The comedy classic “National Lampoon’s Vacation” is set all across the United States, but a good portion of the filming was based in Southern California.
Early in the film, Clark, played by Chevy Chase, visits a car dealership with his son Rusty, to trade in their vehicle. After the dealership fails to stock the vehicle they requested, Clark asks for his old car to be returned, only to find it has been destroyed. These scenes were filmed in Glendale, Califonia.
LOCATION: 900 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204
The Griswold house, set in Chicago, Illinois, is actually located in near Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California. You’ll likely drive right past if it you visit the Griffith Observatory.
LOCATION: 2310 N Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
The hotel where Clark goes skinny dipping with “The Girl in the Ferarri,” played by Christie Brinkley, is the Guesthouse Hotel in Norwalk, California. Despite some remodeling and changes in ownership, the pool area is still fairly recognizable to how it appeared in the film. The scene where Clark runs into The Girl in the Ferrari at thehotel lounge was also filmed here, but that section, while still a lounge, has unfortunately been remodeled beyond recognition.
LOCATION: 12500 Firestone Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650
The gas station where Clark has trouble finding the gas tank can be found in Flagstaff, Arizona.
LOCATION: 2515 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
When the Griswolds get lost in a bad neighborhood, the rough streets were actually filmed on the Warner Bros. Studio lot. This is the spot where Clark is getting directions, while the guys on the street steal his hubcaps.
LOCATION: 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505
When Aunt Edna dies, the family drops her off at Cousin Normie’s house, which can be found in Flagstaff.
LOCATION: 3025 W Wilson Dr, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
The production was clever when it came to filming the “Walley World” entrance at the end of the film. While the amusement park used in the film was Six Flags Magic Mountain (26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia, CA 91355), the memorable entrance was a totally different location; the Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. This overpass was used as the entrance, with a matte painting of the Walley World sign and the roller coasters in the background. The overpass is actually on the outskirts of the park, right beside the Westfield Santa Anita mall. In this case, the exact address is tricky, as the grounds are large and it only navigates you to the general vicinity. A tip on how to find the exact spot is to drive down W Huntington Dr. towards S. Baldwin Ave. As you near the mall’s parking lot, drive past the overpass entrance and proceed to the next entrance, into the mall parking lot. As soon as you turn off of Huntington Dr. to the mall, you’ll immediately see this view of the Santa Anita Park parking lot on your right, with the Walley World overpass in the distance.
The house from Steven Spielberg’s beloved 1982 film “E.T.” can be found in the town of Tujunga, California.
LOCATION: 7121 Lonzo St., Tujunga, CA 91042
The ending of the film, when Elliott begins to fly with E.T. on his bike, was filmed near Granada Hills, at the intersection of Tulsa St and White Oak Ave. The bike heads north on White Oak as it begins to take flight.
LOCATION: Intersection of Tulsa St / White Oak Ave, Los Angeles, CA 91344
A full scale animatronic of E.T., one of three created for the film, can be found on display at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, California.
LOCATION: 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
In the wake of the popular television series “Breaking Bad,” it’s difficult to even mention the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico without thinking of the show. Albuquerque plays a central role in the series and there’s a vast array of filming locations scattered all across the city. Here, we’ll take a look at those, as well as a some props and even a pop-up set.
First, we begin with one of the more notorious film locations; the Walter White house. Beyond the notoriety of the house within the show itself, the real home has it’s own reputation, due to the sometimes adversarial owner. While most of the time it’s fine to visit properties once seen in films or TV shows, on occasion, property owners of these locations are not receptive to visitors. While that’s not exactly the case with the Walter White house, the owner could be considered particular to the acceptable ways in which visitors approach her home. This is not without reason, however, as some past guests have abused their visiting privileges, by doing things like trespassing into their back yard, while others have even gone as far as throwing pizza on her roof, in a distasteful attempt to parody a famous scene from the show. The pizzas in particular escalated to the point where series creator Vince Gilligan himself had to publicly denounce these acts and tell fans to stop doing it. That’s not to mention the sheer volume of guests that visit the house, which was said to be dozens per day at the height of the show’s popularity. So while there’s seemingly no harm in looking at a house, it is nevertheless understandable if the property owner has developed a low tolerance for intrusive visitors. Since the show ended, the owners have made a habit of opening their garage up each day and sitting in front of the house, from dawn to dusk. It isn’t often you’ll visit the property in the daytime where the owners won’t be perched out front. They also installed cameras around the house, posted a “no trespassing” sign and erected a steel gate at the front door, in an effort to curb the repeated trespassing issues. While the owner of the house can be friendly, she has also had some verbal altercations with visitors, if she feels they are being intrusive. All of this, however, is not to say visitation is discouraged. The owner has stated she does not mind fans of the show stopping by and taking photos, as long as they remain on the opposite side of the street and do not disturb them. While one can make a valid argument that it’s perfectly legal to walk right up to the curb in front of the house and take a photo, doing so will likely provoke the ire of the homeowners, so please respect their wishes if you intend on visiting the property and you’re unlikely to encounter any issues.
