20 Famous Movie Locations To Visit In The USA
From California to Chicago, Las Vegas to Los Angeles, we’ve got 20 famous movie locations in the USA for your next trip stateside.
With so many films and TV shows available across traditional television, and streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Google Movies, and YouTube, audiences have more to watch than ever. We thought it would be enjoyable to share a travel guide to iconic movie locations across the United States. These are real places you can visit in person, not just scenes created on a Hollywood soundstage.
1. Alcatraz, San Francisco, California: Escape From Alcatraz, The Rock
Perched in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island AKA “The Rock”, is legendary for its history as an impenetrable federal prison between 1934 and 1963. It was home to some very infamous inmates such as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly, it very quickly became a symbol of isolation and punishment.
Despite being surrounded by icy waters and strong currents, it had its fair share of escape attempts, most famously the mysterious 1962 breakout of Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers. The story is told in the famous Clint Eastwood movie Escape From Alcatraz (1979). Clint Eastwood brings the 1962 escape to life, making it on of the best prison thrillers and solidifying the island’s reputation as the ultimate prison.
Also filmed on Alcatraz was the movie “The Rock‘ (1996) starring Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery as they battle terrorists who seize the island. The movie used the island’s cell blocks, tunnels and yards to dramatic effect, bringing the abandoned prison back into pop culture years after its closure. It is one of the most famous movie landmarks in California.
Today, Alcatraz is a national historic site, where visitors can walk through the cell blocks, hear first-hand accounts from former ‘residents’, listen as you wander to the audio tour and take in views of the Golden Gate bridge that teased prisoners for years.
2. Museum of Art Steps, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Rocky
The wide stone staircase leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art became legendary thanks to the movie Rocky (1976). In the film, Sylvester Stallone’s underdog boxer, Rocky Balboa, sprints up the 72 steps during his training and triumphantly raises his fists at the top in this famous scene. They have reappeared in every sequel since, becoming the franchise’s most enduring image.
Today, fans from all over the world recreate the run, finishing up at the top with Rocky’s iconic pose at the top. The steps are now simply called the “Rocky Steps.”
At the base, you’ll find the Rocky Statue (originally created for Rocky III), which is a must-see photo spot for any movie lover. The museum itself is one of America’s finest, but for many, the steps are the main attraction, a landmark blending cinema and city pride and one of the most famous movie locations in Philadelphia.
3. Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment, New York: Sex and the City
Few TV locations are as instantly recognizable as Carrie Bradshaw’s brownstone stoop in Sex and the City (1998–2004). Though Carrie narrates her Manhattan life from a fictional address, 245 East 73rd Street on the Upper East Side, the exterior shots were actually filmed in the West Village at 66 Perry Street (near Bleecker Street).
Carrie is often shown sitting on the steps, typing her famous “I couldn’t help but wonder…” lines, or heading out in her high heels to meet the girls. The brownstone became symbolic of her independence, her romantic ups and downs, and her glamorous New York lifestyle.
In real life, the building is privately owned, but it remains a must-visit photo spot for fans. A small chain usually blocks off the stoop to protect the residents’ privacy, but visitors can still snap pictures from the path.
The neighbourhood itself, with its leafy streets, boutique shops, and cafes, gives a very different vibe from the Upper East Side setting in the series, but it perfectly fits Carrie’s charm and makes the West Village a must visit when in New York. This is one of many famous movie locations in New York City.
For more on New York, check out our travel guide: Top 30 Things to do in New York
4. Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, California: Rebel Without a Cause
Built on the side of Mount Hollywood, overlooking Los Angeles, the Griffith Observatory is not only one of the city’s most iconic landmarks but also a legendary piece of movie history.
Immortalized in this classic film, Rebel Without a Cause (1955), the observatory is where James Dean’s character, Jim Stark, has one of the film’s most dramatic confrontations. The planetarium scene and the knife fight outside made the site’s association with Dean, turning it into a symbol of youthful rebellion.
The film’s success forever linked the observatory with Hollywood, making it a must visit site for Dean fans.
