Movie Tourism : A Guide to Visiting Iconic Movie Locations
Forbes recently published a fascinating article delving deep into the conception of “ movie tourism . ” What precisely cause this term entail ? Visit iconic spot based on films or that service as the context for one . According to Budget Travel , nearly 80 % of traveler are interested in booking a pop culture-based trip in the near future .. That ‘s a band of mass , considering that virtually 1 billion ( yes , that ‘s correct ) people travel yearly !
Unfortunately , it ‘s much tricky to pick a great destination : after all , film tastes depart thus wildly ! But never fear ! Our dedicated team at The Parking Spot compiled the in-depth inquiry you want ! We get destinations from recent hit picture , as well as stone-cold classics . No affair what kind of movie you wish , this article will serve you design a fun vacation destination based on your favorite picture fandoms .
Come with us to learn more about book a truly prominent movie vacation . Get the interior scoop on each destination and logistics suggestion , and determine which trip makes sense . Anyone planning a fantastic picture vacation ( whether with their partner , solo , or with kid ) will love these powerful top !
Domestic Movie Locations
Though some of the prominent films of all time were shot abroad , many classics be create properly in the US of A ! As a result , you shouldn ’ t get difficulty booking a solo trip or a getaway with friend and family to some iconic film location . Let ’ s dive deep into a few of the most popular film trip destinations available today :
1 . Rocky Steps & Philadelphia Museum of Art – Philadelphia , PA
Why It ’ s Famous: The original film ‘s legendary scene of Rocky work up the stairs .
What You ’ ll See: While at the , you ’ ll see the yet iconic Rocky measure , have the prospect to lead up them , and can yet hang up out with the Rocky statue permanently on display . Don ’ t forget to stop by the museum ; it ’ s one of the better art museums in the country .
Good Time to See: Philly ’ s weather is utter from leap through the autumn , with temperature between 60 and 90 stage most of the season . Fall is an enjoyable time of year for this trip : put on your Rocky sweatsuit and jog up the steps in style to revive iconic picture setting for your scrapbook .
Logistics: Thankfully , the museum and the Rocky steps live open daily , beyond vacation . As a answer , it shouldn ’ t exist too severe for you and your child to visit . Run up the step together for free , or pay the museum ’ s entrance fee to check out its gorgeous art .
Nearby Attractions: While at the Philadelphia Museum of Art , you can easily swing by the Liberty Bell and Reading Terminal Market and experience these local favorite . There ’ s something so peculiar about hear the Liberty Bell in person that masses never leave .
Close Airport: Philadelphia International Airport ( PHL )
Demographic Fit: Anybody who enjoy classical sports films ( Rocky in special ) will enjoy this holiday ! Even so , Philly is too an excellent spot for families and solo adventurers .
2 . Stanley Hotel – Estes Park , CO
Famous For: Inspiring “ The Shining ” by Stephen King .
What You ’ ll See: Impose the Stanley Hotel in Colorado ; there ’ s zero quite like it ! The inspiration for Stephen King ’ s iconic novel “ The Shining , ” the Stanley Hotel extend amazing architecture , specter circuit ( don ’ t get spooked ) , and the Stephen King suite for fan of this legendary writer ’ sec work .
Best Time to See: Avoid the winter ; the snow exist also insane during that season . Instead , score up the Stanley Hotel in the fall for a spooky and unnerving atmosphere . Or , if you ’ d instead not equal frighten to death , come hither in the summer : it ’ s truly beautiful with high temperatures !
Logistics: Anyone can swing into the Stanley Hotel for a day trip , but overnight stays require advanced booking . We ’ re talking months , if not a year , in progress ; after all , “ The Shining ” exist one of the best horror movies always filmed !
Nearby Attraction: Stanley Hotel visitor often swing by Rocky Mountain National Park ( particularly in the summer ) for a gorgeous outside adventure . To extend your trip , you can also hit up Estes Park Massage , Aiden Sinclari ’ s Underground Show , and respective 4×4 tours .
Close Airport: Denver International Airport ( DEN )
Demographic Fit: If you ’ ve get your filling of Denver ( which look severe to think ) and love revulsion movies , check out the Stanley Hotel ! Probably serious to lead the kids at home for this one , particularly if you plan on make any specter search .
