• Things to Do

Where to Snap the Perfect Instagram in San Diego

If you’re planning your next vacation based on scenic photo opportunities, look no further than sunny San Diego. The iconic coastal beaches, popular attractions, and vast array of dining options makes this West Coast city the perfect subject for your next impromptu photoshoot. Charming streets, colorful backdrops, and creative cuisine provide plenty of Instagrammable spots in San Diego. No matter the aesthetic you’re going for on your feed, our laid-back city has something for you.

Start with the background. If beautiful scenic backdrops are what you’re looking for, head to the beach. La Jolla Cove and the La Jolla Children’s Pool feature beautiful rock formations, blue ocean waves, and the occasional group of sea lions sunning themselves.

 Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma offers scenic ocean views, the history of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, and a very instagrammable spiral staircase. Venture to Sunset Cliffs for dramatic landscapes and crashing ocean waves. Keep its name in mind and head over at sunset to snap a colorful photo of the evening sky. Be sure to stroll along the Shelter Island Marina, located right next to Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina, for rows and rows of breathtaking schooners, speedboats, and yachts.

 

Museums are also a huge Instagram opportunity, especially in San Diego. The impressive concentration of museums means there are always unique exhibits waiting to be captured. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (Downtown) offers different exhibits throughout the year that provide popular content on Instagram. Balboa Park is another great location to learn about history and snap a great photo for your feed. With over 40 museums and scenic grounds filled with gardens, ponds, eateries, and more, Balboa Park can easily take up a full day. Be sure to stop by the Lily Pond, located in front of Balboa Park’s Botanical Building. It’s one of the most popular spots to photograph in the entire park.

 

Once you’ve done enough exploring for the day, head to Holy Matcha, a trendy Instagram café on everyone’s list. Order from an extensive menu of matcha and tea options, or opt for a matcha soft-serve for a cold treat after a long day. You can find Holy Matcha locations in North Park and East Village.

 

Photo credit: @holymatchaa

If you’re craving a wider selection of aesthetically pleasing ice cream, Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream in Point Loma should be your next stop. Grab an ice cream flight and try any variation of Hammond’s 300 flavors.

   

Photo credit: @hammondsicecream

When you book your trip to San Diego, stay at our Instagrammable hotel, situated on Shelter Island. Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina offers sweeping views of the marina during the day and jaw-dropping sunsets over the water in the evening. Be sure to tag us in your photos for us to share on our social channels using #IslandPalms for a chance to be featured on our pages.