8 Most Instagrammable Spots Near Sonesta Hotels Across the U.S. (Picture-Perfect Getaways)

What makes a visit to a new city feel complete?

You check in, step out to explore, try something local, a dish, a drink, a new view, and just as often, you mark the moment with a photo.

Sometimes it’s a quick snap. Sometimes it’s a whole set. Either way, the best shots are taken in the most iconic places.

For our photo-savvy guests who often ask us where to go for that shot, we decided to make the search a little easier.

With insights from Sonesta hotel teams and advice from travelers who know their way around a lens, we’ve rounded up eight of the most Instagrammable, visually iconic spots near Sonesta hotels across the U.S. You’ll find lighting tips, pose ideas, and local insights — all in one place.

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1. Times Square – New York, NY

• Nearest Sonesta Hotel: The Fifty Sonesta Select New York

We’re starting big with the place that never slows down: Times Square.

For travelers seeking that quintessential New York moment, blazing neon lights, teeming crosswalks, and theater marquees towering overhead, this is it. The visual drama here is undeniable, which is why over a million Instagram tags are tied to this electric corner of Manhattan.

For your perfect photo, head straight to the TKTS Red Steps, a favorite perch for both selfie-takers and street photographers. Located at the intersection of Broadway and 47th Street, these steps overlook the heart of the square and frame your shot with towering digital billboards and a swirl of yellow cabs.

Come at dusk when the lights start to pop, but the crowds haven’t peaked. A coffee-in-hand, cross-legged pose on the steps gives off a calm-in-the-chaos aesthetic that always performs well on the feed.

Thankfully, guests of The Fifty Sonesta Select New York don’t have to navigate far to tap into that buzz.

Nestled in Midtown East, just a short 5-minute stroll from Times Square, the hotel offers a rare combination in New York: a peaceful retreat and central location. With spacious, residential-style rooms and curated local art on display, The Fifty is a welcome exhale after a day in the city’s most high-octane district.

At the front desk at The Fifty, the team often shares curated walking routes for content creators, highlighting hidden murals in nearby Turtle Bay, quiet corners in Bryant Park, and favorite bagel spots with charm and character.

They’ll even suggest the best times to hit each location based on crowd patterns and lighting, because in NYC, timing is everything.

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2. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens – Philadelphia, PA

• Nearest Sonesta Hotel: Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

Next, we trade the city skyline for mosaic tunnels and mirrored walls. Welcome to Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens!

Tucked along South Street, just a 10-minute walk from the Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square, this immersive art environment is a labyrinth of mosaics, walls covered in recycled tiles, bicycle wheels, glass bottles, mirrors, and hand-crafted poetry, all assembled by visionary artist Isaiah Zagar.

When it comes to photography, we’ve found the best shots that come from the outdoor maze section of the Gardens. The twisting mosaic archways and mirrored tunnels offer natural frames and surreal reflections that give your feed an otherworldly edge.

For peak lighting, arrive mid-morning, between 10–11 AM, when the sun cuts through the foliage and bounces softly off the glass and tile.

If you’re looking for pose inspiration, try leaning against one of the mirrored surfaces for a double-exposure effect, or standing mid-arch with arms outstretched while the mosaic chaos swirls around you.

Locals love to link their Magic Gardens visit with a casual stroll along South Street, where you’ll find colorful murals, indie shops, and quirky storefronts, an aesthetic bonus if you’re crafting a cohesive Instagram carousel.

The Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square is perfectly situated for guests looking to explore this creative corridor. Located in the Rittenhouse neighborhood, the hotel exudes a sleek, modern energy grounded in local culture.

One of its standout features is its on-site curated art gallery, which highlights work by Philadelphia artists, essentially extending the Magic Gardens ethos into the hotel itself. The vibe here is urban-cool with a touch of gallery chic, and it makes a fitting home base for the artistically inclined traveler.

