The 2011 Kevin Smith film “Red State” was shot in Southern California. In the opening scene of the film, Travis and his mother, played by Michael Angarano and Anna Gunn, drive past this fire station, located in Whittier.
LOCATION: 10630 Mills Ave, Whittier, CA 90604
Much of the film takes place at the Five Points Trinity Church, which is headed by the fanatical Pastor Abin Cooper, played by Michael Parks. The Five Points Trinity Church exterior scenes were filmed at Firestone Ranch in Santa Clarita. The property is located down a long strech of dirt road near the Sierra Pelona Mountains. The Spanish style property was once owned by mobster Bugsy Siegel from 1911 until 1932. The same ranch appeared in the film “Nope.”
LOCATION: 35100 Anthony Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91390
The 1989 sequel “Back to the Future Part II” is once again shot primarily around Southern California. The film makes use of several locations from the first film, revisiting many of them from the perspective of an alternate timeline. Marty McFly’s house once again appears in the film. It can be found in the San Fernando Valley, north of Los Angeles, in the town of Pacoima, California.
LOCATION: 9303 Roslyndale Ave, Pacoima, CA 91331
After Marty’s girlfriend Jennifer sees her future self, she faints. Marty and Doc drop her off at her house, which can be found in Monrovia.
LOCATION: 161 N Magnolia Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016
Marty discovers that life in 1985 has been altered and his home town is now a dangerous area. The auditorium of Whittier High School can be seen behind him.
LOCATION: Whittier Ave / Bailey St, Whittier, CA 90601
Marty comes across the home of Mr. Strickland, which can also be found in Whittier. While we did not experience any issues during our visit, we’ve heard stories of others being confronted for filming or photographing this residence.
LOCATION: 12511 Bailey St, Whittier, CA 90601
The exterior scenes of Biff’s casino were filmed at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
LOCATION: 1 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Biff’s house can be found in South Pasadena, on the same street as George and Lorraine’s houses from the first film.
LOCATION: 1809 Bushnell Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
The exterior of Whittier High School once again serves as Hill Valley High School, which is primarily seen from the back of the school.
LOCATION: 12417 Philadelphia St, Whittier, CA 90601
This tunnel is featured a couple times in the film as Biff makes his way to the dance. Near the end of the film, Biff and Marty fight over an almanac from the future. Marty rides a hoverboard as Biff tries to elminitate Marty in the tunnel. The tunnel can be found in Griffith Park, just before you reach the famous Griffith Observatory. The same tunnel can be seen in 1988’s “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” also directed by Robert Zemeckis.
LOCATION: Mt. Hollywood Tunnel, Mt Hollywood Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Several vehicles from the film can be seen on the Universal Studios Hollywood Tour, including this Litestar Pulse.
LOCATION: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
The 2021 crime drama “The Little Things,” written and directed by John Lee Hancock, is set in Bakersfield and Los Angeles, California. Production likewise took place around Southern California. In the opening scene of the film, a woman is pursued by a mysterious motorist. She pulls over at a gas station, which is closed. The real location is not actually a gas station, rather a steakhouse and bar, located in Lancaster. The gas pumps were added by the production.
LOCATION: 46643 60th St W, Lancaster, CA 93536
Deke, played by Denzel Washington, is called to the scene of a petty vandalism at this restaurant in Acton. The interior of the same restaurant appears later in the film, when Deke meets with his ex-wife.
LOCATION: 533 Sierra Hwy, Acton, CA 93510
Deke visits the Los Angeles County Forensic Unit to collect some evidence. These scenes were filmed at the former City of Glendale police department.
LOCATION: 140 N Isabel St, Glendale, CA 91206 (rear parking lot)
The police station where Jimmy Baxter, played by Rami Malek, works is part of an actual jail facility in Los Angeles.
LOCATION: 450 Bauchet St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Deke gets coffee at a restaurant, where Jimmy invites him to ride along to a crime scene. The restaurant is supposedly located across the street from the police station. In reality, it can be found about 7 miles away in Eagle Rock. The restaurant is only seen from interior views in the film.
