Attention sightseers: If you’re the type of person who cannot attend an event or travel on vacation without snapping plenty of pictures for the ’Gram, you’ll want to visit these nearby hot spots. Rather than having to scour the place for the perfect setup, lighting, or backdrop for your Instagram picture, these destinations are known for being picturesque—or more apropos for modern-day, Instagrammable. (Don’t forget that St. Louis offers picture-perfect staples like the Art Hill, Gateway Arch, City Museum, and Union Station and rooftop views at businesses like Three Sixty Rooftop Bar, the Angad Arts Hotel‘s ART Bar, and The Last Hotel‘s The Last Rooftop.)
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area: After St. Louisans flocked to capture pictures of the towering sunflowers in the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area last year, the Missouri Department of Conservation has planted additional sunflower plots for this year. The beauties can be seen from the road and are easy to access. Be sure to visit during the height of summer, starting in early July. Remember: Please do not pick the sunflowers and park in designated lots or pull well off onto shoulders. Instagram handles to tag: @moconservation. 801 Strodtman Road.
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Pulitzer Arts Foundation: Not only is the permanent Richard Serra installation in the courtyard between the Pulitzer Arts Foundation and Contemporary Art Museum very Instagram-worthy, but both museums have must-see exhibits on display this summer. Located across the street from Pulitzer Arts is Park-Like, a greenspace installation from the masterminds at Studio Land Arts. Set in an urban environment, the garden is thoughtfully designed to absorb stormwater runoff and reduce the impact on urban drainage and sewer systems while creating a site for both wildlife and the public to enjoy. Within this space, you will also find Chloë Bass: Wayfinding. Bass designed a set of more than 30 thought-provoking signs placed throughout the Pulitzer’s outdoor spaces. (You can more about Bass’ exhibit here.) Instagram handles to tag: @pulitzerarts, @publicinvestigator, @killscreendotcom. 3716 Washington Boulevard.
Pink Elephant Antique Mall: Located less than an hour from downtown St. Louis in Livingston, Illinois, this spot is worth the drive. (You can also pass it if you’re en route to Chicago.) The main attractions? The can’t miss the namesake pink elephant and other oversized curiosities visible from the highway. The roadside attraction also has a treasure trove of antiques and offers a colorful diner with easy, kid-friendly meals. 908 Veterans Memorial Drive, Livingston, Illinois.
Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape: This is a super kid-friendly option. The recently opened Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape is a natural playground that appeals to all of the senses. The spacious space lends itself to myriad idyllic shots of children at play. The playscape was intentionally designed with a range of colorful native wildflowers and there is even one sign on display with tips on how to take different nature photos. Instagram handles to tag: @forrestparkforever. Forest Park.
The “I Love You” sign at Ballpark Village’s Crown Room: The Crown Room nightclub located in downtown’s Ballpark Village is definitely more suited for a night out on the town than say a family outing. The photo ops here are usually of entangled large groups of friends or smooching couples. Either way, the LED sign makes for one cute photo perfect for the grid. Instagram handles to tag: @crownroomstl. 601 Clark Avenue.