The team at Sonesta Philadelphia often recommends grabbing a coffee from nearby Elixr or Ultimo Coffee before heading out, and they’re known to keep a running list of local mural installations curated through the city’s Mural Arts Program.

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3. Dupont Circle – Washington, D.C.

• Nearest Sonesta Hotel: The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle

Although it might not be the first spot that comes to mind in a city known for power corridors and marble monuments, we always point guests toward Dupont Circle. Just beyond downtown D.C., it offers a quieter kind of beauty: cobblestone streets, historic rowhomes, leafy parks, and elegant fountains that show off a more understated, photogenic side of the city.

At the center of it all is the  Andrew Mellon Memorial Fountain, a symmetrical showpiece surrounded by flowering trees in spring and dappled golden leaves in fall.

Framed by Victorian architecture and shaded walkways, it’s a favorite spot for Instagrammable moments that lean more “quiet luxury” than postcard cliché.

Local creatives and frequent D.C. visitors swear by this spot, but only if you time it right. Come too late in cherry blossom season, and you’ll be elbow-to-elbow with tripods. Arrive just after sunrise, and you’ll often have it all to yourself.

To capture your perfect shot, aim for early morning, between 7AM and 9AM when the fountain catches the softest light and there are no crowds.

One classic pose: seated along the edge of the fountain, coffee in hand, framed by the spray and blossom-laced trees, a look that consistently performs well across travel feeds.

Or, for something more candid, stroll past the fountain with the Victorian rowhomes behind you, letting natural movement tell the story.

Dupont is also known for its cozy cafes and quiet bookshops, perfect for those filler shots between your hero content. Kramers, just a few blocks away, is a local favorite for latte-and-literature moments.

Guests staying at The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle are just steps away from this hidden gem. The hotel features art-infused interiors, plush textures, and a lush courtyard that feels worlds away from the buzz of Capitol Hill.

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4. South Beach Art Deco District – Miami Beach, FL

• Nearest Sonesta Hotel: Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach

And now, a place that doesn’t ease you in and one we love for its instant visual punch. South Beach’s Art Deco District is all pastel curves, palm trees, and that signature Miami glow.

With its candy-colored facades, bold geometric patterns, and breezy palms swaying against a backdrop of ocean blue, this iconic stretch of Miami Beach has become one of the most Instagrammed places in the country.

Walking down Ocean Drive feels like stepping into a living postcard, a perfectly preserved slice of 1930s glamour framed by the glow of tropical light.

This area bursts with Instagrammable places, from brightly painted facades to terrazzo sidewalks and vintage neon signage.

We always tell guests to wait for blue hour, that moment just after sunset when the symmetry of the Art Deco buildings catches the last light, the palms throw long shadows, and the streetlights start to glow. So cinematic and so very Miami.

Pose ideas here are plentiful: stroll confidently along the sidewalk, beach in the background, or post up at a streetside café table with a cool drink and bold accessories.

For lifestyle shots, walk the beachfront path or pose against the iconic lifeguard towers along the sand, which echo the bold colors of the district and deliver that unmistakable Miami look.

Head out early in the morning if you want crisp light and fewer crowds. Midweek mornings offer the best mix of privacy and natural glow, perfect for wide-angle shots that capture the full scale of the street’s architecture.

Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach puts you right at the center of this pastel-hued dreamscape. Originally designed in the mid-century era and now fully reimagined with modern sophistication, the hotel is a destination unto itself.

The palm-lined pool deck, private beach access, and open-air bar create a stay that’s as visually compelling as Miami itself.

The vibe here is retro-luxe with a modern twist, offering the ideal base for guests who want a stylish escape with a strong visual point of view.

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5. Jackson Square – New Orleans, LA

• Nearest Sonesta Hotel: The Royal Sonesta New Orleans

We like to say Jackson Square is where New Orleans puts on its best show: the music, the color, the history, all wrapped in French Quarter flair.