LOCATION: 5056 N Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
Jimmy and Deke investigate a murder scene at this building, which is located in the middle of Skid Row in Downtown Los Angeles. It is located just a few buildings down from Robin Williams’ apartment in the film “One Hour Photo.” It is obviously not in the safest of areas and caution should be used if visiting.
LOCATION: 512 Wall St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Deke stops for a meal at this restaurant in Alhambra.
LOCATION: 1000 E Main St, Alhambra, CA 91801
Deke stays at at this hotel, which is changed to the “St. Agnes Hotel” in the film. The real hotel can be found in Skid Row in Downtown Los Angeles and is another location we don’t recommend visiting, but if you do, use caution.
LOCATION: 423 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Jimmy investigates a crime scene at the Mullholland Dam in Hollywood. He is joined by Deke, who gives him a lead on appliance store workers. The dam is accessible to the public, however, it does require a minor walk to reach it. You have to drive up Weidlake Drive and the nearest parking is at the Hollywood Reservoir Trailhead. From there it’s just a short distance on foot. The same area can be seen in the opening of “Seven Psychopaths.”
LOCATION: Mulholland Dam, Los Angeles, CA 90068 (nearest parking area is the Hollywood Reservoir Trailhead at 6381-6399 Weidlake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068)
Jimmy visits a victim’s family’s house, where they tell him she always wore a red barrette.
LOCATION: 3447 Laurelvale Dr, North Hollywood, CA 91604
Jimmy’s house can be found in Studio City.
LOCATION: 4328 Ben Ave, Studio City, CA 91604
Deke visits his ex-wife at this house in North Hollywood.
LOCATION: 4242 Bakman Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91602
Jimmy and Deke meet at the famed Frolic Room on Hollywood Blvd, where they exchange thoughts on the investigation. The same bar, which is only seen from interior views in this film, has also been featured in such films as “L.A. Confidential” and “Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood.”
LOCATION: 6245 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Deke takes Jimmy to La Loma Bridge in Pasadena, where he recounts the details of a past murder scene. The same bridge was featured in the film “Mank.”
LOCATION: La Loma Bridge, 799 La Loma Rd, Pasadena, CA 91105
Albert Sparma, played by Jared Leto, becomes the lead suspect in the investigation. Sparma lives at this apartment in North Hollywood.
LOCATIONS: 10929 McCormick St, North Hollywood, CA 91601
Here is the area where Jimmy and Deke watch Sparma’s apartment.
Jimmy answers a pay phone in this spot.
Sparma heads to a bus stop, just up the same road toward W Magnolia Blvd.
LOCATION: 10929 W Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601 (rear parking lot)
Sparma heads to a bar, where he realizes he’s been duped in order to get him out of his apartment so the detectives can run an illegal search. These scenes were filmed at The Oaks Tavern in Sherman Oaks, which is only seen from interior views in the film.
LOCATION: 13625 Moorpark St, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Two locations were used for the appliance store where Sparma works. The exterior can be found in Whittier, where Deke monitors his activities.
LOCATION: 6744 Bright Ave, Whittier, CA 90601
The interior was filmed at an actual appliance store in Hollywood.
LOCATION: 1191 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Deke watches as Sparma crosses the street into this building.
LOCATION: 6739 Bright Ave, Whittier, CA 90601
Sparma visits this strip club in North Hollywood.
LOCATION: 12147 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606
Jimmy and Deke watch his activities from their car, parked at this corner.
The 2003 sequel “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines,” much like the first two films, was shot mostly around Los Angeles, California. Early in the film, the advanced T-X, played by Kristanna Loken, is sent from the future, where she arrives nude in the middle of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. She walks past this shop.
LOCATION: 238 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The T-X passes a famous shopping center known as Two Rodeo, where she steals a car.
