Independence Day (1996)

The 1996 sci-fi action film “Independence Day” was a large scale production, filming in California, New York,  Utah, Washington D.C., New Mexico and more.  Capt. Steven Hiller, played by Will Smith, lives at this Los Angeles home, where he first spots the giant spaceship in the sky.

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LOCATION: 6033 W 74th St, Los Angeles, CA 90045

The First Lady, played by Mary McDonnell, receives a phone call at the famed Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown L.A.  The hotel is a staple of film, having appeared in such movies as “Ghostbusters,” “Fight Club,” “Species,” “Blonde,” “Oppenheimer” and many more.

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LOCATION: 506 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071

The alien ships are seen destroying a number of famous landmarks, including the US Bank Tower in Downtown Los Angeles. The building has appeared in countless films, including “Southland Tales,” “Darkman,” “The Thirteenth Floor” and more.

LOCATION: 633 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071

The Empire State Building in New York City is also seen being destroyed.

LOCATION: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001

The sequence with the fires engulfing the tunnel full of cars was filmed at the Second Street Tunnel in Downtown L.A.  This is another popular filming location, appearing in such films as “Kill Bill,” “Demolition Man,” “Blade Runner,” “The Terminator,” “Double Dragon” and many more.

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LOCATION: 620 W 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Hiller drags a defeated alien across the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.  The salt flats have been seen in many films, such as “Pirates Of The Carribean: At World’s End,” “The Tree Of Life” and this film’s 2016 sequel, “Independence Day: Resurgence.”  The I-80 freeway traverses straight through the Bonneville Salt Flats, with viewing points on the side of the road.  There’s also an exit to drive in for a closer look.

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LOCATION: Bonneville Salt Flats, UT 84083

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Wendover Airfield, located near the border of Nevada and Utah, served as the airfield where President Thomas J. Whitmore, played by Bill Pullman, gives his speech to rally the troops before taking their final stand against the aliens.  This scene was filmed in front of Hangar 2.  This area is private property, but they do allow tours.  Wendover Airfield has appeared in many films, such as “Con Air,” 1982’s “The Philadelphia Experiment” “Mullholland Falls,” The Core” and Ang Lee’s 2003 version of “The Hulk”

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LOCATION: 345 Airport Way, Wendover, UT 84083

Hiller’s military uniform can be found on display at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is Las Vegas.

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LOCATION: 3667 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Related articles: 2012 (2009)

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