These Are The Most Picturesque Cities in America, According to a New Study

A new study has revealed the most Instagram-worthy cities in the United States, and the results might surprise you. By analyzing a staggering 895 million Instagram posts featuring location-specific hashtags, luxury realtors at RubyHome Northwest analyzed the 25 most populated cities in the United States.

From there, the cities were ranked to determine which ones are the most popular on Instagram– and the results might surprise you.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or an armchair explorer, these picturesque destinations are sure to inspire wanderlust and a newfound appreciation for the diverse beauty that America has to offer.

Houston

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Houston is in tenth place, with over 33.9 million posts. An icon of the Lone Star State, this city is best known for housing NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where astronauts are trained and missions are controlled.

The Space Center Houston offers interactive exhibits, astronaut training experiences, and tours of the historic Mission Control Center, making it a popular destination for space enthusiasts. ‘Space City’ is also home to several professional sports teams, including the Houston Texans, and many energy companies, including oil and gas giants ExxonMobil and Shell.

Austin

The penultimate place in the rankings is Austin, which has over 34.0 million posts. The quirky capital of Texas has a vibrant live music scene, which has earned it the nickname ‘Live Music Capital of the World’.

The city is also known for being the home of one of the largest universities in the country, the University of Texas, and for its urban bat population. Austin prides itself on its unique culture, often summed up by the slogan “Keep Austin Weird.” The city embraces individuality, creativity, and diversity, fostering a laid-back and inclusive atmosphere that sets it apart from other cities.

Seattle

Seattle takes eighth place, with the city being tagged in over 37.6 million posts. Some might know Seattle for being the home of the eccentric but lovable fictional psychiatrist, Dr Frasier Crane from the hit show, Frasier. 

The show depicted the famous Seattle skyline and landmark, the Space Needle, in its opening credits. The Emerald City has a thriving coffee culture and is the birthplace of Starbucks and grunge band, Nirvana.

San Diego

San Diego is in the seventh spot, with hashtags for the city appearing in over 39.5 million posts. Known by some as the ‘Birthplace of California,’ San Diego is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the States, with over 70 miles of coastline offering a variety of sandy shores, rocky cliffs, and picturesque coves.

The city is also home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, known for its extensive collection of animals, innovative exhibits, and conservation efforts.

Washington D.C

Sixth place goes to Washington D.C., which has been tagged in over 45.5 million posts to date. The capital of the United States is the political center of the country and home to numerous government institutions such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol Building, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

The historic city is also known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees. The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the blooming of these iconic trees, which were a gift from Japan in 1912.

San Francisco

Taking the fifth spot is San Francisco, with over 45.9 million posts. The city is home to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge. Offshore from the city is a small but infamous island, Alcatraz Island. Also known as ‘The Rock,’ Alcatraz Island accommodated the federal prison, which housed notorious inmates, including Al Capone.

Today, Alcatraz is a popular tourist destination, offering guided tours that provide insight into its fascinating history.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas, the one and only Sin City, ranks fourth overall, with over 54.0 million posts. Another cultural icon of the nation, Vegas is known for its bachelor and bachelorette parties, quick and often Elvis-officiated marriages, glamorous casinos, and fun nightlife.

On the outskirts of the neon-lit ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’ are the Mojave Desert and Red Rock Canyon for any outdoor enthusiasts.

Chicago

Next in the rankings is Chicago, in third place, with over 60.2 million posts. Famed for its impressive architecture, the city resides on the shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois and is the most populous city in the Prairie State. As well as being known for its skyscraper-lined skyline, the Windy City is also famous for being the home of the beloved fictional star of the Home Alone franchise, Kevin McCallister. Fans of the city have posted with the hashtag #chicago, over 55.9 million times, and the hashtag #chi, over 3.8 million times.

Los Angeles

Taking second place is Los Angeles, with over 141.3 million Instagram posts; the city’s most used hashtags are #losangeles, with over 83.8 million posts, and #la, with over 56.8 million posts. One of the biggest jewels in California’s crown is this star-studded city. LA is home to the renowned Hollywood Sign which signals the city’s status as the nation’s film and television industry hub.

Near the celebrated sign are the Hollywood Walk of Fame and stores selling maps showing the route to stars’ homes. Last year the city welcomed approximately 50 million visitors.

New York City

New York City tops the list as the most ‘Instagrammable’ city, with an impressive 183.9 million posts. The most populated city in the country and arguably the most famous city in the world, The City That Never Sleeps is a cultural icon.

From the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to the Empire State Building, the Big Apple has some of the world’s most notable and visited attractions, which brought a staggering 61.8 million travelers to the city last year. The two most popular hashtags are #nyc and #newyorkcity, which have been used over 145.3 million times and over 35.9 million times, respectively.