20 Famous U.S. Movie Filming Locations Worth A Visit, From California To Illinois
Some places feel instantly familiar even if you’ve never set foot there, because you’ve already seen them on the big screen.
Across the United States, towns, streets, and landmarks have doubled as backdrops for iconic films, giving fans a chance to step right into the scenes they love.
Classic blockbusters share the spotlight with modern favorites, and each location carries the magic of cinema while still holding onto its own unique charm.
Here are 20 famous filming locations that prove movie history isn’t confined to Hollywood but spread across the country, waiting for you to explore.
1. Griffith Observatory (California)
Perched high above Los Angeles, this astronomical landmark starred in the climactic scene of “Rebel Without a Cause” and served as a romantic backdrop in “La La Land.“
Visitors can recreate Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone’s dreamy waltz or channel their inner James Dean while enjoying spectacular views of the Hollywood sign and LA skyline.
The planetarium itself offers fascinating exhibits that make this spot both a cinematic and educational treasure.
2. Albuquerque & To’hajiilee Desert (New Mexico)
Fans of “Breaking Bad” make pilgrimages to this dusty southwestern landscape where Walter White’s empire rose and fell.
The harsh desert terrain of To’hajiilee Reservation served as the backdrop for pivotal scenes in both the hit series and “No Country for Old Men.”
Walking these sands, you’ll feel the isolation and danger that made these productions so compelling. Several local tour companies now offer guided visits to multiple filming locations throughout the Albuquerque area.
3. Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood (Oregon)
While only used for exterior shots in “The Shining,” this historic mountain lodge instantly sends chills down visitors’ spines.
Stanley Kubrick transformed this charming ski retreat into the menacing Overlook Hotel where Jack Nicholson’s character descended into madness.
Surprisingly welcoming despite its cinematic history, the lodge offers cozy accommodations and spectacular alpine views.
4. Chippewa Square in Savannah (Georgia)
Remember that iconic bench where Forrest Gump shared his life philosophy and chocolate box wisdom?
It sat right here in this charming Georgian square, though the actual bench is now preserved in the Savannah History Museum.
Surrounded by moss-draped oak trees and historic buildings, visitors still queue up to snap photos at the exact spot.
The square itself remains a beautiful example of Savannah’s distinctive urban planning, with pathways converging at a central statue of General James Oglethorpe.
5. Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps (Pennsylvania)
Jogging up these 72 stone steps has become a rite of passage for movie fans and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Sylvester Stallone’s triumphant run in “Rocky” transformed this museum entrance into a symbol of perseverance and achievement.
At the top, you’ll find the famous Rocky statue (relocated from the steps to a nearby spot) and breathtaking views of Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
6. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (Utah/Arizona)
Straddling the Utah-Arizona border, these majestic sandstone buttes have defined the American West on film since John Ford’s “Stagecoach” in 1939.
The distinctive landscape later appeared in “Forrest Gump” during his famous cross-country run.
Navajo-guided tours offer insights into both the cinematic history and cultural significance of this sacred land.
The vast open spaces and towering formations create an almost otherworldly atmosphere that has captivated directors and audiences for generations.
7. Astoria (Oregon)
Goonies never say die! This charming coastal town served as the setting for the beloved 1985 adventure film “The Goonies.”
Though the owners of the famous “Goonies House” have limited public access due to overwhelming fan visits, many other filming locations remain accessible.
The old county jail (now Oregon Film Museum) and Astoria Column offer fantastic views and photo opportunities.
8. Cleveland Public Square (Ohio)
Transformed into a battleground for “The Avengers” and the nostalgic neighborhood for “A Christmas Story,” Cleveland’s versatile cityscape has starred in numerous productions.
The Christmas Story House, now restored to its movie appearance, welcomes visitors year-round.
Downtown areas that stood in for New York during the Chitauri invasion are easily recognizable to Marvel fans.
Cleveland’s architecture offers filmmakers the perfect blend of Midwestern charm and urban grit, making it increasingly popular as a filming destination.
9. Devils Tower National Monument (Wyoming)
Science fiction enthusiasts instantly recognize this geological wonder as the alien rendezvous point in Spielberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”
Rising dramatically from the surrounding plains, the 867-foot monolith seems almost supernatural.
Hiking trails circle the base, offering spectacular views and opportunities to spot climbers scaling the tower’s sides.
The visitor center features exhibits about both the natural history and the cinematic significance of this unique formation, which remains sacred to several Native American tribes.
10. Wakulla Springs State Park (Florida)
Hidden away in Florida’s panhandle lies one of cinema’s most surprising locations: the underwater scenes from “Creature from the Black Lagoon” were filmed in these crystal-clear springs.
