The Cunningham house from the classic TV series “Happy Days” can be found nestled in a quiet, residential neighborhood of Los Angeles.
LOCATION: 565 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Happy Days
House
Pulp Fiction (1994)
One of the most critically acclaimed films of the 1990s, Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction,” was shot in Southern California. The restaurant that opens and closes the film was the Hawthorne Grill in Hawthorne, California. Unfortunately, the restaurant closed in 1996 and is now an AutoZone.
LOCATION: 13763 Hawthorne Blvd, Hawthorne, CA 90250 (demolished)
Butch discusses throwing a boxing fight with Marsellus Wallace at Starz, a former strip club in Gardena. This location was identified by Rayen Belchere after he spoke with the former management, who confirmed the club was used in the film. The location is only seen from interior views in the film, but photography was not permitted inside and the club has since permanently closed. Here is what the exterior looked like.
LOCATION: 2528 Rosecrans Ave, Gardena, CA 90249
Vincent Vega takes Mia Wallace to the memorable “Jack Rabbit Slims,” which is not a real restaurant. The interiors were built on a studio stage. However, the exterior is in fact a real place, albeit not a restaurant. Located in Glendale, California, the building was originally a bowling alley called Grand Central Bowl, which has long since closed. Today, the building is owned by The Walt Disney Company, which owned Miramax, the company which released “Pulp Fiction.” The building is part of Disney’s larger Grand Central Business Center, which consists of numerous buildings in the area used as business offices. The building is actually tucked away behind a wall and fencing, but the wall is not very tall and it’s easy to get a view over top of it. What is not so easily accomplished is getting a closer view of the building. The property is only open to business staff, so the closest the public can get is the sidewalk.
LOCATION: 1435 Flower St, Glendale, CA 91201
Vincent Vega pays a visit to his friend Lance, played by Eric Stoltz, early in the film, in order to purchase some heroin. After Mia Wallace mistakes Vega’s heroin for cocaine, she overdoses and is rushed to this house in the Atwater Village neighborhood of Los Angeles, for a very tense scene in which they give her an adrenaline shot.
LOCATION: 3519 La Clede Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039
The building where Butch’s boxing match takes place can be found in Pasadena. The marquee has since been changed. The same building was also used in “This is Spinal Tap.”
LOCATION: 129 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
Later in the film, after Butch has double-crossed Marsellus Wallace, he sneaks back to his apartment, located in North Hollywood, to retrieve his gold watch. A different apartment, located at 11755 Gilmore St, North Hollywood, CA 91606, was used for the courtyard and interiors. Today, that building is no longer accessible to the public.
LOCATION: 11813 Runnymede St, North Hollywood, CA 91605
After a violent confrontation at his apartment, Butch is leisurely driving away, when a chance encounter with Marsellus occurs at this intersection of Fletcher Dr. and Atwater Ave., also located in Atwater Village. Butch is facing NW on Atwater Ave. when he spots Marsellus crossing Fletcher Dr.
LOCATION: Intersection of Atwater Ave. / Fletcher Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90039
Butch quickly floors it and hits Marsellus, before getting in a car collision in the intersection. Marsellus awakens and begins firing his gun at Butch, when a bystander is hit in front of Fosters Freeze, which is at the same intersection. Forsters Freeze was also featured on the television show “GLOW.”
LOCATION: 2760 Fletcher Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Marsellus chases Butch on foot SW down Fletcher Dr. from the same intersection.
LOCATION: Fletcher Dr., just past Atwater Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90039
Marsellus fires one last shot in the distance at Butch, who is standing at the corner of this building in Canoga Park. This location is far away from the earlier shots in Atwater Villiage. It is actually the corner alley next to the Zed’s Pawn Shop, in which both characters make a grave mistake in entering.
LOCATION: The alley left of Crown Pawn Shop at 20933 Roscoe Blvd, Canoga Park, CA 91304
Zed’s Pawn Shop is where things take a bizarre, ugly turn for Butch and Marsellus. The real building actually is a pawn shop.
LOCATION: 20933 Roscoe Blvd, Canoga Park, CA 91304
The motel where Butch and Fabienne stay was demolished in 1996. Formerly known as the River Glen Motel, this building now stands in it’s place. Only the exteriors were used in the film. The interior of the motel was a set, albeit designed to resemble the River Glen Motel rooms.
LOCATION: 2934 Riverside Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039 (now demolished)
What can be better lined up at the location is the view down Riverside Drive, seen as the couple leaves the motel on a chopper. Everything here still matches how it appeared in the film, with the Glendale-Hyperion Bridge visible in the distance. The same bridge was seen in the film “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”
Near the end of the film, Jules and Vincent find themselves in “The Bonnie Indecent,” in which they are in sudden, urgent need of getting rid of a body. They arrive here at Jimmy’s house, played by Quentin Tarantino. It is here they meet “The Wolf,” played by Harvey Keitel.
LOCATION: 4145 Kraft Ave, Studio City, CA 91604
The site of Monster Joe’s Truck and Tow can be found in Sun Valley. The area has changed some since filming took place.
LOCATION: 12143 Branford St, Sun Valley, CA 91352
To see our “Pulp Fiction” location page, click here.