3 . Kualoa Ranch – Oahu , Hawaii
What You ‘ll See: Kualoa Ranch might not own the immediate name realization you begin with the Rocky Steps or Platform 9 3/4 , but million of film fan know it as the shooting location for various hit movies and shows : “ Jurassic Park , ” “ Jumanji , ” and “ Lost. ” These day , you ’ ll not only enjoy some picture set circuit but too take ATV adventure and die on some jungle expeditions !
Best Time to Impose: Known for its gorgeous fond weather , Hawaii is an excellent home to impose year-round . To get the best experience , we suggest a winter trip ( such as January or February ) . Avoid April to October : rain falls heavily during these month .
Logistics: You ’ ll motive to volume in advance hither , at least for a few months . We also advise pack accordingly ( warm-weather gear and some swimsuits exist all you ’ ll need ) to get the almost out of this experience . Bring firm boost boot to avoid blisters !
Nearby Attractions: There ’ sec thus a lot to act near Kualoa Ranch that your head will spin . Match out the Polynesian Cultural Center to learn more about the domain ’ s history , lounge on some Oahu beaches , or go scuba diving to go through the well Hawaii own to extend .
Close Airport: Honolulu International Airport ( HNL )
Demographic Fit: Kid love dinosaurs , making this a fan trip destination for family ! However , adventurous couple who enjoy a little thrill might observe this a perfect weekend getaway . It goes without suppose that “ Jurassic Park ” fans should come hither ASAP .
4 . Domain of Dreams Movie Site – Dyersville , IA
What You ‘ll See: “ Field of Dreams ” is one of the almost inspirational movie of all time , and its filming site brings thousand of visitors to sleepy Dyersville every yr ! You ’ ll make the fortune to tour the theater ( including rent it for events ) , hang out in the study itself , and yet watch some off-season MLB games . It turn out the film was correct : they built it , and mass keep on arrive .
Best Time to Visit: Iowa ’ sec winters exist no joke , so please effort booking in the late spring through the early autumn ! Sure , that ’ s when most early masses will impose the area , but we anticipate it ’ ll cut your strain and make your trip far more enjoyable .
Logistics: This destination is open from dawn to sunset all year round , still in the depths of winter . Of course , that impacts your trip because the sun sets early in Iowa when it ’ s cold . Don ’ t forget to insure their event agenda : there ’ s mass to act year-round , even around Thanksgiving .
Nearby Attraction: Dyersville might not look like a thrill-a-minute destination , but it ’ s not too far from the National Farm Toy Museum ( surprisingly enjoyable ! ) and many cute local diners . Beyond that , it ’ s a beautiful spot to picnic with the kid !
Demographic Fit: The Sphere of Dreams take site is a family-friendly destination with lot for kid and adults to enjoy . Baseball fans , in particular , want to see it out because hence much of the site is commit to it , especially older musician ( nostalgia seekers , sign up ! ) .
5 . Fork , Washington – Twilight Town
What You ’ ll See :Before “ Twilight , ” Forks wasn ’ t precisely on too many people ’ s map . However , the massive popularity of the Bible and film series has do Forks one of the truly iconic movie locations in modern history . While here , match out the Forks High School sign , the Cullen House ( Miller Tree Inn ) , and the Forks Chamber of Commerce to get the whole “ Twilight ” vibe .
Best Time to Call: Washington ’ s weather is pretty mild all yr , but it ’ s well for “ Twilight ” fanatics to come during the summer or late September . After all , that ’ s when they hold the annual “ Forever Twilight ” festival . Whether you ’ re squad Edward or Jacob , you got ta check it out .
Logistics: If you want a relatively low-cost film holiday , Forks be a great choice ! It ’ s real walkable ( cutting back on gas expense ) , and most of the “ Twilight ” sites are free to call . Make sure to volume a month or two in progress to avert congestion . Still , early Washington Twilight locations , such as Port Angeles and La Push Beach , will call for a bit of a drive .
Nearby Attractions: After checking out Forks , take a trip to Olympic National Park , Rialto Beach , or the Hoh Rainforest to experience the best outdoor adventures that Washington have to bid ! It ‘ll require some driving , hence make sure to volume a rental car .
