The magic of cinema has long captivated audiences, not only through compelling stories and dazzling visuals but also by bringing real-world locations into the spotlight. Many iconic film sets have been immortalized on screen, transforming ordinary locations into extraordinary backdrops for unforgettable scenes. The good news? Many of these locations are still standing today, allowing you to step into the world of your favorite films.
Here are 10 legendary movie sets that you can still visit, immersing yourself in the very places where cinematic history was made.
Back to the Future – Universal Studios, California
Back to the Future fans will recognize Courthouse Square from the Universal Studios Hollywood lot, the setting for many of the film’s iconic scenes. From the clock tower to the bustling streets of Hill Valley, this set has been used in numerous films and TV shows over the years. Though many parts of the lot have changed due to fire damage and redevelopment, the square itself remains a popular destination for tourists.
Visitors can tour the lot, taking in the nostalgic sights of Hill Valley and other famous movie sets. For a more immersive experience, opt for the VIP tour for a closer look at the backlot and an extended photo opportunity.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre – Kingsland, Texas
The eerie house from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre still stands, albeit in a new form. Originally filmed in Round Rock, Texas, the infamous home was moved to Kingsland and turned into a restaurant called the Junction House. While it closed in 2012, the location was reopened as Grand Central Restaurant on the grounds of the Antlers Hotel.
The restaurant’s history remains a dark part of its past, adding to its unique charm. Horror enthusiasts can still dine in the same building that terrified audiences in the original film, making it a spooky yet memorable stop for genre fans.
Shawshank Redemption – Ohio State Reformatory
Shawshank Redemption is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. Despite the fictional nature of Shawshank Prison, the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, is very real. This imposing structure, once a working prison until its closure in 1990, served as the backdrop for Andy Dufresne’s daring escape. Today, the prison is a historical site, offering guided tours that take visitors through the iconic locations from the movie, including the warden’s office, the chapel, and the cellblock where Andy famously carved his way to freedom.
Preserving the Ohio State Reformatory allows visitors to step back in time and feel the intensity of the film’s most dramatic moments.
Jurassic Park – Oahu, Hawaii
Arguably one of the most iconic film locations ever, the lush island landscapes of Jurassic Park can still be explored in Oahu, Hawaii. Steven Spielberg’s 1993 blockbuster, based on Michael Crichton’s novel, transformed these sweeping views into Isla Nublar’s awe-inspiring setting, where massive dinosaurs roamed free.
Visitors can embark on thrilling tours across the island, riding through the very plains where characters like Dr. Alan Grant encountered the towering Brachiosaurus or barely escaped the menacing T. rex. While the dinosaurs may have been digital, the scenery remains an untouched paradise.
For a unique experience, opt for the horseback or ATV tours that let you retrace the footsteps of the Jurassic Park characters through the stunning valleys and towering cliffs.
The Goonies – Astoria, Oregon
In the small town of Astoria, Oregon, the spirit of The Goonies continues to resonate. This beloved 1985 adventure film, featuring a group of kids in search of pirate treasure, used the rugged cliffs and rocky outcroppings of the Pacific Northwest to create its memorable scenes. Notably, the dramatic final moment when the pirate ship emerges from the cave was filmed at the base of Haystack Rock, located near Cannon Beach.
The Goonie House (at 368 38th Street) still stands, and other homes used in the film are scattered around the town. Film buffs and nostalgic visitors can take a walk through the streets that brought the adventure to life, making it an essential stop for fans of the cult classic.
Planet of the Apes – Arizona and Utah
The alien landscapes of Planet of the Apes were not filmed on a distant planet but on Earth, specifically in the striking canyons of Arizona and Utah. Lake Powell in Utah, with its dramatic cliffs and vast expanses, served as the setting for many of the film’s iconic scenes. These areas remain accessible to visitors, and a boat ride or a short hike through them offers a chance to relive the movie’s dramatic moments. Lake Powell, created in the 1960s, is now a popular destination for cliff diving and other water sports.
Whether you’re a fan of the Planet of the Apes franchise or simply an adventurer seeking incredible landscapes, this location is a must-visit.
Harry Potter – Oxford, England
While Harry Potter fans may dream of receiving a letter from Hogwarts, you don’t need a magical owl to visit the iconic film locations. Many scenes from the Harry Potter series were filmed in real-world locations, including Oxford’s Christ Church College, which served as the inspiration for Hogwarts’ Great Hall. Additionally, Gloucester Cathedral and Lacock Abbey played key roles in bringing the wizarding world to life.
For those seeking the full Hogwarts experience, guided tours of these locations provide an enchanting look into the world of magic and mystery. Whether you’re strolling through the cloisters or dining in the Great Hall’s recreated dining space, these locations are a must-see for fans.
Indiana Jones – Petra, Jordan
The Indiana Jones films took audiences on thrilling adventures across the globe, with many iconic locations still standing today. One of the most memorable sets from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is the Al-Khazneh temple in Petra, Jordan. Carved into the rock face, this architectural marvel served as the exterior of the ancient temple that housed the Holy Grail.
Visiting Petra feels like stepping into an ancient world where history and cinema collide. While the temple’s interior was recreated on a Hollywood soundstage, the awe-inspiring exterior remains one of the world’s most celebrated ancient wonders.
Night of the Living Dead – Evans City, Pennsylvania
The groundbreaking 1968 horror classic Night of the Living Dead was filmed in Evans City, Pennsylvania, with many of the original locations still intact. The cemetery from the opening scene, where Barbara first encounters the undead, remains a popular destination for horror fans. Despite its dilapidated state, Evans City Cemetery retains its eerie charm, appearing almost unchanged since the film’s release.
For fans of zombie cinema, a visit to Evans City Cemetery provides an unmissable chance to walk in the footsteps of one of the most influential horror films ever made.
Friday the 13th – Nobebosco Campground, New Jersey
Friday the 13th fans can visit the real Camp Crystal Lake at NoBeBoSco Campground in Blairstown, New Jersey. This Boy Scouts of America property served as the filming location for the classic horror film in the early 1980s. Visitors can still see the cabins from the film, though access is limited to off-season visits with permission from the Boy Scouts.
For those brave enough to embrace the horror, a visit to this site offers the chance to relive the spine-tingling moments of Friday the 13th firsthand.
Conclusion
Visiting movie sets provides an immersive experience that connects fans to the films they love. Locations like Jurassic Park in Hawaii, The Goonies in Oregon, and Shawshank Redemption in Ohio offer incredible opportunities for cinematic tourism. Whether it’s the ancient ruins of Petra or the spooky grounds of Camp Crystal Lake, these film locations continue to captivate visitors worldwide.