From historic ghost towns to classic roadside diners, these California destinations showcase iconic landscapes that have helped bring unforgettable Hollywood films to life.

NORTH COAST

 

Paddle the “Bird Box” River

The scenic Smith River in Del Norte County served as the filming location for the river scenes in “Bird Box,” where Sandra Bullock's character searched for safety. Visitors can paddle the same 20-mile stretch with Redwood Rides, whose owner, Adam Spencer, also served as Bullock's body double during filming.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

 

Santa Rosa's Hollywood Backlot

For more than 80 years, Santa Rosa has appeared in films ranging from Alfred Hitchcock’s "Shadow of a Doubt" and "Scream" to "American Graffiti, "Bottle Shock" and "Cheaper by the Dozen 2". Its historic Railroad Square and downtown streets have doubled as everything from suburban neighborhoods to suspense-filled settings, making the Sonoma County city a lasting part of California's film history. The historic Castello di Amorosa was featured in “Bedtime stories”. 

 

Bodega's Hitchcock Legacy

The Sonoma County village of Bodega is home to St. Teresa of Avila Church and the nearby Potter Schoolhouse, two iconic filming locations from Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds." Visitors can explore these recognizable landmarks while experiencing the coastal scenery that helped shape one of cinema's most memorable thrillers.

GOLD COUNTRY

 

Jamestown's Wild West Film Legacy

Jamestown and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park have appeared in more than 200 films and television shows including “The Great Train Robbery,” “Back to the Future Part III,” “High Noon,” and “Unforgiven.” Seven miles away, the popular TV series, “Little House on the Prairie” was filmed at Columbia State Historic Park and remains one of California’s best-preserved Gold Rush towns. Visitors can tour both locations to see a working steam-era railroad, explore historic trains and workshops, and ride seasonal excursion trains.

SHASTA CASCADE

 

Hollywood Meets Siskiyou County

Siskiyou County has welcomed film productions for more than a century, with credits including ‘80s classic “Stand By Me,” CBS's “Tracker,” thriller “Peter Five Eight,” and Andy Grammer's "Lease on Life" music video. Its mountain landscapes, historic railroad towns, and the legends and lore surrounding Mt. Shasta continues to attract filmmakers and visitors alike. Through FilmSiskiyou.org, visitors can trace a screen legacy that ranges from silent-era Westerns to modern television dramas.

HIGH SIERRA

 

North Lake Tahoe's Hollywood Hideaway

North Lake Tahoe has long been a favorite of filmmakers and celebrities, from “The Godfather Part II,” filmed at the historic Fleur du Lac estate on the West Shore, to the Old Brockway Golf Course and lakeside wooded retreats of Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and Dean Martin. Today, visitors can view famous filming locations by boat or kayak while exploring one of California's most storied celebrity destinations.

CENTRAL VALLEY

 

Cruise Through Modesto's Movie Past

Modesto celebrates its connection to “American Graffiti,” inspired by George Lucas's teenage years cruising the city's streets. Visitors can follow the Historic Cruise Route, explore the American Graffiti Walk of Fame, view colorful murals, and snap a photo with the George Lucas statue downtown.

 

Stockton's Hollywood Campus

Stockton has appeared in productions ranging from “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and Disney’s “Flubber” to HBO's “Rooster” starring Steve Carell and “One Battle After Another.” At the heart of its film legacy is the University of the Pacific, whose Collegiate Gothic campus has portrayed everything from Indiana Jones' Marshall College to memorable settings in film and television for nearly 80 years.

CENTRAL COAST

 

Buellton's Sideways Journey

Located in Santa Barbara Wine Country, Buellton became a must-visit destination after the Academy Award-winning film “Sideways” showcased its wine country charm. Fans can stay at the transformed Sideways Inn, dine at the iconic Hitching Post 2, and explore the vineyards that helped make California's Central Coast famous on screen.

 

Follow the SLO CAL Film Trail

San Luis Obispo County's Film Trail leads visitors to iconic filming locations including Morro Rock from “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” Hearst Castle from “Spartacus,” and Montaña de Oro State Park from “Pete's Dragon.” Rugged coastlines, vineyards, and scenic Highway 1 have long made the region a favorite backdrop for film and television.

