True Detective (Season 2)

September 8, 2020March 17, 2024 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

Our article on Season 1 of the TV series “True Detective” remains one of the biggest location searches we’ve ever done, through the small towns of Southern Louisiana. For the second season of the show, writer Nic Pizzolatto shifts the setting to Southern California in the fictional city of Vinci, loosely based on the city of Vernon, which had a corruption scandal not unlike what is depicted in the show.

The locations are just as plentiful as the first season, spanning from Santa Paula to Santa Ana, from Mt. Baldy to Beverly Hills and everything in between. The show presents a more gritty look into Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. Visiting the locations is a deep dive into Southern California and one that should only be done if you’re a fan of the show, as it won’t take you to any tourist destinations. Sometimes you’ll even find yourself in somewhat unsafe neighborhoods.

The following article contains numerous spoilers for the show, so we recommend only reading if you’ve seen the complete second season. As is often the case with TV shows, many of these locations appear in multiple episodes, so we’ll cover each location by where they first appear.

Episode One – “The Western Book of the Dead”

The season begins with Detective Ray Velcoro, played by Colin Farrell, dropping his son off at school.

LOCATION: 2125 Lincoln Ave, Torrance, CA 90501

The Black Rose bar, where Ray frequently meets Frank Semyon, played by Vince Vaughn, over the course of the series is located in Vernon. It is mostly seen from interior views in the show, but the building is not actually a bar. It is a private building closed to the public and it is unclear if the interiors were actually filmed here or elsewhere. The exterior is seen a few times in the show as well, however. Frank gives Ray info on who assaulted his ex-wife, leading Ray to seek revenge on the assailant.

LOCATION: 2465 E 53rd St, Vernon, CA 90058

The establishing shots of the fictional city of Vinci were shot around Vernon.

LOCATION: Seen from the parking lot behind 3666 S Soto St, Vernon, CA 90058

The casino where Frank works could be found in Gardena. The actual casino has since closed down.

LOCATION: 1045 Rosecrans Ave, Gardena, CA 90247

Detective Ani Bezzerides, played by Rachel McAdams, runs an eviction raid on this home, which is located in Santa Paula, about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

LOCATION: 593 Orcutt Rd, Santa Paula, CA 93060

Ray’s house can be found in Vernon. It is located right next to City Hall, also seen in the show.

LOCATION: 4322 Furlong Pl, Vernon, CA 90058

Bezzerides follows a lead on a woman to the Panticapaeum Institute, a spiritual retreat run by her father. These scenes were filmed at Wayfarers Chapel in Ranchos Palos Verdes. The same location was featured in the 1980s comedy “Innerspace.”

LOCATION: 5755 Palos Verdes Dr S, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Here are the stairs from which the detectives approach.

The chapel is a very scenic place to visit, offering views overlooking the ocean.

The California Highway Patrol Station where Highway Patrol officer Paul Woodrugh, played by Taylor Kitsch, works could be found in Hawthorne. It was a real police building, also featured in the TV series “True Blood” and the film “Zodiac.” The building has since been demolished. Here is the area where it formerly stood.

LOCATION: 4440 W 126th St, Hawthorne, CA 90250 (now demolished)

Ray parks outside of this apartment building, where he plans to attack the man he believes raped his ex-wife Gena.

LOCATION: 15464 Moorpark St, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

The apartment where he stages the attack is located across the street.

LOCATION: 15445 Moorpark St, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Ray visits this house at night, where a boy who has been bullying his son lives. Ray beats the boy’s father in front of him at the front door, as a warning to stop bullying.

LOCATION: 19825 Needles St, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Bezzerides gets escorted out of a casino when she receives a call about a new case.

LOCATION: 6580 Auto Center Dr, Ventura, CA 93003

Woodrugh discovers the body of Ben Caspere sitting on a picnic table at Point Magu Rock, overlooking the ocean. Detectives Ray Velcoro and Ani Bezzerides are called to the scene, where the three officers meet and the stage is set for the case. There are no picnic tables at the actual location, but it is a popular scenic overlook.

LOCATION: Point Magu Rock, 799 Pacific Coast Hwy, NAS Point Mugu, CA 93042

Episode Two – “Night Finds You”

Ray visits the city of Vinci, where he sees kids playing in the toxic water draining into this river channel. In the same area, he meets with Frank. The drainage hole was a visual effect added by the show.

LOCATION: Near 2715 E Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023

Woodrugh visits his mother at this trailer park.

LOCATION: 4456 Naval Air Rd, Oxnard, CA 93033

A brief transition shot is shown of these train tracks in Vinci.

LOCATION: Near 2552 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023

Ray visits this shopping plaza to see his son, but is instead greeted by his ex-wife Gena. Angry over Ray’s violent assault on the bully’s father, Gena tells him she will be petitioning for sole custody. The scene was filmed at the Northridge Mall. It’s a large place, so we’ve provided GPS coordinates below to the specific parking lot.

LOCATION: 9301 Tampa Ave, Northridge, CA 91324 (GPS coordinates: 34.240655, -118.556896)

After some men attack a man on the street, Frank pretends to be a bystander, before threatening the man himself. This scene was filmed near the same freeway overpass seen in the films “Heat” and “Scarface.”

LOCATION: Near 749 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Ray and Bezzerides visit the clinic of Ben Caspere’s doctor. These scenes were filmed at the Hummingbird Nest Ranch in Simi Valley. The property regularly hosts weddings and special events. It is otherwise a private estate, only allowing guests by appointment. The only road leading to the ranch is typically gated shut with no trespassing signs. The property has also appeared in “Babylon,” Oliver Stone’s “Savages,” “Jobs” starring Ashton Kutcher and in the TV series “Too Old To Die Young.”

