It’d be a lie to say picturesque views don’t play a heavy hand in travel planning. After all, your first introduction to a potential vacation spot is typically some sort of visual, like an Instagram post, a movie scene, or maybe even a TikTok video. If a destination boasts stunning vistas, oceanic views, or a panoramic skyline, you may be more inclined to visit over somewhere that’s not as Instagrammable. And the East Coast boasts plenty of destinations that fit the photogenic bill.
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Whether photography is a hobby of yours or you choose a travel location based on how it will appear on your feed (no shame), you may be interested in a new study from New Jersey Real Estate Network that analyzed Instagram hashtags for cities on the East Coast and ranked them in popularity based on the the total number of posts. While some may be more obvious than others, this list offers a few surprised too.
Ready for your vacay closeup? Grab your phone, Nikon, or disposable camera and see where your grid will flourish best below.
7 | Washington D.C., District of Columbia
iStockHashtag Volume: 11 million
As someone who’s visited the nation’s capitol a handful of times, I can attest to its beauty. Of course, you’ll want to try to plan your stay around cherry blossom season in the spring. Monuments and museums aside, I’d recommend going on a walking tour of the city’s art murals. They’re scattered all over the city so be sure to wear comfortable shoes, but you’ll get tons of photo opportunities while learning more about D.C.’s history.
6 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
iStockHashtag Volume: 12 million
A photography-inspired visit to Philly isn’t complete without snaps of the Liberty Bell, the Rocky stairs, and a Philly Cheesesteak. Fun Fact: There are over 438,000 photos of the iconic sandwich on Instagram. When planning your trip, make sure to check out Visit Philly on Instagram. The page is always posting the city’s most photogenic spots including the state capitol building, Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Chanticleer Garden, Rittenhouse Square, and Longwood Gardens.
5 | Orlando, Florida
iStockHashtag Volume: 24 million
If sandy toes, windswept hair, and salty air isn’t part of your criteria for an Insta-worthy getaway, then look into visiting one of Florida’s landlocked cities like Orlando. Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studio will keep you and your camera plenty occupied. Visit Orlando on Instagram has tons of resort suggestions (image all the pool selfies in your future) and river activity recommendations, if you are craving riverfront scenery.
4 | Boston, Massachusetts
iStockHashtag Volume: 25 million
Similar to other cities on this list, Boston is oozing with history and prewar buildings, making it an ideal location for picturesque portraits. According to Boston.com’s Instagram page, Beacon Hill, Paul Revere’s House, and Boston Public Garden are markers you’ll want to photograph during your stay. Similarly, sports goers will want to make a pit-stop at Fenway Park, home to the Red Sox and Green Monster; while history buffs will relish in a photo scavenger hunt along the Freedom Trail.
3 | New York, New York
iStockHashtag Volume: 34 million
Given Manhattan’s panoramic city views, it’s no shocker that the metropolis ranked in the top three most Instagrammable cities. Any tourist will tell you that Central Park and Times Square serve as colorful backdrops for candid photoshoots; however, as a local, I’d suggest getting lost in the West Village, Soho, or the Upper East Side for the architecture. Did you really go to NYC if you didn’t take a stoop photo?
Summit the Empire State Building or the Edge at Hudson Yards for a birds-eye view of the city and Hudson River. However, for the best view of New York’s bridges, hop on the East River ferry, which will give you up-close views of the Queensborough Bridge (see if you can spot the Roosevelt Tramway!), Manhattan Bridge, and Brooklyn Bridge.
2 | Atlanta, Georgia
iStockHashtag Volume: 40 million
From Piedmont Park and the iconic Fox Theater to the infamous Varsity restaurant and Ponce City Market, Atlanta is crawling with Insta-worthy shots—just take a peek at Discover Atlanta’s Instagram page! Downtown Atlanta promises a jaw-dropping skyline (the best time to snap a photo is at sunset) and you can find tons of art installations scattered around the city. Plus, did you know that Georgia Tech doubled as the Olympic Village during the 1996 Summer Games? In homage to its Olympic past, Atlanta has its own Olympic Torch Tower.
1 | Miami Florida
iStockHashtag Volume: 85 million
With a nickname like The Sunshine State, it's no surprise that Miami is the most Instagrammable city on the East Coat—and is just begging to be on your Instagram grid. You’ll have plenty to explore between Miami’s pristine beaches and historic landmarks. As home to Little Havana, Miami is basking in Latin American culture and boasts a lively nightlife scene. For a helpful guide to the city’s most Instagrammable sights and eats, check out Miami Bucket List on Instagram.
