STAYPINEAPPLE’S GUIDE TO ICONIC TV & MOVIE FILMING DESTINATIONS

Ready to walk in the footsteps of your favorite TV and movie characters? Our Staypineapple cities are full of iconic filming locations waiting to be explored. From Seattle’s Space Needle, the backdrop to shows like Grey’s Anatomy, to Chicago’s Mr. Beef, the real-life inspiration behind The Bear, these spots are a must-visit for any TV and movie fan. So, grab your camera and check out our list — what’s on your set-jetting bucket list?

 

SEATTLE, WA

Grab your coffee and visit these iconic Seattle filming spots

Image by Jeremy Mason McGraw via Global Image Creation

  • KOMO Plaza and Kerry Park – Grey’s Anatomy (5-min drive)
    For Grey’s Anatomy fans, the Queen Anne neighborhood, home to The Maxwell Hotel, is packed with must-see spots. Start at 303 W Comstock St., Dr. Meredith Grey’s house, then head to KOMO Plaza, the exterior of Seattle Grace Hospital. Don’t miss Kerry Park, where Callie and Arizona shared their emotional Season 12 park bench scene with the Space Needle in the backdrop. All these locations are just a 5-minute drive from The Maxwell Hotel, making it the perfect starting point for your Grey’s Anatomy tour.

  • Gasworks Park – 10 Things I Hate About You (5-10-min drive)
    Gas Works Park offers stunning views of Seattle’s skyline and is a key location in 10 Things I Hate About You, where that epic paintball scene was filmed. Its industrial vibe and open spaces make it perfect for a picnic or stroll. It’s just a 5-minute drive from Watertown Hotel and University Inn, and a 10-minute drive from The Maxwell Hotel and Hotel FIVE.

  • House Boat on Lake Union – Sleepless in Seattle (10-min drive)
    The iconic houseboat from Sleepless in Seattle sits at 2460 Westlake Ave E on Lake Union. It’s featured in key scenes, including the memorable moment when Tom Hanks' character meets Meg Ryan’s. Just under a 10-minute drive from The Maxwell Hotel and Hotel FIVE, it’s a must-visit for movie fans.

  • Forks, WA - Twilight (4-hour ferry ride + drive)
    No matter if you’re Team Edward or Jacob, a day trip to Forks from Seattle should be on every Twilight fan’s list. Start with a quick 10-minute drive from The Maxwell Hotel or Hotel FIVE to the Seattle ferry terminal, then enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Bainbridge Island. On your drive up to Forks, stop by Port Angeles for dinner at Bella Italia, the restaurant where Edward and Bella had their first date. Once you get to Forks, be sure to snap photos next to Twilight landmarks like Bella’s truck and Forks High School. And don’t forget to make your way up La Push, the stunning coastal spot, home to Jacob Black and his wolf pack.

 

PORTLAND, OR

Get weird in Portland with these key Portlandia locations

Image by thisdoodchase via Instagram

Image by NASHCO Photo via Travel Portland

  • Voodoo Doughnut (10-min walk)
    Voodoo Doughnut, a Portlandia favorite, embodies the city’s quirky spirit. Fred and Carrie once indulged in its iconic pink box, celebrating Portland’s love for the weird and wonderful. Just a 10-minute walk from Hotel Rose, it’s a must-visit for fans craving a taste of the city’s quirky personality.

  • Powell's City of Books (10-min light rail ride)
    Fans of Portlandia will recognize Powell’s City of Books, where Fred and Carrie’s humorous interactions unfold. With its vast collection and unique vibe, it's a must-see for fans. Just a 10-minute MAX Light Rail ride from Hotel Rose, it’s an easy stop on your Portlandia adventure.

  • Washington Park (10-min drive)
    Washington Park, featured in several Portlandia episodes, offers a scenic escape into Portland’s natural beauty. From the Rose Garden to tranquil trails, it captures the city’s unique charm. Just a 10-minute drive from Hotel Rose, it’s the perfect stop for fans looking to experience Portland’s lush side.

 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Hop aboard San Francisco’s feel-good comedy tour

Image by Sarah Kusz

  • Mustang vs. Cable Car – The Princess Diaries (6-min drive)
    At Broadway and Taylor St., Mia Thermopolis has her unforgettable run-in with a cable car in The Princess Diaries. This hilarious and chaotic moment marks her bumpy transformation into royalty. Just a quick 6-minute drive from Staypineapple San Francisco, it’s a fun spot to relive your inner princess moment — minus the traffic mishap!

  • Tanner-Fuller House – Full House (10-min drive)
    The iconic Full House (and later Fuller House) home at 1709 Broderick St. is a must-visit for fans of the beloved sitcom. While the show’s opening credits feature the famous Painted Ladies, this house is where the Tanner family’s heartwarming chaos actually unfolded. Only 10 minutes from Staypineapple San Francisco, it’s the perfect place to snap a nostalgic photo.

  • The Hillard House – Mrs. Doubtfire (10-min drive)
    At 2640 Steiner St., Robin Williams brought laughter and heart as the unforgettable Mrs. Doubtfire. This charming Victorian home was the backdrop for some of the film’s most touching and comedic moments, from Daniel’s undercover antics to heartfelt family reunions. Just a 10-minute drive from Staypineapple San Francisco, it’s a must-see for fans of this classic feel-good comedy.

 

SAN DIEGO, CA

Retro scenes in scenic San Diego

Balboa Park | Image by uschools via iStock

Ocean Beach | Image via The San Diego Tourism Authority

  • Kansas City Barbeque – Top Gun (5-min drive / 15-min walk)
    This casual BBQ joint is where Maverick and Goose belted out “Great Balls of Fire” in Top Gun. Kansas City Barbeque is still a must-see for fans, with memorabilia from the film and a laid-back, retro vibe. Just a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk from Hotel Z, it’s the perfect place to grab some ribs and experience the magic of this 80s classic.