LOCATION: 2940 Kuehner Dr, Simi Valley, CA 93063

Frank visits the mayor at the Vinci City Hall. The opposite side of the building is where Ray’s house can be found.

LOCATION: 4305 S Santa Fe Ave, Vernon, CA 90058

Episode Three – “Maybe Tomorrow”

Bezzerides and Woodrugh visit the house of the mayor of Vinci, which can be found in Beverly Hills.

LOCATION: 1091 Laurel Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Ray and Bezzerides follow up on a lead when their car is set on fire under this freeway overpass.

LOCATION: 11502 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90061

Episode Four – “Down Will Come”

Woodrugh is unexpectedly confronted by the press in front of this hotel.

LOCATION: 7023 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Frank pays a visit to this apartment, where he informs the owner he is now 40% partner of the property. The apartment complex is seen from the interior courtyard in the show. The apartment next door was also featured in the film “Collateral.”

LOCATION: 1029 S Union Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Woodrugh’s girlfriend informs him she’s pregnant at this restaurant.

LOCATION: 2601 S Soto St, Vernon, CA 90058

Woodrugh locates a stolen watch at this pawn shop.

LOCATION: 5901 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

After Bezzerides find out she has a sexual misconduct complaint filed against her, she has an argument with her partner outside the police department. The same location was featured in the film “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” This building has since been demolished. It formerly stood at 333 N Prairie Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301.

The pawn shop lead brings the detectives to a suspect. While the cops are watching the area ahead of their raid, workers file into this building.

LOCATION: 615 S Anderson St, Los Angeles, CA 90023

Protesters gather in front of this building.

LOCATION: 560 S Mission Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Bezzerides and her team approach past this building to begin the raid.

LOCATION: 607 S Anderson St, Los Angeles, CA 90023

A shootout ensues from this building, with a large explosion on the top floor.

LOCATION: 621 S Anderson St, Los Angeles, CA 90023

Ray and Woodrugh make it through the gunfire over to this door at foot of the building.

They then cross these stairs in front in pursuit of the suspects in a vehicle.

The suspect vehicle then crashes into a bus at this intersection, where another shootout ensues.

LOCATION: Jesse St / S Anderson St, Los Angeles, CA 90023

Episode Five – “Other Lives”

Burdened by financial issues, Frank is forced to move into a more modest home.

LOCATION: 1400 N Spaulding Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Bezzerides meets the woman she ran a raid on in the first episode at this hotel. While speaking to her, she obtains information on a private party.

LOCATION: 401 S Westlake Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Ray follows a group of prostitutes to a nondescript building. He parks in front of this building.

LOCATION: 1951 Staunton Ave, Vernon, CA 90058

He sees the prostitutes enter into this building.

LOCATION: 2001 Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90058 (seen from E 20th St)

Frank has a business meeting, where a man offers him a deal to own some land again, if Frank can locate a hard drive owned by Ben Caspere. The location is next to Union Station and the establishing shot shows Union Station, then pans slightly toward the building to the right, where the meeting takes place.

LOCATION: 800 Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, panning towards 700 Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Ray meets his ex-wife Gena at this scenic area overlooking Dodger Stadium and Downtown Los Angeles. His wife informs him her rapist was captured and it wasn’t the man Ray believed it was, therefore the information Ray had was incorrect. This area is the Elysian Park Helipad. There is parking nearby and a path that leads up directly to this area. It is not a difficult walk to reach it. This area is located close to where a dream sequence in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” was shot.

LOCATION: Elysian Park Helipad, Solano Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (GPS coordinates: 34.082766, -118.236997)

Bezzerides and Woodrugh follow a lead in the Caspere case to a lodge in the woods. Known as the Harwood Lodge, it can be fount in Mt. Baldy, about 50 miles away from Los Angeles. There is a dirt road that leads up to the lodge, which is sometimes best reached by walking, depending on weather conditions.

LOCATION: 6700 Mt Baldy Rd, Mt Baldy, CA 91759

Bezzerides notices birds circling in the air in the woods nearby, leading them to the discovery of another crime scene.

Episode Six – “Church in Ruins”

Frank and his crew arrive at this home in search of a prostitute. Instead, he finds out the home belongs to the Mexicans criminals seen previously in the show, when Frank refused to form a partnership with them. Frank now renegotiates.

LOCATION: 1521 Colton St, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (seen from Lake Shore Terrace)

After the Mexicans put Frank in touch with the woman he’s been searching for, he arranges to meet her at this location, only to discover her dead body there. The Mexicans have killed her as retribution against Frank for not accepting their initial terms.

LOCATION: 2901 Fruitland Ave, Vernon, CA 90058 (seen from E 50th St)

Episode Seven – “Black Maps and Motel Rooms”

After Ray and Woodrugh rescue Bezzerides from a party in which she was drugged and attacked, the three stay at this motel in Mt. Baldy, located not far from the cabin seen in episode six.

LOCATION: 6867 Mt Baldy Rd, Mt Baldy, CA 91759

Woodrugh searches police records at the LAPD building in Downtown Los Angeles.

LOCATION: 100 W 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Woodrugh goes to meet a man who is blackmailing him at the Hall of Records. It turns out to be a set-up.

LOCATION: 320 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (seen from N Hill St)

Woodrugh is shot at the steps of old Los Angeles Police Department in Downtown Los Angeles, which has since been demolished. The same building was featured in the film “Inherent Vice.”

