17 Old Movie Sets Fans Can Still Explore In Person
Some film locations fade into history, but a handful of classic sets still stand in the real world, waiting for curious fans to wander through them.
Walk these paths and you can feel the echoes of cameras, costumes, and scenes that once brought entire stories to life.
The details may be weathered, the surroundings quieter than they were during filming, yet the magic remains unmistakable.
1. Hobbiton – The Lord of the Rings / The Hobbit (Matamata, New Zealand)
Stepping into Middle-earth has never been easier for fans willing to travel down under.
This fully reconstructed movie set features 44 hobbit holes nestled into rolling green hills, complete with colorful doors and charming gardens.
You can sip a drink at the Green Dragon Inn and wander the same paths Frodo once walked.
Tours run daily, offering behind-the-scenes stories that bring the magic to life.
2. Tatooine Sets – Star Wars (Matmata & Tozeur, Tunisia)
Desert adventurers can journey to the actual filming locations where Luke Skywalker gazed at twin sunsets.
Tunisia’s otherworldly landscapes still feature remnants of the iconic homestead and Mos Espa buildings.
Some structures have weathered over time, adding to their authentic desert charm.
Local guides offer tours that combine multiple Star Wars sites, making you feel like a true galactic explorer visiting a distant planet.
3. The Outdoor Steps – The Exorcist (Washington, D.C.)
Horror movie enthusiasts recognize these 75 stone steps instantly from one of cinema’s most terrifying scenes.
Located in Georgetown, the steep staircase connects M Street to Prospect Street and remains a popular pilgrimage site.
Climbing them provides quite the workout while letting you recreate iconic moments.
Just remember to be respectful of the residential neighborhood surrounding this spooky landmark when you visit.
4. Field of Dreams Farm – Field of Dreams (Dyersville, Iowa)
Baseball lovers and dreamers alike find something magical about this Iowa cornfield turned diamond.
The white farmhouse and baseball field look exactly as they did in the beloved 1989 film.
Visitors can play catch on the actual diamond, run the bases, and even stay overnight in the renovated farmhouse.
Free admission makes this nostalgic trip accessible for families seeking that special connection to America’s pastime.
5. Ghostbusters Firehouse – Hook & Ladder 8 (New York City)
Who you gonna call when visiting Manhattan?
This working fire station served as the exterior for the Ghostbusters headquarters and remains instantly recognizable to fans.
While you cannot tour the inside since firefighters actively use it, snapping photos outside is welcomed and encouraged.
The building sits in Tribeca, making it easy to include in any NYC sightseeing adventure while channeling your inner paranormal investigator.
6. Rocky Steps – Rocky (Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania)
Channeling your inner champion means racing up these 72 stone steps with arms raised in victory.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s front entrance became legendary after Rocky Balboa’s training montage inspired millions.
A bronze Rocky statue stands nearby for perfect photo opportunities before your climb.
Thousands of visitors jog up daily, proving that movie magic can motivate real-life fitness goals and create unforgettable vacation moments.
7. The Shawshank Redemption Prison – Ohio State Reformatory (Mansfield, Ohio)
Walking through this imposing Gothic prison brings chills as you recognize corridors from one of cinema’s greatest stories.
Built in 1886, the reformatory closed in 1990 but found new life as a museum and filming location.
Self-guided and guided tours explore cells, the warden’s quarters, and famous filming spots.
Paranormal investigations are even offered for brave souls seeking extra thrills beyond the movie connection.
8. Jurassic Park Gate Replica – Kualoa Ranch (Oahu, Hawaii)
Prehistoric adventure awaits at this stunning Hawaiian ranch where dinosaurs once roamed cinematically.
Multiple Jurassic Park and Jurassic World scenes were filmed across these lush valleys and dramatic mountain backdrops.
Tour options include ATV rides, movie site tours, and visits to the famous gate replica.
The ranch also hosted filming for Kong: Skull Island and dozens of other productions, making it a true Hollywood playground.
9. The Goonies House (Astoria, Oregon – now visitable again)
After years of restricted access, Goonies fans can finally say hey you guys to this iconic Victorian home.
