If you’ve yet heard of “set-jetting” — a travel trend that’s taking the globe by storm — consider this your introduction.
Set-jetting is traveling to locations because of the iconic TV shows and movies that were filmed there. We’re not talking about the production sets of LA or NYC (although there’s nothing wrong with either of those places); we’re talking “Jurassic Park” filming locations in Hawaii and iconic “Game of Thrones” spots across Ireland, Iceland, and Croatia.
But there are also plenty of remarkable filming locations across the contiguous 48 states — classics like “Dirty Dancing” and “The Shining” as well as more recent productions like “Spotlight” and “The Hunger Games.” Cinephiles, take note of the TV shows and movies below + start planning a road trip to their filming locations.
Asheville, NC
The mountains of Western North Carolina have been home to several iconic filming locations over the years. Here are three movies featuring must-visit spots:
- “The Last of the Mohicans”: This 1992 blockbuster was filmed throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains, including Chimney Rock State Park, the Biltmore Estate, and a slew of waterfalls located in DuPont State Forest.
- “A Biltmore Christmas”: As the name suggests, this 2023 Hallmark movie was filmed at the historic Biltmore House, featuring shots throughout the property.
- “Dirty Dancing”: The 1987 classic was shot at Lake Lure in Rutherford County, ~45 minutes from downtown Asheville.
See more films that feature Asheville. Bonus: Horror movie buffs will love these spin-chilling spots.
In “Miss Congeniality,” Grace (Sandra Bullock) stays in room 103 at the Omni Hotel Austin.
Photo by Nicolas Henderson via Flickr
Austin, TX
Dozens of flicks have been filmed in Texas’ Capital City because of its beautiful + diverse scenery, the free permitting, and other industry incentives offered by the government. Check out these three:
- “Miss Congeniality”: Aside from an opening scene in NYC, “Miss Congeniality” was largely filmed in Austin + San Antonio. Some of the Austin filming locations included the Omni Austin Hotel and Bass Concert Hall at the University of Texas.
- “Dazed and Confused”: This coming-of-age classic’s Austin filming locations included Bedichek Middle School, Top Notch Hamburgers, and West Enfield Park.
- “Office Space”: It makes sense that “Office Space” was filmed in Austin, because this city has all the flair. Here’s a rundown of all the spots from the movie that you should visit.
Find more popular filming spots in Austin.
The funeral scenes in “Gone Baby Gone” were filmed at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge.
Photo by Bill Ilott via Flickr
Boston, MA
From star-studded classics to more recent releases, plenty of movies have used Boston as their backdrop. Check out the filming locations associated with these movies:
- “Good Will Hunting”: One of this 1997 film’s most well-known scenes was filmed at the Boston Public Garden. Plus, enjoy a brew at L Street Tavern, where this renowned bar scene was filmed.
- “Gone Baby Gone”: This 2007 drama was filmed in Boston and the surrounding towns, including Cambridge, South Boston, and Medford. Some of the filming locations included Meadow Glen Mall, the LoConte Skating Rink in Medford, and Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge.
- “Spotlight”: Popular cafe South End Buttery was featured in the 2016 movie when Boston Globe reporter Sacha Pfeiffer (Rachel McAdams) met with a survivor of the Catholic Church scandals.
More filming spots worth checking out. Bonus: Don’t miss the chance to visit this pub that inspired “Cheers.”
Charleston, SC
The picturesque Holy City waterfront is home to several TV show + movie filming locations. Check out three of our favorites:
- “Outer Banks”: The Netflix show is largely filmed in the Lowcountry (even though it’s set in the Outer Banks of NC) + popular set locations included the Charleston Gaillard Center, fine apparel shop Ben Silver, and Burbage’s Grocery.
- “The Notebook”: This tearjerker romance based on the Nicholas Sparks book of the same name was mainly filmed in Charleston. Filming locations included the American Theater, Boone Hall Plantation, King Street, and College of Charleston.
- “The Legend of Bagger Vance”: Many scenes of this 2000 film directed by Robert Redford were shot at the scenic Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
Find more popular filming spots in Charleston.