LOCATION: 150 N Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (now demolished)

Episode Eight – “Omega Station”

Frank sends his wife Jordan, played by Kelly Reilly, away at the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center. The same location was featured in such films as “Rain Man” and “Memoirs of an Invisible Man.”

LOCATION: 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Jordon refuses to leave until Frank finally persuades her.

Ray and Bezzerides enter this home and discover a lot of evidence about the case, as well as the fact that Laura and Leonard Osterman were behind the attack on Caspere.

LOCATION: 1000 El Mirador Ave, Long Beach, CA 90815

Bezzerides sends Laura Osterman away on a bus at this station. The real location is not a bus station at all, rather a boarding terminal for cruise ships in San Pedro.

LOCATION: 100 Swinford St, San Pedro, CA 90731

Frank makes his way to the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center to meet the corrupt cops under the agreed plan of exchanging incriminating evidence in his possession.

LOCATION: 2626 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806

Ray makes his way to the upper level inside the building.

Leonard Osterman then attacks one of the men and a shootout begins.

Ray parks at this intersection to see his son one last time, only to discover a tracking device on his vehicle. The intersection really is located next to the school, seen in the first episode.

LOCATION: Lincoln Ave / Apple Ave, Torrance, CA 90501

The Mexican criminals kidnap Frank at this intersection.

LOCATION: E 16th St / Hooper Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021

They proceed onto the freeway here.

LOCATION: E 17th St / Naomi Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Bezzerides escapes to what is supposedly Venezuela. In reality, the scenes were shot in Downtown Los Angeles, with a lot of set decoration and some visual effects to fill the city backdrop.

LOCATION: E 11th St / Wall St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

There remain dozens more locations we did not document from the second season. Some are minor, others are major, but not easily visible for photography. Los Angeles is a constantly changing city and just a few short years later, several locations already no longer exist. We’ve tried to document as any as we could here. If you do plan to visit the season 2 filming locations, it requires a lot of time and distance, so do your research and allow yourself many days to navigate it all.

Related articles: True Detective (Season 1)

Zodiac (2007)

August 22, 2020November 9, 2025 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

The 2007 David Fincher film “Zodiac” is primarily set in the San Francisco Bay area. However, production was split between Northern and Southern California, with quite a few scenes shot in the Greater Los Angeles area. The opening scenes show a young Mike Mageau, played by Lee Norris, being picked up for a date by Darlene Ferrine, played by Ciara Moriarty on July 4, 1969. While set in Vallejo, California, the scene was actually filmed in Long Beach. The camera rolls past a series of houses on Gundry Ave, beginning around 3938 Gundry Ave and stopping five houses down at Mike’s place.

LOCATION: 3964 Gundry Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807

The couple drives to this diner, also located in Long Beach, where Darlene says it’s too crowded and decides to go some place quiet. The same diner has also appeared in the films “Corrina, Corrina,” “The Real McCoy” and “A Cinderella Story.”

LOCATION: 4390 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807

The site of the first killings can be found in Santa Clarita on Bouquet Canyon Rd. The area had been dressed to look like a campground for another production and the filmmakers kept some of the design for this film. A rock wall, seen in some shots, as well as the entrance where Zodiac parks behind Darlene and Mike, can all be seen in historic aerial images. The landscape has changed over the years, but the general layout remains the same, with the hills in the back, trees on the right and layout of the road all still matching.

LOCATION: 30570 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91390 (GPS coordinates: 34°29’42.8″N, 118°27’28.3″W)

Here is the area the Zodiac is seen driving away, only to return. The scene itself is very dark in the film, but some of the behind the scenes features show the area in daylight before sets had been built. We confirmed with some of the filmmakers this was indeed the location seen in the film.

Robert Graysmith, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, lives in a house that is only seen from interior views in the film. However, a couple shots help pinpoint the neighborhood to Angelino Heights in Los Angeles. For example, the street outside of his home can be seen here when he takes his son to school early in the film.

LOCATION: Near the intersection of Douglas St / Kellam Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (approximately in front of 1406 Kellam Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026)

Robert drops his son off at for school at Roosevelt Middle School in San Francisco (460 Arguello Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118).

Robert works as a cartoonist at the San Francisco Chronicle. For exterior shots, the real newspaper building was used.

LOCATION: 901 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Interiors for the San Francisco Chronicle were filmed at the old United States Post Office – Los Angeles Terminal Annex in Downtown Los Angeles. The building has also been used in such films as “City of Angels” and “Dear God,” as well as such TV shows as “Southland,” “EZ Streets” and “No Ordinary Family.”

LOCATION: 900 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Zodiac kills a taxi driver at the corner of Washington and Cherry in San Francisco. This film shot at the real location where the murder took place, however their access was limited, as the neighborhood did not want the production there or the attention it would draw. The location is revisited several times in the film, as the characters hope the killer might return to the site on the anniversary of his crimes. For the night scenes, the Presidio Heights neighborhood was actually recreated on a studio lot at the former Downey Studios (12214 Lakewood Blvd, Downey, CA 90242), with blue screens used to add further backgrounds to the practical sets. Downey Studios has since been demolished.

LOCATION: 3893 Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Robert stops his son from getting on the school bus at this location. This is again in the Angelino Heights neighborhood, just around the corner from the spot where he drives his son to school early in the film.

