Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world and one of our favorite things to do here when we have parents in town or when we are playing tourist-for-a-day is to check out film locations. We’ve mapped out a few of our favorite easy-to-get-to film locations from classic Hollywood films.
If you are planning a trip to LA, this is also a great list of movies to watch before you arrive to get in the spirit of the city!
La La Land
If you are a fan of the city of angels, you’ve probably seen La La Land. This heart-lifting film is a musical love letter to the city and naturally, there are tons of film locations to see in person during your visit. We’ve plotted out a few favorites that are free to see and easily located near spots you’ll probably be near anyway.
- Traffic Dance, Freeway Interchange near LAX
- Mia’s Walk Home, Hollywood Blvd and Wilcox Ave
- The Pier during City of Stars, Hermosa Beach Pier
- The Garden Path, Ferndell Trail at Griffith Park
Pretty Woman
Another Hollywood classic, this movie is one of the first ones you’ll think of when planning a trip to LA. And luckily some of the most iconic locations are easy to see!
- Vivian and Kit’s Turf, 6756 Hollywood Blvd near Hollywood and Highland
- Edward’s Hotel, Regent Beverly Wilshire near Rodeo Drive
- Hotel Pool, W Hotel Westwood
The Italian Job
One of our favorite heist movies, The Italian Job is famous for the Mini Cooper car chase through Hollywood and into the Subway Station.
- Staged Traffic Jam, Hollywood and Highland Metro Station
- Planning the Job, Sunset Tower in West Hollywood
- Chase Scene, LA River
500 Days of Summer
Our favorite non-romance romance, 500 Days of Summer not only stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel but also casts the city of Los Angeles and its stunning architecture as the main character. These are some can’t-miss sights from the film.
- Tom’s Apartment, Downtown LA
- Architecture Tour, Eastern Columbia Building and Fine Arts Building
- Tom’s Favorite Place, bench on Angel’s Knoll (which is currently blocked off for construction, but may open again soon! …in the meantime, still visit and take a ride on Angel’s Flight)
- Millie’s Wedding, Point Fermin Lighthouse in San Pedro
- Job Interview, Bradbury Building
Drive
If you know anything about Los Angeles, you know that driving is the key mode of transportation. We’re all in our cars all the time, and we all want to be just like Ryan Gosling all the time.
- Driving in Los Angeles, Downtown LA and Staples Center, LA River
- Preparing for Pawn Shop Robbery, MacArthur Park
- Hideout after Robbery, Pink Motel
The Big Lebowski
Walk where the “Dude” walked, see what the “Dude” saw. We love this movie and getting to recreate some of the now-famous scenes in person is a fan favorite! If you are really dedicated, there’s even a “Big Lebowski Tour” you can self-guide through.
- The Dude’s Home, Venice
- The Big Lebowski’s Mansion, Beverly Hills (conveniently located right next door to the Playboy Mansion)
- Maude’s Loft and Crane Jackson’s Street Theater, Downtown LA
- Coffee Shop, Mid-Wilshire (also used in myriad other movies like Miracle Mile, Reservoir Dogs, and American History X)
Clueless
As an intro to life in Los Angeles before either of us lived here, it was always so exciting to drive by Circle Liquor when we first moved to the city! Even now, Laura lives down the road from Occidental and swoons whenever she walks by Heather’s Dorm.
- The Witch’s House, Beverly Hills
- Circle Liquor, North Hollywood
- Valley Party House, Granada Hills
- Heather’s Dorm, Occidental College
Anyone else have favorite locations to check out in Los Angeles? Let us know in the comments!