Top 26+ Movie Sets You Can Still Visit Today
- #1: The Rocky Steps – Rocky (1976) (Philadelphia, PA)
- #3: Monument Valley – Stagecoach (1939) and Many Westerns (UT/AZ Border)
- #4: The Stanley Hotel – The Shining (1980) (Estes Park, CO)
- #7: Tatooine Sets – Star Wars (1977) (Tunisia)
- #9: Katz’s Delicatessen – When Harry Met Sally (1989) (New York City, NY)
- #10: Downtown Savannah – Forrest Gump (1994) (Savannah, GA)
- #12: Highclere Castle – Downton Abbey (2010–2015) (Hampshire, England)
- #13: Oxford University – The Theory of Everything (2014), Harry Potter (2001–2011)
- #15: Griffith Observatory – Rebel Without a Cause (1955), La La Land (2016) (Los Angeles, CA)
- #16: Timberline Lodge – The Shining (1980) (Mt. Hood, OR)
- #18: The Bench at Notting Hill – Notting Hill (1999) (London, England)
- #19: The Beach – The Goonies (1985) (Cannon Beach, OR)
- #21: Baker Street – Sherlock Holmes (2009) (London, England)
- #22: Skellig Michael – Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) (Ireland)
- #24: Rydell High – Grease (1978) (Venice High School, Los Angeles, CA)
- #25: Bodega Bay – The Birds (1963) (Bodega, CA)

There’s nothing movie aficionados enjoy more than the exhilaration of stepping into where their favorite scenes were shot. While many are temporary or studio-based, some are real places you can walk around. From Western ghost towns to sci-fi deserts, here are 26 iconic movie sets open to the public—and waiting for your visit.
#1: The Rocky Steps – Rocky (1976) (Philadelphia, PA)

The steps that lead up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art have always been tied to that iconic run of Rocky Balboa. Thousands of fans are known to climb these steps each year in imitation of the famous training scene. Of course, they take time out to snap a selfie with the Rocky statue as well. So, for anyone inspired by where determination and success meet fate, take a sightseeing tour here.
#3: Monument Valley – Stagecoach (1939) and Many Westerns (UT/AZ Border)

Monument Valley is home to a beautiful landscape of the classical Western movies, particularly those by John Ford. The red rock formations and panoramic views present today the seeming aperture into the Wild West. Visitors are provided guided trips informing them about the iconic Navajo Nation’s history and culture, thereby enhancing their experience of this notorious movie setting.
#4: The Stanley Hotel – The Shining (1980) (Estes Park, CO)

The Stanley Hotel was the actual place that inspired Stephen King’s classic horror story and provided the atmosphere for the movie. While the set is located elsewhere in actual movies, this hotel is a gem, filled with spooky tales, which ghost tours use to entertain visitors by checking out the haunted halls; thus, it’s an eerie place for thriller and horror enthusiasts to visit.
#6: Ghost Ranch – Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) (Abiquiú, NM)

The Ghost Ranch offers amazing views that have been used in the filming of various movies, such as Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), which is part of the Indiana Jones series. This pretty desert destination asks visitors to hike, explore some art, and take in huge landscapes that filmmakers have been capturing for years. The rugged beauty carries the spirit of the American Southwest, making it a must for all film enthusiasts.
#7: Tatooine Sets – Star Wars (1977) (Tunisia)

Claim it as the perfect passport to a galaxy far, far away, to examining the Tatooine sets in Tunisia. A few such structures, like the home of Luke Skywalker, still exist on this incredible desert landscape. One can pay a visit to these fantastic sites associated with one of the biggest movie franchises in history.
#9: Katz’s Delicatessen – When Harry Met Sally (1989) (New York City, NY)

Katz’s Delicatessen is an iconic New York spot, and it is also one of the filming locations for the most unforgettable scene in When Harry Met Sally (1989). People can now bring home some magic as they enjoy pastrami sandwiches very similar to those featured in that scene. And don’t forget their classic cinematic quote: “I’ll have what she’s having!” as a salute to one of the most famous scenes in cinematic history.
#10: Downtown Savannah – Forrest Gump (1994) (Savannah, GA)