LOCATION: Near the intersection of Douglas St / Kellam Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (approximately in front of 908 Douglas St, Los Angeles, CA 90026)

Detectives visit the house of Melvin Belli, played by Brian Cox, after the Zodiac writes him a letter. Later in the film, Robert also visits the home. Belli’s house is located in Hancock Park at Fremont Place, which is one of the few gated communities in Los Angeles and therefore inaccessible to the public. A popular filming location, many productions have shot inside Fremont Place, such as “Taken,” “The War Of The Roses” and “Rocky III.” Fincher himself returned to the same neighborhood for “Gone Girl,” where the house of Desi Collings can also be found.

LOCATION: 72 Fremont Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90005

Paul Avery, played by Robert Downey Jr., has an argument with Inspector David Toschi, played by Mark Ruffalo, outside of the Riverside Police Department. The building used in the scene is actually located in Culver City. The same location was also featured in the film “The Lincoln Lawyer.” The building has since been slightly remodeled, but is still recognizable.

LOCATION: 4130 Overland Ave, Culver City, CA 90230 (since remodeled)

Toschi shares a sandwhich with his partner William Armstrong, played by Anthony Edwards, at the former Callahan’s Diner in Santa Monica. The location actually appears in three separate scenes in the film, with the latter two featuring Toschi meeting with Robert. According to information online, some shots were done on a set. Callahan’s Diner has long since closed and the building was being renovated at the time of our visit.

LOCATION: 1213 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (since remodeled)

A time lapse is shown of the construction of the Transamerica Pyramid building. This was of course a CGI creation.

LOCATION: 600 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Toschi catches a screening of “Dirty Harry,” where he is unimpressed with the depiction of the Zodiac inspired villain “Scorpio.” The exterior of the building still exists (295 Bay St, San Francisco, CA 94133). However, the interior scenes were filmed at the former National Westwood Theatre in Los Angeles, which was demolished in 2008. Here is the area where it formerly stood.

LOCATION: 10925 Lindbrook Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90024

The Golden Gate Bridge is briefly seen in a transition shot when Robert makes his way to the Vallejo Police Department. The bridge is one of the most often seen locations in film, having appeared in “Vertigo,” “The Rock,” “Pacific Rim,” “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “Big Eyes,” “Terminator: Genisys,” “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “Superman: The Movie,” “San Andreas,” “A View To A Kill,” “Dirty Harry,” “Hulk,” “Lords Of Dogtown,” “The Bridge” and many more.

LOCATION: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA

The Vallejo Police Department, where Robert obtains more information on the case, could be found in Hawthorne. It was a real police building, also featured in the TV series “True Blood” and the second season of “True Detective.” The building has since been demolished. Here is the area where it formerly stood.

LOCATION: 4440 W 126th St, Hawthorne, CA 90250 (now demolished)

Robert meets up with Toschi at the Wilshire Collonade to tell him about the progress of his own personal investigation. Toschi encourages Robert to keep investigating and directs him to seek out Melvin Belli. The same location was featured in numerous films, such as “Wrath Of Man,” “Stealing Harvard” and “Earthquake,” as well as such TV series as “Californication,” “American Crime Story: Impeachment” and more.

LOCATION: 3701 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010

Robert calls Toschi from a payphone in front of San Francisco City Hall, following a lead on Zodiac’s birthday.

LOCATION: 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl., San Francisco, CA 94102

Robert approaches Inspector Toschi again at the Earl Warren Building in San Francisco, seeking more information on the case. Toschi lets Robert know the case is unlikely to ever be solved at that point and tells him to not disturb him anymore.

LOCATION: 350 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102

The building is located next to City Hall, which can once again be seen in the background of some shots.

Robert is picked up by Bob Vaughn in front of the Warner Grand Theater in San Pedro. The same theater also appeared in many other films, including “Pearl Harbor,” “Babylon,” “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Seabiscut,” “Remote Control,” “Win A Date With Tad Hamilton,” “It’s Pat: The Movie,” “Ghosts Of Mississippi,” “Boys And Girls,” “Live By Night,” “Worth Winning,” “Mark Of Love,” “Invasion Earth: The Aliens Are Here” and “From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks.” It has also appeared in such television series as “The O.C.,” “Party Of Five,” “Melrose Place,” “T.J.Hooker,” “7th Heaven” and “Cousin Skeeter.”

LOCATION: 478 W 6th St, San Pedro, CA 90731

Near the end of the film, Robert tracks down a suspect he believes may be the Zodiac working inside this hardware store in South Gate. The building is only seen from interior views in the film.

LOCATION: 3948 Tweedy Blvd, South Gate, CA 90280

In the closing scenes of the film, an older Mike Mageau is brought in at the Ontario Airport to look at photos of potential suspects. The airport has appeared in many other films, including “Catch Me If You Can,” “Saving Mr. Banks,” “Blow,” “Argo” and more.

LOCATION: 1940 Moore Way, Ontario, CA 91761

To see our “Zodiac” location page, click here.

Some Kind Of Wonderful (1987)

April 27, 2020December 10, 2022 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

The 1980s film “Some Kind of Wonderful,” written by John Hughes, was filmed entirely around Southern California. Amanda, played by Lea Thompson, lives at this house located in Wilmington.

LOCATION: 1319 W E St, Wilmington, CA 90744

Here is another view of the home.

Keith, played by Eric Stoltz, lives at this home, also located in Wilmington.

LOCATION: 1441 W I St, Wilmington, CA 90744

The high school scenes were filmed at the San Pedro High School.

LOCATION: 1001 W 15th St, San Pedro, CA 90731

Hardy Jenn’s house can be found in Central Los Angeles.

