In life, they say a picture paints a thousand words, and Instagram certainly holds a treasure trove of millions of images capturing life’s moments. Have you ever pondered over the most popular Instagram-worthy spots across the United States? Delving into Instagram data, the folks at Storyboards have sifted through hashtags last fall to reveal the nation’s top ten picturesque locations.
Top Instagram Spots in the USA
In our fast-paced world, taking photos isn’t just about capturing moments; it’s about holding onto memories that matter. We’re constantly reminded that life can change in an instant, making it essential to seize the opportunity to preserve what’s important now. Whether it’s a rare celestial event like a total solar eclipse or a breathtaking landscape vista, these snapshots serve as reminders to cherish the present and all its precious memories. Here are some suggestions of places to make those memories and take those pictures.
1. Lake Tahoe
Home to celebrities and adventure seekers alike, placing first on the list of the most picturesque landscapes in America is Lake Tahoe with 2,986,225 Instagram hashtags. Situated on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the clearest lake in the U.S., with a 99.994% purity – plus, there are many outdoor activities to partake in there, from hiking to fishing.
2. Lake Michigan
With big cities like Chicago, Milwaukee and Green Bay on its shores, its no wonder many seek recreational activities here. In second place is Lake Michigan, which has a hashtag count of 2,788,904. With a length of 307 miles and a width of 118 miles, Lake Michigan is the third biggest lake in America and the fifth largest in the world – not to mention, it’s home to an abundance of natural habitats.
3. Clearwater Beach
More of the top Instagrammable locations in the USA is located on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. Clearwater Beach is in third place with a total of 1,298,877 Instagram hashtags. The white sand is undoubtedly one of the main attractions of Clearwater Beach, located in Florida, which is made of quartz from the Appalachian Mountains.
4. Lake Superior
The deepest of all the Great Lakes, you will be stunned by the views from the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park cliffs. In fourth place is Lake Superior, which has 1,157,663 hashtags on Instagram. Known as the largest freshwater lake in the world, which is situated on the border between the U.S. and Canada, Lake Superior contains 10% of the world’s freshwater; due to little organic material, the water is incredibly clear.
5. Lake Ontario
Whether watching the sunrises from Boldt Castle on th Thousands Islands or The Beaches in Toronto, you won’t want to miss the the fun here. Taking the fifth spot is Lake Ontario, which has 1,007,124 Instagram hashtags. Belonging to the Great Lakes family, Lake Ontario’s shoreline is 712 miles long when the islands are included, of which there are a staggering 1,864.
6. Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach places sixth, with 969,640 Instagram hashtags. Due to Hawaii’s ocean water being nutrient deficient, places like Waikiki Beach boast magnificently blue water – and on top of this, the beach boasts a tropical climate and an array of palm trees.
7. Lake Norman
A hidded gem, this North Carolina destination may surprise you. Lake Norman ranks in seventh place, which has 640,978 hashtags on Instagram. Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in North Carolina, and the lake has plenty of spots for locals, or even visitors, to dock their boats and view the sunset on an evening.
8. Lake Huron
The spectacular sunsets are what will capture your heart from Grand Bend to Georgian Bay. Next on the list is Lake Huron in eighth place, which sees a total of 560,434 Instagram hashtags. Lake Huron, which is the fourth largest lake in the world, has many stunning dunes and wetlands alongside plenty of lighthouses – as well as this, it is home to over 30,000 islands.
9. Lake Powell
Following closely behind Lake Huron is Lake Powell in ninth place, with 456,329 hashtags on Instagram. Located between Utah and Arizona, Lake Powell offers beautiful canyon views with stone sculptures of cliffs and towers, not forgetting the constant sunshine and warm weather.
10. Mojave Desert
Last on the list in tenth place is the Mojave Desert, which has 429,066 hashtags on Instagram. The Only landlocked location it cover this report from Storyboards and Journo Research. Occupying over 25,000 square miles, the Mojave Desert is located in Southern California, with other portions belonging to Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. The Mojave Desert is undoubtedly a spectacular location with towering mesas, sand dunes, and Joshua Trees.
Gavin Glick, Co-Founder of Storyboards, commented: “With the top 10 landscapes being located in various states, including Florida, Hawaii, and North Carolina, it shows that Americans are spoilt for choice when it comes to stunning scenery. However, it’s interesting to see that seven of the top 10 landscapes are all lakes, suggesting that Americans favor this type of landscape over any other.”
Other Instagrammable Places: Olympic Peninsula
Indigenous Tourism in the Olympic Peninsula – Towering conifers and cool ocean breeze will draw you back to the beauty of the Olympic Peninsula. There are plenty of breathtaking pictures to post on Instagram when you visit.
Valencia, Spain
Valencia, Spain, has a festival that was made to be photographed. These colorful floats are then burned at the end of the Las Fallas Festival in March.
Mijas, Spain
Quaint Pueblos Blancos in Southern Spain – Visiting Mijas– Mijas Spain has an Instagram Trail you can follow in this picturesque white town on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.