Freedom Park was where Hal (Jack Black) introduced Rosemary (Gwenyth Paltrow) to Mauricio (Jason Alexander) in “Shallow Hal.”
Photo by James Willamor via Flickr
Charlotte, NC
The Queen City is no stranger to a little lights, camera, action. Watch these three movies, then visit their filming locations:
- “Shallow Hal”: Freedom Park, Pike’s Soda Shop, and Latta Arcade are among the stops Jack Black and Gwyneth Paltrow made while filming this 2001 rom-com.
- “The Hunger Games”: The Knight Theater, Charlotte Convention Center, and Philip Morris Cabarrus Plant in Concord were filming locations for the 2012 action movie that was based on Suzanne Collins’ novel of the same name.
- “Logan Lucky”: This heist movie features scenes that were filmed at Charlotte Motor Speedway during the Coca-Cola 600 in May 2016.
Check out even more Hollywood moments that have taken place in Charlotte.
Chattanooga, TN
It’s no surprise to us that scenic Chattanooga has been a popular backdrop for films + TV shows over the decades. You can visit the filming locations for these three movies:
- “Six Triple Eight”: This Tyler Perry film was shot at the Chattanooga Choo Choo + even featured props from two local antique stores.
- “42": Engel Stadium is seen throughout this 2013 sports drama about Jackie Robinson.
- “The Rain People”: This 1969 film starring James Cann, Shirley Knight, and Robert Duvall features scenes in downtown Chattanooga and Ruby Falls — a waterfall inside Lookout Mountain.
Check out more spots.
Columbia, SC
Upstate South Carolina may not be exactly what comes to mind when you think of Hollywood, but the picture-perfect college town has never shied away from being the underdog. Watch these films, then visit their filming locations:
- “Accidental Love”: Most of this 2015 romantic comedy was filmed in the Palmetto State. Scenes took place at the South Carolina State House, the former Thoroughbred Motel on Two Notch Road, and inside the historic Wade Hampton Building.
- “The Program”: Visit Williams-Brice Stadium, where shots of this movie starring Halle Berry and James Caan were filmed.
- “Renaissance Man”: Catch Columbia’s Fort Jackson on the big screen in this movie starring Danny DeVito and Bill Rago.
Visit even more filming locations.
The Ohio State House was featured at the beginning of “I Am Wrath” in these few scenes.
Photo by James St. John via Flickr
Columbus, OH
Columbus has made it to the big screen various times over the years. You can visit the filming locations of these three movies:
- “I Am Wrath”: Buckeye Donuts, Jack’s Diner, Old Familiar Barbershop, and Capitol Square were filming locations for this 2007 film starring John Travolta.
- “Teachers”: Nick Nolte stars in this film that was largely shot at the Central High School building (now COSI Columbus).
- “They/Them/Us”: This indie film was shot almost entirely in Columbus. In particular, it features shots of German Village and the Brewery District.
Scope out even more Columbus filming locations.
Do you remember the wedding scene in “Dr T and the Women”? It was filmed at the Dallas Arboretum.
Photo by Rodney via Flickr
Dallas, TX
Several feature films feature shots in Dallas. Here are three:
- “JFK”: The Dallas County Administration Building (formerly the Texas School Book Depository Building) and Dealey Plaza were mainstays in this 1991 conspiracy-thriller.
- “Bottle Rocket”: Several Dallas locales were featured in this 1996 Wes Anderson movie (his first feature film, in fact), including the John Gillian residence (aka the Preston Hollow Modern Home), NorthPark Center, and Texas Ice House.
- “Dr. T and the Women”: NorthPark Center was also a filming location for this Robert Altman movie, as was the Dallas Arboretum.
Check out popular filming locations in Dallas.
Dirt was added to the roads in front of the Fort Worth Stockyards to make them more realistic to the era during filming for “1883.”
Photo by Drew Douglas via Flickr
Fort Worth, TX
Get the behind-the-scenes scoop on TV shows and movies that were filmed in Fort Worth. We particularly love these three:
- “1883": This prequel to “Yellowstone” was filmed in and around Fort Worth, including the Fort Worth Stockyards.
