MusicalDramaRomance

🎬 Where Was La La Land Filmed? Complete Los Angeles Location Guide

2016

Damien Chazelle

Added January 15, 2024

5 Locations

Explore iconic Los Angeles locations where Mia and Sebastian chased their dreams and found love in La La Land.

About 🎬 Where Was La La Land Filmed? Complete Los Angeles Location Guide

🎬 Where Was La La Land Filmed? Complete Los Angeles Location Guide

Ever dreamt of dancing through the stars or falling in love against a backdrop of sun-drenched Los Angeles? 🤩 "La La Land" brought that dream to life, captivating audiences with its enchanting story and breathtaking visuals.

This wasn't just a movie; it was a vibrant love letter to classic musicals and the City of Angels itself. Every frame pulses with the energy of Hollywood's streets, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems.

What makes these locations so special is how they transcend mere backdrops. They become an integral part of Mia and Sebastian's journey, almost characters themselves, reflecting their hopes, struggles, and triumphs.

Get ready to step into the movie magic! ✨ We're taking you on a tour of the most iconic "La La Land" filming locations, offering bite-sized insights, photo tips, and practical advice to help you experience the film's enchantment firsthand.

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🗺️ Major Filming Locations

🎬 Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, USA - Where Dreams Take Flight ✨

Scenic view of Griffith Observatory showing its iconic white domes against the Los Angeles skyline and Hollywood sign.

🏛️ The Location

Perched high on Mount Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory is renowned for its stunning views of the Los Angeles basin, the Hollywood Sign, and the Pacific Ocean. It's a popular destination for stargazing, science exhibits, and panoramic cityscapes.

🎥 In the Film

This celestial landmark is the setting for one of the film's most iconic and magical moments: Mia and Sebastian's weightless dance among the stars in the planetarium. It’s where their romance truly takes flight, embodying the film's dreamy essence.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

🕒 Hours: Check their official website for current operating hours, as they vary.

💰 Admission: Free to enter the building and grounds; planetarium shows have a small fee.

🌐 Website: https://griffithobservatory.org/

💡 Pro Tip: Visit near sunset to capture incredible golden hour photos of the city before catching a planetarium show. Parking can be challenging, so consider rideshare or the shuttle bus. 🎬 Fun Fact: The iconic "Rebel Without a Cause" scene, which also features a planetarium, was filmed here, inspiring "La La Land"'s nod to classic Hollywood.

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🎬 Warner Bros. Studios (Backlot), Burbank, USA - Hollywood's Heartbeat 🎬

Stunning architecture of Warner Bros. Studios (Backlot) featuring a recreated Parisian street with classic buildings and a fountain.

🏛️ The Location

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of film and television production. Its sprawling backlots feature meticulously crafted streetscapes, soundstages, and sets that have stood in for countless real-world locations.

🎥 In the Film

Various scenes in "La La Land" were filmed on the diverse studio backlots. Mia's café where she worked and several of her demoralizing auditions were all shot against these versatile, purpose-built sets designed to evoke different parts of Los Angeles.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

🕒 Hours: Typically open daily, but check their website for exact tour times and availability.

💰 Admission: Tour tickets vary, typically starting around $70-$100 per person.

🌐 Website: https://www.wbstudiotour.com/

💡 Pro Tip: Book your tour tickets well in advance, especially during peak seasons. The studio tour gives you a fantastic behind-the-scenes look at how movies are made! 🎬 Fun Fact: The Parisian street on the backlot provided the backdrop for a pivotal scene where Mia's play begins to gain traction, bringing a touch of European charm to the L.A. lot.

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🎬 Hermosa Beach Pier, Hermosa Beach, USA - Where Melodies Meet the Sea 🎵

Beautiful view of Hermosa Beach Pier showcasing a silhouette of a person on the wooden pier stretching into the ocean at sunset.

🏛️ The Location

Hermosa Beach Pier is a classic Southern California pier, perfect for strolling, fishing, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze and sunset views. It's a quintessential relaxing beach town escape.

🎥 In the Film

This picturesque pier is where Sebastian walks alone at dusk, lost in thought, and sings the film's poignant anthem, "City of Stars." His contemplative stroll encapsulates the solitude and beauty of aspiring artists in Los Angeles.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

🕒 Hours: Open 24/7.

💰 Admission: Free.

🌐 Website: https://www.hermosabeach.gov/

💡 Pro Tip: Visit at golden hour or sunset to truly capture the melancholic beauty seen in the film. The pier can get breezy, so bring a light jacket. 🎬 Fun Fact: Before filming "City of Stars," Ryan Gosling took long walks on the pier to get into character, immersing himself in the ambiance that would become so iconic.

