In recent years, social media has transformed the way we travel and experience destinations. Instagram, in particular, has become a powerful tool for showcasing the beauty and charm of small towns across the United States. These picturesque locations offer unique photo opportunities, attracting visitors from all over the world who are eager to capture and share their experiences online.
Heepsy looked at 50 cities with fewer than 300,000 people and checked how many Instagram posts they had per square mile. This gives a new view on which cities are popular on social media.
1. Sonoma, California
Nestled in the heart of California’s wine country, Sonoma is a haven for Instagram enthusiasts. This charming town boasts an impressive 529,990 hashtags per square mile, making it the most Instagrammable small city in the USA. With its rolling vineyards, historic plaza, and stunning natural landscapes, Sonoma offers a plethora of photo opportunities for visitors.
The town’s picturesque wineries, such as Gundlach Bundschu and Buena Vista Winery, provide the perfect backdrop for wine-tasting photos. The Sonoma Plaza, a National Historic Landmark, is home to beautiful adobe buildings and lush green spaces, ideal for capturing the town’s rich history and laid-back atmosphere.
For nature lovers, the nearby Sonoma Coast State Park offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and pristine beaches. The Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, just a short drive away, provides a chance to photograph towering redwood trees and serene forest trails.
2. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Ranking second on the list of most Instagrammable small towns, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a coastal gem with 494,619 hashtags per square mile. This quaint village is renowned for its fairy-tale-like cottages, pristine white-sand beaches, and artistic heritage.
Ocean Avenue, the town’s main street, is lined with charming shops, art galleries, and restaurants, offering endless opportunities for street photography. The iconic Carmel Beach, with its cypress trees and stunning sunsets, is a must-visit spot for capturing the town’s natural beauty.
One of the most photographed locations in Carmel is the historic Carmel Mission Basilica, with its beautiful gardens and Spanish Colonial architecture. For a unique shot, head to the nearby Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, where you can capture dramatic coastal landscapes and diverse wildlife.
3. Moab, Utah
Securing the third spot with 374,631 hashtags per square mile, Moab is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike. This small town serves as a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the American Southwest.
Arches National Park, just a few miles north of Moab, is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. The park’s unique rock formations and vast desert landscapes provide endless opportunities for stunning photographs, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Canyonlands National Park, another nearby attraction, offers breathtaking vistas of colorful canyons, mesas, and buttes. For adrenaline junkies, the surrounding area is perfect for capturing action shots of mountain biking, rock climbing, and off-road adventures.
4. Cannon Beach, Oregon
With 367,849 hashtags per square mile, Cannon Beach is a picturesque coastal town that captivates visitors with its dramatic scenery and laid-back vibe. The town’s most recognizable feature, Haystack Rock, is a 235-foot sea stack that dominates the shoreline and provides a stunning focal point for photographs.
The long, sandy beach is perfect for capturing romantic walks, beachcombing, and stunning sunsets. Ecola State Park, just north of town, offers panoramic views of the coastline and is an excellent spot for whale watching and photographing wildlife.
Cannon Beach’s charming downtown area is filled with colorful shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes, providing plenty of opportunities for street photography and capturing the town’s artistic spirit.
5. Telluride, Colorado
Ranking fifth with 337,915 hashtags per square mile, Telluride is a former mining town turned world-class ski resort nestled in the San Juan Mountains. This picturesque town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historic charm.
The free gondola ride from Telluride to Mountain Village provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for aerial photography. During winter, the snow-covered peaks and ski slopes offer stunning opportunities for action shots and winter landscapes.
In the summer, the town comes alive with colorful wildflowers, making it an ideal time to capture the beauty of nearby hiking trails and waterfalls. The historic downtown area, with its Victorian-era buildings and vibrant main street, offers plenty of opportunities for street photography and capturing the town’s unique character.
6. Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May, with 277,655 hashtags per square mile, is America’s oldest seaside resort and a photographer’s dream. This charming town is renowned for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, pristine beaches, and rich history.
The town’s collection of colorful Victorian homes, known as “painted ladies,” provides a unique backdrop for architectural photography. The Cape May Lighthouse, standing tall at the southern tip of New Jersey, offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
Cape May’s beautiful beaches and promenade are perfect for capturing sunrises, sunsets, and beachgoers enjoying the coastal lifestyle. The nearby Cape May Point State Park is an excellent spot for nature photography, especially during the fall bird migration.
7. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, famous for its stunning red rock formations and spiritual vortexes, is a haven for photographers and nature lovers. The town’s unique landscape, characterized by towering sandstone buttes and pine forests, provides a dramatic backdrop for any photo.
Popular spots for capturing Sedona’s beauty include Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross. These iconic landmarks are particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset when the red rocks glow in warm hues.
The town itself offers plenty of photo opportunities, from its charming art galleries and shops to its numerous hiking trails. For a unique perspective, consider taking a hot air balloon ride or a Pink Jeep tour to capture the landscape from different angles.
8. Bar Harbor, Maine
Located on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park and offers a perfect blend of coastal charm and natural beauty. The town’s picturesque harbor, filled with lobster boats and sailing vessels, provides excellent opportunities for maritime photography.
