While set in the San Fernando Valley, much of the TV series “Cobra Kai,” which continues the story of “The Karate Kid” films, is actually filmed in the Greater Atlanta, Georgia area. There are occasional shots that do take place in California, however. One key location found in the Valley is the apartment of Johnny Lawrence, played by William Zabka.
LOCATION: 18555 Burbank Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356
In season 1, episode 9, Johnny and Daniel Larusso, played by Ralph Macchio, visit Daniel’s former apartment, seen in the original film. The same location was used for the scene.
The 1992 Joe Pesci comedy “My Cousin Vinny,” while set in rural Alabama, was mostly filmed in small towns around Georgia. Even with the current tax incentives creating a filming boom in the state of Georgia, “My Cousin Vinny” stands apart for having chosen towns not heavily seen on film.
At the beginning of the film, Bill, played by Ralph Macchio and his friend Stan visit the Sac-O-Suds convenient store, where a crime transpires and sets the story into motion. The store remains in operation all these years later.
LOCATION: 54 GA-16, Monticello, GA 31064
Vinny, played by Joe Pesci, and his fiancee Lisa, played by Marisa Tomei, first arrive in town and park in the town square of Monticello, where they debate who blends in best with the locals.
LOCATION: 214 Forsyth St, Monticello, GA 31064
The courthouse featured throughout the film is the Jasper County Courthouse in Monticello.
LOCATION: 126 W Greene St, Monticello, GA 31064
Later in the film, Vinny and Lisa are seen walking past this statue in the middle of the town square in Monticello, near the courthouse.
The General Putnam Motel and Restaurant where Vinny tries grits was partially destroyed in a fire in 2018. The property had remained closed for years, but was in the process of being renovated when the fire occurred, with the cause believed to be electrical. It is unknown if the building will be restored in the wake of the damages. However, we were able to visit prior to the fire.
LOCATION: 774 Madison Rd, Eatonton, GA 31024
Vinny and Lisa visit a bar to confront a man who stiffed Lisa on a pool game bet.
LOCATION: 1 W 1st Ave, Mansfield, GA 30055
The Parker Hotel where Vinny awakens to squealing pigs is the Susie Agnes Hotel in Bishop.
LOCATION: 5941 Bostwick Rd, Bishop, GA 30621
Lisa runs up the stairs next to this building looking for a suit for Vinny after he falls in the mud. The arrow painted on the side of the building is still there. This property is located just a few doors down from the courthouse.
LOCATION: 8 Towee St, Monticello, GA 31064
If you’re a fan of the film, it’s a nice way to spend an afternoon roaming the smaller towns of Georgia where the story unfolds. Even decades later, many of the locations remain relatively unchanged.
The 1980s classic “The Karate Kid” shot mostly around the San Fernando Valley in California. Surprisingly, many of the film locations are not only still standing, but still closely resemble how they appear in the film. The major exception is Mr. Miyagi’s house, which was torn down.
Daniel Larusso’s apartment still exists in Reseda, California. The apartment looks identical to how it appeared in 1984. However, the neighborhood it’s located in isn’t the safest of areas.
LOCATION: 19223 Saticoy St, Reseda, CA 91335
Daniel embarrassingly arrives in his mom’s run-down car to pick up Ali at her house for a date. This house has since been remodeled.
LOCATION: 4072 Alonzo Ave, Encino, CA 91316
The two go on a date to Golf N’ Stuff, which is a real place and still open to visitors. It’s located further south, down in Norwalk, California.
LOCATION: 10555 Firestone Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650
The location of the Cobra Kai dojo can be found in North Hollywood. The same location was featured in the film “Say Anything…“
LOCATION: 5223 Lankershim Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91601
Film Oblivion 