LA’s Most Insta-Worthy Walls

Designed by artist Ricardo Gonzalez, this phrase was popularized by the Mamas & the Papas with their hit song of the same title has become synonymous with the California lifestyle. There are no pictures, simply "California Dreaming" written out in a giant, white, casual cursive font. Set against a violet and pink background that evokes an L.A. sunset, the entire picture-less mural somehow represents all ...

UPDATE (April 25, 2022): The beloved Micheltorena Heart Stairs (a.k.a. "Stair Candy") have been whitewashed. Fingers crossed, the original artists (Corinne Carrey, Carla O'Brien, and Mandon Bossi) repaint them. UPDATE 2 (May 26, 2022): As of today, the stairs are back! Big thanks to artist, Carla O'Brien. Across the street from Micheltorena Elementary School is this 78-step staircase. If you st...

It looks like a giant sized piece of Valentine's Day wrapping paper but it is one of the most photo-worthy spots on Instagram especially for lovebirds and marriage proposals. The bright red backdrop on which "love" is uniformly scrawled in silver more than a dozen times is an eye-popping splash of color on a grey concrete block.

Although the Global Angel Wings Project has literally spread its wings around the world it all started in Los Angeles. Artist Colette Miller began her series in 2012 in Downtown L.A. From there the wings traveled across the U.S. and Mexico and soared as far away as Kenya and Australia. Little known trivia: Colette was one of the members of Gwar between 1986 and 1987. (Submitted by Southern California)

Known for his cutting-edge men's suits with the ever-popular slim fit, Paul Smith is probably more well-known in L.A. for the boutique wall that graces the corner of the modish Melrose Avenue. It was famous for its eye-catching shade of Pepto pink but one side has recently been redone in a rainbow of stripes acknowledging Pride 2017 and the area's diverse demographic. Even before its makeover the Paul Sm...

A rainbow of colors seems to be cascading down the wall ending in a puddle on the ground. This is the wall mural that depicts an accident gone right - the loveliest mistake that could happen with cans of liquid hues. Even the two splotches which call to mind a painter with major anger issues give the mural a charming splash of color. By LA street artist RISK (aka Kelly Graval).

On the wall facing the parking lot of Barry's Bootcamp is an inspiring piece by artist Kelsey Montague. Simply a detailed sketch of larger-than-life angel wings, this white, chalk-like drawing against the black backdrop of the building is an example of interactive art. This piece is one of the many around the nation following the "What Lifts You" theme. 

Named "Portal," this futuristic little underground passage is lit with over 7,000 pixels of animated light. The light scheme was designed by artist Akiko Yamashita and it dimly illuminates the way for people walking under Weller Court in Little Tokyo. (Submitted by Olivia Yballa)

Also known as the "Piano Stairs," this ascending walkway was painted by the same artist who painted the rainbow-colored Micheltorena staircase. Corinne Carrey's purpose was to give pedestrians something to look at while they made their way up the steps. Along with black and white keys, the stairs bear Carrey's trademark hearts. If you know where the Micheltorena stairs are, you can easily make your way t...

Found on trendy Melrose Avenue this pink wall is on the side of the chic Sorella boutique. After snapping a selfie with the kids peek inside the shop where you can buy your own street gear with the "Girls Tour" logo emblazoned on it. (Submitted by Fernanda Nunes)

Update: The Abbot Kinney Love Wall has been transformed into the Abbot Kinney Cactus Wall English artist James Goldcrown painted his first Love Murals in New York City. After leaving his mark on the East Coast he made his way to Venice Beach, a tiny enclave of L.A. known for embracing uniqueness with open arms. Here he created his second "Bleeding Hearts" mural. It is one of the most Instagrammable wa...

Marquis Lewis, a.k.a. RETNA, is an L.A. native who was invited to Miami to practice his craft. Created for the Wynwood Walls this mural is inspired by his own unique writing, a mixture of urban art and calligraphy from ancient the ancient Egyptians and Mayans. The RETNA Wall is not the only mural to see here - many renowned urban artists have their works displayed some stretching 40 feet high and a block...

On the exterior wall of bourgie eco-furniture store Cisco Home, the phrase "MADE IN LA" is painted in a light gray in gigantic capitalized letters against a white background. This is one of the most popular backgrounds for selfies and portraits on Instagram and pairs nicely on a photo collage with Paul Smith's pink wall just down the street. (submitted by Ruslan Gard)