LOCATION: 516 S Hudson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020

50 First Dates (2004)

September 22, 2019August 21, 2023 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

The 2004 comedy “50 First Dates” was filmed primarily in Oahu, Hawaii, with some additional scenes filmed in Southern California.

The Hukilau Cafe, where Henry, played by Adam Sandler, first meets Lucy, played by Drew Barrymore, was a set built for the film. Contrary to some information online, it no longer exists. It was filmed near the Moli’i Fishpond, which is adjacent to Kualoa Ranch. The ranch in fact owns this land and it has been featured in many films, including “Jurassic World,” “Triple Frontier,” “Snatched,” “Tears of the Sun,” “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates,” “You, Me and Dupree” and the TV show “Lost.” There are some buildings there, but they were not used as the restaurant set, which was torn down after filming.

There are a couple ways to see this area. The local shops near the pond, which rent their buildings from Kualoa Ranch, offer tours of their own near the water for a small fee. However, the Premier Movie Site Tour offered by Kualoa Ranch itself stops at this area and covers it in detail, which is our recommended way to see it. Here is a view of the general area where the cafe set was built.

LOCATION: 49-243 Kuukama St, Kailua, HI 96734

Here is a small sign nearby marking it as the filming location.

It is a challenge to find the house of Lucy and even more of a challenge to photograph it. The easiest way to pinpoint the general area is to find the Waikane Store on Kamehameha Hwy, located at 48-377 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744. There is an unnamed road sitting right beside the store, which leads to Lucy’s house. However, where the road dead ends, you still can’t see the house very well. Here instead is an aerial view of the property.

The pier, known as Waikane Pier, also appeared in the TV show “Lost.” Only remnants of it exist now. Further out in the water, you can see a small island known as Mokolii, which can also be seen in the film. It is a popular photo spot for tourists.

LOCATION: 48-373 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744 (GPS coordinates: 21°29’34.1″N, 157°50’50.6″W)

The road where Henry keeps finding creative ways to stop Lucy can be found on Kualoa Ranch. Countless other films have shot in this area, ranging from “Jurassic Park” to “Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle” to “Windtalkers.” If we have one complaint about the Kualoa Ranch tours (which are otherwise great), even on their Premier Movie Site Tour, they drive through this area rather quickly and do not stop. This makes getting decent photographs a challenge.

LOCATION: Kualoa Ranch, 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744

Later in the film, Lucy is admitted to the Callahan Institute for Brain Injuries. This was filmed at the Cabrillo Beach Bath House in San Pedro, California. The same location was famously featured in the film “Face/Off.”

LOCATION: 3800 Stephen M White Dr, San Pedro, CA 90731

The Cabrillo Beach Bath House interiors were also used in the film. The staff is very friendly there and welcoming to the public, so don’t hesitate to visit.

Lords Of Dogtown (2005)

July 20, 2019June 24, 2025 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

The 2005 film “Lords of Dogtown” is set in the Dogtown area of Santa Monica during the 1970s. However, the film shot at a variety of different locations around Southern California. Early in the film, the boys are shown waking up early and making their way out to the beach to surf. Stacy Peralta, played by John Robinson, is seen climbing out his window with a surfboard in the early AM hours. Stacy’s house can be found in San Pedro.

LOCATION: 334 W 17th St, Los Angeles, CA 90731

Stacy’s house is mostly seen in close-ups or shots facing the opposite direction.

Jay Adams, played by Emile Hirsch, lives at this house in San Pedro. He is seen skating off the garage roof a couple times in the film. The property seen in the film sits along a back alley behind W 12th St. We’ve provided the GPS coordinates below.

LOCATION: Rear alley behind 565 W 12th St, San Pedro, CA 90731 (GPS coordinates: 33°43’58.4″N, 118°17’21.8″W)

Jay is then seen skateboarding along Speedway in Venice.

LOCATION: Dudley Ave / Speedway, Los Angeles, CA 90291

Tony Alva, played by Victor Rasuk, lives in this home, also located in San Pedro.

LOCATION: 538 W Santa Cruz St, San Pedro, CA 90731

Later in the film, the kids are seen skating in the alley directly behind Tony’s house as they prepare for their first skateboard competition.

LOCATION: Alley near 566 W Santa Cruz St, San Pedro, CA 90731 (GPS coordinates: 33°44’40.8″N, 118°17’22.0″W)

The filmmakers recreated the legendary Zephyr shop in San Pedro. The original building where the real shop was located is in Santa Monica (2003 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405), but it was not used in the film.

LOCATION: 157 N Bandini St, San Pedro, CA 90731

Jay, Stacy and Tony catch a ride through town on their skateboards by hanging onto the back of a bus. They are seen riding past Bandini Street Elementary School, where they let go of the bus and continue through a line of cars.

LOCATION: 425 N Bandini St, San Pedro, CA 90731

The boys test out their new skateboard wheels at Mar Vista Elementary School.

LOCATION: 3330 Granville Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Jay is seen skateboarding down Bicknell Ave in Santa Monica, where he informs Stacy he didn’t make the team. This is very close to where the real Zephyr shop was formerly located.

LOCATION: Ocean Ave / Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405

The nationals competition, supposedly set in Del Mar, was actually a composite of two church parking lots in Altadena. Most of the footage was filmed at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, but the opening footage arriving into the parking lot was filmed across the street at Westminster Presbyterian Church (1757 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104).