- “Pure Country”: The Cowtown Coliseum and Billy Bob’s Texas were both featured in this 1992 film starring George Strait.
- “My All American”: Visit Texas Christian University’s Amon G. Carter Stadium to feel like the main character of this 2015 sports film.
Here are seven more TV shows and movies that were filmed in Fort Worth. Bonus: The Fort Worth Stockyards have made many film appearances over the years — you can even take a star-studded tour.
While visiting Greenville for a promotional tour for “Leatherheads,” George Clooney signed autographs for a crowd in front of The Westin Poinsett.
Photo by Melanie McDermott via Flickr
Greenville, SC
Although there aren’t many TV shows and movies that have been filmed in Greenville proper (though not for lack of trying), the Upstate has seen its fair share of Hollywood lights.
- “Leatherheads”: Calhoun Hotel in Anderson and the Westin Poinsett in Greenville were featured in this 2008 George Clooney film.
- “The Abyss”: The Cherokee Nuclear Station near Gaffney was featured in this James Cameron sci-fi movie.
- “Deliverance”: Cue the banjo music. This 1972 film features shots of river rapids in both South Carolina + Georgia.
Check out more movies filmed in SC.
Tibbs Drive-In was a filming location for “Walter,” which was produced by three IU Bloomington grads.
Photo by @violetshort
Indianapolis, IN
Lights, camera, action. Did you know these famous flicks were filmed in the Circle City?
- “Going All The Way”: Visit Fountain Square, Red Key Tavern, and Union Station — all spots that were featured in this 1997 film starring Ben Affleck and Rachel Weisz.
- “Walter”: Indy’s Holy Trinity Catholic Church and Tibbs Drive-In Theatre were featured in this 2015 movie about a movie theater employee who thinks he’s the son of God.
- “Hoosiers”: Most of this movie was filmed right outside Indianapolis in New Richmond. Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse was also featured.
Find more filming locations.
Kansas City, KS-MO
In addition to being the birthplace of Walt Disney’s animation career, Kansas City has made it to the big screen several times.
- “The Last Of Us”: An altered version of Kansas City’s skyline was featured in this post-apocalyptic HBO show. Some of the buildings you can spot include Jackson County Courthouse (1), One Kansas City Place (2), KCMO City Hall (3), and Oak Tower (4). Psst — if you’re looking for the Richard Bolling Federal Building, it’s actually missing (?).
- “American Ninja Warrior”: Union Station was featured in this reality TV show’s seventh (2015) and ninth (2017) seasons.
- “Kansas City”: Union Station was also a filming location for this 1996 crime drama.
See a complete list of Kansas City’s Hollywood moments.
Lakeland, FL
Similar to Upstate South Carolina, West Central Florida may not be exactly what comes to mind when you think of Hollywood, but the area has seen its fair share of celebrities. Watch these films, then visit their filming locations.
- “Mr. Baseball”: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium was a filming location for this 1992 film starring Tom Selleck.
- “The Waterboy”: This scene was filmed at Florida Southern College’s Edge Hall.
- “Edward Scissorhands”: The beauty salon scene where Joyce (Kathy Baker) attempted to seduce Edward (Johnny Depp) was filmed at Southgate Shopping Center.
Check out even more filming locations you can visit.
For the production of “Seabiscuit,” Calumet Farm’s signature red and white barns were an almost perfect match to the barns of Seabiscuit’s original home.
Photo by David Ohmer via Flickr
Lexington, KY
From horse racing blockbusters to western adventure films, the rolling hills of Lexington have welcomed filming crews of many blockbuster hits. Check out these three:
- “Seabiscuit”: Keeneland Racecourse and Calumet Farm were two iconic filming locations for this 2003 film. Bonus: Check out this two-day itinerary to find more spots.
- “Secretariat”: Keeneland Racecourse was also a highlight in this 2010 horse racing movie — as was Spindletop Hall.
- “The Kentuckian”: Less than two hours south of Lexington, you can find the Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park and Cumberland Falls — both of which were featured in this 1955 film.
Find even more iconic filming locations in Lexington.
