Los Angeles is the undeniable epicenter of the global film industry. The city’s landscapes have long been iconic backdrops for thousands of movies and TV shows. Every corner of LA offers filmmakers a unique visual setting. This incredible variety attracts visionary directors, transforming hidden gems and famous landmarks alike into integral parts of cinematic history. Want to know more about the city’s most popular filming locations? Check out Los Angeles Trend for the latest stories.
Griffith Observatory: A Hollywood Legend
Movie buffs will recognize this location from the 2016 musical sensation “La La Land” (which snagged six Oscars) and the 1955 classic “Rebel Without a Cause” (earning three Oscar nominations). But those are just the highlights! The legendary Griffith Observatory has also appeared in blockbusters such as “The Terminator”, “Devil in a Blue Dress”, “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle”, “Transformers”, and “Gangster Squad”. It’s the perfect spot to kick off our list.
As one of Los Angeles’s most enduring landmarks, Griffith Observatory offers a breathtaking panorama, stretching from the Pacific Ocean all the way to Downtown LA from its vantage point on Mount Hollywood.
The grounds, exhibits, and telescopes are open to the public during the building’s operating hours. Be sure to check out their cultural programs, special events, and public “star parties” — they are truly out of this world.
The site is not only a go-to for feature films but also a frequent star in countless television shows.
Point Dume State Beach: Coastal Majesty
Point Dume State Beach is known for its dramatic bluffs, rocky coves, and expansive sandy area. Crucially, it’s also part of a larger Marine Protected Area Network. This spot is absolutely ideal for observing migrating California gray whales from December through mid-April, making it a natural choice for filming. Locals will easily spot Point Dume in movies like “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” and the unforgettable finale of “Planet of the Apes”.
Free two-hour parking is available at the top of the Point Dume bluff, though spaces are limited and residential street parking is restricted. More parking can be found nearby at Westward Beach. For any commercial or student filming on the beach, you must contact the State Park Film Permit Coordinator in advance.
Malibu Creek State Park: Nature’s Movie Set
This is another prime Los Angeles filming destination. The park spans over 4,000 acres and features 15 miles of trails alongside a stream, a rock pool, a lake, and plenty of trees. Malibu Creek State Park is a popular spot for hiking, cycling, swimming, and fishing. For centuries, it was also home to Native American communities. This stunning locale was used to film “How Green Was My Valley” (the film won 5 Oscars, including the award for Best Picture, beating Citizen Kane) and Elvis Presley’s first film, “Love Me Tender”. In the 1937 film “Lost Horizon”, one area of the park served as a bathing spot.
Gabrielino National Recreation Trail: Cinematic Wilderness
Known for its shady, jungle-like forest, the Gabrielino National Recreation Trail has been featured in a number of notable films. You can spot it in the “Back to the Future” (the film was nominated for an Oscar three times and won the award for best sound effects editing) and “Murder by Numbers”, which starred Sandra Bullock and Ryan Gosling. The valley in this region has also appeared in other works, including “Human Nature” and “Midnight”.
It’s worth noting that certain sections of this recreational trail may be temporarily closed due to the effects of the Eaton or Bobcat fires.
LA’s Home-Field Advantage: Sports Film Locations
- Mason Park in Chatsworth. The film “The Bad News Bears” was shot at this location, which served as the “home field” for the Bears. Memorabilia from the film is currently displayed at the Valley Relics Museum.
- Dogtown, the area encompassing Venice Beach and Ocean Park. This is the birthplace of modern skateboarding. In the 1970s, a group of young surfers known as the Zephyr Competition Team (or Z-Boys) changed skateboarding culture forever by dropping into empty residential swimming pools. Dogtown was depicted in the 2001 documentary “Dogtown and Z-Boys”, a work that inspired the feature film “Lords of Dogtown”.
- Agua Dulce Airpark, a private airport in Santa Clarita, and The Porsche Experience Center. Viewers saw these locations in the 2019 film “Ford v Ferrari”. Southern California, particularly these sites, was the “heart of the film.”
- SoFi Stadium, the home stadium located in Hollywood Park. You can spot this massive venue in the 24th season of the series “Hard Knocks”. The show, created by NFL Films and HBO, has received critical acclaim and was called “tremendously compelling” by *USA Today*. This sports docuseries has won an impressive 18 Sports Emmy Awards.
Hollywood United Methodist Church: Enchantment Under the Sea
The “Enchantment Under the Sea” dance scene from the iconic 1985 film “Back to the Future” is a pivotal moment in cinema. The Hollywood United Methodist Church served as the filming location for the high school dance. The church’s hall was transformed into the legendary dance floor. Built in the 1920s, the church itself boasts magnificent Gothic architecture, which dramatically contrasts with the simple gym interior. Filmmakers skillfully used this spot to create the authentic atmosphere of a 1950s American school party.
The hall was decked out with garlands, artificial seaweed, twinkling lights, and decorations mimicking the seabed for the “Under the Sea Magic” theme.
The school dance famously served as the climax of Marty McFly’s journey in the film’s first act.
This experience wasn’t a one-off for the church. Periodically, particularly on film anniversaries, the church hosts themed parties called the “Enchantment Under the Sea Dance.” Fans of “Back to the Future” dress up in 50s costumes and dance in the historic hall.
The Bradbury Building: A National Treasure on Film
As one of Los Angeles’s most famous structures, the Bradbury Building was the setting for the climactic final scene of the 1982 sci-fi film “Blade Runner”. This architectural local treasure and National Historic Landmark was transformed in the film into the dilapidated apartment of designer J.F. Sebastian.
The Bradbury Building also served as a location for the Oscar-winning film “The Artist”. This charming black-and-white fantasy tells a story of early Hollywood, with events set in the 1920s.
Fox Plaza: Where Action Lives
Fox Plaza rounds out our list as potentially the most recognizable action movie location of all time. This building, which serves as the headquarters for 20th Century Fox, was famously featured as the Nakatomi Plaza in the 1988 blockbuster “Die Hard”, starring Bruce Willis. The protagonist fought German terrorists throughout the entire building, notably on the 30th floor of the 492-foot (147-meter) tower. While the location isn’t open to the public, it’s easily visible from Century City and the surrounding areas.
Fox Plaza has also appeared in other action films, including “Speed”, “No Man’s Land”, and “Lethal Weapon 2”.
In reality, Los Angeles is teeming with an incredible number of ideal locations for filming. These are just a few examples, a list that could be extended endlessly depending on the film or series genre and the specific aesthetic needs.
