If you’re heading to the Scottsdale, Arizona area soon and want some pics for the #gram, this blog has you covered. We’re going to discuss the 20+ most Instagrammable places in Scottsdale and PLUS where to find them—all recommendations come from my experience as a local.
The best part is that all of these photo spots are concentrated in roughly the same area, which means less travel time and more picture time for you! SO get ready to strike a pose, boo, we have a lot of ground to cover. Let’s begin!
And when you’re done reading this blog, check out my other Scottsdale and Phoenix area posts:
- The Best Day Trips From Scottsdale
- How to Spend a Weekend in Scottsdale
- Best Happy Hours in Old Town Scottsdale
- Most Instagrammable places in Phoenix, Arizona
- Camera Gear I Use as a Blogger
- How to Beat the Instagram Algorithm
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Camera Gear I Use
If you’re a content creator, want to make money as a content creator, or just a photo lover, you might want to check out the camera gear I use below! Just about all of my pictures were taken with this equipment:
- Sony a7RIII—My absolute favorite camera! If you’re looking for a beginner’s mirrorless option, you can snag a Sony a6400.
- 24-70mm f/2.8 lens—My go-to lens thats great for portraits and landscapes!
For editing, there’s tons of aesthetic photo editing apps you can use too!
Map of Instagram Spots
Here is a map of all the most Instagrammable places in Scottsdale we will cover.
Click here to view a live version of the map!
List of Instagrammable Places in Scottsdale
- Bicycle Haus
- Flowers Across Eldorado on 1st
- Civic Center Plaza
- Bischoff’s at the Park
- Main Street
- It’s That Hot Mural
- Sugar Bowl
- The Canal Club
- Ruze Cake House
- Diego Pops
- FourtillFour
- Berdena’s
- Maple and Ash
- Sprinkle Cupcake ATM
- Outrider Rooftop Lounge
- The Scott Resort
- Hotel Adeline
- The Saguaro Scottsdale
- Boulders Resort and Spa
- McDowell Mountain Preserve
- Desert Botanical Garden
- Papago Park
- Scottsdale Quarter
- Scottsdale Waterfront
- Taliesin West
Below is where we get into the good stuff.
I’ve broken our aesthetic places in Scottsdale into specific categories to keep things easy! That way, you can pull this blog up when you’re in an area and snap away at allllllll the different gems for the gram.
Ready? Let’s gooooo!
Old Town Scottsdale Photo Spots
Let’s kick things off with Old Town Scottsdale photo spots.
Known for its cowboy vibes, cute restaurants, boutique hotels, segway tours, and more, Old Town Scottsdale is cute AF and has plenty of places for you to take photos!
Please note that there is a place most call the “Pink Law Office” some people recommend—this is private property and shooting there is not allowed! So please disregard that recommendation anytime you see it.
#1 Bicycle Haus
- Location Description: Aged metal wall outside the store
- Best Light: Mid-Day
- Coordinates: 33.49377, -111.92779
- Fees: None
Bicycle Haus, located next to one of my favorite coffee shops in Scottsdale, Fourtillfour, is a street down from the Sugar Bowl in Old town Scottsdale. If you’re into aesthetic photos with kind of an edgy vibe, this metal wall is for you.
To find it, head over to the little alley in the middle of the Bike Haus and Fourtillfour buildings (don’t worry, it’s not creepy). It’s perfect for creative portrait shots!
P.S. You might like my blog: How to Become a Successful Influencer
#2 Flowers Across Eldorado on 1st
- Location Description: Large row of flowered bushes outside of apartment building
- Best Light: Early Morning or Late Afternoon
- Coordinates: 33.49193, -111.93201
- Fees: None
When flowers bloom in the spring, you can take some gorgeous Instagram pics bushed along the flower wall across from the Eldorado on 1st apartment building in Old Town Scottsdale. Their vibrant pink hue gives every picture or Instagram Story a beautiful pop of color.
#3 The Civic Center Plaza
- Location Description: Park with a large LOVE sculpture
- Best Light: Early Morning or Late Afternoon
- Coordinates: 33.49291, -111.91971
- Fees: None
*Opens back up in 2023* The Civic Center Plaza is known for its large LOVE sculpture, but it’s also one of the fantastic places to take pictures in Scottsdale! So walk around to photograph the fountains and lush green areas for your next Instagram photo.
You can walk around to the arts center and take some photos near the outdoor area too. And before I forget, you should read my blog on the best things to do in Scottsdale, AZ!