Acadia National Park, just minutes from downtown, is a photographer’s paradise. The park’s rugged coastline, granite peaks, and pristine lakes offer diverse landscapes to capture. The summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard, is a popular spot for sunrise photography.
In town, the Shore Path offers stunning views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands. The charming downtown area, with its boutique shops and seafood restaurants, is perfect for street photography and capturing the essence of coastal New England life.
9. Aspen, Colorado
Known for its world-class ski resorts and celebrity sightings, Aspen is a picturesque mountain town that offers year-round beauty for photographers. In winter, the snow-covered peaks and ski slopes provide endless opportunities for capturing winter sports and landscapes.
During summer and fall, Aspen transforms into a colorful paradise with wildflower-filled meadows and golden aspen groves. The Maroon Bells, two towering peaks reflected in Maroon Lake, is one of the most photographed scenes in Colorado and a must-visit spot for any photographer.
The town itself, with its high-end boutiques, art galleries, and Victorian-era buildings, offers plenty of opportunities for urban and street photography. Don’t miss the chance to capture the vibrant local farmers’ market or the historic Wheeler Opera House.
10. Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort, one of the South’s most charming small towns, is known for its antebellum architecture, Spanish moss-draped oaks, and coastal landscapes. The town’s historic district, with its well-preserved 18th and 19th-century homes, provides a perfect backdrop for architectural photography.
The waterfront park, overlooking the Beaufort River, is an excellent spot for capturing sunsets and the town’s laid-back coastal vibe. For a unique photo opportunity, take a kayak tour through the nearby salt marshes and capture the diverse wildlife and unspoiled natural beauty of the Lowcountry.
Film buffs will recognize Beaufort as the backdrop for several famous movies, including “Forrest Gump.” Visit locations like the Woods Memorial Bridge or the Gump Medical Center to recreate iconic scenes from the film.
11. Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, nestled in the Green Mountains of Vermont, is a picturesque New England town that offers stunning photo opportunities in every season. In autumn, the town becomes a kaleidoscope of fall colors, attracting photographers from around the world to capture the vibrant foliage.
During winter, Stowe transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow-covered mountains and charming ski lodges providing perfect subjects for cold-weather photography. The iconic Stowe Community Church, with its white steeple set against the mountain backdrop, is a popular subject year-round.
For nature lovers, the nearby Smugglers’ Notch State Park offers breathtaking views of waterfalls, dense forests, and rugged mountain landscapes. Don’t miss the chance to capture the beauty of Lake Champlain, especially during sunrise or sunset.
12. Taos, New Mexico
Taos, with its rich Native American and Spanish colonial history, offers a unique blend of cultures and landscapes for photographers. The town’s adobe architecture, including the famous Taos Pueblo, provides endless opportunities for capturing the essence of the American Southwest.
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, just outside town, offers dramatic views of the deep canyon and is particularly stunning at sunset. For a different perspective, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over the Taos Valley to capture aerial shots of the landscape.
Art lovers will appreciate the numerous galleries and studios in Taos, showcasing the town’s vibrant art scene. The surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains offer beautiful hiking trails and opportunities to photograph diverse wildlife and landscapes.
13. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Step back in time on Mackinac Island, where cars are prohibited, and horse-drawn carriages are the primary mode of transportation. This charming island in Lake Huron offers a unique blend of Victorian architecture, natural beauty, and old-world charm.
The Grand Hotel, with its 660-foot-long porch (the world’s largest), is an iconic landmark and a must-photograph location. The island’s eight-mile perimeter road offers stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge, especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
Don’t miss the chance to capture the island’s famous fudge shops, historic Fort Mackinac, and the picturesque Arch Rock formation. For nature lovers, the interior of the island offers beautiful hiking trails through lush forests and along limestone bluffs.
14. Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport, a classic New England coastal town, offers a perfect blend of maritime charm and natural beauty. The town’s picturesque harbor, filled with lobster boats and sailboats, provides excellent opportunities for maritime photography.
Ocean Avenue, which runs along the coast, offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the chance to capture some of the town’s most impressive summer homes, including the Bush family compound at Walker’s Point.
Goose Rocks Beach, with its three miles of soft white sand, is perfect for capturing serene beach scenes and dramatic sunrises. In town, the Dock Square area, with its quaint shops and restaurants, offers plenty of opportunities for street photography and capturing the essence of coastal Maine life.
15. Breckenridge, Colorado
Rounding out our list is Breckenridge, a charming mountain town that offers year-round beauty for photographers. In winter, the town transforms into a snowy paradise, with world-class ski slopes and a picturesque Main Street that looks like it’s straight out of a Christmas card.
During summer and fall, Breckenridge comes alive with colorful wildflowers and golden aspen trees. The nearby Boreas Pass Road offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is particularly beautiful during the fall foliage season.
For a unique photo opportunity, take the BreckConnect Gondola to the top of the ski resort for panoramic views of the Ten Mile Range. Don’t miss the chance to capture the town’s well-preserved Victorian architecture, including the historic Carter Museum and the Barney Ford House Museum.
Conclusion
These 15 small towns across the United States offer a wealth of photographic opportunities, from stunning natural landscapes to charming historic districts. Whether you’re a professional photographer or simply love sharing your travel experiences on Instagram, these destinations are sure to provide the perfect backdrop for your next social media-worthy adventure.