LOCATION: 3828 Piermont Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111
Jesse Pinkman’s house requires a bit less discretion when visiting, as we are unaware of any animosity between the owners and fans of the show.
LOCATION: 322 16th St. SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87104
Agent Hank Schrader’s house is located in this cul de sac.
LOCATION: 4901 Cumbre Del Sur Ct. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111
Next we take a look at the infamous “Los Pollos Hermanos,” the restaurant owned by criminal mastermind Gus Fring. Here we have photos from both the real location (a restaurant named “Twisters”), as well as a pop-up replica of the restaurant, which was used to promote “Better Call Saul.” First, lets look at the actual location in Albuquerque, called “Twisters.” There are a few of these restaurants in the area, so be sure if you plan to visit, you go to the one on Isleta Blvd, in order to see the location used in the show. The location also resurfaces in “Better Call Saul.”
The counter inside at the real location, which features a small “Los Pollos Hermanos” sign. You can also sit and eat at the table Walter White sat in, if it isn’t already occupied by another customer.
This is a “Los Pollos Hermanos” logo painted inside the real Twisters location, on the wall beside the entrance door. This was added by the “Breaking Bad” production and the restaurant allowed it to remain up. They are very welcoming to fans of the show.
Now we move on to what is a pop-up replica of “Los Pollos Hermanos,” which was built on an open parking lot space in Los Angeles for just a few short days, in promotion of “Better Call Saul.” These are not photos of the real restaurant and the pop-up has long since been dismantled.
A “Los Pollos Hermanos” restaurant sign built for the pop-up.
Visitors to the pop-up were given a complimentary order of french fries and a cup of water, both bearing the “Los Pollos Hermanos” name.
A mock application form was also given out to visitors of the pop-up.
Back in Albuquerque and to the real show locations, here is a look at the office of Saul Goodman.
A few businesses have come and gone from the location since the show aired, but the current restaurant actually has their front door made up to look like Saul’s office.
Tuco’s headquarters, which is left in bad shape after a visit from Walter. The real building is actually a coffee shop.
LOCATION: 906 Park Ave. SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87102
This is Walt and Jesse’s RV from the show, which can be seen as part of the Sony Pictures Studio Tour in Culver City, California. The show had 2 identical RVs for filming, one of which actually was destroyed on the show. This is the only remaining RV from the production.
Walter White’s vehicle from the show is also on display at the Sony Pictures Studio Tour.
Next up are some props from the show, also seen on the Sony Pictures Studio Tour. Included are Gail’s lab notes, Walt’s missing person flier, the stuffed animal that falls into Walt’s pool and much more.
Last, but not least, we leave you with a couple of Bryan Cranston’s costumes from the show. First up, this Heisenberg outfit can be found on display on the Sony Pictures Studio Tour.
Another of Walter’s outfits can be found on display at Planet Hollywood in Florida.
LOCATION: 1506 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
The frat house from the 2003 Will Ferrell comedy “Old School,” where “Mitch-a-palooza” takes place, can be found at this South Pasadena home.
LOCATION: 1803 Bushnell Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
Frank the Tank, played by Ferrell, lives at this home in Altadena.
LOCATION: 2284 Mar Vista Ave, Altadena, CA 91001
Mitch, played by Luke Wilson, discusses ways to save the fraternity at this restaurant, which was also featured in the film “Role Models,” as well as such TV shows as “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Scandal” and “The X-Files.”
LOCATION: 601 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
Cameron Crowe’s 1989 directorial debut, “Say Anything…” was filmed in Washington, Southern California and Vancouver, Canada. The exterior of the house of Corey, played by Lili Taylor, can be found in Seattle. Interiors were filmed in California at 2545 Ganesha Ave, Altadena, CA 91001.