#4 Bischoff’s at the Park in Old Town
- Location Description: Lush, green, ivy-covered wall
- Best Light: Early Morning or Late Afternoon
- Coordinates: 33.49294, -111.92414
- Fees: None
The Bischoff’s at the Park ivy wall near the Old Town Tavern patio is a hidden Scottsdale gem.
The entire side of the Native American shop building is covered in thick, lush ivy shining in the brightest green! It looks like something that belongs in San Francisco or another city.
Come here to snap some photos near the wall while you explore the rest of what Old Town has to offer!
#5 East Main Street Old Town
- Location Description: Palm-lined street with cute shops and string lights
- Best Light: Morning or Late Afternoon
- Coordinates: 33.49313, -111.92632
- Fees: None
Old Town’s Main Street is undoubtedly the most photographed street in Old Town Scottsdale.
It features some wild west vibes, and cute shops on every corner. You can shoot photos in front of cute buildings or right on Main Street (watch for cars). If you come later in the day, you might catch Main Street when it’s all lit up with string lights, making it 10 ties more adorable for pictures!
#6 It’s That Hot Mural
- Location Description: Vibrant mural on the side of Geisha A Go Go
- Best Light: Anytime
- Coordinates: 33.49892, -111.92657
- Fees: None
There are several murals in the Scottsdale area, but the It’s That Hot Mural on the righthand side of the Geisha A Go Go building is a favorite.
It’s vibrant colors will make your Instagram photos siiiiiiiiiiiing—ha! Maybe you can make some good Instagram Stories here too—just saying! In all seriousness, though, this is the perfect place to take pictures while you’re walking around Old Town Scottsdale. It looks good all day long!
Instagram Worthy Restaurants in Scottsdale
There are some fantastic Instagrammable restaurants in Scottsdale, so let’s cover those now!
#7 Sugar Bowl
- Location Description: Old school ice-cream parlor with pink features
- Best Light: N/A
- Coordinates: 33.49384, -111.92595
- Fees: Should purchase something
Sugar Bowl has to make this list of the most Instagrammable places in Scottsdale! It’s a Scottsdale “Classic” and not just for its ice cream sundaes.
But let’s be honest, who doesn’t like ice cream? Jk. The Sugar Bowl is Insta-famous for its pink aesthetic. And its interior will give you all the vintage vibes.
#8 The Canal Club
- Location Description: Caribbean inspired bar with a neon sign and comfy seating area
- Best Light: N/A
- Coordinates: 33.49384, -111.92595
- Fees: Should purchase something
The Canal Club is located in The Scott Resort! It’s located in the back of the lobby. What looks like a cute little beach bodega turns into a popular lounging area in the evening.
Take your Insta pics with the neon sign as the backdrop.
But whatever you do, DO NOT leave without getting a coconut mojito: you’ll thank me later.
While you’re at it, check out my list of the best happy hours in Old Town Scottsdale for more spots like this!
#9 Ruze Cake House
- Location Description: Adorable bakery with white interior
- Best Light: N/A
- Coordinates: 33.4928, -111.92948
- Fees: Should purchase something
Ruze Cake House is a small bakery in Scottsdale that features macaroons and an aesthetic neon sign that reads “stop & taste the roses.” It’s an adorable cafe for a photoshoot. So naturally, it gives off Instagram vibes with its bright interior.
#10 Diego Pops
- Location Description: Taco shop with aesthetic interior and neon sign
- Best Light: N/A
- Coordinates: 33.49938, -111.92656
- Fees: Should purchase something
Diego Pops isn’t just a taco shop! Known for its tacos, pineapple wallpaper, AND pink taco neon sign—stop here for your foodie pics. OOO and make sure you grab a watermelon margarita afterwards—or during, I won’t tell ;).
P.S. If you’re taking these pics for your content creator page, you should read my guide on how to become an Instagram influencer!
#11 Berdena’s
- Location Description: Quaint, aesthetic coffee shop in Old Town
- Best Light: N/A
- Coordinates: 33.49752, -111.92956
- Fees: Should purchase something
Berdena’s is a quaint, boutique coffee shop located in Old Town Scottsdale. When you get there, you can’t help but notice its cuteness.
The coffee shop features adorably patterned wallpaper and carefully selected decor that adds to the overall aesthetic. Grab an oat milk latte and a fresh-baked croissant then shoot away!
#12 Maple and Ash
- Location Description: Schwanky restaurant and bar near Fashion Square
- Best Light: N/A
- Coordinates: 33.50192, -111.92796
- Fees: Should purchase something
Maple and Ash is a BOUJEE restaurant located across the street from Scottsdale Fashion Square. The outside entryway features a beautiful flower arch that makes for adorable pictures.
