Movies often feel like they’re set in faraway worlds, but many of those landscapes are right here in the United States. From eerie hotels that inspired horror masterpieces to city squares forever tied to iconic lines, you can actually walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters.
This list of 10 Iconic Movie Filming Locations in the US is more than a film buff’s dream—it’s an unforgettable travel itinerary. Whether you’re a cinephile or just someone who loves exploring new places, these destinations bring Hollywood magic to real life.
1. The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado
Stephen King’s stay at the Stanley Hotel inspired The Shining (1980), and its grand halls doubled as the eerie Overlook Hotel in adaptations. Nestled in Estes Park, this historic 1909 hotel offers ghost tours and stunning Rocky Mountain views, giving fans the chills and the charm all in one stay. Movie buffs often time their visits with the annual Shining Ball or horror film festivals hosted at the hotel.
2. Griffith Observatory – Los Angeles, California
If you swooned over La La Land (2016), you’ll remember the romantic dance scene under the stars at Griffith Observatory. Overlooking Los Angeles, this landmark has been featured in dozens of films, including Rebel Without a Cause (1955). It’s free to enter, making it one of LA’s best-value attractions. Stick around at sunset—the city skyline looks straight out of a film reel when the lights begin to twinkle.
3. Monument Valley – Utah/Arizona Border
John Ford made Monument Valley the backdrop of countless Westerns, from Stagecoach (1939) to The Searchers (1956). Its red sandstone mesas are cinematic icons, but standing there in person feels like stepping into American film history. Tours led by Navajo guides bring deeper meaning, sharing stories beyond what Hollywood captured. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch that golden-hour glow that made directors fall in love with this landscape.
4. Alcatraz Island – San Francisco, California
Featured in thrillers like Escape from Alcatraz (1979) and The Rock (1996), Alcatraz Island remains one of San Francisco’s most fascinating attractions. Visitors can take the ferry, explore former prison cells, and stand in spots where Clint Eastwood and Nicolas Cage once brought tense escape scenes to life. Night tours add another layer of atmosphere as the fog rolls in over the bay. It’s as haunting as it is cinematic. For more ideas, check out things to do in San Francisco.
5. Central Park – New York City, New York
New York’s Central Park is practically a supporting actor in cinema. From Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) to Enchanted (2007), its bridges, fountains, and lawns have been immortalized on film. The park has more than 800 acres, so chances are you’ll stumble upon a filming site without even trying. Horse-drawn carriage rides and live performances at the Delacorte Theater add extra movie-worthy moments. Don’t miss more tips inside our guide to things to do in New York City.
6. Devil’s Tower – Wyoming
In Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Devil’s Tower National Monument became the stage for Spielberg’s UFO landing. Rising dramatically out of the Wyoming plains, this natural wonder is both a sacred Native American site and a climber’s paradise. Hiking trails wrap around the base, offering views that make you feel like you’re in the movie. Bring a picnic—you’ll want to linger in this otherworldly setting.
7. Martha’s Vineyard – Massachusetts
The beaches of Martha’s Vineyard played Amity Island in Spielberg’s Jaws (1975). While the great white terror was fiction, the island is a beloved New England summer escape. You can join tours that point out exact filming locations or just relax on the same shores where movie history was made. Local restaurants even nod to the movie with shark-themed menus—though thankfully, it’s safe to swim.
8. Astoria – Oregon
The charming coastal town of Astoria is best known to film fans as the home of The Goonies (1985). Movie buffs can visit the Goonies House (viewing only from outside), the Oregon Film Museum, and other familiar spots while soaking in Astoria’s maritime history. The town has also appeared in Kindergarten Cop and Free Willy, giving you plenty of filming nostalgia in one stop. Stroll the waterfront for fresh seafood and a sense of small-town magic.
9. Savannah – Georgia
Forrest Gump (1994) gifted us the famous bench scene in Chippewa Square in Savannah. While the original bench is now in a museum, you can sit in the square and imagine Forrest telling strangers about life being “like a box of chocolates.” The city’s oak-shaded streets and historic homes have also drawn film crews for Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997). Beyond movies, Savannah is one of the most atmospheric cities in the South. You can find more travel inspiration in our guide to historic American cities.
10. Kauai – Hawaii
Spielberg returned to Hawaii for Jurassic Park (1993), and Kauai’s Na Pali Coast was the breathtaking stand-in for Isla Nublar. Helicopter rides and boat tours today give visitors those same jaw-dropping dinosaur-free views. Other films like Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and South Pacific also used Kauai’s landscapes. It’s a rare place where nearly every corner feels like a movie set brought to life. For more island adventures, see our list of breathtaking islands in the US.