LOCATION: Intersection of Dayton Way / N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The T-X gets pulled over while supposedly still in Beverly Hills. In reality, this scene was filmed over in Culver City.
LOCATION: Intersection of Washington Blvd / Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (in front of 9600 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232)
Arnold Scharzenegger returns as the iconic Terminator. In a riff of the second film in the series, he once again arrives at a roadside bar and searches for clothes. The exterior shots were filmed at this location in Agua Dulce, which is used exclusively for filming purposes. The interiors were shot at the Cowboy Palace Saloon in Chatsworth (21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth, CA 91311).
LOCATION: 13800 Sierra Hwy, Agua Dulce, CA 91390
The T-X works her way through a hit list of victims, arriving at the drive thru of this burger restaurant near the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. The same location also appeared in the Matthew McConaughey film “The Lincoln Lawyer.”
LOCATION: 1901 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
John Conner and the Terminator stop at this gas station in Acton. After stealing some supplies, the Terminator opens the back of the truck and Kate Brewster, played by Claire Danes, leaps out screaming.
LOCATION: 33488 Crown Valley Rd, Acton, CA 93510
The mausoleum housing the grave of Sara Conner was filmed at the Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier. The property is quite large and the exact spot can be difficult to find. The easiest solution is to search for the Whittier Heights Mausoleum. GPS may attempt to have you enter through Sycamore Canyon Rd from Workman Mill Rd at Gate 14. That entrance may or may not be open. Instead, you’ll likely need to enter just down the road through Gate 17, which has a guard post. A guard will approach and ask your purposes for visiting. Once inside, you can navigate to the mausoleum. The exact GPS coordinates are 34.007627, -118.053266.
LOCATION: Whittier Heights Mausoleum, Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary, Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA 90601 (GPS coordinates: 34.007627, -118.053266)
Bill Paxton’s criminally overlooked 2001 film “Frailty,” starring Matthew McConaughey, is set in the town of Thurman, Texas. However, the movie primarily filmed around Southern California, with many scenes shot in Orange County.
The FBI Headquarters was filmed at Los Angeles Center Studios. This is a large facility consisting of numerous buildings. The studio has been used, both for interior and exterior sets, in countless films and shows, such as “The Game,” “Fight Club” and dozens more. It’s difficult to photograph the property, because many of the surrounding roads are gated off.
LOCATION: 450 S Bixel St, Los Angeles, CA 90017 (the address of the studio complex is S Bixel St, but this spot is closer to 451 S Beaudry Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90017)
Adam Meiks, played by Matthew McConaughey, lives in this house in Covina.
LOCATION: 470 W Center St, Covina, CA 91723
Thurman Drugs was filmed at the famous Orange Circle. Another staple of film, Orange Circle has been featured in such movies as “Small Soldiers,” “Big Momma’s House,” “That Thing You Do!” and many more. The drug store location is now a pizza shop.
LOCATION: 101 S Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866
The boys are seen walking by this church, also found in Orange.
LOCATION: 305 W Almond Ave, Orange, CA 92866
Flashback scenes to the family home were filmed in Sun Valley.
LOCATION: 10643 Tuxford St, Sun Valley, CA 91352
The school the boys attend was Katherine Edwards Middle School in Whittier.
LOCATION: 6812 Norwalk Blvd, Whittier, CA 90606
The sheriff station seen in flashbacks can be found very close to Orange Circle.
LOCATION: 312 N Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866
The home of Cynthia Harbridge can also be found in Orange.
LOCATION: 435 E Palmyra Ave, Orange, CA 92866
The home of Brad White can likewise be found in Orange.
LOCATION: 225 E Maple Ave, Orange, CA 92866
The present day sheriff station is located in Norwalk. The same location was featured in the film “Best Men.”
Between his successful indie debut “El Mariachi” and the hit sequel “Desperado,” Robert Rodriguez made a small film called “Roadracers.” Shot in just 13 days, the film was part of a television anthology known as “Rebel Highway,” which enlisted notable directors to take b-movie titles from the 1950s and apply them to original stories. This first installment was set to be directed by Wes Craven, before he dropped out in order to begin work on “New Nightmare.” Rodriguez stepped up in his place and made a fun film that continues to find new audiences decades later.
