Home to Hollywood celebrities, endless sunshine, and sprawling mountains and beaches, Los Angeles is the epicenter of glamour and quintessential West Coast living. What many people don’t know is that the city also has an exceptionally strong street art game. 

Once upon a time, this kind of art might have been considered a nuisance to locals and business owners, but thanks to the power of social media, many local backgrounds have now risen to popularity. With memorable graffiti and a picture-perfect opportunity lurking in almost every corner of the city, it can be difficult narrowing down the most popular spots for your next Instagram photo. That’s why we’ve compiled a list including some of the most photogenic backdrops for those who don’t want to travel too far from LA’s east side.

The Polka Dot Wall - Downtown LA

Courtesy of Discover Los Angeles

Remember last year when Mid-City residents flipped out after a trio of bungalow-style homes and shrubs in the neighborhood were painted a Pepto-Bismol pink? Though it’s still unclear if the makeover was a publicity stunt or art installation, the deed was done by The Most Famous Artist, aka Matty Mo. He is also the artist responsible for the famous Polka Dot Wall in Downtown Los Angeles, his first major piece, located off of Imperial Street and the now-closed vegan eatery The Springs.

The Global Angel Wings Walls - Arts District, Other Locations

Courtesy of Life Above the Clouds

Now, in many destinations throughout the world, you can probably find a wall nearby with beautifully painted angel wings. However, it only makes sense that the original painted wings came from LA, the City of Angels. The first-ever angel wings location can be found at Traction and Hewitt in the Arts District. Other wings installations can be found near the local Angel City Brewery on Alameda, in front of the Regent Theater on Main Street, and behind The Bloc on 8th and Hope. Artist Colette Miller created this project to “remind humanity that we are angels of the Earth.” 

Painted White Wall and Fence - Los Feliz/Silver Lake

Courtesy of Vincent Lamoroux / Creative Migration

After the partial destruction of the well-known Silver Lake and Los Feliz mural made famous by musician Elliot Smith’s “Figure 8” album cover, residents briefly mourned their loss until another public art piece made its way into the spotlight. In an installation titled “Projection” by French artist Vincent Lamouroux, the fence of the once sketchy looking Bates Motel were transformed into a blinding white background for avid Instagrammers. Although the art piece has faded since its creation in 2015, it remains a memorable fixture for LA eastsiders.

Look Into My Eyes Mural - Koreatown

Courtesy of Dface

If you find yourself outside The Line Hotel in Koreatown, head around the corner and take a picture in front of this striking mural. Considered a neighborhood gem, the large pair of eyes will never fail to stare at you from the entire eastern wall. The English artist, whose name is Dean Stockton but is popularly known as D*Face, is a celebrated street artist specializing in creative prints, stencils, and stickers. 

Bumsan Organic Milk Bar - Koreatown

Courtesy of Bumsan Organic Milk Bar / Instagram

Although this bright pink ice cream shop is not a formal art installation, it’s reminiscent of the iconic Paul Smith Wall in West Hollywood. The boutique shop recently opened earlier this year in K-town, but the combination of delicious organic soft-serve ice cream and vivid pink building design has already driven many food bloggers crazy. Now, you can take a pink-background selfie while holding onto your ice cream cone. 

LACMA Lamps Exhibit - Miracle Mile

 

Located in the Miracle Mile, this particular public installation is a bit further away from LA’s eastside, but we can’t forget to include it. “Urban Lights” by the American sculpturist Chris Burden is displayed in front of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The LACMA lamps exhibit is not only free, it’s also one of the Los Angeles’ most photographed landmarks. Whether it’s day or night, you are always welcome to strike a pose with this solar-powered exhibition.