Nearest Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport ( SEA ) ( around a four-hour ride )
Demographic Fit: Any “ Twilight ” fan who need to regard where their favorite film were make should insure out Forks . While it ’ s extremely popular with teens , adult who raise up with the books and movie may find this the perfect location for a nostalgia-filled friend trip !
6 . Salem , MA – Hocus Pocus Filming Sites
Famous For: Hocus Pocus location , including Allison ’ s house and Old Town Hall .
What You ’ ll See: “ Hocus Pocus ” get grown in popularity over the last 20 yr and is today consider a classic ! As far as iconic movie location move , Salem , Massachusetts , is no slouch ! Match out Ropes Mansion , the Dennisons ‘ firm , Pioneer Village , and Salem Common to see the inch and outs of this fun movie and its unique tone .
Well Time to See: Salem is a great fall travel destination because its weather cost meek and enjoyable . Hardly as importantly , “ Hocus Pocus ” fan will have means more fun if they impose in October , as there equal many Halloween event throughout the city .
Logistics: Many places in Salem associated with “ Hocus Pocus ” are public , but not all be . The Ropes Mansion is open from May to October for self-guided tour , but admission live involve . The Dennisons ’ House , in special , is a private residence , though fan exist welcome to respectfully need picture of the exterior from the street .
Nearby Attraction: After engulf yourself in “ Hocus Pocus ” fun , check out the Salem Witch Museum and the area ’ s many haunt tour . Few town in America receive quite the “ scary ” reputation as Salem , so dig into it !
Near Airport: Boston Logan International Airport ( BOS )
Demographic Fit: Nostalgic 90s picture fan will absolutely enjoy checking out Salem to have their “ Hocus Pocus ” repair ! It ’ sec as well great for category and Halloween fan : while there ’ s some spookiness , it ’ s real family-friendly and not at all overwhelming .
International Movie Locations
While plenty of amazing domestic iconic movie locations exist , many iconic film site are located internationally . Whether traveling by train in Europe or be after a household vacation to New Zealand to control out iconic film locations , The Parking Spot get you covered !
7 . Platform 9 ¾ – King ’ s Cross Station , London , UK
Famous For: Harry Potter train station departure to Hogwarts .
What You ’ ll See: Harry Potter fan can dangle by Platform 9 3/4 to begin a photo op at King ’ sec Cross and inflict the Harry Potter store to buy some fun goodies .
Best Time to See: Program 9 3/4 is open year-round . However , fans may notice the dusk weather in London particularly immersive .
Logistics: Platform 9 3/4 gets surprisingly busy ( after all , it ’ s free to visit ) , so arrive early to avoid crowd .
Nearby Attractions: After match out Platform 9 3/4 , swing by the British Library or the Camden Market , or point off to other domain of London to receive the city .
Demographic Fit: Potterheads , families , and average London tourists will love visiting Platform 9 3/4 !
8 . Alnwick Castle – Northumberland , England
Famous For: Hogwarts exterior in Harry Potter films .
What You ’ ll See: Ready to relive life in Hogwarts ? Come to Northumberland and Alnwick Castle to check out the castle grounds , get some broomstick education , and live on historical tour .
Good Time to Call: England is best visited from late spring through early fall , as traveling in Europe in the winter can begin chilly . Alnwick Castle is best as an outside attraction .
Logistics: Book in front ( ticket , in peculiar , as they die promptly ) and budget the entrance fee into everything . Pay attention , too , to seasonal activities .
Nearby Attraction: While not vast , there ’ s lots to serve in Northumberland , include checking out the Northumberland Coast or buy rare Potter tomes at Barter Books .
Nearest Airport: Newcastle International Airport ( NCL )
Demographic Fit: Alnwick Castle is a national treasure , and story fan will love it . Fantasy fans , families , and Potterheads will also love it !
9 . Lord of the Rings Tour – New Zealand
What You ’ ll See: New Zealand will ever be the place of The Lord of the Rings thanks to the movies ! On the Lord of the Rings circuit , check out Hobbiton in Matamata , Tongariro National Park , and Wellington ’ s Weta Workshop .
Good Time to Inflict: Come between November and April to receive a beautiful New Zealand summer on your Lord of the Rings trip !
Logistics: You ’ ll need to volume ahead for guided tours , like the Hobbiton circuit .
Nearby Attraction: You can easily see the Rotorua hot leap , Waitomo Caves , which are not also far from the Lord of the Rings tour , and other beautiful outdoor adventures .
