There is something about movies that draws us in. The glitz and glamor of the silver screen has a powerful hold over us. Whether it’s the latest action blockbuster or an emotional slice of life drama. Movies have become such a huge part of our modern culture and have shaped the entertainment industry into what it is today.
But if you’re anything like me then your love for movies doesn’t just end when the credits roll. You want to be immersed in it all. The memorabilia. The behind the scenes snippets and celebrity news. But the most amazing experience is getting to stand in the actual locations used in our favorite movies.
If you’re looking for your next holiday idea then this might just be the right guide for you. I have designed a road trip that will take you through some of the most memorable locations in cinema history! So you too can feel like a part of the magic of cinema.
Hollywood, California
There is no better place to start your movie road trip than in the home of cinema itself. Hollywood! The beating heart of the entertainment industry. Everywhere you go you will see locations from cinematic masterpieces. See where Julia Roberts made her home in Pretty Woman. Visit the same iconic landmarks seen in Sunset Boulevard.
We then recommend heading down to Los Angeles to head onto Route 66. Which will play a big part in your journey.
Viva Las Vegas!
The next stop on your trip should be to the jewel of the Mojave. Vegas! No city can quite compare to the spectacle provided by Vegas. And many movies have used it as a backdrop. Visit the casinos that were targeted by the criminal crew of Ocean’s 11. Recreate some of the more chaotic moments from The Hangover. Or just marvel at all of the beautiful locations you’ll undoubtedly recognise from the silver screen.
Route 66 doesn’t directly pass through Vegas. So you will need to take a detour when you reach Arizona. The route to Vegas is notoriously dusty. So make sure you are prepared with weather appropriate clothes. At night a car cover can help protect your vehicle from more serious weather conditions like dust storms.
Route 66
We should take some time to mention that Route 66 itself has played a huge part in cinematic history. In fact it was the famous 1940’s movie Grapes Of Wrath that gave Route 66 its nickname ‘Mother Road.’
As you proceed along Route 66 you will be treated to a number of different attractions, both movie related and otherwise. If you get the chance try to stop off at Roy’s Motel And Cafe. Which has been featured in a number of movies over the years including Southbound, The Hitcher, and Beneath The Dark,
New Mexico
Once you have ventured back onto Route 66 we recommend heading towards New Mexico. A state with a rich movie history for you to explore. The Bonanza Creek Ranch is one of the most famous movie locations in cinema history. Having appeared in a number of titles including Django Unchained, Young Guns, and A Million Ways to Die in the West. You do have to book a tour to visit the ranch. But it is well worth it.
TV lovers also are spoiled for choice in New Mexico. A lot of the locations seen within the show Breaking Bad can be visited. You can even get your car washed at the location used within the show. House Of Cards also filmed a lot of their third season in New Mexico.
We’re Not In Kansas Anymore!
Perhaps one of the most famous quotes in cinema history. Famously spoken by Dorothy in The Wizard Of Oz. The movie was such a landmark event for Kansas that they even renamed one of their roads to be ‘The Road To Oz.’
You should definitely visit the Wizard Of Oz museum while you are in Kansas. But there are plenty of other movie attractions to see beyond the realm of Oz. The Gordon Parks Museum and Center for Culture is a must see for anyone with a love for the history of Cinema. The museum pays tribute to one of the first black artists to make a name for themselves in Hollywood.
New York City
At this point we would recommend veering off Route 66 and making your way towards the Big Apple. New York City is one of the most iconic cities on the planet. And that reputation has translated onto the silver screen time and time again.
You can’t move in New York without coming across a famous filming location. Times square, the Empire State Building, 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Hundreds of movies and TV shows have used this city as a focal point. And it really is the best place to end your movie road trip!