In real life, the observatory opened in 1935, and offers public telescopes, space exhibits, and one of the best views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. It has appeared in numerous other productions, including La La Land (2016), The Terminator (1984), and Transformers (2007).
Entrance to the building and grounds is free, making it one of LA’s most loved attractions. A bronze bust of James Dean stands on the grounds, facing the Hollywood Sign, honouring his connection to the observatory and his role in Rebel Without a Cause.
Read here to find out if Los Angeles is really worth visiting.
5. The McCallister Home, Winnetka, Illinois: Home Alone
Located in the affluent suburb of Winnetka, Illinois, the McCallister family home became an instant icon thanks to the 1990 holiday classic Home Alone. On screen, the house is Kevin McCallister’s family home, where he’s accidentally left behind during the family Christmas vacation.
Famous scenes include Kevin setting booby traps for Harry and Marv, the Wet Bandits, and his triumphant scream in front of the snow-covered mansion. Its warm, suburban exterior, combined with snow on the lawn, has defined the quintessential “Christmas movie house.”
In real life, the private residence is still a family home, so interior visits aren’t allowed, but fans flock to take photos from the street. The neighborhood embraces its cinematic fame, often decorated during the holidays in homage to the film.
While interior scenes were mostly shot on sets in Chicago studios, the exterior perfectly captured suburban charm. Incidentally the house was listed for sale in 2012 for over $1.5 million, and fans around the world still recognize it instantly from the movie.
6. Hook & Ladder Company 8 Firehouse, New York: Ghostbusters
Located in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan, Hook & Ladder Company 8 is instantly recognisable as the headquarters of the original Ghostbusters (1984) movie.
On screen, the iconic red-brick firehouse served as the exterior for the Ghostbusters’ base of operations, where proton packs were stored, and the Ecto-1 was parked. Fans immediately recognize the large garage doors and sloped roof from countless movie stills and posters. While the exterior is real, all interior scenes were filmed on a studio set in Los Angeles.
In real life, Hook & Ladder 8 is an active, fully operational firehouse, so visitors are asked to be respectful when taking photos outside.
It’s a popular tourist photo spot, especially for Ghostbusters fans and movie buffs exploring Manhattan. The building’s classic facade has firmly established its place in pop culture, blending New York City charm with supernatural nostalgia. The firehouse has hosted fan events and even featured a Ghostbusters-themed ladder truck during special occasions, celebrating its cinematic legacy.
Read: 30 Top things to do in New York
7. Katz’s Deli, New York: When Harry Met Sally
Located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Katz’s Delicatessen is famous for its classic pastrami sandwiches, and one of cinema’s most memorable scenes.
On screen, in When Harry Met Sally (1989), Meg Ryan’s character famously demonstrates a fake orgasm at a Katz’s table, delivering the legendary line: “I’ll have what she’s having.” The scene immortalised the deli as a quintessential New York spot, blending humor, romance, and the city’s energy.
In real life, Katz’s has been serving traditional Jewish deli fare since 1888 and remains a must-visit culinary landmark. You can sit at the iconic table and snap photos, or simply enjoy a classic pastrami sandwich while soaking up the atmosphere.
The deli fully embraces its pop culture fame all these years later with subtle nods and keepsakes celebrating the film. By the way, the lady who delivers the famous line in the scene was actually director Rob Reiner’s mother. This is one of the most famous movie locations for food lovers.
Here are some ideas what to with your kids when in New York
8. Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C. : Forest Gump
The Lincoln Memorial is one of many iconic Washington, D.C.’s monuments, dedicated to the 16th president of the United States. Its grand steps and statue of Abraham Lincoln have made it a symbol of American history, and Hollywood history too.
In Forrest Gump (1994), the Lincoln Memorial steps are where Forrest delivers a speech during the film’s Vietnam War protest sequences. The steps also appear in montages highlighting Forrest’s journey across America, adding some historical context and are one of the most famous movie locations in Washington.
