Movie & TV Filming Locations in San Diego, United States
1. Balboa Park
Historic park with Spanish architecture and diverse museums, famously used in films like 'La La Land'. Visit the San Diego Museum of Art or the Botanical Building.
- Rich History: Balboa Park was built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.
- Cultural Diversity: Over 15 museums and cultural institutions reside in Balboa Park.
- Beautiful Architecture: Spanish-Baroque, Spanish Colonial Revival, and Mission Revival architecture can be found throughout the park.
2. Hotel del Coronado
Iconic beachfront hotel built in 1888, known for its red turrets and used in movies like 'Some Like It Hot'. Stay a night or visit for dining and shopping.
- Historic Building: Hotel del Coronado is a National Historic Landmark.
- Beachfront Location: Hotel del Coronado sits directly on Coronado Beach, offering stunning ocean views.
- Elegant Interior Design: The hotel features ornate Victorian-era decor and a grand lobby with stained glass windows.
3. Coronado Island
Scenic island with sandy beaches and the famous Hotel del Coronado, used as a filming location in 'Top Gun'.
- Beach Activities: Enjoy swimming, surfing, or paddleboarding on Coronado Beach.
- Historical Sites: Visit the U.S.S. Iowa Battleship Museum or the Coronado Museum of History & Art.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Drive along Ocean Boulevard for stunning views of San Diego Bay and downtown San Diego.
4. San Diego Zoo
World-renowned zoo with over 3,500 animals, used as a filming location for 'Zookeeper'. Don't miss the giant pandas and gorillas!
- Wide Variety of Animals: The San Diego Zoo houses animals from all over the world.
- Conservation Efforts: The zoo is actively involved in conservation projects for endangered species.
- Unique Exhibits: Explore the California Tower, the Australian Outback, and the new Japan Panoramic exhibit.
5. Petco Park
Home of the San Diego Padres baseball team, used in films like 'A League of Their Own'. Take a guided tour or catch a game!
- Historic Ballpark: Petco Park is one of the newest MLB ballparks, built in 2004.
- Waterfront Location: Petco Park is located on the waterfront with views of the Coronado Bridge.
- Tours and Events: Take a behind-the-scenes tour, or attend a concert at Petco Park during the off-season.
6. La Jolla Cove
Beautiful cove with tide pools and sea lions, featured in movies like 'The Descendants'. Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, or just relaxing on the beach.
- Marine Life: La Jolla Cove is home to a variety of marine life, including seals and sea lions.
- Scenic Coastline: The cove offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the La Jolla cliffs.
- Easy Accessibility: La Jolla Cove is accessible via a stairway or elevator, making it friendly for all visitors.
7. The New Children's Museum
Interactive children's museum used in 'The LEGO Movie', offering hands-on art and play activities.
- Children's Activities: The New Children's Museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits for kids.
- Local Artists: The museum collaborates with local artists to create engaging exhibits.
- Special Events: Check the museum's calendar for special events, like family art nights and summer camps.
8. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Scenic coastal reserve used in 'Top Gun', featuring stunning cliffs, hiking trails, and a challenging golf course.
- Hiking Trails: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers multiple trails for hikers of all skill levels.
- Golf Course: The Torrey Pines Golf Course hosts the annual Farmers Insurance Open PGA Tour event.
- Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for coastal wildlife, including the rare Torrey pine tree and migrating birds.
9. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Historic district showcasing adobe buildings from the 1800s, used in movies like 'The Love Bug'. Explore museums, shops, and restaurants.
- Historical Buildings: Old Town San Diego features original adobe buildings from the late 1800s.
- Museums and Shops: Visit museums like Casa de Estudillo or browse unique shops for souvenirs.
- Authentic Mexican Cuisine: Enjoy traditional Mexican food at one of the many restaurants in Old Town San Diego.
10. Mission Beach
Scenic beach with a wooden boardwalk and iconic Belmont Park, used as a filming location for 'The Lost Boys'. Rent bikes or try the giant dipper roller coaster!
- Beach Activities: Mission Beach offers activities like swimming, volleyball, and paddleboarding.
- Amusement Park: Belmont Park features rides, games, and a mini-golf course.
- Boardwalk Views: Take a leisurely stroll along the Mission Beach boardwalk for beautiful ocean views.
11. Sunny Jim Sea Cave
Unique sea cave located under the Solana Beach cliffs, used as a filming location for 'The Lovebirds'. Explore during low tide.
- Natural Wonder: Sunny Jim Sea Cave is a naturally formed sea cave accessible via a tunnel.
- Tide Pool Exploration: During low tide, explore the tide pools inside the cave for marine life.
- Scenic Hiking Trail: Hike the trail to Sunny Jim Sea Cave for beautiful ocean views.
12. SeaWorld San Diego
Marine life park used in 'Free Willy', offering shows, rides, and animal exhibits.
- Animal Shows: Watch the impressive Shamu Show or the dolphin and sea lion shows.
- Rides and Roller Coasters: Experience thrilling rides like Manta, Journey to Atlantis, and the Electric Eel roller coaster.
- Conservation Efforts: SeaWorld is committed to animal rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts.
13. Universal Studios Hollywood
Theme park located in Los Angeles, featuring movie sets, rides, and shows. Take a studio tour or visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Movie Sets and Rides: Explore iconic movie sets like the Bates Motel from 'Psycho' or ride the Jurassic Park River Adventure.
- Shows: Watch live shows, like The Bourne Stuntacular and WaterWorld.
- Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Immerse yourself in the magic of Hogwarts at this Harry Potter-themed area.
14. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Behind-the-scenes tour of the Warner Bros. movie studios, featuring sets from 'Friends', 'The Big Bang Theory', and 'Harry Potter'.
- TV Show Sets: Explore sets from iconic TV shows like 'Friends' and 'The Big Bang Theory'.
- Movie Sets: Visit sets from movies like 'Batman', 'Harry Potter', and 'The Matrix'.
- Studio Tour: Learn about the movie-making process on a guided tour of the Warner Bros. studios.
15. Universal's Islands of Adventure
Theme park in Orlando, Florida, featuring themed lands like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Marvel Super Hero Island.
- Themed Lands: Explore themed lands like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Toon Lagoon, and Jurassic Park.
- Rides: Experience thrilling rides like the Hulk roller coaster and the Forbidden Journey.
- Character Meet-and-Greets: Meet your favorite characters, like Spiderman or Harry Potter.