  • Balboa Park – Citizen Kane (7-min drive)
    San Diego’s crown jewel, Balboa Park, made a cameo in Citizen Kane as the backdrop for Xanadu, the mysterious estate of Charles Foster Kane. With its grand architecture and lush gardens, it’s easy to see why it fits the film’s extravagant aesthetic. Just a 7-minute drive from Hotel Z, it’s a must-visit for film buffs and nature lovers alike.

  • Ocean Beach – Almost Famous (15-min drive)
    The laid-back, bohemian vibes of Ocean Beach set the scene for Almost Famous, capturing the spirit of 70s rock-and-roll culture. Whether you're strolling the pier or browsing the quirky shops, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a scene straight from the film. Just a 15-minute drive from Hotel Z, it’s the ideal spot to chase a little rock-and-roll nostalgia.

 

CHICAGO, IL

Beef, Bueller and blockbusters in Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago | Image by smontgom65 via iStock

  • Art Institute of Chicago – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (4-min drive / 10-min Walk)
    Ferris, Cameron and Sloane had their moment of reflection here, staring at masterpieces in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Here, you can recreate the scene or just soak in world-class art. Just a 10-minute walk from Staypineapple Chicago, it’s the perfect cultural detour.

  • Mr. Beef – The Bear (8-min drive / 18-min L ride)
    This no-frills Italian beef joint became a TV icon thanks to The Bear. Known for its mouthwatering sandwiches and chaotic kitchen energy, it inspired Carmy’s high-stakes culinary world. Just an 8-minute drive or an 18-minute L ride from Staypineapple Chicago, it’s a must-visit for foodies and TV fans alike.

  • Union Station – The Untouchables, My Best Friend’s Wedding & More (8-min drive / 15-min L ride)
    From the epic staircase shootout in The Untouchables to emotional moments in My Best Friend’s Wedding, this grand station is pure Hollywood history. Just a quick 8-minute drive or 15-minute L ride from Staypineapple Chicago, it’s a can’t-miss for film buffs.

 

BOSTON, MA

Boston’s brew of famous filming destinations

Boston Public Garden | Image by Kyle Klein via Meet Boston

Boston Ariel, Fenway Park | Image by Kyle Klein via Meet Boston

  • Bull & Finch Pub – Cheers (5-min drive / 20-min walk)
    The inspiration for Cheers, this cozy pub still draws fans looking to step into the world of Sam, Diane and Norm. While the interior differs from the show, the warm atmosphere and iconic sign make it worth the visit. Just a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from Staypineapple Boston, it’s the best spot to raise a glass and feel like a regular.

  • Boston Public Garden – Good Will Hunting (10-min walk)
    Robin Williams delivered one of Good Will Hunting’s most powerful monologues on a bench in Boston Public Garden, telling Will, “You’re just a kid, you don’t have the faintest idea what you’re talking about.” A 10-minute walk from Staypineapple, this peaceful spot offers the perfect place to reflect or simply enjoy the beauty of Back Bay. 

  • Fenway Park – Fever Pitch (10-min drive)
    Baseball and romance collide at Fenway Park in Fever Pitch, where Jimmy Fallon’s character navigates love and Red Sox obsession. Whether you're catching a game or just soaking in history, this legendary ballpark is only a 10-minute drive from Staypineapple Boston.

 

NEW YORk, NY

Take a bite of TV & movie magic in these Big Apple landmarks

Times Square | Image by Emma K. Young

  • Times Square – Vanilla Sky, Deep Impact, Spider-Man 2, I Am Legend (15-min walk / 10-min subway ride)
    Times Square is one of the most filmed locations in the world, and for good reason. It’s where major moments happen, from the mind-bending scenes in Vanilla Sky to the apocalyptic chaos of I Am Legend. It's also home to Spider-Man 2's epic fight between Spiderman and Electro. Just a quick 15-minute walk or 10-minute subway ride from Staypineapple New York, Times Square is a must-visit for movie lovers and those looking to experience the true heartbeat of New York.

  • Empire State Building – King Kong, Elf, Superman 2, Sleepless in Seattle (15-min walk / 12-min subway ride)
    The Empire State Building is synonymous with iconic movie moments, from the original 1933 King Kong to the 2005 remake. This towering NYC landmark also featured in Elf, Superman 2 and Sleepless in Seattle. And if you're a Gossip Girl fan, you’ll remember it from a pivotal Blair and Chuck episode. A 15-minute walk or 12-minute subway ride from Staypineapple New York, this is the ultimate spot for movie buffs and romantics alike.

    Special Mentions:

  • Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment – Sex and the City (20-min subway ride)
    No visit to New York is complete without a stop by Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment at 66 Perry Street. Known for its role in Sex and the City, this charming brownstone is the backdrop to many of Carrie’s most iconic moments. A 20-minute subway ride from Staypineapple New York, it's the perfect spot for a Carrie moment.

  • Tiffany & Co. – Breakfast at Tiffany’s (15-min subway ride)
    Tiffany & Co. on Fifth Avenue is a must-see for any Breakfast at Tiffany’s fan. Holly Golightly’s world of glamour and elegance comes to life here. Just a 15-minute subway ride from Staypineapple New York, you can channel your inner Audrey Hepburn while window-shopping or sipping coffee with a pastry in hand, soaking in the chic atmosphere of this NYC icon.

 

Does this list spark some inspiration for you to set off on an adventure to a Staypineapple city and experience the iconic locations from your favorite TV shows and movies? Then book now and start your set-jetting journey!

 

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