Mesquite Flat Dunes

California, United States

Get a sense of Old Hollywood moviemaking at these diverse locations, which served as iconic backdrops for some of the most famous classic films.

201 Marine Dr
San Francisco, CA

In the 1850s, Fort Point in San Francisco was an integral part of the Pacific defense. Tours at the fort focus more on its history with candlelit tours and cannon-loading demonstrations. Stroll through the cemetery at Mission Dolores, or stay at the Hotel Vertigo (called the Empire in the movie), where "Vertigo" plays endlessly on the lobby ceiling.

2800 E Observatory Rd
Los Angeles, CA

Completed in 1935, the Griffith Observatory is almost as iconic as the Hollywood sign. For today's movie fans, the Observatory may be recognized as the spot where Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone waltzed under a star-filled ceiling in "La La Land." The Observatory also served as a location for 1955’s "Rebel Without a Cause," when James Dean’s character tries to impress his classmates in the planetarium, only to get caught up in a knife fight.

351 S Hill St
Los Angeles, CA

In 1901, Angels Flight was built on Los Angeles’ Bunker Hill to ferry locals up the steep incline. During the 1940s and ’50s, the neighborhood and its funicular became a familiar sight in noir films like "The Turning Point" (1952), "M" (1951), and "Kiss Me Deadly" (1955). The recently restored Angel’s Flight is open to ride and provides a great start to a noir walking tour.

Pioneertown

Pioneertown, California, United States

If Pioneertown reminds you of an Old West cowboy flick, your memory serves you well. Back in 1946, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and other investors created this frontier town–style movie set near Joshua Tree National Park. Visit today and you can still see the camera-ready façades resembling saloons, jailhouses, and stables.

10700 Escondido Canyon Rd
Agua Dulce, CA

In the so-called Golden Age of Hollywood (1910s–1960s), directors turned California into a cinematic wonderland. While today's movie shoots often occur in far-flung locations, American directors in the early days took advantage of their backyard, using California’s variety of terrains to work as stand-ins for global destinations. Learn more at the "Visit Website" link below.