Walk in Oscar's Footsteps - Another Top 5 Outdoor Film Locations

Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd at the

Gamble House in "Back to the Future"

For movie buffs who want to step out of the theater and into the world of film, there are iconic outdoor locations in and around Los Angeles that have graced the silver screen. These settings not only provide stunning backdrops but have also earned their place in cinematic history. Here’s a guide to five top film locations where travelers can walk in the footsteps of Oscar-nominated moments.

1. The Arboretum

Oscar Nod: "Marathon Man" (Best Supporting Actor Nominee Laurence Olivier)
Hidden in the hills east of Downtown Los Angeles, the Arboretum is a vast, picturesque park that invites visitors to explore its sprawling grounds. Originally a private ranch and botanical garden, it has been the backdrop for numerous films, including Tarzan the Ape Man and Alfred Hitchcock’s Notorious. The most notable feature of the Arboretum is the 1885 Queen Anne Cottage. Fans of TV history will recognize it from the opening scenes of Fantasy Island, but it also served as the Florida home of Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand in Meet the Fockers. With its serene gardens and historic architecture, the Arboretum offers a quiet escape while channeling the magic of classic Hollywood.

2. Gabrielino National Recreation Trail

Oscar Nod: "Back to the Future" (Best Original Screenplay Nominee)
For a scenic hike that combines natural beauty with Hollywood history, the Gabrielino National Recreation Trail is a must-visit. This 28.8-mile path winds through lush forests near Pasadena, offering a shade-filled retreat right on the edge of the Angeles National Forest. The trail has been the setting for multiple films, including Murder by Numbers and Human Nature. The area is home to several notable landmarks, including the Gamble House, which famously served as Doc Brown’s home in Back to the Future. Visitors can also take in views of the nearby Colorado Street Bridge, which appeared in La La Land, and the Huntington Library, seen in Iron Man 2. The perfect spot for hiking enthusiasts and movie fans alike, this trail brings together adventure and nostalgia in one sweeping view.

3. Vasquez Rock Natural Area Park

Oscar Nod: "Little Miss Sunshine" (Two Oscars, including Best Supporting Actor Alan Arkin)
A true hidden gem of the California desert, Vasquez Rocks provides a dramatic and unforgettable landscape that has appeared in some of Hollywood's most memorable films. Named after the infamous Mexican bandit Tuburcio Vasquez, the park’s jagged rock formations have been featured in classics such as Star Trek, Blazing Saddles, and Bill & Ted's Bogus Adventure. Most recently, the striking landscape made an appearance in Little Miss Sunshine during one of the film’s pivotal road-trip scenes. Visitors can hike through this stunning natural area, which also hosts the annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival. Nearby Melody Ranch, which has been a key location for films like Django Unchained, adds to the area's storied Hollywood history.

4. Paramount Ranch

Oscar Nod: "Beau Geste" (1939 Art Direction Nominee)
Tucked away in the Santa Monica Mountains, Paramount Ranch has long been a favorite for film productions seeking a Western backdrop. Originally purchased by Paramount Pictures in 1927, the ranch became a wilderness backlot used in films such as Bwana Devil, the first 3-D blockbuster. However, it’s the iconic Western town that stands out, appearing in numerous productions including the popular TV series Westworld. Visitors can stroll through what remains of the town, now part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. While the ranch was devastated by the 2018 Woolsey Fire, it has since been restored and reopened to the public, continuing its legacy as a premier filming location.

5. Leo Carrillo State Beach

Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta 

at Leo Carrillo State Beach in "Grease"

Oscar Nod: "Letters from Iwo Jima" (Best Picture Nominee)
Located along the scenic coastline of Malibu, Leo Carrillo State Beach is home to one of the most picturesque settings for any film lover. The beach’s secluded sea cave near Lifeguard Tower #3 has been a key feature in films such as 50 First Dates, where Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler shared their first kiss, and The Craft, where witches performed a ritual. The beach’s dramatic rock formations have also appeared in classics like Grease and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Whether you’re walking along the shoreline or exploring the hidden cave, Leo Carrillo offers a blend of natural beauty and cinematic history.

These five iconic locations across Los Angeles offer the perfect opportunity for movie lovers to immerse themselves in the landscapes that have helped tell some of Hollywood’s most unforgettable stories. Whether hiking through lush forests, exploring rugged deserts, or enjoying a quiet day by the beach, each spot brings the magic of cinema to life in the great outdoors.