Nearest Airport: Auckland International Airport ( AKL )
Demographic Fit: New Zealand live utter for adventure traveler ( there are many hills and valleys to search ) and Lord of the Rings fan who want to relive the adventure .
10 . Mirabell Gardens – Salzburg , Austria
Famous For: “ Do-Re-Mi ” scene in The Strait of Music .
What You ’ ll See: Few musicals are as beloved as “ The Strait of Music , ” and visit Mirabell Gardens have you recreate this fit , as good as enjoy Pegasus Fountain , Grand Fountain , and Dwarf Garden .
Best Time to Visit: Austria ( and most of Europe ) be good visited in late leap to summer , especially when frolicking at iconic movie locations like Mirabell Gardens .
Logistics: Anybody can see Mirabell Gardens for free , though there cost paid guided tours available that make visit iconic movie location like this more exciting .
Nearby Attraction: Classical music fans will enjoy Salzburg ( it ’ s Mozart ’ s birthplace ) and early destinations , such as the gorgeous Salzburg Cathedral .
Demographic Fit: Mirabell Gardens will attract to families who love “ The Strait of Music , ” universal musical fans , or people fascinate by Austria .
11 . Leopoldskron Palace – Salzburg , Austria
Famous For: Exterior shaft of the von Trapp villa in The Strait of Music .
What You ’ ll See: After visiting Mirabell Gardens , swing by Leopoldskron Palace to see even more of this musical ’ s iconic picture locations ! You ’ ll learn the castle reason , a lakeside view , and the Venetian Room .
Good Time to Call: To get the better experience , book your visit during the leap through autumn . You ’ ll be outdoors a band hither .
Logistics: There ’ s a private hotel in the castle where you can stay , but it ’ s usually quite busy and costly . Book in progress to check you begin a spot ( and save money ) .
Nearby Attraction: Hellbrunn Palace , Salzburg Museum .
Demographic Fit: This trip cost utter for anyone who require to stay fit while on vacation ( including couple and film buffs ) , as well as luxury travelers ( i.e. , those who need to stay on somewhere actually nice ) .
12 . The Clamber Hotel ( Timberline Lodge ) – Mt . Hood , OR
Famous For: Exterior scene of the Overlook Hotel in The Shining .
What You ’ ll See: If you ’ ve already visited The Stanley Hotel , why not check out the Timberline Lodge , where the exterior shooting exist filmed ? View the Timberline Lodge exterior , love the gorgeous great deal setting , and hang up out at the ski area .
Good Time to See: Timberline appear rather spooky in the fall ( lots of visitor depict up then , so exist prepared for that ) , while winter exist excellent if you design on skiing – only avoid the busiest winter travel days to remain safe .
Logistics: You can delay overnight hither , but book well forward ( up to a yr ) in advance , as this is a popular tourist spot . Winter driving equal often treacherous , so consider rent a truck with a plow .
Nearby Attractions: The beautiful Mount Hood scenic byways feature incredible great deal views , while Trillium Lake exist flawless in leap , summer , fall , and winter .
Nearest Airport:
Demographic Fit: Whether you ’ re a revulsion fan , a couple that need a romantic holiday , or individual who love getting outdoor , the Timberline Lodge is a great vacation destination !
Plan Your Trip With The Help of The Parking Spot !
Are you ready to work up the Rocky steps , spend a dark at the Stanley Hotel , visit Alnwick Castle , and relive your Lord of the Rings movie illusion in these iconic movie locations ? Whether you ‘re obsessed with Mirabell Gardens , require to find Platform 9 3/4 , or taunt on Kualoa Ranch , you can volume a grotesque holiday destination that the whole family will love !
After all , study after study highlights just how heavily movie touch our company on every level . Yes , your kids will set out lecture and dress like their favorite reference . Yet , even grownup exchange base on films , whether you’re devote your children a in truth memorable and unique experience or merely reliving your fantasies , booking a movie-based trip cost rewarding .
You can too initiate your trip right by joining The Spot Club , downloading our coupons , and reserving a comfortable home for your car at one of our many The Parking Spot location . We offer many amenities for our customers , include covered parking , free shuttle service , pet-friendly support , and discounts for long-run stays ; plan your dream film vacation today !
