A new study identifies the most Instagrammable US small cities by analyzing their population, area in sq miles, Instagram hashtags, and hashtags per area.
Sonoma, California ranks first with the most hashtags per area at 529,990. Newport, Rhode Island has the largest population and area, but it ranks seventh for the hashtag per area, at 258,808. Cannon Beach, Oregon, has the second-smallest area, 1.53 square miles, but it is among the top four with the highest hashtag per area number, at 367,849.
A new study by Heepsy identified the top ten most Instagrammable small cities in the US by analyzing 50 cities with populations under 300,000. Population data were sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, and geographic area data were obtained from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Map.
Instagram hashtag counts were collected using the Instagram application, with data up to August 2024. The cities were ranked based on the density of Instagram posts per square mile, calculated by dividing the total number of hashtags by the city’s geographic area, ensuring that the most visually appealing and popular cities on social media were highlighted.
Sonoma, California, leads the list with an impressive 529,990 hashtags per square mile despite having a moderate population of 11,000 and an area of 2.74 square miles. This city outperforms others by a significant margin, with a total of 1,452,173 Instagram hashtags, highlighting its high visibility and popularity on social media relative to its size.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is the second Californian city, ranking close behind Sonoma with 494,619 hashtags per square mile. Despite being more than twice as small as Sonoma, with a 1.06-square-mile area, Carmel’s density of Instagram posts shows its visual appeal and draws significant attention relative to its tiny footprint.
Carmel Beach, California. Jim Byers Photo
Moab, Utah, ranks third with 374,631 hashtags per square mile. With a larger area of 4.1 square miles and a population of 5,400, Moab’s total of 1,535,989 Instagram hashtags places it ahead of many cities in absolute numbers. However, its hashtag density is less concentrated.
Cannon Beach, Oregon, ranks fourth with 367,849 hashtags per square mile. With a population of 1,500 and an area of 1.53 square miles, the city has a total of 562,809 Instagram hashtags, making it one of the most Instagrammed small cities in the study.
Telluride, Colorado, with a population of 2,600 and an area of 2.15 square miles, ranks fifth with 337,915 hashtags per square mile. The city has a total of 726,517 Instagram hashtags, reflecting its strong presence on social media.
Cape May, New Jersey, ranks sixth with 277,655 hashtags per square mile and is slightly larger than Telluride in both population and area, at 2,800 people and 2.78 square miles. Although it has fewer total hashtags (771,880) than Moab, its smaller area allows it to maintain a competitive position in terms of hashtag density.
Newport, Rhode Island, is the most populous and expansive city in this study, with 25,000 residents and an area of 11.39 square miles, and ranks seventh with 258,808 hashtags per square mile. Despite its size, Newport’s hashtag density is lower than that of the smaller cities, but its total count of 2,947,826 hashtags is the highest, showing its widespread popularity.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, ranks eighth with 227,193 hashtags per square mile. It shares similarities with Cannon Beach in terms of size, having a slightly larger area of 1.6 square miles but a much smaller total of 363,509 Instagram hashtags. Its hashtag density reflects a strong social media presence relative to its small size and population of 1,100.
Destin, Florida, ranks ninth with 212,450 hashtags per square mile. While larger in size than many cities in the top ten, with a population of 14,000 and an area of 8.2 square miles, Destin’s hashtag density is lower. On the other hand, it still has a substantial total of 1,742,087 Instagram hashtags, the second-highest number on the list.
Breckenridge, Colorado, rounds out the top ten with 172,435 hashtags per square mile. With a population of 5,100 and an area of 5.81 square miles, it has fewer hashtags both in total (1,001,847) and per square mile compared to cities like Destin and Moab. Yet, it still maintains a significant presence on social media, highlighting its niche appeal.
LE BOAT EXPANDS FRANCE OPTIONS
In response to the heightened interest in France following the recent Paris Olympic Games and shifts in travel preferences, Le Boat is delighted to unveil a range of new and immersive experiences for 2025, showcasing the historic canals of France. This destination embodies the growing trend towards experiential spending, as travelers increasingly prioritize meaningful experiences over material purchases.
