3 Days of Fabulous LA Film Locations

Point Dume State Beach in "Planet of the Apes"
Point Dume State Beach in "Planet of the Apes"  |  Photo:  @filmtourismus
Overview

Even film buffs have to get out from in front of the screen sometimes. Star in your own getaway with this award-winning film location planner. While we can make the argument that everywhere in LA is a film location, we've pulled out a few no-brainers and included some fun things that every fan of the movies must do. Make sure to check out "film locations" on discoverlosangeles.com for more.


Day 1

And we're rolling...start with breakfast at Westfield Century City, built on the grounds of the former 20th Century Fox backlot. Then it's off for a whirlwind trip through Hollywood history - including the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and classic Film Noir locations - that ends with spectacular views from the one-of-a kind Yamashiro restaurant.


Primary image for Westfield Century City
Westfield Century City

Breakfast at Eataly or Randy's Donuts? Yum.

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Fox Plaza
Fox Plaza

Best known as Nakatomi Plaza from "Die Hard" (1988).

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Primary image for Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

This behind the scenes tour is a must for movie fans.

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Primary image for TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX
TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX

Check out the hand/footprints of Hollywood icons.

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Red Carpet Entrance at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood
Dolby Theatre

Take a selfie at the world-famous red carpet entrance.

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Larry Edmunds Bookshop
Larry Edmunds Bookshop

A mecca for movie fans seeking books, posters and more.

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Bronson Gate at Paramount Studios

Norma Desmond enters the studio here in "Sunset Blvd."

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6301 Quebec Dr.
“Double Indemnity” House

Private residence appeared as the Dietrichson home.

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Formosa Café

Step into a Film Noir bar right out of "LA Confidential."

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Primary image for Musso & Frank Grill
Musso & Frank Grill

As seen in Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood."

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The Hollywood Roosevelt

Enjoy a poolside nightcap at the home of the first Oscars.

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Day 2

It's Day 2, what's your 20? Start the day with the world-famous Studio Tour and movie-themed rides at Universal Studios Hollywood. Head to Downtown LA for some La La Land goodness, a stunning Blade Runner location, and two iconic hotels with Hollywood history, the Biltmore Los Angeles and Westin Bonaventure. And finally it's "all aboard" for a stop at Union Station - site of the 2021 Oscars - and dinner at a Chinatown favorite serving up authentic Chinese cuisine with vegan options.


Mosasaurus attacks in Jurassic World: The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood

The Studio Tour, Harry Potter, Jurassic World and more.

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Primary image for Sarita's Pupuseria
Sarita's Pupuseria

Grab a bite at this popular "La La Land" scene-stealer.

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Angels Flight® Railway

Ride the 1901 funicular railway from "La La Land."

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Bradbury Building

As seen in "Blade Runner" and countless Film Noirs.

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The Biltmore Los Angeles

Visit the historic hotel that hosted eight Oscar ceremonies.

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Primary image for The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites

Ride the glass elevators seen in "True Lies" and more.

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Bruce Lee statue in Chinatown's Central Plaza
Bruce Lee Statue

Chinatown pays tribute to the martial arts legend.

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Hop Woo BBQ & Seafood Restaurant

Family owned favorite serving authentic Chinese cuisine.

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Day 3

Set jet out to the beautiful LA Arboretum, which has transformed into faraway lands for classic Tarzan movies, The African Queen, and modern hits like Jurassic Park and Terminator 2. Enjoy an old school Mexican lunch from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, check out the spectacular Academy Museum, then spend Magic Hour on Venice Beach for a show-stopping sunset. That's a wrap.


Primary image for Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Take a beautiful walk through LA's cinematic "jungle."

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Primary image for The Langham Huntington Pasadena, Los Angeles
The Langham Huntington Pasadena, Los Angeles

Book a private film location tour at this historic hotel.

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Colorado Street Bridge

Take a stroll like Mia and Sebastian did in "La La Land."

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El Coyote Mexican Cafe in "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"
El Coyote Café

Traditional Mexican fare and stiff Margaritas since 1931.

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Bruce Lee exhibit at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Explore LA's stunning movie mecca on Museum Row.

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DeLorean Time Machine from Back to the Future (1985), Back to the Future II (1989), and Back to the Future III (1990) | Photo: Petersen Automotive Museum
Petersen Automotive Museum

The Batmobile, "Back to the Future" DeLorean and more.

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Bernie Sanders 2020 campaign office at Johnie's Coffee Shop
Johnie's Coffee Shop

Featured in "The Big Lebowski" and "Reservoir Dogs."

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Point Dume State Beach in "Planet of the Apes"
Point Dume State Beach

One of the all-time great film endings was filmed here.

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Santa Monica Pier Carousel
Santa Monica Pier Carousel

Ride the carousel from Best Picture winner "The Sting."

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"Touch of Venice" mural by Jonas Never
Venice Beach

"Touch of Evil" and "White Men Can't Jump" filmed here.

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Photo courtesy of Gjelina
Gjelina

Cal-Italian cuisine with a side of celeb sightings.

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