While set in Texas, most of the film was shot in Whittier, California. The downstairs club where Dude Delaney, played by David Arquette, meets up with Donna, played by Salma Hayek, can be found on Greenleaf Ave in Whittier. The location pops up numerous times over the course of the film. While located on a busy shopping strip, the property currently sits vacant.
LOCATION: 6745 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90601
The theater where Dude and Donna pick up Nixer, played by John Hawkes, is the Whittier Village Cinemas, located just up the road. Over twenty years later, the theater is still going strong.
LOCATION: 7038 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90602
The theater pops up again later in the film when trio watch the 1956 version of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” featuring a cameo from original film star Kevin McCarthey.
Teddy Leather, played by Jason Wiles, rolls up with his crew next to Dude’s car in front of the Nixon Plaza. Dude flicks his cigarette butt, which lands in the hair of the girl in the back seat. Indicative of Rodriguez’s run and gun style of his early career, the same location was used again later in the film, when Teddy’s crew toss beer bottles at Dude.
LOCATION: 13002 Philadelphia St, Whittier, CA 90601
The two cars drag race down Philadelphia St.
LOCATION: Philadelphia St / Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90601
Donna’s house can be found just across the street from the Whittier Central Park, another location that pops up later in the film.
LOCATION: 6543 Washington Ave, Whittier, CA 90601
The roller rink where Dude greases his hair and spreads it across the floor of the rink was the former Fiesta Roller Rink in San Gabriel. The roller rink closed back in 2003. Some other businesses have since come and gone, but the building currently sits empty.
LOCATION: 136 S San Gabriel Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91776
Here’s a look inside.
Dude’s house, which has been slightly remodeled, can be found back in Whittier.
LOCATION: 5919 Redman Ave, Whittier, CA 90606
Along the curb in front of his house, Dude backs his car into the police car of Sarge, played by William Sadler.
As Donna and her friend walk beside Whittier Central Park, Teddy Leather’s crew approaches along Bailey St and Teddy forces himself on Donna. The same area was used again in a later scene, where Sarge gives Teddy a gun.
LOCATION: Near the intersection of Bailey St / Washington Ave, Whittier, CA 90601
Dude and Donna sit on the steps of this gazebo, located at Whittier Central Park.
LOCATION: Central Park, Whittier, CA 90601
Teddy’s crew walks down these steps and challenge Dude.
The final confrontation between Dude and Teddy takes place across from the former Los Portales Mexican restaurant.
LOCATION: 13033 Philadelphia St, Whittier, CA 90601
The Wormwood house from the 1996 Danny DeVito directed film Matilda can be found in Whittier, California. The house and especially the yard have changed a bit from how they appeared on screen, but there is still some resemblance.
LOCATION: 15811 Youngwood Dr, Whittier, CA 90603
Trunchbull’s house 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 “Catch Me If You Can,” “Hocus Pocus” and “Scream 2.” 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)
The 2007 film “Disturbia” was loosely inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window.” In the film, several homes next to each other were all featured in the film. Kale, played by Shia LaBeouf, lives at this house in Whittier, California, where he comes to believe his neighbor is a killer.
LOCATION: 6222 Painter Ave, Whittier, CA 90601
Ashley’s house can be found directly next door.
LOCATION: 6232 Painter Ave, Whittier, CA 90601
The Pilchs house can be found across the street.
LOCATION: 6221 Painter Ave, Whittier, CA 90601
The house next door is also seen, when Kale watches a father and son throw a football.
LOCATION: 6227 Painter Ave, Whittier, CA 90601
Mr. Turner’s house can be found in Pasadena. The same location appears in the film “Catch Me If You Can.”