In real life, visitors can climb the steps to the massive seated statue of Lincoln and enjoy sweeping views of the National Mall and Reflecting Pool.
The memorial is a popular spot for tourists and filmmakers alike, blending super architecture with cinematic recognition. The site hosts thousands of events, commemorations, and protests, giving it a living, historical significance beyond its movie fame. The film used the real steps and grounds, capturing the monument’s scale and atmosphere, making the scene feel authentic.
Lots more to see in Washington DC, read all about it here.
9. The Mrs. Doubtfire house, San Francisco, California: Mrs Doubtfire
Located in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, this Victorian home became famous as the residence of Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) in Mrs. Doubtfire (1993).
On screen, the house is where Daniel, disguised as the nanny Mrs. Doubtfire, hilariously navigates his dual life caring for his children while keeping his identity a secret from the family. Iconic exterior shots showcase the home’s steep, colorful facade which is a perfect example of San Francisco Victorian architecture.
In real life, the house remains a private residence, so interior tours aren’t possible, but fans often visit to snap photos from the street. Its location on a picturesque street with other historic Victorians makes it a standout spot for film buffs.
The neighborhood’s views of the San Francisco skyline add some cinematic charm. The home’s exterior is instantly recognizable, and many fans recreate scenes on the front steps, keeping the movie’s spirit alive.
Lots to see from San Francisco to San Diego, read all about the Pacific Coast Highway here
10. The Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills, California: Pretty Woman
Located in the centre of Beverly Hills, the Beverly Wilshire Hotel is a luxury landmark that became iconic thanks to Pretty Woman (1990), starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.
On screen, the hotel serves as the lavish residence of Edward Lewis (Richard Gere), where Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts) experiences the glamour and elegance of Beverly Hills life. Scenes include Vivian’s unforgettable shopping spree and romantic moments with Edward, cementing the hotel’s place in pop culture.
In real life, the Beverly Wilshire remains a five-star luxury hotel, attracting celebrities, tourists, and fans of the film alike. Guests can stay in rooms featured in the movie, dine in its fine restaurants, or simply admire the gorgeous architecture and Beverly Hills location.
Its distinctive exterior and reputation make it one of Hollywood’s most famous movie locations. The hotel was originally built in 1928 and has hosted countless celebrities and film shoots over the decades, with Pretty Woman making it even more famous worldwide.
11. The Virgil, Los Angeles, California: A Star is Born
Located in Los Angeles, The Virgil Bar became a standout location in A Star Is Born (2018), starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.
On screen, the intimate, dimly lit bar is where Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) performs live, showcasing the emotional connection between him and Ally (Lady Gaga). The venue helps convey the music world’s grittier, underground side, contrasting with the glitz and glamour of later concert scenes.
In real life, The Virgil Bar is a real neighborhood bar and music venue in LA’s Silver Lake area, known for live performances and craft cocktails. Fans of the film often visit to see the location and soak up the same vibrant atmosphere captured on screen.
The venue showcases Los Angeles’ rich indie music and nightlife scene, making it a perfect cinematic backdrop. While The Virgil Bar is small, its ambiance helped the film capture the intimacy and emotional intensity of Jackson and Ally’s early relationship.
12. Tiffany & Co.,New York: Breakfast at Tiffanys
Located on the prestigious Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co. is a world-renowned jewelry store that became iconic thanks to Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard (better known as Hannibal in the A-Team 1980s TV show).
On screen, Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) famously stands outside the store’s windows, enjoying a pastry and coffee, capturing a moment of glamour. The scene helped make both the store and Hepburn enduring symbols of elegance and New York sophistication.
In real life, Tiffany & Co. is still a luxury shopping destination, attracting tourists, jewelry lovers, and movie fans from around the world. Visitors can admire the elegant window displays and even snap a photo recreating the iconic breakfast scene.
The fifth avenue flagship store is a New York landmark, blending high-end retail with movie history. The original movie scene took place in the early morning to avoid crowds, making Audrey Hepburn’s leisurely window-gazing moment possible. In real-life bustling fifth avenue might make recreating the scene a little more difficult, but you can always try.
