ComedyDramaRomance

🎬 Where Was 500 Days of Summer Filmed? Complete Los Angeles Location Guide

2009

Marc Webb

Added January 15, 2024

5 Locations

Explore the real-life Los Angeles locations behind Tom and Summer's unconventional love story. Discover iconic spots and plan your cinematic LA adventure!

About 🎬 Where Was 500 Days of Summer Filmed? Complete Los Angeles Location Guide

🎬 Where Was 500 Days of Summer Filmed? Complete Los Angeles Location Guide

Ever wondered where the bittersweet love story of Tom and Summer unfolded? 💔 500 Days of Summer wasn't just a beloved indie film; it was a love letter to Los Angeles, its vibrant urban tapestry serving as a silent, yet powerful, third character. Get ready to embark on a cinematic adventure through the city of angels!

This wasn't your typical rom-com; it was a refreshing, honest take on modern relationships, full of quirky charm and relatable heartbreak. The film masterfully blended reality with fantasy, often using its stunning real-world locations to reflect the emotional highs and lows of its characters.

From sun-drenched parks to iconic architectural wonders, these spots are more than just backdrops. They are integral to the narrative, embodying the hope, despair, and eventual reflection of Tom's journey with Summer. You'll feel like you're stepping right into the film!

Join us as we explore the very places where Tom and Summer's story played out. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for an interesting way to see LA, this guide is your ticket to a magical, movie-inspired tour. 🎬

🗺️ Major Filming Locations

🎬 Angels Knoll - A View to Remember 🌳

Scenic view of Angels Knoll park showing a green hill and downtown LA skyscrapers.

🏛️ The Location

Angels Knoll is a serene, grassy park situated in downtown Los Angeles, offering panoramic views of the city's skyline. It's a small oasis amidst the urban sprawl, perfect for a moment of quiet reflection or a romantic picnic. Perched above the historic Angels Flight railway, it provides a unique perspective of DTLA.

🎥 In the Film

This is the iconic park bench location where Tom first expresses his true feelings for Summer, stating "I love her eyes." It's also where they share profound conversations and poignant silences, marking some of the most memorable and emotionally charged moments of their relationship. The bench became a symbol of their connection.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 219 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

🕒 Hours: Open 24/7 (public park)

💰 Admission: Free

🌐 Website: N/A (public park, but check city of LA parks department for info)

💡 Pro Tip: Visit near sunset to capture breathtaking Instagram-worthy photos of the Los Angeles skyline bathed in golden light, just as the city comes alive. 🎬 Fun Fact: After gaining fame from the film, Angels Knoll was unfortunately closed for several years due to budget cuts, much to the dismay of fans, but was thankfully reopened in 2017.

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🎬 IKEA Burbank - Playtime in Furniture Paradise 🛋️

Stunning architecture of IKEA Burbank's interior, featuring multiple levels and escalators.

🏛️ The Location

IKEA Burbank is a massive furniture store, a labyrinth of showrooms filled with Scandinavian design and flat-pack dreams. It's a bustling hub where people spend hours imagining their future homes, complete with tiny pencils and paper measuring tapes. The store offers a unique, almost surreal environment for a date.

🎥 In the Film

The IKEA scene captures Tom and Summer's playful, carefree side as they wander through the staged rooms. They pretend to be a married couple, enacting domestic bliss and discussing trivial home decor matters. This lighthearted sequence highlights their initial compatibility and shared sense of humor, making it an optimistic peak in their relationship.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 600 S Ikea Way, Burbank, CA 91502

🕒 Hours: Typically 10 AM - 9 PM daily, check their official website for current hours.

💰 Admission: Free (to enter the store)

🌐 Website: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/stores/burbank/

💡 Pro Tip: Don't leave without trying their famous Swedish meatballs and lingonberry juice in the food court. It's a delicious and essential part of the IKEA experience! 🎬 Fun Fact: Many of the interactions and lines between Tom and Summer during the IKEA scene were reportedly improvised, adding to the spontaneous and authentic feel of their "date."

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🎬 Bradbury Building - Architectural Grandeur 🏢

Beautiful view of the Bradbury Building's ornate interior, showcasing its famous open cage elevators and ironwork.

🏛️ The Location

The Bradbury Building is a stunning architectural masterpiece in downtown Los Angeles, famed for its towering, light-filled atrium, ornate cast-iron details, and open cage elevators. Built in 1893, its unique Victorian-era design provides an almost ethereal atmosphere, a stark contrast to the modern city outside. It's a designated National Historic Landmark.

🎥 In the Film

Tom walks through the breathtaking interior of the Bradbury Building after a job interview, a moment that signifies a potential turning point in his life beyond Summer. The building's majestic beauty and sense of hope seem to reflect Tom's emerging optimism as he starts to move forward and envision a new path.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 304 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

🕒 Hours: Daily 9 AM - 6 PM (lobby access), check their official website for holiday hours.

💰 Admission: Free (to wander the public lobby), though private tours may have a fee.

🌐 Website: https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/bradbury-building

💡 Pro Tip: After soaking in the Bradbury Building's beauty, head across the street to the historic Grand Central Market for an incredible array of food vendors offering everything from tacos to artisanal ice cream. 🎬 Fun Fact: This iconic building has a rich cinematic history, appearing in many films including Blade Runner, The Artist, Chinatown, and even music videos, making it a true Hollywood staple.

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🎬 Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Plaza - A Grand Impression ✨

Impressive facade of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Plaza, displaying a modern, grand entrance.

🏛️ The Location

The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Plaza is a part of The Music Center, Los Angeles' premier performing arts complex. It's known for its grand, modernist architecture and spacious outdoor plaza, often bustling with people attending shows or simply enjoying the urban environment. The large, open space feels both imposing and inspiring.

🎥 In the Film

Tom interviews for a new advertising job at an agency located within or near the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. This scene marks his professional pivot away from greeting card writing, signifying a fresh start and a move towards something new. The grand, serious setting underlines the importance of this moment for him.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

🕒 Hours: Plaza generally accessible during Music Center operating hours, which vary. Check performance schedules.

💰 Admission: Free (to the plaza area)

🌐 Website: https://www.musiccenter.org/

💡 Pro Tip: Check The Music Center's schedule for upcoming performances by the LA Opera, LA Phil, or Center Theatre Group – experiencing a show here is truly magical! 🎬 Fun Fact: The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion was the primary venue for the Academy Awards ceremonies from 1969 to 1987, and again from 1990 to 2001, making it a true Hollywood landmark.

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🎬 Palace Theatre - Reality Bites on Broadway 🎭

Authentic street scene of the Palace Theatre's historic exterior, capturing its classic marquee.

🏛️ The Location

The Palace Theatre is a majestic, historic movie palace located on Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. Opened in 1911, it's one of the oldest and most beautifully preserved theaters in the city, boasting intricate architecture and a classic marquee. It primarily hosts live events, concerts, and film screenings today.

🎥 In the Film

This theater is the setting for one of the film's most visually ingenious and emotionally devastating sequences: the "Expectations vs. Reality" split-screen. Tom enters the theater expecting a romantic reunion with Summer, but the reality on screen (the true events) plays out dramatically differently, crushing his hope.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 630 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014

🕒 Hours: Event-based; check their website for specific showtimes, concerts, or occasional tours.

💰 Admission: Varies by event; access is typically for ticket-holders only.

🌐 Website: https://palacetheatredtla.com/

💡 Pro Tip: The Broadway Historic District, where the Palace Theatre is located, is home to several other incredible historic theaters. Consider looking into guided tours of the area to learn more about their rich history. 🎬 Fun Fact: Originally known as the "Clune's Broadway," the Palace Theatre was the first venue in Los Angeles to feature vaudeville acts and has hosted legendary performers throughout its long history.

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🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

500 Days of Summer wasn't just a film; it was a conversation starter, changing how many viewed modern romance. The filmmaking team meticulously crafted every detail to evoke the complexities of Tom's journey, from the script to the setting.

🎭 Director's Vision

🎯 Location Strategy: Director Marc Webb strategically used Los Angeles as a character itself. The city's diverse architecture and vibrant energy mirrored Tom's emotional landscape, from the joyful chaos of IKEA to the melancholic beauty of Angels Knoll.

🎨 Visual Style: Webb employed a non-linear narrative and playful visual techniques, including animation, split-screens, and dance numbers, to reflect Tom's subjective memory and fragmented understanding of the relationship, making the setting feel dynamic and alive.

🎪 Production Highlights

🎬 The film was shot in 29 days, an incredibly tight schedule for such a visually complex and emotionally nuanced story.

🎭 The "You Make My Dreams (Come True)" dance sequence involved a huge crew and meticulously choreographed extras, making it a very challenging but rewarding shoot.

🎨 The production design team paid close attention to color in Tom's apartment, subtly shifting from bright, hopeful tones to muted, somber ones as his relationship with Summer progressed.

🎯 Joseph Gordon-Levitt learned architecturally-themed songs for the film, even performing 'Sweet Disposition' during an audition, although it wasn't used in the final cut.

🌟 Cast & Crew Stories

😄 Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt had great chemistry on set, with much of their playful banter and natural interactions making it into the final film, particularly in the IKEA scene.

😮 Filming in genuine public locations like IKEA presented challenges, as they had to shoot during open store hours, blending in with real shoppers.

🎉 The film's success at Sundance transformed it from a small independent project into a breakout hit, garnering critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.

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🗺️ Plan Your Visit

Ready to follow in Tom and Summer's footsteps? Los Angeles offers a fantastic blend of cinematic history and vibrant culture. Here's how to make the most of your trip!

🏨 Where to Stay

💰 Budget: Freehand Los Angeles - $150-250/night - A stylish hostel/hotel downtown with a great rooftop pool, walking distance to many locations like the Bradbury Building.

🏛️ Mid-Range: Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles - $200-400/night - A historic and grand hotel conveniently located near the Music Center and Angels Knoll, offering old-world charm.

✨ Luxury: The Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles - $300-500+/night - Housed in the historic United Artists Building, offers a cool, boutique vibe with modern amenities and a rooftop bar overlooking Broadway.

🚗 Getting Around

🚇 Metro: Downtown LA is surprisingly well-connected by Metro Rail. The Red and Purple lines serve many of the filming locations, making it easy to hop between them without a car.

🚗 Car: While a car offers flexibility, traffic in LA can be intense, and parking in downtown can be expensive. Consider ride-sharing services for convenience.

🚶 Walking: Many of the downtown locations (Angels Knoll, Bradbury Building, Palace Theatre, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion) are within walking distance of each other, making for a pleasant stroll through historic LA.

📸 Photo Tips

🌅 Best Times: Visit the locations early in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds, perfect for snagging that empty-park bench shot at Angels Knoll.

📱 Instagram Spots: Recreate the "Expectations vs. Reality" shot outside the Palace Theatre, or strike a pose in the Bradbury Building's famous elevators. The IKEA scene offers endless playful photo ops!

🎬 Movie Moments: Wear headphones and play The Smiths or Regina Spektor as you wander; it'll transport you right into Tom's emotional world and inspire your photos.

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❓ Quick Answers

🎬 Is this based on a true story?

While not a direct autobiography, the script was heavily influenced by writer Scott Neustadter's own real-life experiences with a tumultuous relationship, giving it an undeniable sense of authenticity.

🗺️ Can I visit all locations in one day?

Yes, it's absolutely possible! Most of the key locations (Angels Knoll, Bradbury Building, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Plaza, Palace Theatre) are concentrated in downtown LA, making them walkable. IKEA Burbank is a short drive away but easily accessible by car or ride-share within a day.

💰 How much should I budget?

Excluding travel to LA and accommodation, you could explore these locations for relatively little. Most sites offer free or low-cost admission. Budget for public transport (around $7 for a day pass), food (variable), and any souvenir purchases.

📱 Are there guided tours?

While specific 500 Days of Summer tours are rare, many walking tours of Historic Downtown Los Angeles will cover the Bradbury Building and other nearby filming spots. Check out local tour operators like LA Conservancy for special events.

🎭 When was this filmed? 500 Days of Summer was primarily filmed in 2008, with its release in 2009. The filming often took place during the summer months, taking advantage of Southern California's bright, sunshine-filled days. 🌍 Is Los Angeles safe for tourists?

Los Angeles is generally safe for tourists, especially in busy, well-trafficked areas like downtown. As with any major city, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, and secure your belongings.

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🎬 Ready for Your Cinematic Adventure?

500 Days of Summer offers more than just a love story; it provides a unique lens through which to experience the diverse character of Los Angeles. From the architectural marvels to the everyday charm of an IKEA, each location tells a part of Tom and Summer's unforgettable journey.

So go on, hit play on the soundtrack, grab your map, and step into the world of 500 Days of Summer. Whether you're re-living your favorite moments or discovering new corners of LA, you'll find that the city truly comes alive with cinematic magic. Share your adventures with us using #WhereWasItFilmed and inspire others to explore the world through film!

Year Released

2009

Director

Marc Webb

Filming Locations

5 locations

Behind the Scenes

Marc Webb's *500 Days of Summer* isn't your typical rom-com. It's a poignant, non-linear exploration of a relationship set against the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles. Webb aimed to create a film that felt authentic and relatable, challenging the typical Hollywood romance. He focused on visual storytelling and unconventional narrative techniques to mirror Tom's fragmented perception of his relationship with Summer, often using the city of Los Angeles as a character itself, reflecting Tom's emotional state.

The iconic 'expectations vs. reality' sequence was inspired by a similar scene in Woody Allen's *Annie Hall*.
The film initially struggled to find a distributor due to its unconventional, realistic ending.
Zooey Deschanel (Summer) is also an accomplished musician; her band, She & Him, perfectly captures the film's indie vibe.
The exhilarating 'You Make My Dreams (Come True)' dance sequence was choreographed to appear spontaneous, though it was carefully planned.
The script was penned by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, reportedly drawing heavily from Neustadter's own real-life experiences.
The film's color palette subtly shifts throughout, mirroring Tom's evolving emotional journey and perspective.
The title itself, *500 Days of Summer*, is a meta-reference, emphasizing the finite duration of the relationship rather than a traditional 'happily ever after'.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Tom) highly praised the script for its raw realism and for not reducing Summer to a simplistic 'manic pixie dream girl' stereotype.
An underlying 'architecture' theme is woven into the narrative, subtly using buildings and designs as a metaphor for building and deconstructing relationships.
The film garnered critical acclaim, premiering and becoming a breakout hit at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.
Director Marc Webb went on to helm blockbuster projects like *The Amazing Spider-Man* films, showcasing his versatile directorial range.
The park bench scene at Angels Knoll became a true pilgrimage site for dedicated fans, solidifying the film's lasting cultural impact.

Location Gallery

Angels Knoll

IKEA Burbank

Bradbury Building

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Plaza

Palace Theatre

Travel Tips

Best time to visit most of these locations is during spring or fall for mild weather.
Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during tourist season.
Guided tours are available that cover Angels Knoll, IKEA Burbank, Bradbury Building in one day.