Discover iconic movie locations across the U.S. where you can relive unforgettable scenes and feel like a star for a day.
Ever dreamed of stepping into the scenes of your favorite movies? Across the U.S., countless iconic locations have served as unforgettable backdrops for famous films. From bustling cities to serene landscapes, each place offers a chance to experience cinematic magic firsthand. This list highlights 13 of the most famous filming locations that movie fans and travelers alike can explore to relive classic scenes and create unforgettable memories.
1. Times Square – New York, New York
Times Square’s bright lights and bustling energy have made it a popular filming location, appearing in countless films like Spider-Man and The Avengers. Known as “The Crossroads of the World,” this iconic New York City landmark is a must-visit for movie lovers. Walking through Times Square, visitors can recognize scenes from their favorite movies while enjoying the area’s vibrant atmosphere. With its towering billboards and eclectic street performers, Times Square is an exciting spot to experience cinematic history.
2. Griffith Observatory – Los Angeles, California
The Griffith Observatory, overlooking Los Angeles, has been featured in classics like Rebel Without a Cause and modern hits like La La Land. This architectural gem offers incredible views of the Hollywood sign and the L.A. skyline, making it an essential stop for film enthusiasts. The observatory’s unique Art Deco design and rich cinematic history allow visitors to experience the magic of Hollywood firsthand. A trip here offers a blend of movie nostalgia and stunning scenery.
3. Alcatraz Island – San Francisco, California
Famous for its role in films like The Rock and Escape from Alcatraz, Alcatraz Island provides visitors with an eerie and fascinating journey into history. The former high-security prison, situated in the San Francisco Bay, offers guided tours that take visitors through its chilling cells and infamous history. Standing where legendary actors like Clint Eastwood once did, fans can connect with the haunting atmosphere that has inspired so many films, making Alcatraz a unique cinematic experience.
4. Monument Valley – Utah/Arizona Border
Known for its striking red mesas and wide-open landscapes, Monument Valley has served as a dramatic backdrop in Westerns like Stagecoach and Forrest Gump. This stunning location on the Utah-Arizona border captures the essence of the American West. Visitors can take guided tours through the valley to explore its rugged beauty and film history. Whether you’re a fan of classic Westerns or breathtaking landscapes, Monument Valley offers an unforgettable glimpse into Hollywood’s Wild West.
5. The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado
The Stanley Hotel, famously featured in The Shining, draws horror fans and curious travelers alike to Estes Park, Colorado. Known for its eerie ambiance and breathtaking views of the Rockies, this hotel inspired Stephen King’s chilling tale. Guests can stay overnight or take a ghost tour to explore the haunting atmosphere firsthand. For film buffs and thrill-seekers, the Stanley Hotel offers a memorable blend of movie lore and supernatural intrigue.
6. Forrest Gump Point – Mexican Hat, Utah
Forrest Gump’s iconic cross-country run ends at this breathtaking spot in Utah’s Monument Valley, now famously known as “Forrest Gump Point.” Capturing the beauty of the American West, this site has become a popular attraction for fans of the film. Visitors can stand at the exact spot where Forrest stopped running, taking in the endless stretch of road and stunning rock formations. It’s a cinematic pilgrimage for fans of the beloved film.
7. The Mall – Washington, D.C.
The National Mall, seen in films like Forrest Gump and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, offers a majestic setting in the heart of Washington, D.C. This iconic location is home to monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, providing a historic backdrop familiar from countless films. Walking along the Mall, visitors can experience the grandeur of America’s capital and feel a part of the scenes they’ve seen on screen.
8. Central Park – New York, New York
Central Park’s lush landscapes and iconic bridges have made it a favorite filming location, appearing in movies like Home Alone 2 and When Harry Met Sally. Spanning 843 acres, this vast green space in the heart of Manhattan offers a scenic escape from the city’s hustle. Visitors can explore famous spots like Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge, reliving cinematic moments while enjoying Central Park’s peaceful beauty and vibrant energy.
9. Oak Alley Plantation – Vacherie, Louisiana
Oak Alley Plantation, with its grand oak-lined path, has been featured in films like Interview with the Vampire and Django Unchained. Located along the Mississippi River in Louisiana, this historic plantation offers a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into the South’s antebellum history. Guided tours allow visitors to walk in the footsteps of Hollywood legends while exploring the plantation’s rich heritage. Oak Alley’s breathtaking setting makes it an evocative filming location for fans and history lovers alike.
10. Wrigley Field – Chicago, Illinois
Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, has appeared in beloved films like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and The Blues Brothers. This iconic baseball stadium, with its ivy-covered walls and classic architecture, is a must-visit for sports and movie fans alike. Visitors can take a guided tour to explore the field, dugouts, and locker rooms, connecting with the history of baseball and the cinematic moments that have brought this historic stadium to life.
11. Savannah Historic District – Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s historic district, with its cobblestone streets and Spanish moss-draped trees, has served as a picturesque filming location for movies like Forrest Gump and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The district’s charming squares and stately mansions offer a timeless backdrop for Southern films. Visitors can wander through scenic parks and historic homes, experiencing the unique charm of Savannah that has captivated filmmakers and audiences alike.
12. Empire State Building – New York, New York
The Empire State Building, featured in classics like King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle, stands as one of the most iconic filming locations in New York City. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city that have been immortalized on screen. Standing atop the Empire State Building, fans can feel the magic of cinematic history while enjoying one of the best views in New York.
13. Chinatown – San Francisco, California
San Francisco’s Chinatown, the oldest in North America, has been the backdrop for films like Big Trouble in Little China and The Pursuit of Happyness. Known for its vibrant culture and historic architecture, Chinatown offers a lively and colorful setting that has captured filmmakers’ imaginations. Visitors can explore bustling markets, authentic restaurants, and scenic alleys, experiencing the unique blend of history and culture that makes Chinatown a beloved filming location.