6 Iconic U.S. Landmarks Featured on the Silver Screen

There’s something undeniably powerful about stepping into a place you’ve only seen in movies and TV shows. From the Monument Valley sandstone buttes to Hawaii’s emerald rainforests to the Empire State Building’s Art Deco heights, landmarks across the USA have shaped how we imagine love stories, action scenes and epic journeys on the silver screen. At these six quintessential filming locations in Arizona, Utah, New York, California, Hawai’i, Washington, D.C., and Louisiana, visitors can experience history and culture — and step into their favorite movies. No backstage pass required.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Arizona/Utah

Monument Valley’s sandstone buttes, mesas and rugged vastness became the quintessential backdrop for the American frontier on film, thanks in large part to director John Ford. In classics like “Stagecoach” and “The Searchers,” Ford turned the landscape spanning the Arizona-Utah border into a character of its own, shaping the world’s vision of the Old West. But long before the cameras arrived, these lands were sacred to Indigenous peoples. Carved by wind and water over millions of years, the valley’s formations are deeply tied to Navajo Nation creation stories and identity.

For a meaningful visit, connect with a Navajo guide who can share cultural insight and lead you to lesser-known viewpoints — many featured in films like “Easy Rider” and “Forrest Gump.” You can also drive the 27-kilometer scenic loop yourself, stopping at overlooks such as John Ford Point. Don’t miss Goulding’s Lodge, a historical hub for traders and movie crews alike. Visit the on-site museum to learn how founder Harry and Goulding convinced Ford to film in the valley, the lodge’s early days as a trading post  and enduring stories of the Navajo Nation.

Empire State Building, New York City

Designed to house offices, the Empire State Building quickly became a cultural emblem and a defining symbol of New York City, New York. Once the tallest building in the world, the 102-story Art Deco masterpiece was constructed in just over a year during the Great Depression — a remarkable engineering feat. After its debut in 1933’s “King Kong,” the structure went on to appear in more than 250 films spanning a wide variety of genres, from romances (“An Affair to Remember” and “Sleepless in Seattle”) and comedies (“Elf”) to action flicks (“Independence Day”). 

Visitors can explore the building’s storied past and pop-culture legacy through immersive exhibits, including a replica of a 1930s-era office with King Kong’s hands bursting through the walls and a room with 70 screens playing its roles in film, TV, games and other media. Then, ride the high-speed elevator to the three observation decks to see views of the New York City skyline that have inspired generations.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

No modern marvel has been shaken and shattered on the silver screen like San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, whose bold “International Orange” hue is recognizable across the world. Opened in 1937, it gained fame as an engineering marvel and the world’s tallest and longest suspension bridge (at the time). It is a symbol of intimidating heights in Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller “Vertigo” – and a setting for battles, car chases and destruction in sci-fi favorites, including “Star Trek,” “Superman” and “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” It also helps set the stage for movies set in San Francisco.

During the daytime, stroll or bike across the nearly 3-kilometer suspension bridge. It’s one of the most defining features of the famously foggy San Francisco skyline, connecting Presidio National Park Site to Marin County. Admire panoramas of the landmark flanked by turquoise waters and rolling hills from the Golden Gate Overlook at the Presidio and glean fascinating information about the bridge’s construction at the welcome center. Alcatraz Island — the notorious prison that inspired “Escape from Alcatraz” and “The Rock” — is also worth seeing. Tours include a ferry ride, island entry and self-guided audio commentary.

Kuoloa Ranch, Hawaiʻi

Known as “Hawaiʻi’s backlot,” Kuoloa Ranch has welcomed more than 200 TV and movie crews since the 1950s. The diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, sprawling valleys and dreamy oceanfront, make the private nature reserve on Oʻahu a favorite for visual storytellers. The land has been the backdrop of prehistoric jungles in “Jurassic Park,” “Godzilla” and “Jumanji,” and heightened moments of romance and drama in “50 First Dates” and “Pearl Harbor.” 

Guided tours bring fans up close to iconic filming locations, with set remnants still dotting the landscape. But there’s more to Kualoa than you see in the movies. The family-owned ranch is also a working sustainable farm and a sacred cultural site with deep roots in Hawaiʻian history. Visitors can learn about its storied past through excursions on horseback, UTV or open-air bus, where guides share stories of both Hollywood and Hawaiʻi. 

The National Mall, Washington, D.C.

The National Mall — a landscaped park in the heart of Washington, D.C. — encompasses some of America’s best-known monuments, memorials and government buildings. The concentration of landmarks and designation as a national gathering place make it a natural backdrop for movies about U.S. history and ideals. Paved pathways and grassy areas connect most major sites, so you can easily cross many stops off your list in one day. 

Walk up the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where the title character in “Forrest Gump” delivered his speech at an anti-war protest before reuniting with his childhood friend in the Washington Monument’s Reflecting Pool. Then, mosey over to the Tidal Basin and Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, captured in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” Next, embark on a tour of shooting locations from “National Treasure”: the National Archives (home to the Declaration of Independence) and the Library of Congress’ ornate Jefferson Building. 

The French Quarter, New Orleans

Tales of French and Spanish colonial life, jazz legends, lively celebrations and resilience are all woven into the architecture of New Orleans’ French Quarter. This living landmark, brimming with historic charm, has long been a favorite backdrop for film and television. The famed drama “A Streetcar Named Desire” immortalized the district’s streetcar line, while the James Bond classic “Live and Let Die” features a memorable jazz funeral scene. On TV, the supernatural series “The Originals” was filmed at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 and the Hotel Royal, and “People We Meet on Vacation” showcases bustling Bourbon Street and the timeless Café Du Monde.

Explore the French Quarter’s screen-worthy sites including Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral and Bourbon Street with your own itinerary. Or book a New Orleans movie tour with a knowledgeable guide who can bring the neighborhood’s film history to life for an in-depth dive. When you’re ready for a break, enjoy coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde or sample food and browse goods from local vendors in the French Market.