With its horse-drawn carriages and wrought-iron balconies, the square blends French and Spanish colonial influences into a setting that feels cinematic at every turn. The atmosphere is alive with street performers, jazz musicians, and artists sketching under moss-draped oaks.

If you’re hunting for that perfect frame, head to Washington Artillery Park just across Decatur. Content creator or not, you’ll want your camera out.

From this elevated perch, you can frame the equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson with the cathedral’s iconic triple spires behind it. Visit between 6PM and 8PM to capture the warm glow of sunset lighting up the cathedral’s façade and reflecting off the Mississippi River just beyond.

For a more immersive shot, stroll through the square and capture the textured details such as ornate streetlamps and vine-covered balconies that line up the surrounding streets.

Strike a laid-back pose on one of the square’s wrought-iron benches with the cathedral behind you or go wide with a fence-side shot that captures the whole scene in one scroll-stopping frame.

Locals suggest skipping the midday rush, when tour groups and tarot readers pack the sidewalks. Instead, go early in the morning for soft light and empty streets, or time your shoot just after sunset for moody, lantern-lit ambiance.

For a little extra flair, some frequent travelers recommend tipping a carriage driver to do a short loop past the cathedral, perfect for capturing motion-blur shots with that Old World charm.

Staying at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans means you don’t just visit the French Quarter, you live in it. Right on Bourbon Street, this landmark hotel blends Southern elegance with local flair, from its lush courtyards to handcrafted ironwork and art-filled interiors.

And its concierge team knows the Quarter like locals do, ready with tips on jazz clubs worth staying out late for, hidden spots like Pirate’s Alley, and quiet corners of Royal Street perfect for a quick photo stop.

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6. Cloud Gate (The Bean) – Chicago, IL

• Nearest Sonesta Hotel: The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

We’re heading to Chicago next, and yes, The Bean is absolutely worth the hype. There’s no other place that reflects the city quite like this.

This mirrored sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor, sitting in the heart of Millennium Park, reflects the city in surreal, distorted loops. Whether you’re shooting the skyline bouncing off its metallic curve or capturing your own reflection from below, it’s no surprise that The Bean ranks among the most Instagrammed places in the Midwest.

To capture this aesthetic place at its best, set your alarm and arrive early at dawn, between 6AM and 8AM, when the crowds haven’t yet descended and the sculpture mirrors the fog, morning light, and moody clouds.

Here’s the shot everyone talks about: stand under the arch and let the swirl of metal and reflections wrap around you. Lie down for a ground-up view or go wide to frame The Bean against the full Chicago skyline. Thank us later.

Or get up close along the edge. The skyline will bend and twist around your silhouette for that clean, curated look that always lands well on the grid.

The surrounding AT&T Plaza also offers opportunities for architectural framing and movement shots, with clean lines and urban textures that highlight Chicago’s distinctive downtown rhythm.

Locals and travel photographers alike recommend skipping nearby Navy Pier, which tends to be tourist-heavy and overly commercial, and instead exploring the nearby Museum Campus or the L Train platforms for more original content.

Located in River North, just a short walk from Millennium Park, The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown offers the perfect balance between urban excitement and polished relaxation.

The hotel overlooks the Chicago River and is surrounded by the city’s most iconic landmarks, ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and location.

And if you need anything beyond what we’ve covered, the kind staff is your go-to, they’ve got the city dialed in.

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7. Santa Monica Pier – Los Angeles, CA

• Nearest Sonesta Hotel: Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX

Santa Monica Pier gets a lot of Instagram love and if you ask us, it deserves every bit of it. With its mix of carnival charm and coastal views, it’s one of those spots where the scene practically composes itself.

Once you arrive at the pier, the most picture-perfect moments are often beneath the Ferris wheel at twilight. As the lights begin to glow, and the sky fades from tangerine to indigo, the entire pier takes on a cinematic feel.

Snap a mid-jump silhouette with waves crashing behind you or frame your shot, so the Ferris wheel arcs above you like a halo. For dreamy lifestyle content, stroll along the boardwalk with cotton candy in hand or pose by the railings with the Pacific breeze catching your hair.

