“Every street in LA has a story, and every story has a spotlight waiting for its close-up.”
Imagine Jack Nicholson pacing the shadowy climax scene of Chinatown right here on these sun-baked streets, or Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone twirling under Griffith Observatory’s glow in La La Land. Los Angeles, the undisputed king of cinema, turns palm-lined boulevards into blockbuster backdrops where Hollywood magic collides with everyday glamour.
Craving a cinematic road trip? This city doubles as the world’s most filmed playground, from explosive Heat shootouts to the quirky lagoon of Gilligan’s Island, blending high-octane action, haunted hotels from American Horror Story, and iconic spots like the Spider-Man 2 bank heist. Movie buffs, romantics, and thrill-seekers will love uncovering Los Angeles filming locations that stand in for everywhere from Gotham in The Dark Knight Rises to timeless TV sets, all wrapped in endless sunshine and star power. “Things to do in Los Angeles” just got a reel upgrade.
Action Tour Guide’s Self-Guided Driving Tour of Famous Filming Locations puts you in the director’s chair, with GPS-triggered audio stories firing up automatically across 26 miles of must-see spots, letting you hop between favorites at your own pace with offline maps and hands-free navigation.
Picture driving past LA Union Station’s grand arches from noir classics, the Bradbury Building’s eerie stairwells that scream mystery thriller, or Echo Park Lake where boats bob like extras in a rom-com. Snap selfies at the Music Box Steps’ slapstick fame, gaze up at City Hall towering in cop dramas, then hit the Ennis House’s futuristic curves and Griffith Observatory’s sweeping vistas that stole scenes in La La Land and beyond. Weave through Bronson Canyon’s rugged trails from Westerns, the Hollywood Sign’s glamorous tease, and hidden gems like the Millennium Biltmore Hotel’s haunted haunts or Pacific Dining Car’s vintage vibes, turning your drive into a 30-story montage of silver screen secrets.
Lights, Camera, Side Effects!
Caution: This LA filming locations tour may trigger uncontrollable urges to narrate your drive like Michael Bay, quote Denzel Washington, or circle back for “one more take” at the Hollywood Sign. Expect exploding camera storage, sudden cravings for diner coffee, and plotting your Oscar speech before the credits roll.
Traveling for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Great timing. Several host cities also happen to be Action Tour Guide destinations. Use flexible self-guided audio tours to explore more between matches, with GPS-triggered stories that fit your schedule and pace.
With the Los Angeles Driving Tours Bundle, you drive past studios, movie locations, and classic viewpoints in your own car between games.
Want all of our tours? Upgrade to Action+:
- An annual $99.99/year subscription offers access to over 200+ tours.
- Unlimited use throughout the year.
- Includes free access to new tours as they are released.
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La Filming Locations Map
Where To Start?
Starting Point Address: 983n N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good Wi-Fi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Los Angeles Famous Filming Locations Audio Tour Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
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Welcome
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Climax of Chinatown
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LA Union Station
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LA City Hall
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Bradbury Building
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The Last Bookstore
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Beaux Arts Building
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Palace Theatre
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Cicada Club
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Millennium Biltmore Hotel
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Heat Shootout
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Pacific Dining Car
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Echo Park Lake
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Music Box Steps
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The Virgil
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The Vista
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John Marshall High School
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Messhall Kitchen
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Ennis House
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Griffith Observatory
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Bronson Canyon
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Hollywood Sign
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
As you might guess, Los Angeles is the most filmed city in the world. A big reason why is just convenience! Why fly a whole movie cast and crew halfway across the world if you can shoot in your own backyard?
Los Angeles is the number one film city in America (and the rest of the world). It’s where the heart of the film industry is based, it’s where the most movies are shot, and it’s where the biggest movie stars live!
Griffith Observatory is probably the most filmed place in LA outside the studio lots. Appearing in everything from La La Land to Jurassic Park, this is a must-see spot for anyone visiting the city.
The famous filmmaking sections of Los Angeles are called the “studio lots.” Owned by major studios like Warner Brothers and Paramount, these sprawling lots are home to crazy sets and greenscreen galore, and tons of scenes from your favorite films have been shot there.
It does! While the only way to actually get to the sign itself is by hiking, this tour will take you as close as you can get in a car, offering stupendous views of this iconic American landmark.
You might not realize it, but Los Angeles itself is probably the most famous filming location in the world. Sure, there are plenty of movies that take place in LA, but the city also stands in for tons of other locations all the time!
On this tour, you’ll see sites like the diner from Training Day, the lagoon from Gilligan’s Island, the street from the final scene of Chinatown, and much, much more.
If you’re visiting Los Angeles during the summer, short sleeves and shorts are the way to go! During the cooler seasons, a light jacket and long pants will usually suffice.
A car, whether your own or a rental, is highly recommended when visiting Los Angeles. The city is quite spread out and is not especially walkable, so having your own vehicle gives you much more freedom than you would otherwise have
Beverly Hills is best known as a hub of celebrity homes in Los Angeles. It’s the most expensive neighborhood in the city, and is home to big name celebs like Al Pacino.
Most of LA’s movie sets are located on studio lots belonging to the major film studios in the city. Unfortunately, these aren’t open to the public, as they’re constantly being used to, you know, make movies!
Explore 200+ Tours
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Tours are valid forever.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or Wi-Fi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, get travel tips, hear narrated guides, and see hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