Savannah is indeed a charming place, and visitors can find the Chippewa Square in where the bench scene was shot in Forrest Gump (1994), and have their pictures taken, though the real bench presently sits in a museum. They can walk around the old area and relish the beauty that was the film.
#12: Highclere Castle – Downton Abbey (2010–2015) (Hampshire, England)

Another luxurious background – the Highclere Castle in Hampshire, UK, which hosted the favourite story of the Crawley family affairs. Seasonal tours are open to visitors to walk through the beautiful grounds and extremely interior where the drama of the Crawley family was performed. It’s just an amazing thing to step into the world of British aristocracy by taking a look at this iconic place.
#13: Oxford University – The Theory of Everything (2014), Harry Potter (2001–2011)

Oxford University has made its appearance in movies like The Theory of Everything (2014) and the series of Harry Potter (2001-2011). These ancient halls and libraries are a pretty impressive backdrop for any movie, adding a sense of depth to the movie. Walking around here, people can look at some stunning architecture, delve into the history there, and have a cinematic magic experience at those iconic locations.
#15: Griffith Observatory – Rebel Without a Cause (1955), La La Land (2016) (Los Angeles, CA)

Los Angeles would not be complete without a visit to the Griffith Observatory. Beloved for its cameo roles in famous films such as Rebel Without a Cause (1955) and La La Land (2016), this scenic overlook is not only privileged with breathtaking views of the city but also the ideal place to spend a lazy afternoon. Visitors get to explore cool exhibits that are filled with rich cinematic history and feel the vibe throughout their visit.
#16: Timberline Lodge – The Shining (1980) (Mt. Hood, OR)

Timberline Lodge plays the role of the exterior of the Overlook Hotel in The Shining (1980). Today, it serves as a warm and welcoming ski resort, allowing aficionados an unusually tangible connection to the past, whether you are schussing down the runs or sipping a hot toddy by the fire.
#18: The Bench at Notting Hill – Notting Hill (1999) (London, England)

A charming little spot is the ‘Notting Hill garden bench’ nestled in Rosmead Gardens. Because access to it is restricted to the people living there, it infuses the area with a romantic touch. Despite the restricted access, the pretty picture, Notting Hill (1999) fans can still walk through sections of the neighborhood, allowing the imagination of this adorable romantic comedy to prevail.
#19: The Beach – The Goonies (1985) (Cannon Beach, OR)

This is where the whole entertaining spectacle of The Goonies (1985) takes place amid picturesquely set locations with iconic Haystack Rock on top. Needless to say, it’s a stunning coastal destination, attracting film enthusiasts and tidepool explorers alike, but you can go walking down the sandy shoreline and take in the wonderful built backdrop to this film, as well as take in the local charm of this Oregon treasure.
#21: Baker Street – Sherlock Holmes (2009) (London, England)

The place is quite iconic; the great detective Sherlock Holmes (2009) started all his adventures, although most shooting was done in studios. This great street of fame pays all honor to the world’s most looked-upon detective with several shops and attractions for his fans. A visit to this place would really drag you to step into the Victorian London atmosphere with all sorts of intrigues regarding Holme’s heir.
#22: Skellig Michael – Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) (Ireland)

Skellig Michael, this otherworldly beautiful island, is known as the Star Wars Last Jedi (2017) temple. You can get to this windswept island by ferry, weather permitting. Cliffing hanging there and breathtaking views give quite an experience to a visitor and thus helps the fans to get connected with the otherworld settings shown in the series and at the same time relish the beauty of Ireland.
#24: Rydell High – Grease (1978) (Venice High School, Los Angeles, CA)

The Rydell High of the musical Grease (1978) is Venice High, a real high school, and a nice connection for fans of the film to see actual living conditions. Visitors are treated to a feast of iconic architecture against backdrops that stir memories of dance and iconic scenes in the film, making it a fun outing for visitors of all ages.
#25: Bodega Bay – The Birds (1963) (Bodega, CA)

Bodega Bay is always associated with the cult horror film The Birds (1963) by Alfred Hitchcock. This beautiful coastal town lures visitors to contemplate the eerie history of the film while enjoying the beauty of the place. On one hand, there is the serene atmosphere, which on a very different level relates to the suspense of the movie, making it an attractive destination for people of such varied interests as fans of Hitchcock and lovers of nature.