LOCATION: 3627 NW 65th Ct, Seattle, WA 98117
Mike, played by Jason Gould, lives at this home, located in Sherman Oaks.
LOCATION: 4936 Sunnyslope Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Lloyd, played by John Cusack, walks with Diane, played by Ione Skye, out of a convenience store and kicks glass out of her way. The store can be found in North Hollywood.
LOCATION: 11340 W Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
Diane has lunch with her mom at this restaurant in Pasadena, which has changed a lot since filming took place.
LOCATION: 1978 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
Lloyd teaches a kickboxing class at this location, which was more famously used as the Cobra Kai dojo in “The Karate Kid.” It’s located just a few blocks away from the convenience store.
LOCATION: 5223 Lankershim Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91601
Here’s a look inside the building.
The most iconic scene in the film is of course when Lloyd Dobler holds a boombox outside of the bedroom of Diane. The real scene wasn’t filmed at any house at all, rather a park in North Hollywood. It’s actually located right across the street from the convenience store seen earlier in the film, at the North Hollywood Park, on the SW corner of Magnolia Blvd and Tujunga Ave. The same park was seen in “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure.”
LOCATION: North Hollywood Park, 11430 Chandler Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
In one of the film’s deleted scenes, Diane asks Lloyd to take her back to Lloyd’s workplace, mentioned above. This scene, which can be found on the home video edition, was filmed at the Community Room of the South Pasadena Public Library. The same building appeared in Rob Zombie’s remake of “Halloween.”
LOCATION: 1115 El Centro St, South Pasadena, CA 91030
Flynn’s Arcade from 1982’s “Tron” was filmed at this distinctive building in Culver City, California. The 2010 sequel, “Tron: Legacy,” once again filmed at the location, with a few digital alterations. Today, the building is currently being used as a restaurant.
LOCATION: 9543 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
Quentin Tarantino’s revenge drama “Kill Bill,” was shot around California, China, Japan and Mexico. Here we will cover locations from both volumes of the film.
The “Two Pines Wedding Chapel,” supposedly located in El Paso, Texas, is actually in the Mojave Desert in Lancaster, California. First called the “Hi Vista Community Hall,” the building served as a community center and did not originally feature the Spanish style front facade, which is so recognizable today. The Mission-style facade was actually added by another film production, 1981’s “True Confessions,” starring Robert De Niro and Robert Duvall. The building also later featured in Talking Heads’ music video for “Road To Nowhere.” The building wasn’t widely known, however, until “Kill Bill.” Tarantino’s production team added the wooden porch on the front and heavily remodeled the interiors. Sometimes known as the Sanctuary Adventist Church, most people today just refer to the building as the “Kill Bill Church.” It’s location is a bit remote, being out in the middle of the desert, but well worth a visit if you’re a fan of the film. The owner now keeps a truck parked out front, however, blocking much of the view of the front. According to comments online, some have stated he will move the truck in exchange for a “donation.” We did not encounter any issues during our visit, but some have expressed negative experiences in attempting to photograph it.
LOCATION: Approximately 19809 E Ave. G, Lancaster, CA, 93535 (near the corner of 198th St E)
Earl McGraw, played by Michael Parks, arrives at the church much in the same way he does (as the same character) in the opening of “From Dusk Till Dawn,” also written by Tarantino. The two locations are, in fact, just minutes apart from each other. Also located almost directly across the street from the church is the gas station from the end of the film “Straight Time.”
The Bride’s “Death List Five” brings her to the house of Vernita Green, which is set in “The city of Pasadena, California.” The real house is near South Pasadena, but actually located in East Los Angeles. The house can also be seen in the 2003 “Project Greenlight” film, “The Battle Of Shaker Heights” and “Mysterious Skin.”
LOCATION: 5500 Atlas St, Los Angeles, CA 90032
After The Bride ends up in a coma, Elle Driver, played by Daryl Hannah, comes to the hospital to kill her. Elle is briefly seen entering St Luke’s Hospital at this entrance, which has since been boarded over. The same hospital appeared in the films “Million Dollar Baby,” “Flags of Our Fathers,” “La La Land,” “Faster,” “Starsky & Hutch,” “Halloween II” (1981) and more.
LOCATION: 2632 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
After waking up from her coma and escaping the hospital, The Bride makes her out into the hospital parking garage on a wheelchair, where she finds her “Pussy Wagon” truck. The real garage building is not a hospital, rather an apartment complex known as the American Cement Building, located near MacArthur Park. The bride wheels past this P2 marker, placing her on the second floor of the garage.
