For many who live in Los Angeles, theyre just points on a map
random intersections that you pass on your way to work. But for those of us
who are film obsessed and observant enough, they mean much more. These landmarks
are actual locations that can be seen in some great movies. (And some bad movies
too.)
By walking on the same ground where these films were shot, it offers a way to
connect with the movies that moved us. Of course, so many films are shot in
Los Angeles, virtually every street you pass has made its way into a film at
some point or another. Our list is a collection of some of the best and most
obscure.
THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN
Located way up in the Hollywood Hills
As seen in: Earthquake and any one of a 100 movies.
If Los Angeles is being attacked or otherwise destroyed, the Hollywood sign
is there to remind you exactly where you are. The best part is that its
so easy to find, just center yourself somewhere north of Wilshire Blvd. and
look toward those mountains, theyre in the north. See it?
GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY
2800 East Observatory Rd., Los Angeles, 90027
www.griffithobs.org
As seen in: Rebel Without a Cause, The Terminator
The world famous Griffith Observatory is a dramatic location already and made
even more so by the knife fight that James Dean got into just outside this landmark.
Arnold showed up here buck naked, fresh from the future before killing some
punks for their clothes.
Bonus TV Landmark: The entrance to the Batcave from the Adam West 60s
TV show version of Batman is located in Griffith Park itself and only accessible
by hiking. (But its not that far.)
THE DRESDEN ROOM
1760 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, 90027
As seen in: Swingers
The Dresden Room featured the musical stylings of the duo Marty and Elaine and
played host to Jon Favreaus awkward dealings with the ladies in Swingers.
Money!
Bonus Landmark: Be sure also to visit the diner that Fav, Vince Vaughn and company
frequented, the 101 Restaurant located on Los Feliz Boulevard just east of the
entrance to the 101 freeway.
THE 110 FREEWAY TUNNEL
From the heart of Los Angeles, or from the valley, just get on the 110 Freeway
traveling north or south.
As seen in: Back to the Future Part II, Blade Runner
The 110 was one of the first freeways constructed in the United States which
explains why the road is so narrow. The futuristic looking tunnel seen briefly
in Blade Runner and Back to the Future Part II is just the reliable 110. Add
some dramatic lighting and it does have a futuristic feel to it.
FAR EAST NATIONAL BANK
977 North Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012 as well as 5th Street in downtown Los
Angeles and surrounding areas.
As seen in: Heat
Its true what comedian Dane Cook has said about men. More than having
sex, most men would like to be part of a heist just like the one from Heat.
Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro starred in this manly cops and robbers epic directed
by Michael Mann. It was shot entirely on location in Chinatown in downtown LA.
MUSSO AND FRANKS
6667 Hollywood Blvd.,Hollywood, CA 90036. Call 323-467-7788
As seen in: Oceans 11 and more.
This classic Hollywood steakhouse has been around since 1919 and has appeared
in a number of films including Oceans 11 and The Coen Brothers The
Man Who Wasnt There. Which, unfortunately, not a lot of people saw.
Theres a lot of history at this restaurant as so many Hollywood legends
made it their second home. Raymond Chandler actually wrote The Big Sleep in
the eatery. True story.
MANNS CHINESE THEATER
6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 90028.
www.manntheatres.com/chinese
As seen in: Charlies Angels and countless others.
This historic theater was a landmark even before it appeared in Charlies
Angels: Full Throttle.
LA BREA TAR PITS
5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036
As seen in: Volcano
Tommy Lee Jones is a city worker who battles a deadly volcano in a film titled,
oddly, Volcano. The lava pours onto Wilshire Blvd. and begins its rise from
the La Brea Tar Pits. A great landmark to visit as it conveniently already has
a museum and a gift shop.
BRADBURY BUILDING
304 South Broadway, Los Angeles, 90013
As seen in: Bladerunner
Its one of the few recognizable buildings in futuristic Los Angeles of
2014 just 8 years from now.
MULHOLLAND DRIVE
Mulholland Drive
As seen in: Mulholland Dr.
David Lynchs weird (when are his films not weird?) exploration of, uh,
not sure, but its set in LA and much of it happens on Mulholland Drive.