But, the inside is where all the magic happens. The dining areas are elegant, with edgy touches like a leather bar and dark green velvet booths. It’s very photogenic.
To dine inside, you must have a reservation and adhere to their dress code. If you’d rather not do all that, stick to the gorgeous flower arch outside!
#13 Fourtillfour
- Location Description: Adorable coffee shop that hosts car events
- Best Light: Morning
- Coordinates: 33.49375, -111.9281
- Fees: Should purchase something
Fourtillfour is a fabulous coffee shop in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. The owner is a self-proclaimed car guy that themed the coffee shop to almost look like it’s in a small garage.
Aside from having great coffee and a neat concept, every weekend the coffee shop invites car lovers to come and show off their rigs! Now, these aren’t some average Joe-Shmo Corolla’s pulling up to the party.
We’re talking vintage Porches, overlanding rigs, and sports cars. It’s a vibe, and one of the most Instagrammable places in Scottsdale!
#14 Sprinkles Cupcake ATM
- Location Description: Cupcake shop with a bright pink ATM
- Best Light: Mid-Day
- Coordinates: 33.50271, -111.92589
- Fees: Should purchase something
A cupcake ATM? I didn’t even know they made those—did you? Probably not, which is WHY you need to head to the Sprinkles cupcake ATM ASAP.
Yes, it will spit out a cupcake order for you, which is cute and futuristic, but can we please talk about how adorable that vibrant pink color is? Perfect for fun summery photos.
The ATM is incredibly easy to find since there is only one Sprinkles location in Scottsdale. Since the ATM sits outside the shop, you can walk right up to it and take a gazillion pics for the gram!
#15 Outride Rooftop Lounge
- Location Description: Photogenic rooftop lounge with mountain views
- Best Light: Sunset
- Coordinates: 33.4924323,-111.9275633
- Fees: Should purchase something
Talk about an Instagram spot! Outrider Rooftop Lounge is a lounge and bar located on the Canopy Hotel. And let me just say, it is a VIBE.
You don’t need a reservation to come here, but you’ll definitely want to get there an hour before sunset for the best pictures!
When you’re there, you’ll have amazing Insta-worthy, unobstructed views of Camelback Mountain. Get the Southwest Sunburst cocktail—it’s AMAZING.
Instagram Worthy Hotels
Scottsdale Instagram spots extend to their hotels too. What you’ll notice about a lot of Instagram worthy hotels in Scottsdale is that the details have NOT gone unnoticed.
These properties make for great guest experiences and just happen to be some of the most beautiful places in Scottsdale.
Read Next: Best Boutique Hotels in Scottsdale, AZ
#16 The Scott Resort
- Location Description: Cuban-inspired hotel property with decorated lobby and blue convertible
- Best Light: N/A
- Coordinates: 33.50857, -111.92569
- Fees: Avg. Room $389
The Scott Resort and Spa is located on Scottsdale Road, smack dab in the middle of Scottsdale. But oh my gosh.
There is so much that makes this a photogenic location.
When you park in the resort, you feel like you’ve been transported to the Caribbean. The entire hotel was inspired by Havana, Cuba, giving you beach vibes in the desert. Take some pictures at the front entrance or with their cute blue Canal Club convertible!
#17 Hotel Adeline
- Location Description: Hip hotel with scenic pool area and cute signs
- Best Light: N/A
- Coordinates: 33.51079, -111.9257
- Fees: Avg. Room $199
Hotel Adeline was practically made with Instagrammers in mind. Take a picture by their “WTF, Where’s The Fun sign,” or near their “Wanderers Welcome” entryway!
The pool area is also surrounded by mountains—what more could you ask for? These features make it photogenic and it continues to attract grammers to its property every year!
#18 The Saguaro Scottsdale
- Location Description: Colorful hotel with retro-style features
- Best Light: Anytime
- Coordinates: 33.494, -111.92274
- Fees: $75 for Poolside Cabana
Because of its COLORFUL property, the Saguaro Scottsdale has been deemed one of the most Instagram worthy places in Scottsdale. I mean, this hotel has a wall in just about every color of the rainbow, cute bicycles for rent, and a lot more. Sign me up for all of it!
#19 Boulders Resort and Spa
- Location Description: Nature-inspired hotel with large, picture-esque boulders
- Best Light: Sunset
- Coordinates: 33.80318, -111.92644
- Fees: Book a stay!