LOCATION: 3077 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
The 1985 Robert Zemeckis classic “Back To The Future” is among the most famous of all Los Angeles area films. Countless fans continue to flock to these locations.
Doc Brown’s house can be found in Pasadena. It’s the Gamble House, a National Historic Landmark and museum, which is open to public tours. However, only the exterior was used for Doc’s house in the film. The interior was shot at 1777 Hillcrest Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106, which is a private residence.
LOCATION: 4 Westmoreland Pl, Pasadena, CA 91103
Doc’s garage, located on the same property, is now a bookstore.
The street leading up to Marty’s house in 1984 is at the intersection of Sandusky Ave and Kagel Canyon St, not on Roslyndale Ave, where the McFly house is located.
LOCATION: Sandusky Ave / Kagel Canyon St, Los Angeles, CA 91331
Marty McFly’s house can be found in the San Fernando Valley, north of Los Angeles, in the town of Pacoima, California.
LOCATION: 9303 Roslyndale Ave, Pacoima, CA 91331
The Burger King where Mary hitches a ride on his skateboard, grabbing onto the back of a truck, is still operational and going strong. You can find it in Burbank, California.
LOCATION: 535 N Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502
Hill Valley High School is actually Whittier High School.
LOCATION: 12417 Philadelphia St, Whittier, CA 90601
The Twin Pines Mall is actually the Puente Hills Mall in City of Industry. The mall occasionally hosts events in celebration of the film.
LOCATION: Puente Hills Mall, 1600 S Azusa Ave, City of Industry, CA 91748
Inside the mall, you can even find this replica sign for the Twin Pines Mall. Sometimes when there are special events surrounding the film, they will place this sign outside, as it appeared in the film.
When Marty travels back in time to 1955, he discovers his neighborhood, the Lyon Estates, has yet to be built. This spot can be found near Chino. To reach it, you take Chino Corona Rd, which passes a women’s prison. The road becomes Cucamonga Ave and there are signs posted that the road is not maintained. Just ahead you’ll find the spot, which actually has an address. We’ve also included GPS coordinates. The area hasn’t changed much since filming and it’s easily the most remote location featured in the film.
George McFly’s house can be found in South Pasadena.
LOCATION: 1711 Bushnell Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
Marty’s mother Lorainne lives at this house, located on the same street, just a few doors down from George’s house. It was used only for exterior shots. This house was also used in another Michael J. Fox film, “Teen Wolf.”
LOCATION: 1727 Bushnell Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
The interiors of Lorainne’s house were filmed at another property on the same road.
LOCATION: 1705 Bushnell Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
The courthouse square and clock tower can be found on the Universal Studios Lot in Hollywood (100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608). The building has been used in countless other films, including “To Kill A Mockingbird,” “Gremlins” and “Bruce Almighty.” In 2008, a fire destroyed much of the building, but Universal restored and reopened it in 2009. Today, it can be seen once again as part of the Universal Studios Tour, but be warned, this area frequently hosts productions and the site is routinely closed off from the tours. If you’re adamant about seeing the tower, it’s perhaps best to call ahead and find out if it’s showing on a given day.
Few movie cars are as famous than the Delorean, with many fans building their own replicas. There were in fact seven vehicles built for use in the original trilogy, with only three still known to exist. Below is the first of those three, which appeared throughout the original film and in both sequels. After spending 25 years as part of Universal Studio’s Hollywood Tour, the car had begun showing signs of wearing and many key pieces had been removed, including the famed flux capacitor. A team was hired to meticulously restore the car back to it’s original form and the vehicle is now on permanent display at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California. The second Delorean is on display at Universal Studios Florida, while the third is privately owned.
LOCATION: Peterson Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
A look inside the restored vehicle.
Here is the restored flux capacitor.
One vehicle from the original film which can still be seen on the Universal Studios Hollywood Tour is Biff Tannen’s 1946 Ford Convertible. Some vehicles from the sequels can also be seen there, but here we’ll strictly focus on the first film.
LOCATION: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608