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Travel & Experiences

Photos: Iconic film locations worth traveling for

Griffith Observatory, set in the hills above Los Angeles, is worth visiting no matter what. The views are spectacular on a clear night. But movie fans have extra motivation. The planetarium inspired the dance scene (actually shot on a movie set) where Mia and Sebastian waltz among the stars. "La La Land" references another movie that used the setting to dramatic effect, "Rebel Without a Cause." A knife fight between Jim (James Dean) and Buzz (Corey Allen) takes place at the observatory (following a visit to the planetarium) as does the 1955 classic's wrenching finale.

Griffith Observatory, set in the hills above Los Angeles, is worth visiting no matter what. The views are spectacular on a clear night. But movie fans have extra motivation. The planetarium inspired the dance scene (actually shot on a movie set) where Mia and Sebastian waltz among the stars.

“La La Land” references another movie that used the setting to dramatic effect, “Rebel Without a Cause.” A knife fight between Jim (James Dean) and Buzz (Corey Allen) takes place at the observatory (following a visit to the planetarium) as does the 1955 classic’s wrenching finale.

  (Damian Dovarganes / AP)

Associated Press
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Winter had trespassed into spring the day I visited Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg, Austria, where Julie Andrews and the Von Trapp children sang and danced their way through “Do-Re-Mi.” Snowflakes stuck to my nose and eyelashes and also found their icy way down my neck.

Not that I cared. As a fan of “The Sound of Music” since forever, I was thrilled to skip in the footsteps of Maria & Co., snow and all.

Turns out visiting the setting of a much-loved movie is a popular pastime, from the bar of the Park Hyatt Tokyo (“Lost in Translation”) to New York’s Cafe Lalo (“You’ve Got Mail”).

You too can make a scene at these real-world locations connected to classic films and fan favorites.

'When Harry Met Sally' (1989)

Katz’s Delicatessen on New York’s Lower East Side makes a fine pastrami sandwich but a lot of folks show up here more interested in having “what she’s having.” This was the setting of the scene in which Meg Ryan’s character, Sally, demonstrates to Billy Crystal’s character, Harry, that he knows less about women than he thinks. Be prepared to pay $20 or more for a signature sandwich.

  (Seth Wenig / AP)

'Lord of the Rings' films

Middle-earth has been a high point for New Zealand tourism. Scores of tours take in the film’s stunning landscapes, from beautiful Lake Wakatipu in the South Island to the North Island’s Hobbiton, a former movie set for the Shire.

  (Mark Baker / AP)

'La Dolce Vita' (1960), 'Roman Holiday' (1953), 'Three Coins in the Fountain' (1954)

Anita Ekberg (“La Dolce Vita”) waded in it, evening gown and all. Audrey Hepburn (“Roman Holiday”) got her hair cut near it. And Dorothy McGuire (“Three Coins in the Fountain”) made a wish on it. We’re talking Trevi Fountain, a Rome must-see. Time your visit early or late; it’s crowded.

  (Gregorio Borgia / AP)

'Rocky' films

Even if you’ve never watched any of the “Rocky” movies (guilty), chances are you’re familiar with the stirring scene(s) where Sylvester Stallone bounds up the steps to Philadelphia’s Museum of Art. Run, walk or just amble your way up the 72 steps. Then turn around and enjoy the view of the city.

  (Matt Rourke / AP)

'A Christmas Story' (1983)

This 1985 movie about a boy who yearns for a Red Ryder BB gun is a holiday tradition for many. The Cleveland, Ohio, house where Ralphie and his family lived is open for tours and even overnight stays with a museum across the street. (Note: An annual maintenance closure is Feb. 12-23 this year.)

  (Jason Miller / AP)

'The Sound of Music' (1965)

Bus or van tours take fans to many “Sound of Music” locations around Salzburg. With a map, you can find some spots yourself. Several lake scenes were shot at the Schloss Leopoldskron, now a hotel and conference center. The (smallish) palace is decorated in grand style, including an ornate and gilded “Venetian room” which inspired the movie’s much-larger ballroom. Don’t miss: sitting on the terrace and channeling some well-bred snark, baroness style.

  (Breitegger Günter / AP)

'Harry Potter' films

See props, costumes, sets and more at the Harry Potter studio tour in Leavesdon, north of London. “Warner Bros. Studio Tour London — The Making of Harry Potter” is located next to the studios where the movies were filmed. Pictured is a model of Hogwarts castle from the Harry Potter film series at the Warner Bros Studio Tour, Watford, London.

  (Jonathan Short / AP)

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