Social media is changing the way we post about what we experience, and Instagram is just the best place to share beautiful places. Although you probably see the Grand Canyon or Times Square at the top of most feeds, America has an infinite number of hidden gems waiting for your camera. These are 10 Instagrammable spots in the United States you didn’t even know were here, all perfect for getting ahead on social media.
1. Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona
A Secret in the Desert.
Most people have heard of Antelope Canyon, but few have seen Horseshoe Bend, a magnificent natural structure where the Colorado River curves around a rock of sandstone. Its location, high atop a 1,000-foot cliff, gives an unparalleled sunset or sunrise photo opportunity. The contrast of the green river and the red boulders makes for a dreamlike setting sure to impress your fans.
2. Devil’s Kettle Waterfall in Minnesota
Where Does the Water Go?
Located in Judge C.R. Devil’s Kettle Waterfall in Magney State Park. The one end of this double waterfall drops into the Brule River, but the other disappears into a crater, its ultimate fate unknown to scientists. The mystery of this site surrounded by dense forests offers a photo opportunity that is simultaneously intriguing and breathtaking.
3. Palouse Falls in Washington
A Cascading Oasis
In southeast Washington, Palouse Falls is a 198-foot waterfall surrounded by rugged cliffs and hills. The solitude and unspoiled splendour make it an ideal place for moody, atmospheric photography. Visit in the spring or early summer when the falls are bursting and the fields are lush.
4. Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia
Hauntingly Beautiful
If you think of Instagrammable places, cemeteries may not be the first place that comes to mind, but Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah is an eerily beautiful exception. From its old oaks covered in Spanish mosses to its intricate Victorian gravestones, it evokes the sort of Gothic ambiance that you would expect from an eerie or old-fashioned photograph shoot.
5. Carhenge in Alliance, Nebraska
Art Meets the Bizarre
Why go to Stonehenge if you can go to Carhenge? This unusual roadside attraction features classic cars painted grey and stacked into the shape of the iconic English monument. It’s on the Nebraska plains, a remote yet stunningly photogenic location for playful, and often hilarious posts.
6. Arizona’s Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
A Swirling Masterpiece of Nature
If you dare go a little off the beaten track, the Vermilion Cliffs offer their secrets. The Wave, in particular, is a celestial rock with swirls that appear to come from another world. The journey to get there requires a permit and a bit of walking, but it’s worth it for a life-time photo op that exudes thrills.
7. Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs, Florida
A Taste of Greece in America
Tarpon Springs is a Mediterranean haven in Florida. It’s a very charming town that is steeped in sponge-diving and Greek history (both architecturally, gastronomically and even cosmopolitan). The vibrant fishing boats, harbours and narrow lanes offer European charm without ever leaving the country.
8. Salvation Mountain in Niland, California
A Touch of Colour in the Desert.
It is an artful explosion of colour and imagination. Salvation Mountain in the California desert is a huge art gallery, strewn with glistening murals and Biblical verses. With its multi-dimensional palette and bold backdrop, it is a favorite among Instagrammers searching for a different style.
9. The One Thousand Buddhas Garden in Montana.
Tranquility and Spirituality
Set in the Jocko Valley, the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas is a tranquil haven for enchantment that blends natural beauty with spiritual meaning. The circle of elaborately carved Buddha statues set against the backdrop of snow-clad mountains makes it an idyllic and stunning photograph subject.
10. Fallingwater in Pennsylvania
Architectural Marvel Meets Natural Harmony
Fallingwater, by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a modern architectural wonder that is as inextricable from the natural landscape as it is gorgeous. Situated atop a river, amid trees, this house is as photographic as it is spectacular. The balance between the design and nature makes it an ideal location for Instagram.
Tips for Instagram-Worthy Photos:
Golden Hour: Take a photo either at sunrise or sunset to get a flattering light.
Experiment with Perspective: Use low or high perspectives to make the scene appear textured.
Give it Subject: You can bring a subject (person, pet, or object) to scale up your shots.
Retouch Carefully: Use an editing program such as Lightroom or VSCO to retouch color and detail without overdoing it.
Why Seek Out Hidden Gems?
The less-visited sites offer not just curated content but also the opportunity to be immersed in nature and culture in a smaller environment. Most of these locations aren’t well known, which is just as well when it comes to finding something new and exciting.
Whether you’re a pro influencer or someone who simply enjoys sharing sweet things, these American hidden gems will work magic on your feed. So grab your camera, head out on the road and be prepared to discover some of the most Instagrammable destinations you never knew existed!
