Fun, Free Film Locations to Visit in LA
Posted on: Aug 20, 2024
Photo Credit: Matthew James Ferguson // ShutterstockIf you’re a film fanatic and you plan on visiting Los Angeles, or maybe you already live there, it may have crossed your mind to visit some of the most iconic filming locations in the city. But what if I told you that you could visit some of these places for free? Here is a list of filming locations you can visit for free, along with some television shows and films that took place there:
The Grove
This is a place where you can explore shopping, dining, the Original Farmers Market and plenty of entertainment. The Grove was even closed for a day ahead of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour concert film premiere last year and is frequently the home to film premiers today.
Address: 189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036
What has filmed here? Dancing With The Stars, Bratz: The Movie, Extra, I Love You, Man
El Coyote
One of the oldest surviving Mexican restaurants in LA, El Coyote is sure to give you all the nostalgic feels of this storied restaurant, as well as a chance to sit at the “Sharon Tate booth” and bask in the autographed headshots of countless celebrities on the walls.
Address: 7312 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
What has filmed here? Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood, The Hills TV series, The Fall Guy
The Original Randy’s Donuts
A staple in Los Angeles, Randy’s Donuts has been in the background of many of our favorite TV shows and movies. It’s free to take a picture in front of the iconic donut emblem, but stopping inside the shop to buy one of the famous donuts won’t cost much money and the experience itself is priceless!
Address: 805 W Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90301
What has filmed here? Californication, Coming to America, Iron Man 2
Elm Street House
When you hear “Elm Street,” what comes to mind is pretty much a given. It’s good to note that since this is a private property you’re not able to tour the inside, but that shouldn’t discourage you from taking a picture outside in front of the house. It’s nestled in an unsuspecting neighborhood right in the heart of Hollywood.
Address: 1428 N Genesee Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046
What has filmed here? Halloween and A Nightmare on Elm Street, along with the collection of movies from its franchise such as Freddy’s Revenge and Wes Craven’s New Nightmare have also filmed at this historic house!
Griffith Observatory
The park alone offers you several hiking options with some of the most amazing views of the city, but the world-famous observatory gives some amazing exterior and interior views for a number of films that cover sci-fi, action, rom-coms and even musicals. Talk about variety!
Address: 2800 East Observatory Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90027
What has filmed here? Terminator, La La Land, Jurassic Park, Rebel Without a Cause, Yes Man
Bradbury Building
Not only have some historic movies and TV shows been filmed here, but also some historic music videos for artists such as Cher, Janet Jackson, plus Earth, Wind & Fire, among others. The Bradbury Building has appeared as a setting in literature as well.
Address: 304 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
What has filmed here? Pay It Forward, Lethal Weapon 4, Mission: Impossible TV series
Point Dume
This place is already a huge tourist attraction, giving you stunning views of the ocean, an amazing hike, and plenty of photo ops! You also have the chance to swim of course, as well as scuba dive and surf.
Address: Cliffside Dr. and Birdview Ave., Malibu, CA 90265
What has filmed here? Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, the original Planet of the Apes.
There are many more filming locations across Los Angeles County. Some are the homes of real-life residents and others require a small fee to tour—if they allow you to tour at all—especially post-pandemic. But as far as additional spots? You have The Dunes apartment complex in Inglewood, which has become an attraction in the city since the HBO hit Insecure took off. Then of course you have the world-famous Music Box Steps in Silver Lake, known for The Music Box, winner of the first ever Academy Award for Best Live-Action Short (Comedy). And so much more! Even if you’re a film lover on a budget—you have so many options to choose from across town.
Andrea Tucker is a writer/producer in sports and entertainment.
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