LOCATION: 2404 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057
Here is the spot she finds the Pussy Wagon parked. It can be found by walking straight ahead from the above spot, up on the left. There is another P2 sign, which can be seen in the background behind The Bride as she spots the truck, which lines up the exact area where the vehicle was parked. The garage is open to public parking (via paid parking) on weekdays, but it is gated off for private residents only on weekends. There is also a lot of security present around the building and garage.
The Bride drives her Kawasaki bike along the streets of Tokyo, riding behind Sofie Fatale’s car down Yasukuni Dori. It’s difficult to replicate the exact angles, as they were filmed by cameras mounted on moving vehicles in the middle of the street in a high traffic area. The shots are also mostly quick cuts against moving backgrounds. Here are a couple views of the general area used in the sequence. First up is a shot looking down Yasukuni Dori at night.
LOCATION: Yasukuni Dori, Shinjuku-ku, Tōkyō-to, 160-0022, Japan
Here is another view of the same street in the day, which is near Kabukicho, a red-light district of Tokyo where parts of Gaspar Noé’s “Enter The Void” were also filmed.
After a few shots in Tokyo, The Bride pulls up beside Sofie at this tunnel entrance, which is actually in Los Angeles at the Second Street Tunnel. The tunnel is also well known for it’s use in “Blade Runner,” “The Terminator,” “Double Dragon” and many more films.
LOCATION: 620 W 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (facing S Figueroa St.)
Budd, played by Michael Madsen, lives in a remote trailer on a dirt road near Barstow. At the base of these hills toward the right is where Budd’s trailer sat. Mule Canyon Road is a popular site for off road vehicles. While you may be able to reach it in a regular vehicle (this site is about 1 mile down from the nearest paved road), we recommend a 4×4 vehicle or at least something that doesn’t sit low to the ground, as there are many rocks and dips along the way. Also keep in mind this area gets very hot in the summer months.
LOCATION: Mule Canyon Rd, Newberry Springs, CA 92365 (GPS coordinates are 34.936439, -116.837655)
The area to the right is where Bill parks his car, with these rock formations in the background. This is located in the same general vicinity as Budd’s trailer.
Looking back towards Calico Rd is the view where Elle Driver races down the road with a dust trail kicking up behind her. This is also in the same general area as Budd’s trailer.
The interior of the bar where Budd works is Sam’s Hofbrau, a real topless bar, also featured in “Jackie Brown.”
LOCATION: 1751 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90021
After The Bride escapes being buried alive, she wonders into this roadside diner in Victorville.
LOCATION: 17143 N D St, Victorville, CA 92394
Here is the exterior of the diner, although it is never seen from this angle in the film.
For years, the house from “A Christmas Story,” located in Cleveland, Ohio, remained a private residence and had undergone many updates, until 2004, when a private developer purchased the home and restored it back to how it appeared in the film. The buyer purchased with the intent of converting it into a tourist attraction. Today, the home is available for tours and you can even book the house to stay in overnight. The owner also purchased two properties across the street, converting one into a museum of memorabilia from the film, while the other was turned into a gift shop.
Located in the Tremont section of Cleveland’s West Side, the house has become a beacon for film lovers since it first opened to the public in 2006.
LOCATION: 3159 W 11th St, Cleveland, OH 44109
The interiors were actually shot on a sound stage in Toronto, Canada, but the owner remodeled the inside as well, to make it appear exactly as it did in the film.
A replica of Ralphie’s father’s “major award.” The owner of the house and museum actually runs a business selling these replica lamps, which is how he came up with the capital to invest in purchasing the properties when they went on the market.
The back yard. The shed is the one structure on the property than has not been restored in any way. It is original to how it appeared in the film.
In the 1978 remake of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” the film’s most famous scene is easily the ending, involving Donald Sutherland’s character. The film was shot around San Francisco, with the memorable ending shot at Civic Center Plaza in front of San Francisco City Hall.
LOCATION:1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl, San Francisco, CA 94102
The house from the 1984 short film “Frankenweenie,” directed by Tim Burton, was filmed in South Pasadena. Burton later remade the film as an animated feature in 2012. Here is the home of the Frankenstein family, played by Shelley Duvall, Daniel Stern and Barret Oliver.
LOCATION: 816 Stratford Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
Film Oblivion 