Arizona’s flowering deserts, colorful canyons, and culturally diverse cities offer no shortage of unique places to capture a gorgeous photograph. Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to pose among prickly cacti, otherworldly sandstone backdrops, or gorgeous local street art, the options for snapping the ideal Instagram-worthy shot are endless.
A desert state that captures the essence of the American Southwest, Arizona has incredible views, thriving ecosystems, and diverse Native American cultures. Visitors can enjoy world-famous destinations like the Grand Canyon and cosmopolitan cities like Phoenix or venture to more off-the-beaten-path destinations like Saguaro National Park and Antelope Canyon.
Regardless of where you choose to travel in Arizona, some seriously perfect Instagram photo ops will elevate your feed with the spirit of the West. We’ve created this comprehensive guide to Arizona’s most “gramworthy” locations – from the big city to the natural wonders. Stop by any of these incredible destinations and make sure to snap some photos during your explorations so that you can immortalize the desert vibes and relive the wonderful memories you make in Arizona for years to come.
Capture the Desert Dreamland of Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park in Arizona on February 19, 2017. Photo by Peter Stringer
Surrounding the city of Tucson, Saguaro National Park stretches for miles in every direction. Named for the massive Saguaro cacti that are native to the area, it is the perfect place to snap some fantastic photos for the ‘Gram. Saguaro National Park is easily accessible, with a variety of scenic drives and places to pull off and hike into the desert. A short walk from the road lets you feel completely surrounded by the desert and take photos with Saguaro cacti, prickly pears, and Ironwood trees.
Hit the park just before sunset to capture the amazing golden light and shadows created by the towering cacti. If you visit between mid-May and early June, you might be able to catch the desert in full bloom – Saguaro cacti only bloom for a few weeks, and it’s absolutely stunning.
For Boho Vibes, Head to Bisbee
Bisbee, Arizona, is a vibrant and artsy community with a bohemian flair and a stylish place to stop for adorable pics. The buildings are colorful and quaint, and there are gorgeous murals around every corner.
Put on your cutest hippie attire, or treat yourself to a little shopping spree in Bisbee – then snap some photos of yourself while you enjoy strolling through the picturesque streets and exploring the unique shops and galleries.
Take Instagram-worthy Photos at The Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona on July 8, 2015. Photo by Peter Stringer for Amazing America.
A list of photographable places in Arizona wouldn’t be complete without Grand Canyon National Park, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. Not only is the Grand Canyon a bucket list destination for people worldwide, but it’s also one of the most photographed places in the United States.
The stunning views from the edge of the massive canyon are only the beginning when it comes to taking extraordinary photos for your Instagram. Each twist and turn in the trail offers new opportunities to capture the rugged beauty of the marvelous canyon.
Snap Some Sweet Shots at the Sugar Bowl in Scottsdale
Scottsdale’s all-American ice-cream parlor and restaurant, Sugar Bowl, will have you feeling like you’ve traveled back in time. The 1950’s themed diner makes the perfect backdrop for retro-inspired Instagram photos. All the decor at Sugar Bowl is incredibly authentic, and the color scheme is perfectly pink. A trip to the Sugar Bowl is the ideal place to grab a sweet treat and even sweeter photos for your Instagram feed. Slip into your favorite retro-inspired sundress and head to the Sugar Bowl on your next trip to Scottsdale.
Pose With Fabulous Street Art on Roosevelt Row
Phoenix is Arizona’s largest city and a great place to capture some incredible street art to brighten up your Instagram feed. Plan to spend an afternoon exploring Roosevelt Row, a vibrant arts district right in the middle of downtown Phoenix. It’s super walkable, and you’ll find street art, installations, and brightly colored murals on every block. Roosevelt Row is the ideal spot to do some urban exploring and snap some artsy photos along the way.
Don’t Miss Desert Phoenix’s Botanical Garden
Without ever leaving the city, you can capture photos of yourself among cacti, succulents, and desert flowers on a visit to Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. The park features hundreds of gorgeous plants and easily accessible paved walking trails. Desert Botanical Garden is an especially great option if you’re traveling with small children and hope to take some great family photos in a desert landscape. You won’t even have to leave behind your strollers, and when kids get tired, you can simply head back to the parking lot without a strenuous hike.
Consider attending one of the fun events scheduled at Desert Botanical Garden like Sonoran Sippin’ – a sunset event in the park that features tasty drinks and live music. It’ll be the perfect place to make memories with friends, and of course, take lots of photos for your Instagram!
Show Off Your Adventurous Side at Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona on July 9, 2015. Photo by Peter Stringer
Antelope Canyon is a colorful slot canyon located in the Navajo Nation near Page, Arizona. The canyon is only accessible via guided tours on the reservation; you can’t visit on your own. Photographers and nature lovers will find that booking a tour of Antelope Canyon is absolutely worth it and will result in an unforgettable adventure and some eye-catching photos.
The unique red rock formations were created by thousands of years of water moving through the rocks and left behind the spectacular Antelope Canyon. The contrasting blend of light and shadows passing through the slot canyon is a photographer’s dream come true. You’ll leave with plenty of amazing pictures for Instagram to remember the beauty of Antelope Canyon for years to come.
Reach New Heights at Horseshoe Bend
Hope back in the car after your Antelope Canyon adventure, and drive just 15 minutes to Horseshoe Bend for some more amazing Instagram-worthy photos. The scenic overlook in Page is a super quick 0.6-mile hike from the parking lot.
Horseshoe Bend’s popularity has exploded over the last decade. Instagram influencers love this spot because the walk is easy enough to bring along some props or wear a unique outfit. Plus, the view is unforgettable!
For Vintage Inspired Photos, Visit Tombstone
The O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. Stock photo by Dan Cutler on Unsplash
Relive the wild West and capture some one-of-a-kind vintage-inspired photos on a visit to Tombstone, Arizona. The town of Tombstone is a historic landmark that dates back to the late 1800s, allowing a glimpse of what towns looked like in the days of the Old West.
One of the last boomtowns of the American frontier, Tombstone is a great spot to capture some vintage-inspired photos for Instagram. The famed O.K. Corral is probably Tombstone’s most legendary attraction, where you can relive legendary gunslinger Wyatt Earp’s historic duels.
If you’re interested in American history, vintage fashion, or Western-themed style, the town of Tombstone is the ideal backdrop for a classic photoshoot on your Arizona trip.
Post Pictures of the Best Scenery from Sedona
Sedona, Arizona on March 18. 2018. Photo by Peter Stringer for Amazing America.
Sedona is pure magic and one of the best places in Arizona to take amazing photos for Instagram. The town itself is super artsy with tons of cool shops and galleries. Travelers love visiting Sedona for its unique culture and wellness-focused spas, but especially for the stunning surrounding nature and the legendary vortexes.
Devil’s Bridge, Cathedral Rock, and Airport Mesa are just a few popular spots to take pictures around Sedona – all of which are accessible via easy to moderate hikes. With epic red-rock formations, pine forests, and steep canyons, Sedona’s stunning scenery will result in some seriously amazing pictures for your Instagram feed.
Strike a Pose at Saguaro Hotel
Located in Scottsdale, Saguaro Hotel is the perfect place to capture colorful selfies and glamorous shots amongst the unique pop-art-themed decor. The boutique hotel is painted in vibrant hues of pink, purple, orange, and yellow creating the ideal backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos.
A gorgeous pool with bright blue water is also perfect for showing off your favorite bikini and sipping cocktails with friends. In addition to the decor, the hotel features immaculately maintained grounds with desert plants like succulents and cacti – the photo opportunities are endless!
