Iconic Movies & TV Sites to Visit

Driving around Pasadena, with its idyllic tree-lined streets and clusters of historic craftsman homes, it’s hard not to think you’re on the set of a movie.

For more than a century, Pasadena has been one of Hollywood’s favorite filming locations for movies, television shows, and commercials. The city's well-preserved architecture, historic districts, and close proximity to major studios continue to attract filmmakers.

Explore by Foot
Explore by Car

Use the guide to plan a self-guided walking or driving tour of filming locations, scenic landmarks, and local restaurants. Along the way, discover which major films and televisions shows were filmed in Pasadena, why the city is a go-to for site scouts, and visitor information on each location.

Private Residences

To respect the homeowner's privacy, we do not wish to share the addresses of these filming locations.

Father of the Bride

Filming Location: Private Residence

One of Pasadena's most iconic filming locations is the charming Colonial Revival home featured in the 1991 classic Father of the Bride. The filmmakers searched extensively for a home that captured a family home and the perfect setting for Annie Banks' unforgettable backyard wedding. Decades later, the house remains one of Pasadena's most recognizable movie landmarks.

Mad Men

Filming Location: Private Residence

For three seasons, this charming Colonial-style house played the role of the Draper family residence in Mad Men. Although the series was set in Ossining, New York, Pasadena's wealth of East Coast-inspired architecture and vegetation made the illusion seamless.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Filming Location: Private Residence

Although Mr. & Mrs. Smith takes place in suburban New York, many of the mansion scenes were filmed in Pasadena's leafy residential neighborhoods. According to veteran location scout Rich Schule, Pasadena's mature trees and historic homes closely resemble neighborhoods throughout the Midwest and East Coast.

Walkable Filming Locations

Allow 2-3 hours to enjoy a self-guided walking tour including dining and sightseeing. Before planning a visit, please check operating hours and guidelines, as some locations are active attractions or private properties.

Sons of Anarchy

Filming Location: First Church of Christ, Scientist | 80 S. Oakland Ave.

Pasadena's historic architecture made it an ideal filming location for this pivotal scene in the series finale of Sons of Anarchy. In the episode, Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam) hides beneath a tan tarp outside of a courthouse, as he waits to ambush the man he believes ordered his wife’s murder. The church steps and surrounding areas provided the perfect backdrop for the tense shooting sequence. Like many productions, the series used the church because its imposing institutional architecture resembles a courthouse building.

Parking: The subterranean parking garage at the Pasadena Convention Center is an ideal starting point for completing the self-guided walking tour. Daily flat-rate parking typically costs $18-$25 for up to 18 hours. From the garage, walk to Sons of Anarchy filming location then conclude the tour across the street at the Knocked Up filming location.

Nearby Dining: Fuel up for the adventure with a handcrafted cold brew and quick breakfast bites at Home Brewed Bar around the corner on 101 S. Madison Ave.

Transformers

Filming Location: Wake and Late | 525 E. Colorado Blvd.

In the first Transformers film, Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) races through several Pasadena locations during his first encounter with Bumblebee. As he speeds through the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Oakland Avenue, he passes the former Glabman’s Furniture & Interior Design building. Today, the space is home to the popular spot for breakfast burritos and freshly squeezed orange juice, Wake and Late. This stretch of Pasadena was a natural choice for filming because nearby Marshall Fundamental Secondary School doubled as the fictional high school attended by Sam Witwicky.

Legally Blonde

Filming Location: All Saints Episcopal Church | 132 N. Euclid Ave.

After Elle’s traumatizing first day of law school at Harvard, she retreats to a bench behind the garden patio of All Saints Church in Pasadena. The Gothic-style churchyard and ivy-covered atmosphere recreated the traditional Ivy League aesthetic. The church has also appeared in Cruel Intentions, Changeling and The Other Sister.

Parenthood

Filming Location: Pasadena City Hall | 100 Garfield Ave.

Completed in 1927, Pasadena City Hall may be the city's most recognizable filming location. It first appeared in Charlie Chaplin's The Great Dictator before famously becoming Pawnee City Hall throughout all seven seasons of Parks and Recreation. The landmark has also appeared in Parenthood, while eagle-eyed fans of The Big Bang Theory will spot its dome outside Leonard and Sheldon's apartment window.

Things to Do:

Arrested Development

Filming Location: Pasadena Memorial Park | 85 E. Holly St. #3907

Home to the historic Levitt Pavilion bandshell, Memorial Park’s green spaces and distinctive architecture make a popular filming location. The park appeared in productions including Arrested Development, Desperate Housewives, and Homefront. Unlike many sitcoms filmed primarily on set, Arrested Development primarily used locations throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Pasadena's Levitt Pavilion provided an authentic backdrop for the memorable 'Living Classics' pageant featuring Buster (Tony Hale) and George Sr. (Jeffrey Tambor).

Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagement

Filming Location: St. Andrews Catholic Church | 311 N. Raymond Ave.

The filmmakers needed a historic church interior that could convincingly be a European royal cathedral during the wedding sequence, and Pasadena delivered once again. Its ornate architecture and authentic Gothic-inspired details brought the fictional Kingdom of Genovia to life. The church's proximity to other filming locations, including Universal Studios and Disney's Golden Oak Ranch, also made it a practical choice.

Pulp Fiction

Filming Location: Kendall Alley | 41 Union St.

Old Pasadena’s alleys are well known for serving as backdrops in numerous films and television shows, including Kendall Alley. In Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, Butch (Bruce Willis) leaps through a window into an alley to escape after the fixed boxing match. Tarantino’s choice of location reflects his distinctive storytelling style, as the alleyway enhances the film’s realism and atmosphere. Kendall Alley has also appeared in films such as Paper Moon, The Sting, and Live Free or Die Hard.

Lunch Break: This film site is in the middle of Old Pasadena where discovering an eclectic mix of 200 independent boutiques and exclusive national retailers becomes a fun detour. The pedestrian-friendly streets make it convenient to choose a dining experience from more than 100 restaurants, open-air cafes, or grab-and-go delights.

Shrinking

Filming Location: Pasadena Central Park | 275 S. Raymond Ave.

Unlike many productions that disguise Pasadena as another city, Shrinking embraces it. Production designer Cabot McMullen described Pasadena as "a new character" in the series, celebrating its Craftsman homes, mid-century architecture, and welcoming neighborhoods. Several heartfelt scenes between Paul (Harrison Ford) and Alice (Lukita Maxwell) unfold on a bench in Central Park with the iconic Castle Green rising in the background, showcasing one of Pasadena's most recognizable landmarks.

Things to Do:

  • While visiting this famous film location in Pasadena, plan a picnic on the exact bench that Paul and Alice sat on with a sandwich from Brooklyn Square and sweet treats from Yvonne's Vegan Kitchen.
  • In June and December, Castle Green opens the doors for tours twice a year, offering a rare chance to experience the magic of Pasadena’s iconic 1898 landmark.

Castle Green Tours

America's Got Talent

Filming Location: Pasadena Civic Auditorium | 300 E. Green St.

Since opening in 1932, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium has hosted everything from award shows and talent competitions to scripted television series. Beyond serving as the home of the Emmy Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and America's Got Talent, its Mediterranean Revival exterior has appeared in shows including Scandal, Alias, Penny Dreadful, and Little Fires Everywhere. Most recently, the auditorium was featured in Michael, where Michael Jackson's nephew recreated the history-making moonwalk from the 1983 Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever television special.

Interested in watching a free live taping of America's Got Talent? Check out our guide to find out how to join Simon, Sofia, Mel, Howie, and Terry as part of the live audience.

Plan a visit: The Pasadena Civic Auditorium is only open to the public during an event.

View Upcoming Events

Knocked Up

Filming Location: The Paseo | 300 E. Colorado Blvd.

The Paseo's open-air shopping streets provided the backdrop for several scenes in Knocked Up, including the memorable baby shopping montage. Its European-inspired design and pedestrian-friendly layout made it an ideal filming location for everyday Los Angeles life.

End of the tour:

  • Celebrate a successful self-guided walking tour with a sweet drink from Wushiland Boba or raise a glass of draft beer at Yard House.
  • If there is a really good movie playing during your visit, stop by The Regal Paseo for a relaxing way to end the day.

Filming Locations Best Explored by Car

Total time of driving: 30-40 minutes, excluding traffic.

Allow 4-6 hours to enjoy a self-guided driving tour including dining, sightseeing, and a leisurely visit to The Huntington. Add an additional 2-3 hours for guided tours. Before planning a visit, please check operating hours and guidelines, as some locations are active attractions or private properties.

La La Land

Filming Location: Colorado Street Bridge | 504 W. Colorado Blvd.

One of Pasadena's most iconic landmarks, the Colorado Street Bridge has been captivating filmmakers since Charlie Chaplin's The Kid in 1921. Since then, it has been featured in dozens of films and television shows, including Yes Man, The Bachelor, The Amazing Race, and La La Land, where Mia (Emma Stone) & Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) stroll on the romantic bridge.

  • Drive over the Bridge: After a day of exploring Pasadena, head west on Colorado Boulevard to drive over the bridge during peak golden hour.
  • Walk on the Bridge: Find street parking on Green Street or Grand Avenue to admire the bridge by foot for the La La Land effect. Be sure to read street signs and do not cross the street on the bridge.
  • Walk under the Bridge: Get a short workout in by walking the Lower Arroyo Seco Trail or pack a picnic to enjoy the view of the bridge's architecture at Desiderio Park.

