The Best California Film Locations by Car
California’s diverse landscape offers an ideal backdrop for Hollywood producers. With dynamic cities, scorching deserts and a string of gorgeous beaches, it’s no wonder so many blockbusters have been shot in the Golden State. Visit some iconic movie locations while on an epic road trip – we’ve picked out six of the top destinations.
Los Angeles
Make sure you get a snap of the iconic Hollywood sign
Home of Hollywood, Los Angeles has seen countless movies filmed on its streets, so there’s no better place to start a star-spangled road trip. You’ll probably want to get a snap of the iconic Hollywood sign before you set off, so either hike up to see it from a trail in Griffith Park or drive along the winding Mulholland Highway in the Hollywood Hills for an enviable view from the Hollywood Bowl Overlook.
Griffith Park was also the setting for the celebrated scene in La La Land where Sebastian and Mia dance together with the city twinkling below. This was filmed in Cathy’s Corner in the park, a short hike away. Another whimsical dancing scene in La La Land was filmed in the easier to reach Griffith Observatory, a place to visit in the park for its spectacular views alone. Head to Villa Delle Stelle for the night, located in the centre of Hollywood.
Lone Pine
Explore the surreal, boulder-filled Alabama Hills
Lone Pine is around a 200-mile drive north of Los Angeles (though allow between three and four hours), surrounded by mountains. You’ll drive in on the US Highway 395, which eventually becomes Lone Pine’s Main Street.
Start your visit in the small Museum of Western Film History. Here you can acclimatise while admiring memorabilia from the many Westerns shot in the area. Then head to the surreal Alabama Hills, whose rugged boulder-filled landscape has starred in numerous films, including Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained, Oscar-winner Gladiator, and countless Westerns. Stay in the Dow Villa Motel on Lone Pine’s Main Street and cool off in its outdoor pool after a day exploring.
Death Valley National Park
This panorama of Death Valley National Park was used in Star Wars, Episode IV
Hit Highway 136 from Lone Pine, followed by Highway 190, to reach America’s largest national park outside Alaska. It’s just an hour’s (53-mile) drive from Lone Pine and you’ll arrive to a vast wild landscape of extremes. Where the highest temperature in the world was recorded in July 1913.
Drive up the steep road to Dante’s View where you’ll be rewarded by a magnificent panorama of the park. If it looks familiar, it’s because it was used in Star Wars, Episode IV, A New Hope as the view to the Tatooine spaceport of Mos Eisley. Another scenic drive is the one-way route through Artist’s Drive. Where you’ll wind through otherworldly, multi-coloured desert hills to reach the Artist’s Palette viewpoint. Parts of the same Star Wars film were shot here. Stay at the Shoshone Inn, complete with mountain views.
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear’s mountain backdrop has caught the eye of several film directors
Turn up your road trip playlist as you drive back to southern California to visit the tranquil, pine-scented Big Bear Lake. Enter Big Bear on Highway 18 in the Lucerne Valley and you’ll be in a prime spot for a blissful summer escape.
The lake’s snow-capped mountain backdrop in winter and peaks of green in summer have caught the eyes of film directors and scenes from Gone with the Wind, Frankenstein and When a Stranger Calls have been shot here. If you’re an Elvis fan, head to the Cedar Lake Camp to see the sawmill used in Kissin’ Cousins. Spend the night at Sleepy Forest Cottages.
Palm Springs
Admire Palm Springs’ Walk of Stars, where celebrities are honoured
Chic Palm Springs is around 80 miles south of Big Bear Lake. It has been a playground for the Hollywood crowds since the 1920s. Choose your route from the lake area carefully – Highway 330 is a winding, scenic route through the mountains. While Highway 38 isn’t quite as picturesque but is straighter and less challenging. Alternatively, head out of Big Bear through its east entrance and plan a route past Big Morongo Canyon Preserve in Joshua Tree National Park. Which is an important birding area for bird enthusiasts
If you want to really embrace the Hollywood scene, consider treating yourself to a stay at the luxurious Kimpton Rowan Hotel. In the city, take a celebrity tour to see where the stars lived, or admire the city’s own
Walk of Stars, where celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra are honoured.
San Diego
Stay in the star-studded location from Some Like it Hot
If you love sweeping mountain vistas and the weather is on your side, take the scenic route to San Diego via Highway 74. Where you can enjoy glorious views over the Coachella Valley. The drive south should take just over two and a half hours and when you arrive in “America’s Finest City”. You’ll be greeted by miles of white sands as well as an array of world-class eating and drinking options.
For the ultimate movie-themed trip, stop by the historic, beach-front Hotel del Coronado. Where many celebrities have escaped to unwind for the weekend. It also served as a filming location for Some Like it Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis. Other top movie-themed locations in the city include Balboa Park. Which features at the start of Citizen Kane, and the Ocean Beach neighbourhood where Almost Famous was recorded. El Rancho Motel will keep you close to all the main sights.
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