If you are wondering where to stay in New York, check this post out.
13. Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood, Oregon: The Shining
Built on the slopes of Mount Hood, Oregon, Timberline Lodge is a historic mountain resort that became forever associated with Stanley Kubrick’s horror classic The Shining (1980).
On screen, the lodge’s exterior was used to represent the Overlook Hotel, the isolated mountain retreat where Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) goes mad. Its dramatic alpine setting perfectly conveys the chilling, remote atmosphere essential to the film’s tension.
While the interiors were mostly shot on sets, the Timberline exterior remains instantly recognizable to fans.
In real life, Timberline Lodge was built during the 1930s and is a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can explore the grand lobby, rustic architecture, and nearby ski slopes, taking in the same breathtaking views that appear in the film.
The lodge hosts guests all year round, blending cinematic legacy with mountain recreation. Despite its fame as the Overlook Hotel, Timberline Lodge’s interiors are quite cozy and welcoming — far from the scary halls seen in Kubrick’s film.
14. Union Station, Chicago, Illinois: The Untouchables
Located in downtown Chicago, Union Station is a train terminal that became iconic in Brian De Palma’s movie, The Untouchables (1987).
On screen, the station is the setting for one of the film’s most famous action sequences: the escalator shootout, where Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) and his team have a shootout with gangsters led by Al Capone (Robert De Niro). Its stations dramatic architecture — soaring ceilings, marble floors, and wide staircases — provides a drmatic background for the tension in the movie scene.
In real life, Union Station is still a bustling transportation hub, serving Amtrak, commuter rail, and local transit. Visitors can admire the historic Great Hall, take photographs, and imagine the high-stakes drama that unfolded on film.
The stair sequence is widely regarded as one of the most thrilling action scenes of the 1980s, and it helped make Union Station and its now famous stairs a movie location icon.
Read more all about Chicago here!
15. Empire State Building, New York: Sleepless in Seattle
One of New York City’s most famous skyscrapers, the iconic building, the Empire State Building became a symbol of romance thanks to Sleepless in Seattle (1993), starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.
On screen, the building serves as the meeting place for Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) and Annie Reed (Meg Ryan), culminating in this romantic dramas emotional rooftop scene. Its breathtaking views in the movie make it a classic symbol of New York romance in cinema.
In real life, visitors can ascend to the 86th and 102nd-floor observatories for panoramic views of Manhattan and beyond. The Empire State Building is illuminated nightly with special colored lights, often in coinciding with various holidays or events.
Its Art Deco design make it one of the city’s most visited tourist attractions. The rooftop scene was carefully choreographed to capture the building’s scale, creating one of the most enduring movie moments set in New York City.
16. Boston Common, ‘Good Will Hunting’ (Boston)
Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States, became a memorable cinematic backdrop in Good Will Hunting (1997), starring Matt Damon and Robin Williams.
On screen, the park bench appears in a scene with Will Hunting (Matt Damon) chatting with Robin Williams about how he can read all he wants in books but has ‘never smelt the inside of the Sistine Chapel’ with Robin Williams character subliminally telling him to get out of Boston and explore the world. It’s featured in this reflective moment, and captures Boston’s blend of urban life and green space at the same time.
In real life, the bench is really there in Boston Common which spans 50 acres in downtown Boston, for long walks, viewing monuments, and recreational areas. Visitors can stroll the same grounds, visit the public garden, or simply enjoy the historic urban oasis.
Its central location makes it a hub for city life, cultural events, and, of course, movie tourism. Boston Common has appeared in numerous films, but Good Will Hunting made its place as one of Boston’s famous movie locations.
See the sites, wine and dine – here are the top things to do in Boston.
17. Caesars Palace, Las Vegas: Casino
Located on the famous Las Vegas Strip, Caesars Palace is an iconic luxury resort and casino that became legendary in Martin Scorsese’s Casino (1995), starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci.