Perched on a hill overlooking Astoria, the private residence now welcomes respectful visitors during certain hours.
The exterior looks remarkably unchanged since 1985, transporting you straight back to childhood adventures.
Nearby, you will find other filming locations including the jailhouse museum and scenic waterfront from memorable scenes.
10. Highclere Castle – Downton Abbey (Hampshire, UK)
Grandeur and elegance define every corner of this magnificent Victorian castle that became the Crawley family home.
Built in the 1840s, Highclere Castle opens seasonally for tours showcasing its opulent rooms and Egyptian antiquities collection.
Gardens designed by Capability Brown surround the estate, offering peaceful walks through history.
Afternoon tea experiences let visitors live out their aristocratic fantasies while exploring behind-the-scenes Downton stories.
11. Popeye Village – Popeye (Mellieħa, Malta)
Cartoon charm comes alive at this whimsical village constructed specifically for the 1980 musical film.
Nineteen wooden buildings painted in cheerful colors still stand along the picturesque Mediterranean coastline.
Now operating as a theme park, it features boat rides, shows, and character meet-and-greets.
Kids especially love exploring the crooked structures and splashing in the pool area while parents appreciate the nostalgic movie connection and stunning views.
12. The Painted Ladies – Full House opening shots (San Francisco, California)
San Francisco’s most photographed homes became television icons thanks to those memorable opening credits.
These seven Victorian houses at Alamo Square showcase stunning Queen Anne architecture with their pastel paint schemes.
While the interiors were never actually used for filming, the exterior shots defined a generation’s childhood.
Park across the street provides the perfect vantage point for recreating that classic skyline view behind the ladies.
13. The Shire’s Green Dragon Inn – LOTR (Matamata, New Zealand)
Raising a pint where hobbits once celebrated brings Middle-earth fantasies to delicious reality.
This fully functional pub serves specially brewed beverages and hearty meals within the Hobbiton movie set.
The interior features cozy wooden furnishings and hobbit-sized details that transport you straight into Tolkien’s world.
Many visitors consider the food and drinks here the highlight of their Hobbiton tour, combining cinematic nostalgia with genuine hospitality.
14. The Boston Public Garden Bench – Good Will Hunting (Boston, Massachusetts)
Philosophy and friendship converged on this simple bench during one of cinema’s most powerful conversations.
Located near the lagoon in Boston’s oldest public park, the bench has been moved slightly but remains accessible.
A plaque commemorates the film’s connection to this peaceful spot.
Visitors often sit quietly, reflecting on the movie’s themes while watching swan boats glide past and enjoying the garden’s timeless beauty.
15. Monument Valley – Used in dozens of classic Westerns (Utah/Arizona)
Towering red sandstone formations have served as the backdrop for countless Western films directed by legends like John Ford.
This Navajo Tribal Park straddles the Utah-Arizona border, offering some of America’s most recognizable landscapes.
Scenic drives and guided tours reveal filming locations from Stagecoach, The Searchers, and modern productions.
The timeless beauty transcends any single movie, representing the Old West in our collective imagination.
16. The Overlook Hotel Lobby Inspiration – Timberline Lodge (Mount Hood, Oregon)
Stanley Kubrick used this majestic mountain lodge’s exterior for his chilling adaptation of The Shining.
Built during the Great Depression, Timberline Lodge showcases stunning craftsmanship with hand-carved details throughout.
While interior scenes were filmed elsewhere, staying overnight lets you experience the atmospheric setting firsthand.
Year-round skiing and hiking make this a destination combining movie history with outdoor adventure in spectacular Pacific Northwest scenery.
17. The Sound of Music Sites – Salzburg, Austria (Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Palace, etc.)
Music fills the air as you explore the Austrian city where Maria and the von Trapp children sang their way into hearts worldwide.
Multiple locations including the stunning Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Palace lakeside, and Nonnberg Abbey remain beautifully preserved.
Guided Sound of Music tours connect all the filming sites while sharing behind-the-scenes stories.
Salzburg’s baroque architecture and Alpine setting create an enchanting experience even beyond the movie’s considerable charm.
