California

Back To The Future Part III (1990)

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The third and final installment in the “Back to the Future” trilogy, “Back to the Future Part III” was filmed in Southern California and Monument Valley, Utah. The courthouse square and clock tower appear once again, as the events of the original film overlap with a new timeline. The building can be found on the Universal Studios Lot in Hollywood (100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608). It has been used in countless other films, including “To Kill A Mockingbird,” “Gremlins” and “Bruce Almighty.”  In 2008, a fire destroyed much of the building, but Universal restored and reopened it in 2009.  Today, it can be seen once again as part of the Universal Studios Tour, but this area frequently hosts productions and the site is routinely closed off from the tours.

Doc Brown’s house also appears once again, as Doc struggles to process the idea of another timeline. The house can be found in Pasadena.  Known as the Gamble House, it is a National Historic Landmark and museum, which is open to public tours.  However, only the exterior was used for Doc’s house in the film. The interiors were filmed on a set built on the Universal lot.

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LOCATION: 4 Westmoreland Pl, Pasadena, CA 91103

Much of the film takes place in the Old West. The drive in theater scene was filmed in Monument Valley, Utah, while the 1885 scenes were filmed on a set built at the Red Hills Ranch near Sonora, California, with additional scenes filmed in Oak Park and Jamestown, California.

Doc and Marty devise a plan to push the Delorean with a train, in order for it to reach the necessary speed to travel through time. Marty successfully arrives back in 1985 at these train tracks, located in Port Hueneme, California, about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The same intersection and train tracks appear in the film “Ghost Dad.”

LOCATION: S Ventura Rd / Shoreview Dr, Port Hueneme, CA 93041

Late in the film, Marty house appears once again as he confirms his family has returned to normal. The house can be found in Pacoima.

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LOCATION: 9303 Roslyndale Ave, Pacoima, CA 91331

Marty’s awekens his girlfriend Jennifer, who has been sleeping on her porch through the events of the film. The home can be found in Monrovia.

LOCATION: 161 N Magnolia Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016

Related articles: Used Cars (1980), Back To The Future (1985), Back To The Future Part II (1989), Death Becomes Her (1992), Forrest Gump (1994), Cast Away (2000)

ALF

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The Tanner family house from the sitcom ALF, which ran from 1986 to 1990, could be found in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. The home has since been demolished and an entirely different home was built in it’s place. Here is where the house formerly stood. Some old Google street views still offer views of the original home.

LOCATION: 708 Moreno Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90049 (now demolished)

Sideways (2004)

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The 2004 Alexander Payne film “Sideways” is set against the backdrop of California’s wine country, with most of the production likewise taking place in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, California. The film has had a lasting impact on the region, as more than one location has since altered their namesakes after the film. One such example is the apartment where Miles, played by Paul Giamatti, resides. Supposedly located in San Diego, the real building can actually be found a couple hundred miles north in the town of Goleta.

LOCATION: 120 Magnolia Ave, Goleta, CA 93117

The property has since been renamed the “Sideways House.”

A few scenes were filmed in Southern California. As Miles heads to Los Angeles to meet up with Jack, played by Thomas Haden Church, he passes the famous Hotel Angeleno, which was also seen in the film “Heat.”

LOCATION: 170 N Church Ln, Los Angeles, CA 90049 (as seen from Sunset Blvd)

Miles makes his way to this house, located in the L.A. neighborhood of Brentwood. The route depicted driving down Sunset Blvd to reach the home is geographically accurate.

LOCATION: 355 N Rockingham Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90049

As Jack and Miles begin their trip, Miles insists he stop and visit his mother, who supposedly lives in Oxnard. The property is actually located in Santa Maria.

LOCATION: 1619 Carmel Ln, Santa Maria, CA 93454

Miles and Jack arrive into Solvang driving down Alisal Rd.

LOCATION: 485 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463

These scenes really were filmed in Solvang, as stated in the film.

LOCATION: 467 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463

They stay at this hotel, located in Buellton.

LOCATION: 114 E Hwy 246, Buellton, CA 93427

The hotel is another location which has renamed itself in honor of the film.

After walking in on Jack having sex with Stephanie, played by Sandra Oh, Miles heads over to the hotel lounge, which has likewise been renamed the “Sideways Lounge.”

Here is the restaurant where Maya, played by Virginia Madsen, works.

LOCATION: 406 E Hwy 246, Buellton, CA 93427

The next morning, this building is seen as one of the establishing shots before cutting to Jack and Miles having breakfast.

LOCATION: 1576 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463

Miles goes bowling with Jack and Stephanie. The bowling alley was formerly located at 1420 E Ocean Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436, but has since been demolished.

Miles and Jack are briefly seen picking up Maya and Stephanie in front of this building in Los Olivos.

