019
Located 2.5 hours south-east of Los Angeles, Mount Jacinto State Park is one of the most climate diverse photoshoot locations near Los Angeles. Start the morning by shooting atop bold rock formations, with awe-inspiring views. Then work your way up the mountain for a magical forest backdrop. From there, throw on your winter jacket and capture the crisp blanketed snow top peaks.
How to get there: From downtown Los Angeles, travel North on the CA-110 towards Pasadena. Merge onto the I-10 E to CA-71S and I-15 S to CA-79 S/Temecula Parkway in Temecula. Take the Temecula Parkway/SH exit from the I-15 S. From there, Follow CA-79 S, CA-371 E and CA-74 W directly to Idllywild-Pine Cove.
9. Lower Grand – DTLA
Source: Instagram
This industrial playground is the perfect photoshoot location in the City of Angels for your streetwear photoshoot, or athletic apparel or sportscar product shoots. This semi-enclosed tunnel allows photographers to play with backlight, shadows, and aperture to best suit their stylistic demands. Its concrete finish makes this the ideal cyber-punk, modern or futuristic backdrop.
How to get there: Head to DTLA to W General Thaddeus Kosciuszko Way. From here, turn left onto Grand Lower. During the day you can park nearby at 221 S Grand Ave Garage but if you’re looking to do a nighttime shoot there is parking on either side of the street.
10. California Department of Transportation – DTLA
Source: @intron.depot
The California State Department of Transportation is one of the most iconic photoshoot locations in downtown LA. The red and blue neon lights make this the ideal spot for a late-night portrait shoot and one of the truly cool photoshoot locations in Los Angeles. It also looks to be an interesting backdrop for Augmented Reality applications.
How to get there: Located in central downtown Los Angeles, this is one of the most accessible photoshoot locations. Centrally located at 2nd and Main Street, you can exit the 770 railway to El Monte Station. From here, it’s a quick 4-minute walk to your destination.
11. The Bradbury Building in DTLA
Source: Instagram
Built in 1893, an extraordinary skylit atrium frames walkways and stairs in a magical blend of stone, marble, tile, and iron is an iconic LA site for great photos. It can be lit to show various colors and has an eerie futuristic look on cloudy days at dusk. It’s been featured in a number of TV shows and movies, most famously Blade Runner.
How to get there: In DTLA, the Bradbury Building is located at the corner of S. Broadway and W. 3rd St. across from the Grand Central Market. You can use one of the market’s 400 spaces. You’ll need to contact the management company at the Bradbury Building for shooting.
12. Huntington Gardens in San Marino
The Huntington features 120 acres and 16 stunning theme gardens, including Japanese and Chinese gardens, lily ponds, palm trees, jungle, ranch, subtropical, and Roman. It’s also a popular spot for weddings and wedding photos.
How to get there: Located near Pasadena in the city of San Marino, it’s 12 miles northeast of downtown LA. The museum and gardens have two entrance gates at Allen Ave., just south of California Blvd., and on Oxford Road. The nearest public transportation is more than a mile away.
13. The Old L.A. Zoo at Griffith Park
Source: Instagram
You can find some signs of urban decay, but many locations from the old zoo are still intact including an old merry-go-round, animal cages, and large animal exhibits. Using Cinema LUTs and color grading can bring startling emotions to the old L.A. Zoo.
How to get there: It’s about a 20-minute drive from DTLA. Get on I-5 from downtown and take exit 141B at Crystal Spring Drive. It’s located in Griffith Park, the home of the iconic Griffith Observatory, which has a great view of the must-see Hollywood sign.
14. Greystone Mansion and Gardens in Beverly Hills
Source: Instagram
Greystone Mansion and Gardens features a Tudor mansion and formal English Gardens, including 18 acres of stunning backdrops. If you’re looking for an outdoor venue for fashion photography spots in LA, the contrast between high fashion and traditional values can be striking, check with the city of Beverly Hills for shooting on property at the photo location.
How to get there: From downtown, get on the 1010 north and exit at Doheny Road in West Hollywood. Turn right on Doheny Road. Turn left onto Loma Vista Drive.
15. Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve in Lancaster
Source: Instagram
The intense blooming season takes place from mid-February to mid-May depending on the amount of rainfall in the winter and early spring. California poppies bloom in multiple colors. Shooting in mid-morning is best. It’s warm enough for the poppies to open but before the afternoon winds kick in. It’s part of the state’s park system.
How to get there: The California poppy reserve is located in the far northeast corner of L.A. county, so it’s about an hour and a half by car. From DTLA, get on US-101 North. Just past the Olive View UCLA Medical Center, you’ll exit to the right in US-14. Take exit 43 for 20thStreet West, then turn right onto W. Ave J8.
16. Mural Mile in Pacoima
Source: Instagram
More than 50 outdoor murals line nearly a three-mile radius surrounding the Pacoima City Hall in the San Fernando Valley. Vibrant colors and works of art from local artists tell stories that can serve as colorful backdrops for any professional photographer.
How to get there: Head north on US 101. 101 will turn into US-170 and merge with I-5. Head north on I-5. You’ll want to take the I55B exit from I-5 North and then take a right on Van Nuys Boulevard until you arrive.
17. Hauser & Wirth in the Arts District
The Hauser & Wirth has an assortment of photo-ready locations from fashionable to funky. From the stark white entryway to the exhibits to the sprawling central courtyard with steel bow trusses, it can be used to create a subtle yet sophisticated mood. Contact the Hauser & Wirth team for photoshoots.
How to get there: Hauser & Wirth is located in the L.A. Arts District at the corner of E. 6th Street and S. Alameda.
18. Urban Light
Source: Instagram
Located at the front entrance of the LA County Museum of Art (LACMA), there are 202 vintage street lamps that adorn the western edge of the Miracle Mile. Created by artist Chris Burden, each of the Urban Light lamps is painted a uniform steel grey. It provides a striking symmetry blending old-world stylings in a unique setting with different moods in bright sunlight and lit at night.
How to get there: from DTLA, take the I-10 West towards Santa Monica. At exit 9, exit and turn right onto Crenshaw Blvd, left onto S. Crenshaw, left onto W. Olympic Blvd, and then right onto S. Stanley Ave. When you hit Wilshire Boulevard, take a right. Urban Light is at LACMA across the street from the LA Brea Tar Pits.
19. El Matador Beach in Malibu
Source: Instagram
An hour west of LA, El Matador Beach in Malibu has long stretches of sand, massive rock formations, and sea caves. Tons of birds congregate and nest on top of hard to reach rock formations. When the sun is setting, the golden hour lights the entire beach with a golden hue and creates fascinating shadows across the rocks and caves.
How to get there: Head west on 1-10 towards Santa Monica. Take I-10 until you hit CA-1 and head north of CA-1. El Matador beach will be on the left-hand side at 32350 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. It can be easy to miss. After you pass Point Dume and before Leo Carrillo, look for the small sign on the right-hand side. Parking is dicey. The parking lot fills up fast and you can get ticketed for parking street side.
20. The Hollywood Sign
Source: Instagram
Finally, we couldn’t forget the Hollywood sign. Although you can see it from several vantage points through the city, one of the best viewing experiences is at Lake Hollywood Park.
How to get there: Take US-101 north until you get to exit 11A. After merging onto Cuenga Blvd, turn right on Barham Blvd and then another right onto Lake Hollywood Drive. As Lake Hollywood turns left, it becomes Tahoe Drive. From there, take a right on Canyon Lake Drive and the park is on your left.
You’ll find unrestricted street parking along Canyon Lake Drive with a view of the sign. If you want to get closer, walk up Mulholland Highway until you hit the dirt and then walk through the gate at Deronda. The closest vantage point is about a one-mile hike to the top of Mt. Lee but you’ll be behind the sign.
Cool Photoshoot Locations in Los Angeles Photo Spots
So, there you have it: the ultimate guide to stunning cool photoshoot locations in Los Angeles. Whether you need an iconic LA backdrop or a unique setting for your video or photoshoot, there’s plenty to like within a short drive.
Do you have Los Angeles photo spots that you think should be on the list? Drop us a line and let us know.
