Los Angeles has long been known as the entertainment capital, which means it’s also home to a whole host of iconic movie locations. From subtle appearances of buildings, to recognizable university campuses, there is so much to soak in if you’re particularly interested in cinematic history. Discovering more about the movie locations of some of the very best films in Hollywood is a brilliant way to enhance your trip, and learn more about the behind-the-scenes elements of the entertainment industry.
Kickstart Your L.A. Trip in Style
So, let’s get straight to it. As soon as you arrive in Los Angeles for your entertainment-filled vacation, you will want to make the most of the time you have there. This might mean utilizing useful facilities such as luggage storage los angeles so that you don’t have to carry around your bags for a fun filled day of movie location spotting and classic sightseeing. Now, take a look at all of the different famous movie hotspots you can choose from, and narrow it down to a handful of your favorites. Depending on how long your vacation is, you might be able to choose a couple of locations, or head to all of them on the following list:
Barbie: Venice Beach
The moment when Barbie and Ken (Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling) enter into the “normal” world, they’re pictured rollerblading across the famous Venice Beach in L.A. Take a stroll along the iconic boardwalk and envision yourself in bright 90’s colored clothing in this Blockbuster hit. Venice Beach is a cool, quirky, and super popular place to visit in L.A. so you’re bound to experience the best vibes here no matter when you stop by.
La La Land: Angel’s Flight
Ryan Gosling also gets another notable mention for his starring roles amongst iconic L.A. scenery. Angel’s Flight is most recognized from La La Land where Emma Stone and Gosling take a ride all the way to the top during a pivotal moment in the movie.
Ghostbusters: Millennium Biltmore Hotel
Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! At the Millennium Biltmore hotel, you’ll spot areas that were made famous in this 80s classic. This hotel was also chosen to host the Academy Awards Ceremony eight times, so it’s a pretty big deal!
Sister Act: Hollywood United Methodist Church
“Raise Your Voice” and step into one of the holiest of spaces in the film industry. The Hollywood United Methodist Church is the central location for the 1992 comedy Sister Act starring Whoopi Goldberg.
Halloween: The House South Pasadena
It’s time to get totally creeped out and remember all of those feelings you had when you first watched this 1978 horror movie. Halloween is set in a peaceful neighborhood that wouldn’t normally have too much going on. However, it is actually home to the twisted and terrifying Mike Myers who embarks on a brutal killing spree for fun, including his entire family. This South Pasadena doesn’t look like Los Angeles at all, which is exactly why the producers chose it as the central hub for the unforgettable Halloween movie. If you’re keen to visit, you’ll find it on 1000 Mission Street, Pasadena, but don’t go at nighttime!
Bridesmaids: L.A. County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
This is the ideal spot in L.A. to visit if you feel like getting back in touch with nature. If you’re a comedy fan, you’ll probably spot the beautiful gardens in scenes from Bridesmaids. It was also featured heavily in the original movie, Fantasy Island.
L.A. Confidential: Los Angeles City Hall
Visiting L.A. without catching a glimpse of the recognizable L.A. City Hall is almost a crime. It features heavily in countless Hollywood movies, but L.A Confidential certainly used it to it’s maximum. Throughout several scenes in the movie City Hall added to the moody atmosphere which perfectly set the scene of Los Angeles in the 1950s.
Gone Girl: The Last Bookstore
The Last Bookstore is a genuine bookstore that was opened up in 2005 by a guy called Josh Spencer, who simply wanted a place to sell products online. Soon after this he switched his main focus to books, which is where the bookstore currently stands on Spring Street in L.A. The romantic storyline in Gone Girl between Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike takes place in the Last Bookstore, which is why it’s one of the top visited L.A movie locations to date.
Se7en: The Rosslyn Hotel
The thrilling, yet emotional movie Se7en will never be forgotten for its major plotline twist that still manages to shock movie lovers to this day. The Rosslyn Hotel was built back in 1914, and is featured in several famous movies such as Se7en and The Rock. It was actually built for just one million dollars right next door to another hotel, which inspired the movie, The Million Dollar Hotel, how fitting!
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Blade Runner: Union Station
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Union Station in L.A is not just an iconic landmark, but it’s also played a huge role in the Hollywood filming industry over the decades. In the 1982 film Blade Runner, Union Station is depicted as the police station, making it look futuristic and the perfect fit the sci-fi genre of this movie. Union Station is considered to be a gateway to the city, so it’s a vital part of the identity of Los Angeles as a whole.
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Forrest Gump: Santa Monica Pier
You can’t visit L.A. without making a pit stop at Santa Monica Pier. This is one of the most iconic and historical places in Hollywood film catalogue. Not only will you experience the most exquisite views from Santa Monica Pier, but you’ll also reminisce on that memorable scene from Forrest Gump, where Tom Hanks makes the choice to start running. It’s one of the most visited attractions in L.A, and it’s clear to see why!
Grease: Leo Carillo Beach
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If you’re looking for some “Summer Lovin’” you have to pay a sunny afternoon visit to Leo Carillo Beach on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. In this 1978 romcom, Danny and Sandy reminisce on their incredible, steamy summer romance together and soak in the views of the beautiful L.A. beach.
Legally Blonde: Heritage Square Museum
Just over twenty years later, Legally Blonde still stands as one of the greatest movies from the early 2000s. This feel good, female empowering movie left a long-lasting impression on young girls, and instilled a strong belief that they could truly do anything. If Elle Woods can get into Harvard Law School, and win a criminal trial during her very first time on the stand, anyone can achieve their dreams, right? Whilst you’re in L.A. it would be criminal not to visit the iconic spot where Elle Woods turns up to a regular party dressed as a Playboy Bunny. Heritage Square Museum is the location in which this famous party scene takes place. If you cast your mind back to the movie, you can probably picture Reese Witherspoon standing there right now.
Whilst you’re in the mood for all things Legally Blonde, why not head to the UCLA campus? This 419 acres of campus ground is the recognizable backdrop for this movie, as well as The Godfather and House Bunny. The campus of UCLA also featured regularly on well-known TV shows such as Gilmore Girls, and Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
Randy Donuts: Mars Attack!
This hilarious comedy by Tim Burton was made in 1996, and showcases the huge Randy’s Donuts sign during the alien invasion. As soon as the large headed aliens arrive on Earth the huge donut is unfortunately destroyed. Luckily, you can see it still standing there in all it’s glory on Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, California.
Clueless: Occidental College
The high school that is front and center of the storyline of the 90s cult classic Clueless is actually the Occidental College, located on Campus Road in L.A. As a private institution that is focused on liberal arts education, it seems like a fitting place to host such a memorable movie.
Die Hard: Fox Plaza
It wouldn’t be a movie round up without mentioning Die Hard. Fox Plaza, also known as 20th Century Studios Plaza is the huge 34-story skyscraper that is featured in the final, iconic scene of Die Hard (spoiler alert, it blows up!). This makes it one of the most famous movie locations to have ever existed in Hollywood.
Hopefully, all of these iconic movie sets pique your interest, and you make it to as many as possible. Whether you’re a fan of rom coms from the early 2000s, or thrillers from way back in the day, there is something for every movie and entertainment enthusiast to see during their trip to Hollywood. Make sure you look into official tours, so that you can see all of the ins and outs of these iconic spots in L.A, and take your camera so that you can capture memories that will last a lifetime.