LOCATION: 2900 Grand Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441

Maya’s place can be found in Santa Barbara. The back entrance is seen in the film, which is easily visible from the sidewalk.

LOCATION: 916 E Carrillo Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (back entrance facing Spring St)

Miles learns a publisher has passed on his novel at this winery in Los Olivos, where he becomes upset and proceeds to make a scene.

LOCATION: 6200 Foxen Canyon Rd, Los Olivos, CA 93441

Miles sulks with Jack at the beach near Goleta Pier.

LOCATION: Near Goleta Pier, Sandspit Rd, Goleta, CA 93117

After Stephanie discovers Jack is getting married to another woman, she assaults him. Jack gets treatment at this hospital in Solvang, which has been remodeled a bit.

LOCATION: 2050 Viborg Rd, Solvang, CA 93463

Miles and Jack visit this restaurant, where Jack gets himself into more trouble after sleeping with the waitress.

LOCATION: 350 E Hwy 246, Buellton, CA 93427

In one of the more memorable scenes in the film, Miles sneaks into this house in Lompoc, to retrieve Jack’s wallet from the waitress and her husband. The completely nude husband, played by M.C. Gainey, chases Miles out onto the street. To achieve this scene, police blocked off the entire street and neighbors were paid to stay inside their homes during the filming.

LOCATION: 400 E Lemon Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436

Jack asks Miles to drive the car, not revealing his intentions. They proceed to this intersection in Buellton.

LOCATION: Jonata Park Rd / Central Ave, Buellton, CA 93427

Jack then swerves the car and drives into this tree, in an attempt to create a cover story to his fiancee for his injuries. In the film, the area is seen as barren and undeveloped. A storage facility has since been built on the land, but somewhat surprisingly, the developers left the tree in tact. It remains standing today.

LOCATION: 711 Jonata Park Rd, Buellton, CA 93427

Near the end of the film, Jack’s wedding takes place at this church, located back south in Montebello. After the ceremony, Miles runs into his ex-wife in the parking lot.

LOCATION: 900 W Lincoln Ave, Montebello, CA 90640

Related articles: Citizen Ruth (1996), Election (1999), About Schmidt (2002), The Descendants (2011), Nebraska (2013), Downsizing (2017)

Spun (2002)

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The 2002 Jonas Akerlund film “Spun” was filmed in Southern California, with much of the production taking place in the San Fernando Valley. The house of Spider Mike, played by John Leguizamo, can be found in Sylmar.

LOCATION: 12799 Telfair Ave, Sylmar, CA 91342

The home is not derelict like it appears in the film.

The motel where Nikki and The Cook, played by Brittany Murphy and Mickey Rourke respectively, stay throughout the film can be found in Pacoima.

LOCATION: 10225 San Fernando Rd, Pacoima, CA 91331

Ross, played by Jason Schwartzman, visits this strip club in North Hollywood, which is only seen from interior views in the film.

LOCATION: 6630 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606

Nikki takes her dog to a pet clinic, which is a real business in Sun Valley.

LOCATION: 11814 Sheldon St, Sun Valley, CA 91352

The liquor store The Cook visits is referred to by name as Circus Liquor in the film. However, it is not the more famous location on Vineland in North Hollywood with the large clown sign, seen in such films as “Clueless.” It was a different location, which is no longer a Circus Liquor.

LOCATION: 6417 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606

Near the end of the film, Ross meets up with his ex-girlfriend at Pershing Square in Downtown Los Angeles.

LOCATION: 532 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Back To The Future Part II (1989)

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The 1989 sequel “Back to the Future Part II” is once again shot primarily around Southern California. The film makes use of several locations from the first film, revisiting many of them from the perspective of an alternate timeline. Marty McFly’s house once again appears in the film. It can be found in the San Fernando Valley, north of Los Angeles, in the town of Pacoima, California.

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LOCATION: 9303 Roslyndale Ave, Pacoima, CA 91331

After Marty’s girlfriend Jennifer sees her future self, she faints. Marty and Doc drop her off at her house, which can be found in Monrovia.

LOCATION: 161 N Magnolia Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016

Marty discovers that life in 1985 has been altered and his home town is now a dangerous area. The auditorium of Whittier High School can be seen behind him.

LOCATION: Whittier Ave / Bailey St, Whittier, CA 90601

Marty comes across the home of Mr. Strickland, which can also be found in Whittier. While we did not experience any issues during our visit, we’ve heard stories of others being confronted for filming or photographing this residence.

LOCATION: 12511 Bailey St, Whittier, CA 90601

The exterior of Biff’s casino was a composite of a couple locations. The Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas is composited behind the courthouse square, which can be found on the Universal Studios Lot in Hollywood (100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608).

LOCATION: 1 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Biff’s house can be found in South Pasadena, on the same street as George and Lorraine’s houses from the first film.

