Ever wondered where your favorite Hollywood scenes came to life? From the stars above L.A. to the desert sands of Palm Springs, California is a reel-to-real dream. Pack your bags for a cinematic road trip across iconic movie locations — all in one unforgettable state-spanning adventure.
Griffith Observatory – Los Angeles
High atop Mount Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory offers more than just panoramic views of Los Angeles. It’s also a silver screen legend, featured in classics like Rebel Without a Cause and The Terminator. Don’t miss a live show at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, or catch a cosmic glimpse through the Zeiss telescope after dark.
Ride the Rails & Taste the City
Next stop: Angels Flight, the “world’s shortest railway.” This charming funicular, made famous in La La Land, climbs just 300 feet but packs a punch of nostalgia. At the top, take in the views of Bunker Hill, or head below to Grand Central Market where Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling had pupusas at Sarita’s.
From Desert Thrills to Western Nostalgia
In Palm Springs, the cinematic charm continues. The sweeping wind farms starred in Mission: Impossible III, while the Palm Springs Convention Center set the stage for A Star Is Born. For a throwback vibe, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway or stay at Casa de Monte Vista, Liberace’s glam getaway seen in Behind the Candelabra.
A short drive away, Pioneertown welcomes visitors with rustic Western charm — originally built as a movie set in 1946. Stay overnight at Pioneertown Motel or catch a live show at Pappy & Harriet’s, a desert favorite where even Paul McCartney has performed.
Epic Landscapes, Hollywood-Style
Death Valley National Park is where nature steals the show. From Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes to the golden glow of Zabriskie Point, these locations have doubled for otherworldly movie scenes. Springtime brings vibrant wildflowers, making it a perfect season to visit.
Just beyond lies Lone Pine, home to the Museum of Western Film History and over 400 film backdrops. Movie Road runs through the Alabama Hills, including the iconic Lone Ranger Canyon—a setting for Iron Man, The Lone Ranger, and Gladiator.
Mammoth Lakes: Where the Adventure Peaks
Cap your journey at Mammoth Mountain, whose snow-covered peaks stood in for the Himalayas in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Spring brings biking trails and hot springs, while winter offers skiing that can last into early summer. Stop by the California Welcome Center for tips on fishing spots and mountain hikes.