LOCATION: 1879 N Lake Ave, Altadena, CA 91001

The restaurant where Stacy officially joins the team and a fight breaks out with the manager is Rae’s Restaurant in Santa Monica. A staple of film and television, Rae’s has been seen in such films as “True Romance,” “Bowfinger,” “Starsky & Hutch” and more. The restaurant is only seen from interior views in this film.

LOCATION: 2901 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

After a drought causes many homeowners to drain their pools, the boys start sneaking into back yards and skating the empty pools. The are first seen sneaking into the yard of this home. The same home appears in the film “Secretary.”

LOCATION: 4004 Kenway Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90008

The police chase the boys in front of this house, which has since been remodeled some. Sid is seen running down the middle of the street.

LOCATION: 4245 W Mt Vernon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90008

Skip Engblom, played by Heath Ledger, scolds the boys for missing practice while they eat at Venice Beach.

LOCATION: 1425 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291 (facing Market St)

Jay makes some crude remarks to some elderly women walking down the street in Santa Monica. This is located close to the Santa Monica Pier.

LOCATION: 1450 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401

The Ocean Front Skate Festival scenes were filmed at the Fisherman’s Village shopping mall in Marina Del Rey.

LOCATION: 13755 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

The boys discuss offers from a competitor at a gas station in Seal Beach. The real building is actually a restaurant, located in San Pedro.

LOCATION: 3401 S Pacific Ave, San Pedro, CA 90731

After shifting business alliances to Topper Burks, played by Johnny Knoxville, Tony Alva chooses a new logo for himself at the Byrdview house in Chatsworth (also known as the Farralone Estate and Fox House). It has appeared in many films, including “Swordfish,” “Transformers,” “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” “The Salton Sea,” “Bewitched,” “Tomcats” and “Dreamgirls.” It has also appeared in such TV series as “Six Feet Under,” “Mad Men,” “Californication,” “The Last Man on Earth,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Aquarius,” “Moonlight” and “Good Girls Revolt.”

LOCATION: 9361 Farralone Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311

The Seattle skyline is shown from Kerry Park during a skate tour montage. The park is a famous tourist spot, which attracts a lot of visitors. The park was also featured in the films “10 Things I Hate About You,” “Life or Something Like It,” “A Guy Thing” and “The Details,” with this same view also serving as the drawing of the Seattle skyline on the television show “Frasier.”

LOCATION: 211 W Highland Dr, Seattle, WA 98119

Stacy films a cameo for “Charlie’s Angels” on the Warner Bros. backlot. It can be seen as part of their studio tour. This facade also served as the Gotham City Police Headquarters in the original “Batman” TV series. The scenes of Stacy in London were also filmed on the Warner backlot.

LOCATION: 4000 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

Stacy is shown posing for photos in front of the Golden Gate bridge. The bridge is one of the most often seen locations in film, having appeared in “Zodiac,” “Interview With The Vampire,” “Vertigo,” “The Rock,” “Pacific Rim,” “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “Big Eyes,” “Terminator: Genisys,” “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “Superman: The Movie,” “San Andreas,” “A View To A Kill,” “Dirty Harry,” “Hulk,” “The Abyss,” “The Bridge” and many more.

LOCATION: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA

Tony can be seen getting photographed in front of the Statue of Liberty in New York. Another of the most iconic locations seen on screen, it has appeared in endless films, such as “Splash,” “The Godfather Part II,” “Superman,” “Escape from New York,” “Home Alone 2: Lost In New York,” “Ghostbusters II,” “X-Men,” “Comrades: Almost a Love Story,” “The Abyss,” “Past Lives” and countless more.

LOCATION: Statue of Liberty, New York, NY 10004

The World Professional Skateboard Championship scenes were filmed inside the Long Beach Arena. It is only seen from interior views in the film.

LOCATION: 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802

Late in the film, Tony Alva is living at this home.

LOCATION: 1027 S Centre St, San Pedro, CA 90731

Stacy Peralta runs into Jay Adams, where he learns of Sid’s illness at this parking lot in Venice Beach, located at the end of Rose Ave, stretching down to Dudley Ave. The same area appeared in the films “White Men Can’t Jump” and “Harry and Tonto.”

LOCATION: 1 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Thanks to Rob on Location for finding several of these locations and Erin’s Nerd Stuff for identifying the Del Mar nationals location.

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

May 23, 2018September 25, 2025 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

In Steven Spielberg’s “Catch Me If You Can,” Frank Abagnale Jr., played by Leonardo DiCaprio, lives at this home early in the film. Supposedly located in New York, the real home can be found in Studio City, California. It is located next door to the house from “My Stepmother Is An Alien.”

LOCATION: 12075 Valleyheart Dr, Studio City, CA 91604

Frank and his family are forced to move into a smaller apartment at this building, which can be found in Yonkers, New York.

LOCATION: 110 Buena Vista Ave, Yonkers, NY 10701

Frank Abagnale Sr, played by Christopher Walken, reads a letter from his son as he walks into the Abagnale Stationers store, which can be found in San Pedro.

LOCATION: 421 W 6th St, San Pedro, CA 90731

After posing as an airline pilot, Frank begins forging payroll checks at the former Ambassador Hotel. The hotel was a staple of film and television, appearing in such films as “The Graduate,” “Forrest Gump,” “Seven,” “Bobby,” “True Lies,” “L.A. Story,” “True Romance,” “The Mask,” “Calendar Girl” and dozens more. The hotel has since been demolished, with only this post and statue from the original building remaining.