For the production of “Secretariat,” sections of Churchill Downs’ Grandstand, main track, barn area, paddock, and paddock runway were use for filming.
Photo by Louisville Tourism
Louisville, KY
Louisville has welcomed its fair share of Hollywood filming crews over the years. Visit some of the locations from these iconic films:
- “Secretariat”: In addition to shots in Lexington, the film also featured Churchill Downs.
- “Tammy”: Spot the Gene Snyder Freeway and the downtown Louisville skyline in this 2014 comedy starring Melissa McCarthy.
- “Elizabethtown”: The Brown Hotel, Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area, and Highland Middle School were a handful of the filming locations for this 2005 rom-com.
Here are five more films with ties to Louisville.
Madison, WI
This bustling, south-central Wisconsin city has made the perfect backdrop for several Hollywood productions. Here are three:
- “Public Enemies”: The Wisconsin State Captiol and Mirror Lake State Park were both filming locations for this 2009 crime drama.
- “Back to School”: This 1986 movie featured filming locations in downtown Madison and at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s campus, including Lake Mendota, Bascom Hill, Library Mall, and a very retro Memorial Union Terrace. Bonus: UW was transformed into the fictional Grand Lakes University for the film.
- “The Deep End of the Ocean”: Shots of John Nolen Drive, the Wisconsin State Captiol, and West Washington Avenue were featured in this 1999 movie.
See more Hollywood productions with ties to Madison.
In “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief,” the scene shot in the Parthenon featured fire breathing dragons (not real, of course).
Photo by @lukethroughmylens
Nashville, TN
Grab some popcorn, watch these movies, then visit their filming locations in Music Movie City.
- “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief”: The Parthenon (coupled with some stellar special effects) was the backdrop for one action-packed scene in this 2010 fantasy film.
- “Nashville”: Opryland, the Parthenon, and Berry Field (now Nashville International Airport) are three of this 1975 movie’s filming locations.
- “Coal Miner’s Daughter”: Sissy Spacek’s Academy Award-winning performance as Loretta Lynn included scenes at Ryman Auditorium.
Find even more Music City filming spots.
Portland, OR
Portland has attracted many filmmakers over the years, from small-budget indie projects to Oscar-nominated blockbusters. Here are three:
- “The Shining”: Fans of Stanley Kubrick’s classic horror film based on Stephen King’s novel will be excited to visit Timberline Lodge — aka the fictional Overlook Hotel.
- “Wild”: Mississippi Studios, Kasbah Moroccan Cafe, the Driftwood Room, and The Courtesy Inn Motel were all filming locations for this 2014 movie based on Cheryl Strayed’s best-selling memoir.
- “Twilight”: There are various PNW filming locations for the first movie based on Stephenie Meyer’s vampire romance saga series. Two include The View Point Inn in Corbett and Skylab Architecture’s M1 Residence in Forest Park.
Discover more Portland filming locations this way.
Many of the baseball scenes from “Bull Durham” were filmed at Durham Athletic Park.
Photo by Tim Bounds via Flickr
Raleigh, NC
North Carolina’s Triangle region is home to plenty of science and tech, but it’s also welcomed plenty of Hollywood filming crews over the years.
- “Bull Durham”: Durham Athletic Park (aka “The DAP”) and The Green Room in Durham, as well as Mitch’s Tavern in Raleigh, were featured in this 1988 movie starring Kevin Costner + Susan Sarandon.
- “Patch Adams": The campus of UNC Chapel Hill was a filming spot for this film starring Robin Williams.
- “The Exorcism” (2024): Initially called “The Georgetown Project,” this recently released horror flick was filmed less than two hours away from Raleigh in the coastal town of Wilmington. Locations included Dock Street, Front Street, Brooklyn Arts Center, and St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
Find even more iconic filming locations across North Carolina.
Richmond, VA
The River City is no stranger to Hollywood. Watch these three movies, then visit their famous filming locations:
- “Hannibal”:This “Silence of the Lambs” sequel starring Anthony Hopkins featured many Richmond scenes, including a Park Avenue house where Julianne Moore’s character lived + a Capitol Square locale as the serial killer’s cell.