Back to the Future

Filming Location: The Gamble House | 4 Westmoreland Pl.

Paadena's celebrated Craftsman homes played an important role in bringing Back to the Future to life. The Gamble House, one of the finest examples of Arts & Crafts architecture, served as Doc Brown's garage and laboratory. What was formerly known as the carriage house is now the museum's gift shop. Filming wasn't permitted inside the historic home, so the production team turned to another Greene & Greene masterpiece, the Blacker House—the interior scenes of Doc Brown's residence. Together, these landmarks transported audiences between the 1950s and 1985.

Plan a visit: Visitors are welcome to picnic outside on The Gamble House lawn Monday through Friday at no cost. Guided tours of the interior are offered on Tuesdays, and Tuesdays through Sundays.

Buy tickets to The Gamble House

Beyonce’s “Formation” Music Video

Filming Location: Fényes Mansion | 470 W. Walnut St.

For the haunting visuals of "Formation," Beyoncé's creative team transformed Pasadena's historic Fényes Mansion into a Southern Gothic estate inspired by New Orleans. Production designers added Spanish moss, ivy, storm shutters, and vintage furnishings, proving once again how easily Pasadena can become somewhere entirely different.

Plan a visit: View the Fényes Mansion at the Pasadena Museum of History Thursday through Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. For an in-depth tour of the 1906 Fényes Mansion, advanced registration is required.

Buy Tickets to the Fényes Mansion Tour

Anna Kendrick’s “Cups” Music Video

Filming Location: Andy’s Coffee Shop | 1243 E. Colorado Blvd.

The retro charm of Andy's Coffee Shop made it the perfect setting for Anna Kendrick's "Cups" music video from the Pitch Perfect soundtrack. The beloved Pasadena diner has also appeared in productions including Mad Men and Fast & Furious 4.

Local Tip: Expect generous portions and plan around the hours. Closing time is generally at 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and closed on Tuesdays.

Booksmart

Filming Location: Villa San Pasqual Apartment Buildings | 509 S. Catalina Ave.

The colorful mid-century apartment complex where Molly (Beanie Feldstein) lives in Booksmart is Villa San Pasqual, a 1953 design. Its distinctive pink and turquoise palette perfectly capture Southern California's retro charm.

Things to Do: A short 6-minute walk away is the tree-lined shopping district, South Lake Avenue. The Burlington Arcade is a popular stop for its charming London-inspired passageway with boutiques and cafés.

The Good Place

Filming Location: The Huntington | 1151 Oxford Rd.

The Huntington's breathtaking gardens and historic buildings have portrayed destinations around the world, from Japanese gardens to the White House. Perhaps its most fitting role came in NBC's The Good Place, where its spectacular landscapes stood in for heaven itself. Anyone who has wandered through the gardens understands why.

Plan a visit: Advanced online reservations are required on weekends, holidays, and peak seasons. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekdays. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday and closed on Tuesdays.

Tip: Many guests spend 3 hours or more at The Huntington. Save time to see the rest of the filming locations by visiting The Huntington on a separate day.

Buy tickets to The Huntington

The colorful gardens of The Huntington with the crystal conservatory in the distance.

90210

Filming Location: The Langham Huntington, Pasadena | 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave.

With its grand architecture and timeless elegance, The Langham Huntington, Pasadena has long been a favorite among filmmakers. For a closer look at its Hollywood history, explore the hotel's official filming credits or join a quarterly interactive guided tour with My Valley Pass. While its appearance in 90210 is not officially credited, fans recognize the hotel's unmistakable lobby in the series.

Plan a visit: Make unforgettable memories with a stay at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena or make reservations at one of the culinary options onsite. From bistro dining at The Terrace to elegant dinners at the acclaimed Royce Steakhouse, there's dining to suit all tastes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is filming in Pasadena today?

Find out what's filming in Pasadena today on the City of Pasadena's public film calendar that lists many upcoming permitted productions.

Do I need a film permit in Pasadena?

The City of Pasadena requires a commercial filming permit for motion pictures, television productions, student films, commercial photography, and other professional filming projects on both public and private property. For permit requirements, film guidelines, fees, and application forms, contact the City of Pasadena Film Office.

Explore Pasadena's Hollywood History

Whether standing in for suburban New York, a European kingdom, a prestigious Ivy League campus, or itself, Pasadena remains one of Hollywood’s most sought-after filming destinations. Bookmark the guide and follow our filming locations map to plan the adventure. Along the way, discover local restaurants, historic neighborhoods, and experience the real-life settings that have brought Pasadena to the big screen.

More Films & TV Shows Filmed in Pasadena

Check out our movie round-up!

Beyond the Screen

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