LOCATION: 3400 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010 (now demolished)

Carl, played by Tom Hanks, is on the hunt for Frank, who stays at the Tropicana Motel in Hollywood. While the Tropicana was a real motel at one time, it was demolished in 1988. Instead, the Hollywood Roosevelt was used. It’s actually the rear of the Roosevelt building that is seen in the film.

LOCATION: 7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (rear of the building on Hawthorn Ave)

Carl eats at a diner, where a waitress tips him off that the alias Frank has been using is the name of “The Flash” in the comic books, cluing him in that his suspect may be younger than he originally thought.

This was filmed at the former Quality Cafe in downtown Los Angeles. The diner was a one-time staple of films, appearing in “Seven” “Training Day,” “Ghost World,” “Another Day In Paradise,” “(500) Days Of Summer” “Million Dollar Baby,” “The Rules Of Attraction,” “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “The Heartbreak Kid” and dozens more. However, it was not an actual restaurant open to the public. Instead it was used solely for filming. Sadly, it ceased to function as a filming location and was completely renovated in 2014. The interior of the property no longer bears any resemblance inside to how it appeared in so many films.

LOCATION: 1238 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017 (since closed and remodeled)

The Miami Airport where Frank slips past the FBI by surrounding himself with attractive flight attendants was actually filmed at the Ontario Airport in Ontario, California. This particular terminal is not in active use and has popped up in countless other films, including “Saving Mr. Banks,” “Zodiac,” “Blow,” “Argo” and many more.

LOCATION: 1940 Moore Way, Ontario, CA 91761

Another view of the same airport, depicted as the baggage claim terminal in the film.

Later in the film, Frank takes his father to an upscale restaurant, where he tells him he bought him a Cadillac. The actual location is not a restaurant at all. It’s the famous “Pompeian Room” of the Doheny Mansion, located on the campus of Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles. While the mansion does offer occasional tours to the public, some of the guides can be strict about allowing photos inside. Many films have shot at the mansion, including “The Princess Diaries,” “Drag Me To Hell,” “Flowers In The Attic,” “Spider-Man 3,” “The Three Amigos” and more.

LOCATION: 10 Chester Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90007

The bank scenes were filmed at Union Station, a train station in downtown Los Angeles. It has featured in many films as well, such as “Blade Runner,” “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Species,” “Bugsy,” “Pearl Harbor” and more.

LOCATION: 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Frank strikes up a romance with Brenda, played by Amy Adams, who brings him to the house of her father, played by Martin Sheen. Frank has to make an abrupt departure with the FBI hot on his heels. The house used in the film can be found in Pasadena. The address is on E Crary St, but the back of the house faces that direction and the perimeter is surrounded by a wall, so you won’t see much from there. The front side of the house is actually around the block on Layton St, which dead-ends into the driveway of the home. The same house has also been seen in the films “Matilda,” “Hocus Pocus,” “Scream 2” and “The Midnight Hour.” Unfortunately, the property owners have since posted no trespassing signs near the end of Ladyton St, making it much more difficult for pedestrians to see the house anymore.

LOCATION: 2186 E Crary St, Pasadena, CA 91104 (front of the home faces Ladyton St)

Frank is arrested in front of his mother’s house, which can be found in Pasadena. The same location appears in the film “Disturbia.”

LOCATION: 3077 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107

Late in the film, Frank passes this store and stops as he sees a pilot’s uniform on display. This can be found just a few buildings up from the Abagnale Stationers store seen early in the film.

LOCATION: 446 W 6th St, San Pedro, CA 90731

Face/Off (1997)

November 30, 2017November 9, 2025 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

John Travolta plays FBI Agent Sean Archer in John Woo’s 1997 action film “Face/Off.” Archer lives with his family at this Pacific Palisades home, right near the ocean. Later in the film, Nicolas Cage’s villainous character, Castor Troy, bearing the face of Sean Archer, comes to his home and begins role-playing as husband and father. The home was destroyed by wildfires in 2025.

LOCATION: 326 N Swarthmore Ave, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

The hospital where Eve Archer, played by Joan Allen, works can be found in Baldwin Park. This entrance sits closest to Dalewood Street. A different area of the same facility was seen in the movie “Starship Troopers.”

LOCATION: 1011 Baldwin Park Blvd, Baldwin Park, CA 91706 (near Dalewood St)

Caster Troy and his brother plant an explosive at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This particular section is near the intersection of S Figueroa St and W Pico Blvd. The same building was seen in the film “Demolition Man.”

LOCATION: 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 (near the intersection of S Figueroa St / W Pico Blvd)

Near the climax of the film, Victor Lazarro’s funeral takes place at the Cabrillo Beach Bath House in San Pedro. The Adam Sandler comedy “50 First Dates” also notably shot at the same location.

LOCATION: 3800 Stephen M White Dr, San Pedro, CA 90731

Archer’s daughter is dropped off outside at the entrance to the building.

Inside, an epic John Woo gunfight takes place, featuring his signature use of doves and slow motion. Thankfully, the staff is quite friendly and welcoming and allows visitors inside. Here are some areas where the shootout takes place.

The gunfight spills out to this area, with Archer’s daughter trapped in the crossfire.

Archer’s daughter runs down these stairs to the lower level.

As the fight spills outside, Archer’s daughter is taken hostage in this area.

Castor Troy flees and runs to a boat.

Inherent Vice (2014)

September 25, 2017July 12, 2025 / filmoblivion / 2 Comments

Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2014 adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s novel, “Inherent Vice,” shot all over Southern California. Much of it is set in the fictional town of Gordita Beach. These scenes were actually shot in Manhattan Beach, which is worth checking out if you’re interested in beautiful ocean views, without the crowds of such places as Santa Monica or Venice Beach.