Just outside of Phoenix, you can visit the magical Boulders Resort and Spa. At sunset, this place lights up like a DREAM. Wanna know something fun? The boulders are 12 million years old!
I suggest booking a spa day here so you can take pictures and enjoy the resort afterwards. I also recommend visiting their Discovery Lounge—the view from the floor to ceiling windows is AMAZING.
As soon as you go there, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most Instagrammable places in Scottsdale, AZ.
Instagram Places for Nature Lovers
Here are a few Scottsdale, Arizona photography spots to consider for your next nature pic!
#20 McDowell Sonoran Preserve
- Location Description: Nature park with hiking trails and view of McDowell Mountains
- Best Light: Sunrise and Sunset
- Coordinates: 33.64942, -111.85846
- Fees: None
The McDowell Mountain Preserve was featured in my day trips from Scottsdale blog, and for a good reason! It’s great for portraits, landscape images, or hiking photos. Come here during sunset to watch the mountains glow a stunning red color!
#21 Desert Botanical Garden
- Location Description: Large botanical garden featuring exhibits with large cacti and succulents
- Best Light: Golden Hour
- Coordinates: 33.46184, -111.94463
- Fees: $24.95 – $39.95
The Desert Botanical Garden is full of gorgeous desert fauna and flora, bridges, sculptures, and more! Ask any local and they’ll tell you that the Botanical Garden is a great photo spot.
Depending on when you go, you might get lucky and catch a seasonal exhibit there—usually they’re very photogenic. TECHNICALLY, the Desert Botanical Garden is located in Phoenix, but it sits on the border of PHX and Scottsdale, so meh, who cares.
And hey, if you want to see the most Instagrammable places in Phoenix, I have a blog on that!
#22 Papago Park
- Location Description: Scenic nature park featuring large rock formations
- Best Light: Morning and Golden Hour
- Coordinates: 33.45363, -111.94869
- Fees: None
Papago Park is undoubtedly one of the most Instagrammable places in Scottsdale. It’s right by the Botanical Garden so the same vague location rules apply here. Regardless, we can’t deny its beauty!
At sunset, you can do a photoshoot with Hole in the Rock, the park’s desert surroundings, or the little lake in Papago Park. This diversity makes it one of the popular photography spots for engagement photos and family portraits.
Best Places for Urban Pictures
I see you over there wondering, “Where the urban spots at?” Here are a couple of Scottsdale Instagram spots for urban inspired photos.
#23 Scottsdale Quarter
- Location Description: Shopping center in North Scottsdale
- Best Light: Morning and Evening
- Coordinates: 33.62559, -111.92269
- Fees: None
The Scottsdale Quarter is a popular shopping center in Scottsdale, AZ. But OOF, its parking garages have some amazing views from the top.
Come here for urban vibe Instagram photos or clean girl aesthetic—ha! The rest of the Scottsdale Quarter is pretty photogenic as well!
#24 Scottsdale Waterfront
- Location Description: Scenic canal trail in the heart of Scottsdale
- Best Light: N/A
- Coordinates: 33.50133, -111.92778
- Fees: None
The Scottsdale Waterfront is a gorgeous canal trail nestled in the heart of Scottsdale, AZ. It’s a great sunset spot.
You can ride a bike around the area and get some adorable pictures that way then eat at one of the restaurants down the street. The best part about the waterfront is its proximity to Old Town’s 5th Avenue, which is where you’ll find other Instagrammable locations like Beredena’s—all in walking distance!
#25 Taliesin West—Frank Lloyd Wright
- Location Description: Former home of Frank Lloyd Wright featuring interesting architecture
- Best Light: N/A
- Coordinates: 33.60638, -111.84518
- Fees: $35
Who was Frank Lloyd Wright? He was a famous architect in America that created some of the most innovative structures!
Now, architect lovers and history buffs can admire his winter home, Taliesin West. The entire estate is gorgeous.
You can take a self-guided tour and snap some beautiful pictures amongst the architecture. Another building like this is hard to come by, so you’ll be able to get more unique images here!
Next Steps for Your Photo Adventure
Hopefully by now you can see that the most Instagrammable places in Scottsdale and are A PLENTY.
There’s really something for everyone!
My final parting tips before heading to one of these photo spots would be to check the weather before you arrive and try to plan your photos for the morning or evening.
While mid-day lighting will be fine for cafes and such, anything outdoors will get blasted with the Arizona sun, making it difficult to capture details! Not to mention, your photos may turn out harsh with over-exposed highlights.
If you’ll be exploring Scottsdale for a while, you’ll definitely want to check out more of my blogs:
