Stand where Mia and Sebastian danced among the stars. Walk the same Rodeo Drive sidewalks where Vivian carried her shopping bags. Ride the elevator where Tom kissed Summer. Some of the most iconic romantic movie moments happened across LA at real places you can visit today.
Griffith Observatory’s sweeping views, downtown’s Art Deco restaurants, and Malibu’s dramatic coastline have provided backdrops for romance films spanning decades. These locations work on screen because they’re genuinely stunning in real life.
This guide covers top filming locations across Los Angeles where cinema’s greatest love stories unfolded. You’ll learn which movies filmed where, why these spots resonated with filmmakers, and how to visit each one.
See LA’s most iconic locations on our Half Day Best of LA Tour! From Griffith Observatory to The Farmers Market, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier, and more. With 12,000+ five-star reviews, see why visitors from around the world choose Hollywood Bus Tours.
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory became one of cinema’s most romantic locations when Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone danced against the twilight sky in La La Land. The Art Deco landmark’s sweeping city views and intimate planetarium scene turned stargazing into pure magic. Decades earlier, James Dean brought intensity to these same terraces in Rebel Without a Cause.
The romance is built-in: panoramic views from downtown to the Pacific, 1935 architecture framing the Hollywood Sign, and sunsets that feel almost scripted. Inside, the planetarium adds intimate contrast to the expansive outdoor views.
The Observatory sits at 2800 E Observatory Rd with free admission, though parking fills fast. Weekday mornings avoid crowds if you’re driving yourself.
Griffith Observatory is a featured stop on our Half Day Best of LA Tour, with 30 minutes to explore and no parking stress.
Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive earned its place in romantic cinema when Julia Roberts delivered the iconic “Big mistake. Big. Huge.” line in Pretty Woman. The street’s luxury boutiques became the backdrop for Vivian’s Cinderella transformation, while Clueless later captured the glamorous, carefree side of Beverly Hills shopping.
The appeal is pure Beverly Hills: pristine sidewalks lined with designer flagships, palm trees framing luxury storefronts, and an atmosphere that makes window shopping feel like an experience.
Rodeo Drive runs through the heart of Beverly Hills between Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevard. Walking is free, with nearby parking structures on Beverly Drive. The historic Beverly Wilshire hotel sits at the south end at 9500 Wilshire Boulevard.
TCL Chinese Theatre
The TCL Chinese Theatre represents iconic Hollywood glamour at its finest. Pretty Woman used it to symbolize Vivian and Edward’s fairy tale moment. The theatre has appeared in countless films as shorthand for movie magic and Old Hollywood dreams.
The romance comes from pure Hollywood history. The ornate Chinese architecture, celebrity handprints in the forecourt, and the weight of Hollywood’s golden age all combine to create a location that feels larger than life—perfect for on-screen love stories that needed that same magic.
The forecourt at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard is always open and free to explore. You can browse celebrity handprints and footprints any time, though the sidewalks get crowded in the afternoon. Early morning offers the best photo opportunities without the Hollywood Boulevard crowds.
Leo Carrillo State Beach
Leo Carrillo State Beach is where Danny and Sandy’s summer romance began in Grease. The opening scenes captured the Malibu coastline at its most romantic, with waves, rock formations, and that carefree beach energy that defined their love story before school complicated everything.
This is one of LA’s hidden gems for romance. Tide pools, sea caves, and a more secluded atmosphere than the crowded beaches closer to Santa Monica. The dramatic rock formations that made it perfect for filming still create intimate pockets along the shore.
The beach sits at 35000 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu with a $12 parking fee. Facilities include restrooms and picnic areas. Visit at low tide to explore the tide pools and sea caves—check tide charts before you go for the best experience.
Cicada Restaurant
Cicada Restaurant delivered one of Pretty Woman‘s most memorable romantic scenes when Richard Gere and Julia Roberts navigated escargot with elegance and humor. The stunning Art Deco-style restaurant in downtown Los Angeles became the perfect backdrop for Vivian’s transformation, with its 1920s glamour making every moment feel like stepping into old Hollywood sophistication.
The romance is in the details: soaring ceilings, original chandeliers, and vintage architectural elements from the building’s 1928 origins. The preserved Art Deco interior creates an atmosphere that feels both intimate and grand—exactly what the film needed for that pivotal dinner scene.
Cicada sits inside the Fine Arts Building at 617 S Olive Street in downtown LA. Make reservations 1-2 weeks ahead (you can even request the “Pretty Woman table”) and expect upscale pricing with entrees around $35-55. The restaurant maintains its glamorous dress code and old-world charm.
For more glamorous dining spots where you might spot A-listers, check out our guide to the best restaurants to spot celebrities in Los Angeles.
The Bradbury Building in Downtown Los Angeles
The Bradbury Building became a romantic landmark when Tom and Summer shared their elevator kiss in 500 Days of Summer. This romantic comedy used the building’s Victorian ironwork and natural skylight to frame one of the film’s most intimate moments. The Artist later captured the building’s ornate staircases during its silent film tribute to old Hollywood romance.
The romance comes from the architecture itself. Five stories of open ironwork balconies, a glass ceiling flooding everything with natural light, and vintage cage elevators that feel frozen in time. The building’s 1893 design creates pockets of intimacy within grand Victorian elegance.
The Bradbury Building sits at 304 S Broadway in downtown LA. Only the lobby is open to the public during business hours (weekdays 9am-5pm), but photography is allowed. The building remains a working office space, so be respectful of tenants while capturing that iconic ironwork.
Greek Theatre
The Greek Theatre became one of Los Angeles’ most romantic film spots when Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper performed “Shallow” in A Star Is Born. The outdoor amphitheater in Griffith Park captured that pivotal moment when Ally stepped into the spotlight with Jackson Maine. The intimate venue made a massive performance feel personal.
The romance comes from the setting itself. The 1930 amphitheater seats just 5,900 people, creating a closeness that larger venues can’t match. Nestled into the hillside with the surrounding trees, it feels both grand and intimate—perfect for that life-changing duet.
The Greek Theatre sits at 2700 N Vermont Avenue in Griffith Park. It operates as an active concert venue from May through November. Attending a show gives you the full experience, though the venue isn’t open for casual tours outside of performances.
Hermosa Beach Pier & Lighthouse Café
Hermosa Beach Pier delivered one of La La Land‘s most romantic scenes when Sebastian and Mia walked at sunset and he hummed the first notes of “City of Stars.” Just steps away, the Lighthouse Café served as the jazz club where Sebastian played piano throughout the film. Both locations capture the beach town charm that grounds the film’s dreamier moments.
The romance is in the pairing: golden hour light on the pier, waves below, and a historic jazz venue that’s been part of LA’s music scene since 1949. The Lighthouse still hosts live jazz, keeping that authentic atmosphere the film celebrated.
Both locations sit within walking distance on Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach. The pier is always open and free to explore, best at sunset. The Lighthouse Café operates as a restaurant and music venue—check their schedule for dinner and live shows that echo Sebastian’s performances.
Hermosa Beach is just one of many coastal destinations—discover more day trips from Santa Monica to explore the Southern California coastline.
Planning Your Tour of Romantic Film Locations in Los Angeles
LA’s romantic film spots spread across the city, but smart planning turns a scattered list into an efficient route. Grouping locations by area saves hours of driving and lets you actually enjoy the experience instead of fighting traffic. Here’s how to organize your tour:
Downtown LA Cluster (all walkable)
- Bradbury Building
- Cicada Restaurant
- All within central downtown
Beach Route (coastal drive)
- Leo Carrillo State Beach
- Hermosa Beach Pier
- Lighthouse Café
Griffith Park Locations
- Griffith Observatory
- Greek Theatre
Hollywood & Beverly Hills
- TCL Chinese Theatre
- Rodeo Drive
Best Times to Visit
Golden hour: Essential for Griffith Observatory, Hermosa Beach Pier, and Leo Carrillo
Weekday mornings: Less crowded at TCL Chinese Theatre, Rodeo Drive, and Griffith Observatory
Downtown timing: Mid-morning or early afternoon to avoid rush hour
Beach visits: Check tide charts for Leo Carrillo tide pools
Transportation Challenges & Solutions
Parking issues:
- Griffith Observatory: Lots fill by mid-morning on weekends
- Beaches: Paid parking fills quickly in summer
- Downtown: Multiple paid lots plus confusing one-way streets
The easier option: Our Half Day Best of LA Tour handles the logistics while visiting Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Walk of Fame (near TCL Chinese Theatre), and many iconic filming locations throughout Los Angeles. A local guide shares stories about the many movies filmed around the city.
Making It Actually Romantic
Sunset timing is crucial
- Griffith Observatory and Hermosa Beach recreate La La Land magic
- Golden hour transforms good photos into perfect ones
Avoid crowds
- Weeknights beat weekends at all downtown LA locations
- Early mornings at popular landmarks
Reserve ahead
- Cicada Restaurant: 1-2 weeks, especially around Valentine’s Day
- Greek Theatre: Check concert schedule for the A Star Is Born experience
The Hollywood Bus Tours Advantage
Visiting LA’s romantic movie locations becomes infinitely easier when someone else handles the logistics. Hollywood Bus Tours solves the parking nightmares at Griffith Observatory, navigates downtown’s one-way streets, and connects iconic LA landmarks without the stress of driving yourself.
Our Half Day Best of LA Tour includes a 30-minute stop at Griffith Observatory, plus visits to Hollywood Walk of Fame and scenic drives through Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Rodeo Drive. It’s an efficient way to experience LA’s most iconic locations in 5.5 hours.
The Hollywood, Beverly Hills, & Celebrity Homes Open Air Tour includes a stop at Beverly Hills Sign and Rodeo Drive, plus drives through the Sunset Strip, Hollywood Hills, and celebrity neighborhoods. This 2-3.5 hour experience covers the areas where many romantic movies captured LA’s glamour.
Want to Create Your Own Movie Location Tour?
Our VIP Private SUV Tours let you customize your ideal route. Choose which romantic film spots you want to visit and we handle all the driving in luxury comfort. It’s the ultimate way to experience LA’s love letter to cinema on your terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit all these locations in one day?
The downtown LA cluster—Bradbury Building and Cicada Restaurant—makes for a walkable route you can cover in 1-2 hours (or longer if you’re dining at Cicada). Adding Griffith Observatory and beach locations stretches into a full day with significant driving time.
Our Half Day Best of LA Tour covers Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Beverly Hills/Rodeo Drive efficiently in 5.5 hours. For a fully customized movie location route, our Private SUV Tours let you choose exactly which spots to prioritize.
Which locations are free to visit?
Rodeo Drive, the TCL Chinese Theatre forecourt, and the Bradbury Building lobby cost nothing to explore. Griffith Observatory has free admission but charges for planetarium shows. Beach parking runs $12-15. Cicada Restaurant requires a dining reservation with entrees $35-55.
Are these good for proposals or special occasions?
Griffith Observatory at sunset is one of Los Angeles’ most popular proposal spots—arrive early on weekends for the best photo opportunities. Beach locations offer more privacy, especially on weekday mornings. For proposals, weekday timing beats weekend crowds at every location around the city.
What movies should I watch before visiting?
La La Land covers the most locations (Griffith Observatory, Hermosa Beach). Pretty Woman showcases Rodeo Drive and Cicada Restaurant. Grease filmed at Leo Carrillo Beach. Most are available on major streaming platforms.
How long should I spend at each location?
Quick stops work for Rodeo Drive, TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Bradbury Building (15-30 minutes each). Plan 1-2 hours for Griffith Observatory and beach locations.
If you’re spending multiple days in LA, our 7-day LA itinerary can help you plan the perfect week.
Explore LA’s most iconic locations with our Half Day Best of LA Tour or create a custom romantic movie location tour with our VIP Private SUV Experience!