- “Lincoln”: Spot shots of Virginia’s Executive Mansion + the House of Delegates in the Virginia State Capitol in this 2012 drama about President Abraham Lincoln.
- “Dawson’s Creek”: An episode of this 90s high school drama was filmed at the University of Richmond. In Season 3’s “First Encounters of the Close Time,” the characters make a college campus visit that features shots of UR’s Westhampton Lake, bell tower, and buildings.
Here’s a list of even more TV shows + movies filmed in Richmond.
Shots of the Arneson River Theatre for “Miss Congeniality” were taken from a river boat.
Photo by Shelly Collins on Unsplash
San Antonio, TX
This South Central Texas city was named one of the “Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker, 2024” in MovieMaker Magazine. That’s why it comes as no surprise that so many movies were filmed here, including:
- “Miss Congeniality”: This 2000 comedy was largely filmed in Austin + San Antonio. Two of the San Antonio filming locations are the Alamo and the Arneson River Theatre along the River Walk.
- “Selena”: Shots of the Alamo and River Walk were also featured in this 1997 biopic.
- “Spy Kids”: This 2001 family-friendly movie features a scene in Travis Park.
See more movies with ties to San Antonio.
You can sit where Tom Hanks sat at the Athenian during filming for “Sleepless in Seattle.”
Photo via @youcancallmedes
Seattle, WA
From a videotape that brings death to a hospital romance drama, Seattle’s moody backdrop can bring just about any vibe to the big screen.
- “The Ring”: The Westin Seattle, Harbor Steps Apartments, Emerald Glen Farm in Monroe, WA, and more are featured in this 2002 horror flick.
- “Sleepless in Seattle”: Pike Place Market, Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar, and Alki Beach are some this 1993 rom-com’s most iconic filming spots.
- “Grey’s Anatomy”: While the bulk of this drama show is filmed at a studio in Los Angeles, Seattle has been well-represented throughout its 20 seasons. Poo Poo Point is the home of the iconic candle house scene from Season 4, Kerry Park has been a recurring filming location over the years, and ferry boats have made plenty of appearances.
Horror film fans should also check out these spots.
The Gandy Bridge can be spotted in the opening scene of “Pain Hustlers.”
Photo by Matthew Paulson via Flickr
Tampa, FL
Hollywood might be more than 2,500 miles away, but did you know that Tampa Bay has its fair share of movie magic? Check out these three movies + their corresponding filming locations:
- “Pain Hustlers”: Spot the Tampa International Airport, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Gandy Bridge, and downtown’s Adamo Drive in this 2023 crime movie starring Emily Blunt and Chris Evans.
- “Goodfellas”: Feed him to the lions. Robert DeNiro + Ray Liotta dangle a man by his feet over ZooTampa’s lion exhibit after he refuses to pay up.
- “Ocean’s Eleven”: This all-time heist movie stars film legends Brad Pitt and George Clooney as they set out to rob a casino. Derby Lane, a former greyhound racing track turned poker room on Gandy Boulevard, was featured as Pitt tries to convince Carl Reiner to come out of retirement for one last job.
Read up on more flicks filmed in Tampa.
In “The Longest Ride,” some of the scenes featuring Sophia (Britt Robertson) as a college student were shot at Wake Forest University.
Photo by Lindsay Hickman via Flickr
Winston-Salem, NC
Who knew Winston-Salem was such a hot spot for cinephiles? Check out these movies and their corresponding filming locations:
- “Mr Destiny”: Portions of this 1990 movie were filmed at the R.J. Reynolds Building (formerly the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Headquarters). Bonus: The baseball team from Richard J. Reynolds High School was also featured in the movie.
- “The Longest Ride”: Channel your inner romantic and visit Wake Forest University and the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum — both of which were filming locations for this 2015 movie that was based on a Nicholas Sparks novel.
- “Are You Here”: Recreation Billiards was a filming location for this 2013 comedy starring Owen Wilson, Zach Galifianakis, and Amy Poehler. Bonus: In between filming, Wilson was spotted at Foothills Brewing, 6th and Vine, and Mozelle’s.
Check out more movies with ties to Winston-Salem.