This shot, seen at both the beginning, as well the end of the film, is overlooking Manhattan Beach and a scenic walkway called The Strand. However, the shot is actually taken from Ocean Drive, one block up, at the intersection of Seaview Street.

LOCATION: 4210 The Strand, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (this exact shot is from behind the house, on Ocean Drive at Seaview Street, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, looking out towards the water)

Doc, played by Joaquin Phoenix, lives in this house, which is close to the above shot. The house was mostly used for interiors in the film, but the exterior can also briefly be seen.

LOCATION: 214 El Porto St, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

This cafe in San Pedro pops up a couple times in the film. First, Doc sits outside reading a newspaper about real estate developments. The interior is seen later in the film, albeit dressed heavily to appear as a Japanese restaurant, as Bigfoot, played by Josh Brolin, delivers the immortal lines, “Motto panukeiku, motto panukeiku.” The same cafe appeared in the films “Chinatown,” “Gods and Monsters” and “Lovesick,” as well as such TV shows as “T.J. Hooker” and the 2020 version of “Perry Mason.”

LOCATION: 700 W Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731

Doc follows leads on the mysterious Golden Fang boat, which is believed to bring in drugs, as well as having carried Shasta, played by Katherine Waterston, on board the last time it sailed. The schooner is seen in darkness, off in the distance in the film. The actual boat is the Tallship American Pride, which can be found at the Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California. The boat is located at Dock 3, though it does sometimes set sail into the waters. If you’re unfamiliar with this area of Long Beach, just search for Gladstone’s Restaurant (330 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802) or Toyko Wako (310 Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802) at the Long Beach Pike. The pier and the boat are located directly behind them.

LOCATION: Rainbow Harbor, Dock 3, Long Beach, CA 90802

Doc talks with Sauncho Smilax, played by Benicio Del Toro, at the Chowder Barge in Wilmington. These restaurant shots are provided courtesy of Christian Hernandez at Boogie Sights, who also identified the location.

LOCATION: 611 N Henry Ford Ave, Wilmington, CA 90744

Later in the film, Doc pays a visit to Bigfoot at the old Los Angeles Police Department in downtown Los Angeles. As he’s approaching the building, an officer bumps into him, knocking him to the ground. The building has since been demolished.

LOCATION: 150 N Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (now demolished)

One of the most memorable scenes in the film is a flashback sequence, when Doc and Shasta get caught in the rain, while Neil Young’s “Journey Through the Past” plays. This song was a major inspiration for the film and Doc’s look was even modeled after a 1970s photograph of Neil Young. The scene was shot in Pomona, Californa, about an hour east of Los Angeles.

LOCATION: 406 W 2nd St, Pomona, CA 91766

The Usual Suspects (1995)

August 13, 2017November 9, 2025 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

The 1995 film “The Usual Suspects” was filmed mostly in Southern California, with a few scenes shot in New York City.

Keaton, played by Gabriel Byrne, needs to catch a flight from New York to California. At the Flatiron Building in Manhattan, he wants to tell his attorney girlfriend goodbye, but Verbal Kint, played by Kevin Spacey, pushes him to leave without doing so, as they are running late. The building has appeared in countless films, such as “Spider-Man,” “As Good As It Gets,” “I Am Legend” and many more.

LOCATION: 175 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010

The suspects meet up with Redfoot at the Korean Bell of Friendship in San Pedro, California. Perched right in front of a spectacular ocean view, it’s a great place to visit, even if you’re not a fan of the film. The bell was given as a gift by South Korea to celebrate the U.S. bicentennial in 1978. It has also appeared in the films “It’s Pat: The Movie,” “Brink!” and the 2023 remake of “White Men Can’t Jump,” as well such TV shows as “Alias,” “Wonder Woman” and “Street Hawk.”

LOCATION: 3601 Gaffey St, San Pedro, CA 90731

The flashback scenes of Keyser Söze’s Turkish home, where his family is attacked, were actually filmed at the McNally House in Altadena. The home has been featured in such films as “Elizabethtown,” “Beautiful Boy” and “Kingdom Come,” as well as such TV shows as “Entourage,” “Hacks,” “Ghost Whisperer” and more. The house is only seen from interior views in the film. The home was destroyed by wildfires in 2025.

LOCATION: 654 E Mariposa St, Altadena, CA 91001

The police station seen in the film is the San Pedro Municipal Building. The same building appeared in the film “C.H.U.D. II: Bud the Chud.”

LOCATION: 638 S Beacon St, San Pedro, CA 90731

Near the end of the film, after he posts bail, Verbal Kint walks down this sidewalk out front.

Dave Kujan, played by Chazz Palminteri, just misses a vehicle as it turns down W 6th St in San Pedro.

The Rock (1996)

June 10, 2017June 24, 2025 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

The majority of Micheal Bay’s 1996 action film “The Rock” was shot on location at Alcatraz Island. You can read our separate article on Alcatraz here, which has many more photos.

LOCATION: Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, CA 94133

The film also shot some scenes in Southern California. The house of Jade Angelou, played by Claire Forlani, can be found in San Pedro.

LOCATION: 611 W 37th St, San Pedro, CA 90731

Near the end of the film, Sean Connery’s character is apprehended at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. The same location appears in many films, such as “Vertigo,” “The Room,” “So I Married an Axe Murder,” “Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” “Big Eyes” and more.

LOCATION: 3301 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123

Film Oblivion

Movie and TV locations, points of interest.

San Pedro