Related articles: Reservoir Dogs (1992), Jackie Brown (1997), Kill Bill (2003), Death Proof (2007), Django Unchained (2012), Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood (2019)
Father Of The Bride (1991)
The house from “Father of the Bride” can be find in a quiet neighborhood in Pasadena, California. The house still looks nearly identical to how it appeared in the film.
Right around the corner in this same neighborhood is the house from Mad Men.
LOCATION: 843 S El Molino Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106
Boogie Nights (1997)
Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic portrayal of the 1970s and 1980s porn industry, “Boogie Nights,” was shot all around Southern California, but like many of his early works, was primarily based around the San Fernando Valley.
The opening shot of the Reseda Theater can be found on Sherman Way in Reseda, California. The theater has long since closed, but plans are underway to reopen the property as a mutiplex.
LOCATION: 18443 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335
Just down the street is the “Hot Traxx” nightclub, which is now a church. Also right around the corner is the workplace of Quiz Kid Donnie Smith in “Magnolia.”
LOCATION: 18419 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335
Dirk Diggler’s parents’ house is located far south of the Valley, down in Torrance, California.
LOCATION: 3503 187th St, Torrance, CA 90504
Jack Horner takes Dirk out for a meal with Amber Waves and Rollergirl at Du-Pars Restaurant and Bakery in Studio City. The same restaurant was featured in the film “Valley Girl.” The location has since closed down and the building has been heavily remodeled.
LOCATION: 12036 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604 (now closed)
Jack Horner’s house is tucked away in the city of Covina. The property is not easily visible from the street.
LOCATION: 19515 E Cameron Ave, Covina, CA 91724
The side of the house, where Little Bill, played by William H. Macy, witnesses his wife having sex outside, while a group of party guests watch.
The back of Jack Horner’s house, with the patio and swimming pool, where the party takes place.
Later in the film, Dirk Diggler moves into his own house, located in Woodland Hills.
LOCATION: 4214 Lobos Rd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Amber Waves makes a documentary about Dirk Diggler, which itself is based on the documentary “Exhausted: John C. Holmes, the Real Story.” The bridge Dirk stands in front of is the Colfax Ave footbridge in Studio City. It can be found near the intersection of Colfax Ave and Ventura Blvd. Once you spot the overpass on Colfax, the bridge is just beneath it and can easily be accessed by foot.
LOCATION: Near the intersection of Colfax Ave / Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604 (nearest address is 4028 Colfax Ave, Studio City, CA 91604)
Towards the end of the film, things take a darker turn as Dirk solicits himself to perform sexual acts for money. The alley where he meets the man in the truck is still there, but the buildings to the left has since been demolished. The church in the background can still be seen. This location is very close to the donut shop in the film.
LOCATION: 18128 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335
Buck Swope picks up some donuts at the aforementioned Miss Donuts. This is in Reseda, near the church seen above and the “Hot Traxx” location.
LOCATION: 18231 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335
The drug dealer robbery is planned from the El Royale Hotel in Studio City.
LOCATION: 11117 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
Things reach a crescendo with a drug deal gone bad, at this house in Encino. Sadly, the house has since been demolished and a new home build in it’s place. Luckily, we we able photograph it prior to it’s demolition.
LOCATION: 16801 Encino Hills Dr, Encino, CA 91436
Related articles: Hard Eight (1996), Magnolia (1999), Punch-Drunk Love (2002), There Will Be Blood (2007), The Master (2012), Inherent Vice (2014), Licorice Pizza (2021)
Michael Jackson’s Thriller
Michael Jackson’s classic music video for “Thriller” was filmed around Los Angeles, California. The exterior of the theater where Michael watches watches a film can be found in Downtown Los Angeles.
LOCATION: 630 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
In the Angelino Heights neighborhood near Echo Park, you’ll find the house from the video. The same home appeared in the film “Teen Witch.” Just a couple doors down is the house from “Charmed” (also seen in “Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo”) and across the street is the house from “Grandma’s Boy.”
LOCATION: 1345 Carroll Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026
The dance scenes in the street were filmed in Downtown Los Angeles. This area has since become heavily populated by the homeless.
LOCATION: Union Pacific Ave / Calzona St, Los Angeles, CA 90023
Full House
The opening credits to the TV series “Full House” is of course remembered for a shot of the Tanner family driving across San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
LOCATION: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA
Another San Francisco landmark seen in the opening credits is the Painted Ladies, a row of Victorian homes facing Alamo Square Park.
LOCATION: 710 – 720 Steiner St, San Francisco, CA 94117
The house from the series can be found in San Francisco as well, where the show was famously set. In 2016, it was purchased by the show’s creator, Jeff Franklin, who hopes to use it for filming, as well as possibly opening it up to the public. We’ll see what happens with the home, now that it’s back in the Tanner fold, so to speak.
LOCATION: 1709 Broderick St., San Francisco, CA 94115
Michelle’s honey bee uniform from the show can be found on display on the Warner Brothers Studio Tour.
LOCATION: 4000 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
Related articles: Fuller House
National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
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.
LOCATION: 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007
Related articles: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
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
Breaking Bad
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.”
LOCATION: 4257 Isleta Blvd. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105
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.
LOCATION: 9800 Montgomery Blvd., Albuquerque, NM 87111
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.
The Whites’ car wash.
LOCATION: 9516 Snow Heights Cir. NE, Albuquerque NM, 87112
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
Related articles: Better Call Saul
Old School (2003)
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
Film Oblivion 