With visibility extending over 100 feet, these pristine waters provided the perfect setting for the 1954 horror classic.
Today, glass-bottom boat tours allow visitors to peer into the same depths where the Gill-man once lurked.
11. Marfa (Texas)
What draws filmmakers to this tiny West Texas town? The answer lies in its surreal landscapes and quality of light that have captivated directors from George Stevens (“Giant“) to the Coen brothers (“No Country for Old Men“).
The Hotel Paisano, where James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor stayed during filming, still welcomes guests.
Outside town, art installations like the famous Prada Marfa add to the area’s unique appeal.
12. South Pasadena (California)
Would you believe this peaceful Los Angeles suburb doubles as the fictional town of Haddonfield, Illinois in the original “Halloween“?
The Myers house from the 1978 horror classic still stands (though relocated from its original spot) and has become a pilgrimage site for horror fans.
Walking these tree-lined streets reveals numerous locations from the film, virtually unchanged since Michael Myers stalked them.
13. Central Park (New York)
Spanning 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan, this iconic green space has appeared in countless films, from Kevin’s adventures in “Home Alone 2” to the whimsical scenes in “Enchanted.”
The famous Wollman Rink, Bethesda Fountain, and Bow Bridge are immediately recognizable from numerous productions.
Movie tours highlight specific filming locations while offering fascinating behind-the-scenes stories.
14. Martha’s Vineyard (Massachusetts)
“You’re gonna need a bigger boat!” Steven Spielberg’s summer blockbuster “Jaws” transformed this idyllic island into the fictional Amity Island, forever changing how we view ocean swimming.
The American Legion Memorial Bridge, nicknamed “Jaws Bridge” by fans, remains a popular spot for brave swimmers to jump from.
The town of Edgartown served as Amity’s center, with many buildings still recognizable from the film.
15. Niagara Falls (New York)
Few natural wonders have the cinematic presence of these massive waterfalls straddling the US-Canadian border.
Featured prominently in films like “Superman II” and the 1953 noir classic “Niagara” starring Marilyn Monroe, the falls create both romantic backdrops and dramatic action settings.
The Maid of the Mist boat tour brings visitors thrillingly close to the thundering waters.
Observation decks provide spectacular vantage points for photography enthusiasts trying to capture the same angles seen on film.
16. The Stanley Hotel (Colorado)
Stephen King’s overnight stay at this grand colonial revival hotel inspired his horror masterpiece “The Shining.”
Though Kubrick’s film adaptation used different locations, the Stanley embraces its literary connection with ghost tours and continuous showings of the movie in guest rooms.
Perched among the stunning Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, the hotel’s elegant architecture and reports of paranormal activity draw visitors year-round.
Brave souls can request Room 217, where King stayed, though be prepared for a long waiting list.
17. Katz’s Delicatessen (New York)
“I’ll have what she’s having!” This line from “When Harry Met Sally…” ensured this historic Lower East Side deli would forever be associated with Meg Ryan’s memorable performance.
The exact table where the famous scene was filmed is marked with a sign, making it easy to find.
Founded in 1888, Katz’s was famous long before Hollywood discovered it. The massive pastrami sandwiches and traditional Jewish deli fare continue to draw food enthusiasts from around the world.
18. Union Station (Illinois)
Beneath the soaring Beaux-Arts ceiling of Chicago’s Union Station, cinema history was made with the famous staircase shootout in “The Untouchables.”
This magnificent train terminal later appeared in “The Dark Knight Rises” as a stand-in for Gotham City locations.
The Great Hall’s stunning architecture features massive Corinthian columns and a 219-foot-long barrel-vaulted skylight.
Still functioning as a busy transportation hub, the station allows film fans to experience movie magic while watching real-life commuters rush to their trains.
19. Alcatraz Island (California)
Once America’s most notorious federal prison, this forbidding island in San Francisco Bay later became a blockbuster movie star.
Films like “The Rock” and “Escape from Alcatraz” dramatized its reputation for being inescapable, though in reality, some inmates may have successfully fled.
Today’s visitors can explore the same cellblocks where famous prisoners like Al Capone were held.
20. Griffith Park Tunnel (California)
You might not know its name, but you’ve definitely seen this distinctive tunnel in countless productions.
Featured prominently in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” and “Back to the Future Part II,” this Art Deco passageway connects Griffith Park with the Los Angeles suburbs.
Built in 1931, its distinctive design and lighting make it instantly recognizable to movie buffs. The surrounding park offers hiking trails with views of the Hollywood sign.