On screen, Caesars Palace represents the glitz, glamour, and high-stakes tension of the Vegas casino world. The film’s exterior and interior shots showcase the casino’s opulence, gaming floors, and must-see fountains.
Scenes include dramatic interactions between gangsters, casino executives and high-rolling gamblers, capturing the excess and intensity of 1970s–80s Las Vegas.
In real life, Caesars Palace remains one of Las Vegas’s most famous resorts, featuring luxury accommodations, world-class dining, and spectacular entertainment. Visitors can tour the casino, see the famous fountains, or attend performances in the Colosseum, continuing the glamorous legacy portrayed on screen.
Its Roman-inspired architecture make it a popular stop for tourists and film fans alike. Many of the casino’s interiors were actually recreated on set for the film, but Caesars Palace’s exterior remains instantly recognizable in cinematic history.
Want to know more, check out my ultimate guide to Vegas
18. Nakatomi Plaza, Los Angeles, California: Die Hard
Rising above Century City in Los Angeles, Fox Plaza became etched in pop culture as Nakatomi Plaza, the central setting of the action classic Die Hard (1988), starring Bruce Willis.
On screen the skyscraper serves as the backdrop for John McClane’s (Bruce Willis) fight against terrorists led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). Virtually the entire movie unfolds within the tower, making it one of cinema’s most recognised “single-location” films. Explosions, gunfights, and rooftop showdowns turned the building into a symbol of 1980s action movies.
In real life, Fox Plaza is a 34-story office block, completed in 1987, and still used for commercial offices. While you can’t tour the inside as a tourist attraction, fans often visit to take photos outside the building, a must for Die Hard enthusiasts. Its modern design makes it instantly recognisable to movie buffs.
The building was still under construction during filming, which allowed the crew to stage explosions and stunts that would’ve been impossible in a fully occupied office tower.
19. Shawshank Prison, Ohio: Shawshank Redemption
Known on screen as Shawshank State Penitentiary, the real-life filming location is the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, a fortress-like prison that gave Frank Darabont’s The Shawshank Redemption (1994) its unforgettable atmosphere.
On screen, the reformatory provided the exterior shots and many interior scenes for Andy Dufresne’s (Tim Robbins) decades-long imprisonment and friendship with Red (Morgan Freeman).
Its huge stone walls, cell blocks, and gothic look amplified the film’s themes of hopelessness, injustice, and ultimately, redemption.Iconic scenes such as the parole hearings, the warden’s office, and the cell block corridors were filmed inside the prison itself.
In real life, the prison, opened in 1896 and closed in 1990, is now a museum and cultural landmark. Visitors can walk the Shawshank Trail, touring key filming sites including Andy’s cell, the parole board room, and even props used in the movie. Beyond cinema, the site is famous for its paranormal activity, often ranked among the most haunted places in the U.S.
When the prison officially closed, demolition was planned — but the fame from Shawshank saved the building, preserving it as both a movie landmark and historical site.
20. Redwood National Park, California: Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
The redwoods of Redwood National and State Parks in northern California became the enchanting setting for the Forest Moon of Endor in Return of the Jedi (1983).
On screen, the lush, otherworldly forests were the backdrop for the Rebel Alliance’s battle with the Empire, aided by the Ewoks. The famous speeder bike chase scene through the trees was filmed using special camera techniques to convey high-speed movement. The redwoods’ massive trunks and dense canopy perfectly captured the alien-yet-familiar environment of Endor.
In real life, Redwood National and State Parks preserve some of the tallest trees on Earth, with redwoods soaring over 350 feet (107 meters). Visitors can hike through trails like Lady Bird Johnson Grove or Tall Trees Grove, experiencing the same natural cathedral of trees seen on screen. The parks are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a U.S. National Park treasure.
The speeder bike chase was filmed by walking through the forest with a Steadicam at a slow pace, then speeding up the footage to create the thrilling high-speed effect.
Whilst there are many famous movie locations elsewhere making movie magic, these are just some taken from some of my favourite movies. Let me know yours in the comments. Hope you enjoyed this post.
Cormac
