Explore Los Angeles Filming Locations with a Self-Guided Tour

Key facts

What's included

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 Pass by

   This intersection was the shooting location for the tragic climax of Roman Polanski’s Chinatown, one of the greatest films noir ever made. A staple of Hollywood cinema since the 1940s, film noir blended the cynical, hardboiled American crime fiction of the 20s and 30s with striking, moody cinematography inspired by German Expressionist filmmaking. Film noir stories often follow highly flawed protagonists who find themselves embroiled in conspiracies and complicated investigations far beyond their reach. Note: The tour is over 26 miles long, with more than 30 audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

2. Stop 2 Pass by

   Look on your right is Union Station, the busiest train hub in the entire western United States. It has been featured in dozens of films and television shows over the decades, but only occasionally as an actual train station!

3. Stop 3

   That small body of water to your left is Echo Park Lake, one of the many urban lakes that dot the LA landscape. Look out over the water at some of the islands. Do they look familiar at all?

   3 hours

4. Stop 4 Pass by

   See that brown, Victorian office building on your right? That’s the Bradbury Building, one of LA’s National Historic Landmarks. It’s been used in many movies, including <em>Double Indemnity</em> and <em>(500) Days of Summer</em>. Most famously, it’s the location for J.F. Sebastian’s apartment in <em>Blade Runner</em>, including the climactic rooftop scene with Harrison Ford.

5. Stop 5 Pass by

   On the ground floor of this tower to your right is The Last Bookstore, the largest used bookstore in Los Angeles. Once a bank, it’s now a vibrant space filled with book displays, and a popular spot for photoshoots and music videos, including artists like The Kid LAROI and Kobe Bryant.

6. Stop 6 Pass by

   This bank was featured in <em>Spider-Man 2</em> as the site of a thrilling fight scene with Doctor Octopus. The scene involved complex stunts, some shot on location and others in front of a green screen, seamlessly combined in editing.

7. Stop 7 Pass by

   The Palace Theater, known for doubling as Club Silencio in David Lynch’s <em>Mulholland Drive</em>. Lynch’s film is a surreal tribute to Hollywood, blending love and critique of the industry.

8. Stop 8 Pass by

   LA’s City Hall, a common filming location. It appeared in the 1953 <em>War of the Worlds</em> and the TV show <em>The Adventures of Superman</em>, where it played the Daily Planet building.

9. Stop 9 Pass by

   The Millennium Biltmore Hotel, where the Ghostbusters captured their first ghost in the original <em>Ghostbusters</em>. The hotel’s ballroom was destroyed during filming.

10. Stop 10 Pass by

    Near the intersection of West 5th and Flower, this spot was the location for the famous <em>Heat</em> shootout scene, featuring a nearly 10-minute gunfight between police and bank robbers.

11. Stop 11 Pass by

    The Pacific Dining Car, a historic Hollywood lunch spot since the 1920s. It’s hosted many celebrities and appeared in films like <em>Training Day</em>.

12. Stop 12 Pass by

    Look for the Cicada Club, a vintage Art Deco nightclub that’s been a Hollywood fixture since the 1920s. It’s featured in movies like <em>Pretty Woman</em>, <em>Bruce Almighty</em>, and <em>Once Upon a Time in Hollywood</em>.

13. Stop 13 Pass by

    The Music Box, a 1932 Laurel and Hardy short film, famous for its piano-moving scene. It’s been preserved in the National Film Registry for its cultural significance.

14. Stop 14 Pass by

    A 1920s-style saloon with ornate decor, serving classic cocktails in a nostalgic setting.

15. Stop 15 Pass by

    Near the big red movie theater on the corner, a landmark easily spotted with its bright sign. Keep an eye out as you pass by.

16. Stop 16 Pass by

    John Marshall High School in Los Feliz, a well-known filming location for many movies and TV shows.

17. Stop 17 Pass by

    A modern gastropub serving elevated American comfort food and inventive cocktails, perfect for a break during your tour.

18. Stop 18 Pass by

    The Ennis House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, located in Los Feliz. It’s a striking historic residence often seen in films.

19. Stop 19 Pass by

    Griffith Observatory offers stunning views of Los Angeles and has appeared in numerous films. It’s a must-see stop on your tour.

20. Stop 20 Pass by

    Bronson Canyon, famous as the original Batcave in the 1960s Batman TV series. Its caves have been used in many Westerns and sci-fi movies.

21. Stop 21 Pass by

    The iconic Hollywood Sign, perched on Mount Lee, is a symbol of Los Angeles and Hollywood’s film industry. A perfect photo opportunity.

Meeting point & pickup

Meet at the starting point

Start at 990 N Hill St, Los Angeles. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to park safely nearby. Open the app, select your tour, and tap Start Touring. The audio guides will play automatically via GPS. If you start from a different location, drive to the nearest point on the route and continue without backtracking.

How to get there

Download the app after booking, connect to WiFi or mobile data, and follow the instructions to begin your self-guided tour.

Cancellation & confirmation