LOCATION: 1809 Bushnell Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030

The exterior of Whittier High School once again serves as Hill Valley High School, which is primarily seen from the back of the school.

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LOCATION: 12417 Philadelphia St, Whittier, CA 90601

This tunnel is featured a couple times in the film as Biff makes his way to the dance. Near the end of the film, Biff and Marty fight over an almanac from the future. Marty rides a hoverboard as Biff tries to eliminate Marty in the tunnel. The tunnel can be found in Griffith Park, just before you reach the famous Griffith Observatory. The same tunnel can be seen in such films as “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” and “The Pagemaster.”

LOCATION: Mt. Hollywood Tunnel, Mt Hollywood Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Several vehicles from the film can be seen on the Universal Studios Hollywood Tour, including this Litestar Pulse.

LOCATION: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

Also on the tour is this Ford Probe.

This Ford Edsel is also on display.

Related articles: Used Cars (1980), Back To The Future (1985), Back To The Future Part III (1990), Death Becomes Her (1992), Forrest Gump (1994), Cast Away (2000)

Twilight (2008)

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The 2008 film “Twilight,” starring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, was filmed in Oregon, Washington and California. At the beginning of the film, Bella, played by Stewart, is living at her mother’s house, supposedly located in Phoenix, Arizona. The real home can actually be found in Santa Clarita, California.

LOCATION: 22301 Cataro Dr, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

The Cullen house, where Bella meets the family of Edward Cullen, played by Pattinson, can be found in Portland, Oregon. Contrary to appearances, the house is located in a regular neighborhood, with many other homes nearby. However, the house is not visible from the corner of NW 32nd Ave and NW Quimby St. It sits up an inclined drive, which curves slightly and the tree line blocks the view. The current owners are apparently not welcoming to public visitors, as they have signs posted at the base of the drive stating the path is private. In spite of the sign, it appears to us the path may still be part of the public strip of road, at least a bit further up. There’s even a “dead end” sign, implying the road is public. However, we’re uncertain and wouldn’t recommend walking up unless you verify ahead of time that is indeed the case. Here is an aerial view of the home.

LOCATION: 3333 NW Quimby St, Portland, OR 97210

Later in the film, the vampire James is hunting Bella, who flees back to Phoenix. Bella stays at this hotel, which is actually located in Valencia, California. The same hotel appeared in the films “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Magnolia” (interiors only), as well as numerous TV shows, including “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “CSI: New York,” “NCIS,” “Big Love,” “Las Vegas,” The Unit,” “Make It or Break It” and more.

LOCATION: 24500 Town Center Dr, Valencia, CA 91355

Re-Animator (1985)

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The 1985 horror film “Re-Animator,” directed by Stuart Gordon, supposedly takes place in Switzerland and Massachusetts. The production, however, actually took place in Southern California. In the opening of the film, Herbert West, played by Jeffrey Combs, successfully brings his dead professor, Dr. Hans Gruber, back to life at the University of Zurich Institute of Medicine in Switzerland. The university was a composite of two locations. The exterior was shot at Loyola Hall on the grounds of Loyola High School. This side of the building faces Venice Blvd.

LOCATION: 1901 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006

The interior university scenes were filmed in Pasadena at William G. Kerckhoff Laboratories of the Biological Sciences on the grounds of California Institute of Technology.

LOCATION: 535 S Wilson Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106

While GPS will get you in the general vicinity, the grounds are big and it can be confusing if you don’t know where to look. While the exterior is never featured in the film, here is what it looks like on the outside. This entrance faces S Wilson Ave, with GPS coordinates of 34.137110, -118.127688.

Herbert West goes to Miskatonic University in Arkham, Massachusetts, the exterior of which was actually filmed at VA West LA Veteran’s Hospital. The interior scenes were a composite of two more locations, first at the former Pacoima Memorial Lutheran Hospital (11600 Eldridge Ave, Sylmar, CA 91342), which has since been demolished. The morgue interior scenes were filmed at Occidental Studios in Hollywood (201 N Occidental Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026).

LOCATION: 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073

The house of Dan Cain, played by Bruce Abbott, can be found in Hollywood. Herbert West rents a room from Dan. The interiors were shot at the real home, aside from the basement, which was also filmed at Occidental Studios.

LOCATION: 2238 Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068

The exterior of Dean Halsey’s house can be found near the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.

LOCATION: 405 S Irving Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90020

The Ring (2002)

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The 2002 horror remake, “The Ring,” starring Naomi Watts, was filmed in Washington, Oregon and California. Katie, played by Amber Tamblyn, lives at this house, located in Los Angeles. The home is now heavily obscured by shrubs and trees.

LOCATION: 413 S McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Rachel, played by Naomi Watts, lives at this apartment, located in Seattle. The view of her apartment faces Seneca St, near the intersection of Western Ave and Seneca St.

LOCATION: 1200 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98101