Just below the pier, the sandy beach offers another stunning setup. The sunset here is legendary, especially when captured from just beneath the wooden beams looking west.

Locals often suggest skipping the main crowds at midday, when the pier is packed with tourists and street vendors.

For content that feels more personal and polished, arrive around 6 and 7PM on a weekday or head there early in the morning to catch the soft light and empty walkways.

Staying at Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX offers a smart, stylish home base for exploring West LA’s top attractions while staying clear of the city’s usual congestion. The hotel features spacious, modern rooms and a clean, contemporary design that reflects LA’s effortless, coastal-cool aesthetic.

It’s just a 10–15-minute drive to Santa Monica, and with convenient on-site parking and quick rideshare access, it’s an easy transition from relaxing at the hotel to capturing content by the coast.

The desk manager at Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX recommends parking in the Pier Deck lot for the easiest access to beach-level shots and boardwalk views.

They also recommend making a quick stop at Tongva Park on the way: “The mix of modern architecture and lush landscaping offers a completely different aesthetic than the pier. It’s one of our favorite hidden gems for photos,” they note.

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8. Lombard Street – San Francisco, CA

• Nearest Sonesta Hotel: The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco

Our last stop today, but definitely not the least, brings us to a street so famous, it practically zigzags across every San Francisco postcard.

Nicknamed “the crookedest street in the world,” this serpentine stretch of red brick curves its way down Russian Hill through lush landscaping, trimmed hedges, and storybook Victorian homes.

As soon as you catch a view of those dizzying, flower-lined curves, the Instagram reflex kicks in.

When it comes to your photo moment, the most iconic angle is from the base of Lombard Street on Leavenworth, looking up. From this vantage point, the eight dramatic hairpin turns rise before you, framed by blooming hydrangeas, in spring and summer, and colorful homes stacked against the hill.

For the ultimate shot, focus on the gentle curve of the red brick road leading up to the light blue Victorian at 1040 Lombard, a favorite focal point for photographers and one of the street’s most reposted homes.

Arrive early in the morning to catch clean light and avoid the crowds. This is when the sun hits just right, illuminating the flower beds and casting soft shadows across the curves.

Popular pose ideas include a mid-step shot on the sidewalk path or a seated pose along the stone retaining walls with the twists rising behind you. Don’t walk in the street—it’s active!

For cinematic drama, try a wide-angle lens or a drone capture, where permitted, to showcase the full serpentine layout.

We usually recommend skipping weekend afternoons when the street becomes gridlocked with cars and tourists. Instead, pair your visit with a cable car ride that drops off just a block away, adding movement and a quintessential SF vibe to your content.

For variety, many of our guests explore nearby streets like Hyde and Greenwich, which offer gorgeous cityscape views with far fewer crowds, great for soft editorial shots that balance your feed.

Just a quick 10-minute drive or cable car ride from this legendary spot, The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco offers a stylish and artistic retreat in the heart of Union Square.

The hotel blends century-old architectural elegance with modern, eclectic interiors, curated art, and velvet textures, all of which make it one of the city’s most aesthetic places to stay.

The staff at The Clift Royal Sonesta usually points guests toward a favorite under-the-radar spot: Macondray Lane. “It’s shaded, ivy-lined, and feels like a hidden world,” the desk manager shares. “Style bloggers love it for its moody, romantic frames, and it’s a perfect complement to the bright, winding curves of Lombard.”

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Book Your Stay. Capture the Moment.

Whether you’re building your dream carousel or chasing the light from city to city, Sonesta puts you right where the good shots happen.

With thoughtfully placed hotels near iconic landmarks and hidden gems, you’re never far from your next great photo.

Book your stay today with Sonesta and don’t forget to enroll in Sonesta Travel Pass, our guest rewards program that lets you earn points for free nights, exclusive perks, and even more reasons to keep exploring, creating, and capturing every moment.