Have you ever wanted to step into the setting of your favorite movies and TV shows? From vibrant cities to quirky towns to stunning scenery, many of the filming locations around the country also make for great vacation destinations when you are planning your next getaway.
Set-jetting for your next vacation
When planning a vacation, you have many options for the perfect getaway. Beaches, mountains, cities, small town retreats — how do you choose? One increasingly popular way to select your vacation destination is to visit the filming locations of movies or television shows.
The Expedia Unpack ‘24 travel survey notes, “Set-jetting — or planning trips inspired by TV shows and movies — is influencing travel now more than ever. More than half of travelers say they’ve researched or booked a trip to a destination after seeing it on a TV show or in a movie.”
The locations chosen for filming are often beautiful, charming or exciting. They also usually have plenty to do for vacationers, including museums, hiking, relaxing on the beach or eating and drinking at local restaurants. As you explore, seeking out backdrops you recognize from the screen adds memorable moments and some great photo ops to your vacation.
West Coast film location destinations
Cities along the West Coast and the many beautiful natural settings in California, Oregon and Washington have appeared in many movies over the years. From urban to beach to mountain getaways, the West Coast has a destination for every type of vacation and movie lover.
Los Angeles and Hollywood vacations
Los Angeles is already the ultimate destination for film buffs. Home to film studios and sets, it is a perfect location for those interested in film history or celebrity sightings. They’re sure to experience an action-packed vacation.
But L.A. has also been the setting for several films. “La La Land” with Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling pays homage to the City of Stars, treating the city almost as a character itself. “The Fast and the Furious” and “The Big Lebowski” also take place around Los Angeles. While experiencing the beaches, museums, entertainment and food scene in the city, you’ll recognize many locations from these films.
Oregon coast and the Pacific Northwest
The coast of the Pacific Northwest boasts rugged beaches and beautiful forests, making it a perfect escape for those seeking the tranquility of nature. Head to Astoria in northern Oregon, a quaint town on the coast with attractions like Astoria Riverwalk and Oregon Film Museum. Astoria is the setting and filming location of “The Goonies,” following a group of local kids on a treasure-hunting adventure.
Nearby Ecola State Park, a coastal park with beaches, hiking trails and cliffside vistas, also featured in “The Goonies.” “Point Break,” starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze, used the park to stand in for different beaches while the vampire romance “Twilight” used Ecola State Park as a stand-in for Forks, Washington. While there, you might recognize Indian Beach from these films.
Southern getaways featured on film
Historic cities, small towns and peaceful beaches make the Southern states a character-rich setting that has been the location for many films. Today, these towns feature food and drink, museums and history and nearby beach escapes to keep you busy between film location visits.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah offers an eclectic vacation destination. It is also the film location for notable movies like “Forrest Gump,” with Chippewa Square serving as the location for the famous bench scene where Forrest says, “Life is like a box of chocolates.” To see the actual bench, head to the Savannah History Museum.
The Mercer Williams House was a filming location for “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” You can tour this historic mansion on Monterey Square and will recognize the rooms from the movie. “Something to Talk About,” starring Julia Roberts and Dennis Quaid, was also shot around Savannah. You can dine at the iconic Six Pence Pub on Bull Street where the nightgown scene takes place.
Charleston, South Carolina
Historic Charleston was the romantic backdrop for Nicholas Sparks’ films “The Notebook” and “Dear John,” both of which are set in and filmed around Charleston. The Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, which offers tours of the home and gardens, served as a summer home in “The Notebook.” The Netflix series “The Outer Banks” also films around Charleston and Mount Pleasant, including the waterfront and The Wreck on Shem Creek.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Historic Beaufort offers a charming coastal getaway between Savannah and Charleston. You’ll also find familiar sights from movies like “Forrest Gump,” “The Prince of Tides” and “The Big Chill,” all of which were filmed in Beaufort. History and movie tours will take you to several movie locations.
Immerse yourself in nature on Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu is a luxurious vacation retreat with sparkling beaches, lush rainforests and vibrant culture. The most populous of the Hawaiian islands and home to Honolulu, the island draws thousands of visitors each year. The island has also served as a film location for hundreds of movies and television shows.
“Pearl Harbor,” a love story set against the Pearl Harbor attack, was filmed in the naval facilities around Honolulu. Outside of the city, Kualoa Ranch has served as a jungle setting for films like “Jurassic Park” and television shows like “Lost” and “Hawaii Five-0.” “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” the second film in the Hunger Games franchise, was filmed on location at several sites around Oahu, including Kawela Bay and Waimea Valley. These destinations offer an incredible escape into nature on your vacation.
Vacation in the settings of your favorite movies and television shows
Indulging your inner fan and heading to a filming location can bring another level of excitement to your vacations. Search out scenery you recognize to get photographs in the same places the stars stood, all while enjoying incredible destinations around the country. These locations are a great starting point and are desirable vacation spots in their own right. As you plan your next trip, be sure to also check out the filming locations of your favorite movies and shows for inspiration.
Lisa Wells is a travel, food and lifestyle writer and photographer who has traveled across 37 countries. As the founder of Coastal Wandering, she shares her love for laid-back beach living with stories, recipes and tips for a relaxed coastal lifestyle.