California in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
Just a short drive north of Los Angeles, the quaint town of Solvang offers a charming glimpse into Hollywood’s love for fairy-tale and period dramas. This Danish-themed village, nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley about two hours northwest of LA, has served as a backdrop in numerous films and TV shows due to its distinctive European architecture. Visitors can stroll along Copenhagen Drive, admiring half-timbered buildings and windmills while imagining scenes from movies like “Sideways,” which brought widespread attention to the nearby vineyards. The town’s unique blend of Old World charm and California sunshine makes it a delightful visit in spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the surrounding wine country is lush and inviting.
Further south, the iconic Griffith Observatory stands tall on Mount Hollywood, about a 30-minute drive northeast of downtown Los Angeles. This Art Deco landmark offers sweeping views of the city and the Hollywood Sign, and it’s been immortalized in films ranging from “Rebel Without a Cause” to “La La Land.” Visitors can explore the planetarium exhibits and hike the nearby Mount Hollywood Trail, a moderate 3-mile loop that rewards trekkers with panoramic vistas and wildflower blooms in early spring. The observatory’s blend of science, stunning vistas, and cinematic history makes it a must-see for anyone wanting to feel the pulse of Tinseltown’s magic.
In the heart of San Francisco, Alamo Square Park reveals the Painted Ladies, the famous row of Victorian houses framed by the city skyline. Just a 10-minute drive west of downtown, this park has appeared in countless TV shows, most notably the intro to “Full House.” Visitors can relax on the grassy knoll, taking in the colorful architecture against the backdrop of downtown skyscrapers. The combination of picturesque homes and urban scenery makes it a unique spot, especially beautiful on clear spring or fall days, when the light is soft and the city’s iconic fog is less likely to roll in.
Heading down the coast near San Diego, the historic Hotel del Coronado on Coronado Island has been a favorite filming location for decades. About a 20-minute drive from downtown San Diego, this Victorian beachfront resort famously appeared in the classic film “Some Like It Hot.” Visitors can tour the hotel’s ornate lobby and walk along the white sandy beach, imagining Marilyn Monroe strolling the same shoreline. The combination of striking red turrets and Pacific Ocean views makes this hotel a standout location. The best time to visit is during late spring or early summer when the weather is sunny, and the ocean breeze is refreshing but not chilly.
In Northern California, the mystical redwood forests of Humboldt Redwoods State Park, roughly a 3.5-hour drive north of San Francisco, have provided the atmospheric backdrop for many films and TV series that require an ancient, towering forest. The park’s Avenue of the Giants, a scenic 31-mile drive through the tallest trees on Earth, is a highlight for visitors. Walking among these giants on the Founders Grove Trail, an easy 0.8-mile loop, gives a sense of awe and tranquility. The park’s dense canopy and foggy mornings create a cinematic setting unlike anywhere else, especially striking in late fall when the colors shift and the air feels crisp.
Sacramento’s Old Sacramento Historic District, just a few minutes from downtown, has been transformed repeatedly for period pieces and Westerns. The preserved gold rush-era storefronts and wooden sidewalks invite visitors to step back in time. Walking along the riverfront boardwalk, you can visit the California State Railroad Museum, which houses vintage locomotives that have appeared in numerous productions. The Old Sacramento waterfront is particularly evocative in early autumn, when mild weather encourages long, leisurely strolls and the historic buildings glow warmly in the golden afternoon light.
The rugged coastline near Big Sur, about a three-hour drive south of San Francisco along Highway 1, has been a dramatic filming site for films like “Play Misty for Me” and “The Sandpiper.” The McWay Falls overlook in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park presents a breathtaking view of an 80-foot waterfall plunging onto a pristine beach. Hiking the short but steep McWay Falls Trail offers a chance to experience this natural spectacle up close. The park’s wild cliffs, crashing waves, and misty air create a timeless cinematic atmosphere, especially enchanting in the early morning when fog mingles with sunlight.
In the Sierra Nevada foothills just outside of Yosemite National Park, the town of Mariposa often doubles as a backdrop for Westerns and adventure films. About two hours southeast of Sacramento, this historic gold rush town features charming 19th-century architecture and a lively town square, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Visitors can explore the Mariposa Museum and History Center to see exhibits about the region’s gold mining past, frequently showcased in movies. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather to enjoy both the town and nearby natural attractions without the summer crowds.
Downtown Los Angeles itself is a treasure trove of film history, and the Bradbury Building stands out as one of the city’s most iconic architectural gems. Located about 15 minutes from Hollywood, this 1893 building has been featured in classics like “Blade Runner” and “500 Days of Summer.” Visitors can step inside to gaze up at the ornate ironwork, sunlit atrium, and open cage elevators that create a surreal, almost otherworldly ambiance. Mid-morning is best to visit when sunlight streams through the glass ceiling and highlights the building’s intricate details.
Finally, just outside Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley, the Joshua Tree National Park landscape has become synonymous with sci-fi and cult films. About a 45-minute drive from Palm Springs, the park’s surreal desert vistas, twisted Joshua trees, and striking rock formations create an otherworldly backdrop. Hiking the Hidden Valley Trail, an easy 1-mile loop that winds through giant boulders, gives a firsthand experience of this dramatic terrain. Visiting in the cooler months of late fall through early spring is ideal to avoid extreme heat and appreciate the stark beauty that has inspired countless filmmakers.
Each of these places invites visitors not only to retrace the steps of their favorite movies and TV shows but also to immerse themselves in the diverse landscapes and rich histories that make California such a beloved backdrop for storytelling. Whether wandering ancient forests, urban landmarks, or sun-soaked beaches, you’ll find yourself walking through scenes that have captured imaginations on screen for generations.