The 1994 football comedy “Little Giants” supposedly takes place in the town of Urbania, Ohio.  However, most of the filming actually took place in the small Central California town of Arroyo Grande.  Producers felt they could match the look of Ohio there while keeping the advantages of filming in California.

One of the main locations featured is the gas station where the Little Giants practice over the course of the film.  The gas station is owned by Danny O’Shea (Rick Moranis), father of Becky “Icebox” O’Shea and coach of the Little Giants.  The gas station itself is located on Traffic Way and the location is seen from both the front and back in the film.  However, it’s the back of the location, facing Bridge St, which was featured the most.

Back when filming took place, the parking area was still dirt and not paved with cement as it is today.  The barn on the right was also featured in many scenes and still stands today.

LOCATION: 139 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (back area faces Bridge St)

Here is the front of the gas station facing Traffic Way.  The kids are seen running a car wash out front in one scene.  In the film, there were gas pumps and a canopy extending out, which has since been removed.  The black pole on the right, which was the sign for the gas station, still remained.

The owner of the shop kindly wrote in to let us know the building has since been renovated and offered this photo showing how the building now appears.

The Arroyo Grande Bridge is also seen frequently in the background as the kids practice football.  In one scene, rival coach Kevin O’Shea, played by Ed O’Neill, spies on the team from the bridge.  Built in 1908, the bridge really is located right next to the gas station location on Bridge St.

LOCATION: Arroyo Grande Bridge, 118-142 Bridge St, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Arroyo Grande is located almost halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.  If you’re a fan of the film and find yourself making the drive between cities, some 90s nostalgia can be found tucked away in the small town.