Let’s be honest, we all sometimes wish real life could be more like the movies. Be the star of your own movie by visiting your favorite movies’ filming location, and create your own happy ending. Let’s use this time to think about and plan your next adventure! Here are some famous film locations you can visit.
United States
1. Stand by Me (1986): Oregon
Oregon is home to spectacular waterfalls and mountain ranges. Although Stand by Me takes place in the fictional town of Castle Rock, it is actually filmed in Brownsville and Lake Britton Bridge. Take a walk-in downtown Brownsville on the exact same streets as Gordie. You can also cross the Green Bridge the boys crossed at the end of their journey. The city of Brownsville even embedded a penny in the road in the exact same place where Vern finds a penny in the movie!
2. Jurassic Park franchise (1993-2018): Hawaii
A large majority of filming for the Jurassic Park movies occurred on the Hawaiian Islands of Kauai and Oahu, even though they are described as being set off the Pacific side of Costa Rica in the movies.
Visit the Jurassic Kahili Ranch that appeared in three of the films, including Jurassic World, and stand where Grant saw living dinosaurs for the first time in Jurassic Park. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, arrange a helicopter tour over the Manawaiopuna Waterfall, which is nicknamed Jurassic Falls.
Photo by Spencer Watson on Unsplash
While you’re in Hawaii you should consider treating yourself with the gift of wellness. Wanderlust Travel Boutique is constantly staying up to date with wellness travel opportunities and wants to match you with your best wellness experience.
Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash
3. Serendipity (2001): New York
There are plenty of things to do in New York, and if you’re a fan of the film Serendipity you must check out the restaurant Serendipity 3.
Experience dining in the same restaurant where the couple agrees to let fate decide their future, and where they ultimately end up together! A tip for my chocolate lovers, order the frozen hot chocolate, trust me on this.
4. Groundhog Day (1993): Illinois
The movie Groundhog Day is set in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, but it was actually filmed in Woodstock, Illinois, which is about 60 miles northwest of Chicago. In the city you can visit the plaque on the sidewalk where Phil repeatedly stepped in the puddle.
Additionally, the big dance scene at the end of the movie was filmed inside The Woodstock Moose Lodge, which now hosts an annual Groundhog Dance and dinner!
Greece
5. Mamma Mia! (2008): Skopelos Island, Greece
Photo by Evangelia Pap on Unsplash
When planning a trip to Greece, look to the more remote destination of Skopelos, instead, or in addition to, the tourist hot spots Mykonos and Santorini. Most of the outdoor scenes in Mamma Mia! were filmed on-location at various beaches and towns on the island of Skopelos, which is located off the coast of Greece in the Aegean Sea.
Belgium
6. In Bruges (2008): Bruges, Belgium
Tour in style by taking an enjoyable and peaceful canal tour like Ken and Ray to see all that Bruges has to offer. Visit the Belfry of Bruges, one of Bruges’ most advertised sights, to experience a breathtaking view of the city. If you’re feeling hungry you can sit down for a meal at Cafedraal, the restaurant Ray and Chloe go to on their first date.
Photo by Hardie van Zyl on Unsplash
Photo by Leandro Mazzuquini on Unsplash
England
7. Notting Hill (1999): London, England
The notorious blue door of the flat William shares with Spike in the film is one of the most famous British film locations that you can actually visit in London. In addition, you can follow William and Anna’s journey step by step, including visiting the travel bookshop and dining at Nobu.
Italy
8. The Godfather (1972): Sicily, Italy
Savoca and Forza d’Agro are medieval villages in Sicily that featured two of the most memorable scenes including Michael’s first meeting with Apollinia’s father and the wedding.
You can also visit and eat at Bar Vitelli in Savoca, where Michael asks Apollinia’s father for his permission to marry his daughter. In addition to that, the church San Nicolo in Savoca, the church Michael and Apollina got married in, is also open to visitors and offers a captivating view of the Ionian Sea.
New Zealand
9. Lord of the Rings (2001-2003): North Island of New Zealand
Tongariro National Park is the setting for the land of Mordor and is home to breathtaking scenery. If you’re looking for more of an adventurous experience, you can climb Mount Doom and stand in the exact place the one ring was destroyed!
Photo by Alex Green on Unsplash
10. The Hobbit (2012-2014): North and South Islands of New Zealand
The Hobbit trilogy was filmed entirely throughout both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. You can visit Piopio, the backdrop for Middle-earth on your own or experience the exact filming locations with a guided tour.
Photo by Ömer Faruk Bekdemir on Unsplash
Along with being the entrance to the Lonely Mountain in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Turoa offers exquisite cycling and hiking trails.
Twizel is home to the largest battle scene ever, Battle of the Pelennor Fields, and is also a pleasant mountain town to walk around in and explore. New Zealand holds pure and breathtaking beauty you will definitely want to experience in your lifetime.
Keep dreaming. We’re here when you’re ready.
Wanderlust Travel Boutique is here for you every step of the way, and is ready to make your next adventure as perfect as the movies!
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Contact Us:
Jamie Jackson: (336) 263-1977 or [email protected]
Luxury Travel Advisor and Virtuoso Wellness Travel community member at Wanderlust Travel Boutique
At Wanderlust Travel Boutique, we will create a truly personalized, hassle-free vacation with a comprehensive itinerary, so you can enjoy an unforgettable experience.
If not now, when?
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/jamiejackson
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