 

Santa Maria's Hollywood Hideaway

Santa Maria Valley blends celebrity history with iconic film locations. The Historic Santa Maria Inn has hosted famous guests including Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, and Marilyn Monroe. Visitors can also view several of the sphinx props unearthed from Cecil B. DeMille’s 1923 epic “The Ten Commandments” at the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, enjoy Santa Maria-style barbecue at the Far Western Tavern, and explore nearby beaches and wine country.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

 

Santa Monica's Hollywood Landmarks

Santa Monica's iconic locations like its world-famous Pier have appeared in productions including “Forrest Gump,” “Iron Man” and “Her.” The Pier’s Looff Hippodrome, a National Historic Landmark built in 1916, was in the Oscar-winning classic “The Sting.” Nearby, Pacific Park’s iconic Ferris wheel was seen in “Modern Family,” “Gilmore Girls,” and “Hannah Montana: The Movie.” Film enthusiasts can also visit the historic Aero Theatre featured in “Get Shorty,” or explore Santa Monica Place seen in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” and “Beverly Hills, 90210.”

Beverly Hills Beyond the Screen

Beverly Hills brings Hollywood to life through legendary filming locations like the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel from “Pretty Woman,” where visitors can book a themed “Pretty Woman for a Day” experience. Stop by the Electric Fountain from “Clueless,” and Greystone Mansion featured in everything from “The Princess Diaries” to “Batman & Robin.” Pair these iconic stops with shopping on Rodeo Drive and dining at celebrity favorites for the ultimate Hollywood experience.

 

Explore Santa Clarita's Film Sets

Santa Clarita's dramatic landscapes have starred in several films and TV shows such as “Star Trek,” “Westworld,” “NCIS,” “Sons of Anarchy,” and “Paradise.” Visitors can explore the iconic sandstone formations of Vasquez Rocks, classic roadside diners like Halfway House Café and Way Station, and neighborhoods that have doubled as everything from alien worlds to small-town America.

ORANGE COUNTY 

Buena Park's On-Screen Attractions

Knott's Berry Farm has appeared in productions “Knocked Up,” “America's Next Top Model,” “Hell's Kitchen,” “Criminal Minds,” and “Storage Wars.” Across the street, Knott's Independence Hall was used to film “National Treasure” starring Nicolas Cage. Buena Park's dinner attractions have also enjoyed their time in the spotlight. Medieval Times appeared in the classic “The Cable Guy” and Kevin Hart's “What the Fit,” while Pirates Dinner Adventure was featured on ABC's “The Bachelor.”

INLAND EMPIRE

 

Big Bear's Hollywood Adventure

Big Bear Lake has provided the backdrop for Hollywood classics like “Gone with the Wind,” “Frankenstein,” “Old Yeller,’ “WarGames,” and “Magnolia.” Two hours from Los Angeles, visitors can pair its history with the Gold Fever Trail, exploring historic mining sites and ghost town remnants in Holcomb Valley by using a personal off-road vehicle or on the Tourzilla experience through Big Bear Off-Road Experience.

DESERTS

 

Palmdale's Blockbuster Backdrops

Palmdale's high desert landscapes have appeared in films and series including “Kill Bill,” “The Terminator,” “Ford v Ferrari,” “First Man,” the Transformers’ “Bumblebee,” “The Terminal,” “Identity,” and “Euphoria.” Less than an hour from Hollywood, the region has doubled as everything from the Wild West and the Holy Land to futuristic worlds since the silent film era.

 

Ghost Stories in Randsburg

One of California's few living ghost towns, Randsburg blends Gold Rush history with Hollywood and paranormal intrigue. Visitors can stroll historic dirt streets, hear local ghost stories from ghost paranormal investigator Marie Mason and explore filming locations featured in “Cowboys & Aliens” and “Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!”

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

 

Oceanside's Hollywood Coastline

Oceanside has starred in productions including Tom Cruise’s hit “Top Gun,” cult-favorite “Bring It On,” “Animal Kingdom,” “Purple Hearts,” and “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Visitors can tour the iconic Top Gun House, the Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre, and other recognizable filming locations along the city's scenic coastline.

 

Del Mar's Star-Studded Racetrack

Founded by Bing Crosby in 1937, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club blends classic Hollywood glamour with oceanfront horse racing. Featured in “The Kardashians,” “Entourage,” and “The Real Housewives,” the iconic venue is known for its Opening Day traditions, summer racing season (July 17-Sept. 7), and sweeping Pacific views.