A Shift Towards Experiential Travel
Recent research from Mastercard’s “Travel Trends 2024” report highlights a compelling trend: travelers are dedicating a larger portion of their budgets to experiences rather than shopping. In 2023, Americans allocated a record 13% of their travel expenditures to experiences, driven by a desire for personal fulfillment and deeper connections. This evolving trend is further supported by findings from the Mastercard Economics Institute and other industry surveys.
Le Boat trips allow people to try vacationing by boat- Travelers will experience life as if they are a locals and enjoying the waterways from their own private boat, making new friends at the docks in the evenings, and cruising to their next destination by day and getting a better understanding what it is like to vacation onboard houseboat. There is no license or experience required allowing everyone to give it a try.
My wife and I had a marvelous trip on the Trent-Severn Waterway in Ontario earlier this year, and I highly recommend it!
Discover French Canal Holidays in Nine Stunning Regions
A Le Boat vacation in France provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery of French waterways from the comfort of your own private boat. Experience the country from the vantage of its romantic rivers, explore captivating sights, or pause to relax and savor fine French wines and delicious cuisine. Choose from Le Boat’s nine regions, each offering distinct scenery, gastronomy, culture, and charm, and explore them at your own pace aboard a private boat.
In alignment with this trend, the French Canals and Historical Waterways are set to be premier destinations in 2025 for those seeking extraordinary and unique travel experiences.
Sources such as Big Think and MoneySense emphasize that investing in experiences enhances personal happiness and satisfaction far more than material acquisitions. Experiences foster lasting memories and deepen personal connections, offering a profound sense of fulfillment. As travelers embrace this philosophy, destinations like the France Canals provide the perfect canvas for these enriching adventures.
Plan Your 2025 Adventure in France
Canal du Midi
Explore the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a 300-year history. Visit Carcassonne, a medieval city overlooking the Aude River, sip local French wines along the riverbanks, explore France’s largest outdoor market in Narbonne, and cruise through the unique Malpas tunnel, commissioned by Louis XIV. New for 2025, Le Boat will offer a Captain for Hire for the day, providing an enhanced and personalized boating experience.
The River Lot
One of France’s most scenic and longest canals, the River Lot is ideal for a leisurely, picturesque adventure. The scenic River Lot is lined with trees, leading to medieval villages, vineyards, limestone cliffs, and wilderness. It offers a unique venue for boating vacations, complemented by outdoor activities such as cycling, swimming, and fishing, as well as fine dining, market browsing, and château sightseeing.
Camargue
Home to breathtaking wildlife and beautiful beaches, the Camargue is a paradise for nature lovers. Experience the sunny Camargue region with its saltwater lagoons, beaches, and daily sightings of white horses grazing on the riverbanks. Learn to shuck oysters and see how the famous Sel de Camargue is harvested. Must-see stops include the ramparts of Aigues-Mortes, a jewel of medieval military architecture, ideal for a leisurely stroll and shopping in the old town.
Alsace-Lorraine
One of the most unique aspects of traveling to Alsace-Lorraine is its rich history. The region border both France and Germany and its reflected in its cuisine, and traditions. Discover the region’s enchanting castles and unique architecture, reminiscent of a storybook.
Charente ValleyLocated in south western France, the Charente Valley is famous for its rich heritage, wine, and Cognac, is a must-visit for any connoisseur seeing new experiences .
Charente ValleyLocated in south western France, the Charente Valley is famous for its rich heritage, wine, and Cognac, is a must-visit for any connoisseur seeing new experiences .
New for 2025!
Le Boat announced new moorings in Narbonne and Angoulême France, offering the perfect opportunities for cruisers to plan an overnight stop and explore these beautiful towns.
• Narbonne is home to France’s largest outdoor food market and is a must-see when visiting the Canal du Midi. Les Halles, the market, features stalls selling local wines, olives, tapenades, cakes, and pastries. Narbonne also boasts grand and ancient buildings nestled among modern, lively streets. Highlights include the Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur Cathedral (the third tallest in France) and the Archbishop’s Palace dating back to the Roman era.
• Angoulême, located in the Charente Region, has seen many historical conflicts, evident in its numerous fortifications. Today, it is a charming area with restaurants and boutiques. Downtown, visitors can discover monuments such as the impressive City Hall, a former castle.
To learn more about the Cruising French’s Waterways on your own private houseboat and to book a 2025 adventure, visit www.leboat.com or call 1-800-734-5491.
