A couple of weeks ago we highlighted some of our favorite Los Angeles locations where you can catch a glimpse of scenes from some fan-favorite movies… and this week we’re back with a similar list of a bunch of TV shows that were filmed in LA. If you’re visiting and want some mashup photos of you striking a pose just like an actor “on set,” we’ve compiled some of our favorites.
Here is the list of our favorite TV locations that are easy to see while on your trip:
New Girl
This show has a soft spot in our hearts because it was one of our favorite shows that we started watching when we first moved to LA. It was fun to see the real-life locations portrayed in our favorite on-screen show.
- The Loft, Little Tokyo in Downtown LA
- Nick’s Bar, The Prince in Koreatown
- “Pershing Park” where Ensembell performed, Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena
- Diner where “Top Dog” is discussed, John O’Groats on Pico
Mad Men
We particularly love this show because it’s not set in modern day so you get to see some of our favorite spots transported to another time. For an extensive list, check out this great article.
- Waldorf Astoria Stand-in where the Clios take place, Cicada Restaurant in Downtown LA
- Rome Hilton, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Downtown LA
- Baltimore Restaurant, Clifton’s
- Diner where Don meets Adam, Quality Cafe
Gilmore Girls
This is one of our all-time favorite shows. We love that there are lots of great locations in Los Angeles to see while you are here for a visit. Be sure to also check out the WB Studio Tour for an inside look at Stars Hollow.
- Harvard Gates and Harvard Tour, UCLA
- Jess’ Runaway to California, Venice Beach
- Chilton High School, Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills
- Yale, USC (Legally Blonde also used the USC campus to portray Yale!)
The O.C.
This is by no means an exhaustive list (for that, go here!), but just a few selects of our favorite OC filming locations. The show definitely brought some ubiquity to the Southern California area and has a plethora of filming locations scattered throughout greater LA.
- The Cohen House, Point Dume in Malibu
- Balboa Pier, Redondo Beach Pier
- Hollywood Walk of Fame from ‘The L.A.’ episode
- The Bait Shop, Redondo Coffee & Bait Shop
Entourage
This show is based in LA so naturally, there are lots of great locations you can easily check out. One of the best parts about these filming locations is that they are real businesses so it is easy to stop in and grab a bite at an Entourage spot.
- Favorite Hangout spot: Urth Caffe, West Hollywood
- Late-night Hangout spot: Canter’s Deli
- Ari’s proposal spot: Il Cielo in Beverly Hills
Heroes
Heroes takes place all over the United States as ordinary people start to discover superhuman abilities. Even though it takes place in several locations, most of the filming was done in Los Angeles.
- Claire’s School, Though Called Union Wells High – it’s actually Golden Valley High School in Santa Clarita, CA.
- Hiro and Ando’s Museum Visit, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
- Bennett’s Office, Kirby Plaza in Downtown LA
See A Show Get Filmed in LA
If you’re in LA and want to see a tv show actually getting filmed there are always a handful of opportunities to see it all in action! These are some of our favorite shows and resources for finding tickets:
- Jimmy Kimmel Live
- Dancing with the Stars
- Jeopardy
- Ellen
- The Price Is Right
- The Late Late Show with James Corden
Does anyone else have favorite locations to check out in Los Angeles? Let us know in the comments!