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🎬 The Lighthouse Cafe, Hermosa Beach, USA - The Heart of Jazz 🎷

Impressive facade of The Lighthouse Cafe displaying its classic red and white signage and entrance on a street corner.

🏛️ The Location

The Lighthouse Cafe is a legendary jazz club with a rich history dating back to 1949. Located just steps from Hermosa Beach Pier, it has hosted countless jazz greats over the decades and remains a vibrant live music venue today.

🎥 In the Film

This is where Sebastian tries to introduce Mia to the soulful magic of traditional jazz. It’s a pivotal scene that highlights their developing relationship and Sebastian's passion for preserving the art form.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 30 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

🕒 Hours: Check their website for current live music schedules and opening hours.

💰 Admission: Cover charges vary depending on the performing artists.

🌐 Website: https://www.thelighthousecafe.net/

💡 Pro Tip: Attend a live performance to truly soak in the atmosphere that captivated Sebastian. It's a small, intimate venue, so arrive early for good seats. 🎬 Fun Fact: The Lighthouse Cafe is considered one of the West Coast's most significant jazz clubs, and its authentic vibe was essential for creating Sebastian's purist character.

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🎬 Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange (I-105/I-110), Los Angeles, USA - The Opening Number 🛣️

Authentic street scene of Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange capturing intricate multi-level freeway ramps filled with cars against a sunny sky.

🏛️ The Location

This behemoth of an interchange is an architectural marvel and a defining feature of the Los Angeles freeway system. It connects the I-110 (Harbor Freeway) and I-105 (Century Freeway) with up to four levels of stacked ramps.

🎥 In the Film

The Pregerson Interchange is the unforgettable setting for "La La Land"'s explosive opening musical number, "Another Day of Sun." Drivers stuck in traffic burst into an exhilarating, vibrant dance sequence, showcasing the city's unique energy.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: I-105/I-110 Interchange, Los Angeles, CA (It's a freeway interchange, not a specific visitor center)

🕒 Hours: Always accessible as a public freeway.

💰 Admission: Free (standard road tolls may apply on connecting freeways).

🌐 Website: (N/A – it's a public freeway)

💡 Pro Tip: While you can't walk directly on the freeway for safety, you can drive through it to experience its scale. For a unique view, consider looking for nearby overpasses or vantage points. 🎬 Fun Fact: Filming this ambitious opening sequence required shutting down parts of the active freeway for two full days, coordinating over 100 dancers and vehicles in challenging August heat.

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🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

Damien Chazelle's "La La Land" wasn't just a film; it was a vibrant love letter to classic Hollywood musicals and Los Angeles itself. The director's vision was to make the city a character, and filming entirely on location was crucial to capturing its unique blend of hope, dreams, and the often-unseen magic of modern L.A.

🎭 Director's Vision

🎯 Location Strategy: Chazelle meticulously chose locations that weren't just visually appealing but also resonated with the film's themes. He wanted authentic L.A. spots that felt timeless and connected to the city's artistic soul.

🎨 Visual Style: Every setting was carefully lit and framed to enhance the film's dreamy, almost surreal visual style, making the city itself a canvas for Mia and Sebastian's story.

🎪 Production Highlights

🎬 Freeway Frenzy: The opening freeway sequence was filmed on a real, active interchange (I-105/I-110) over two days, requiring a full shutdown of sections of the freeway.

🎭 Piano Man: Ryan Gosling learned to play the piano from scratch for his role, performing all of Sebastian's complex piano pieces himself.

🎨 Dance Intensive: Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling underwent extensive dance training, including tap and ballroom, for months to prepare for the film's routines.

🎯 Magic Hour Mad Dash: The iconic 'A Lovely Night' dance scene in the Hollywood Hills was filmed during 'magic hour' (sunset), giving the crew only a short window each day to capture the perfect light.

🌟 Cast & Crew Stories

😄 Chemistry Kingpins: This was Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's third film together, which undoubtedly contributed to their undeniable on-screen chemistry and comfort with each other in those intricate dance numbers.

😮 Jazz Immersion: Ryan Gosling spent hours listening to jazz and even performed at real jazz clubs to fully embody Sebastian's deep passion for the music.

🎉 Ode to Originals: The production team drew direct inspiration from classic musicals like "Singin' in the Rain" and "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg," weaving their magic into "La La Land" as heartfelt homages.

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🗺️ Plan Your Visit

Ready to follow Mia and Sebastian's footsteps through the heart of Los Angeles? Here's how to make your cinematic journey a breeze!

🏨 Where to Stay

💰 Budget: Freehand Los Angeles - $100-$150/night - A stylish hostel/hotel downtown with a great rooftop pool, putting you close to many L.A. attractions.

🏛️ Mid-Range: The Garland (North Hollywood) - $200-$300/night - A retro-chic hotel near Universal Studios and accessible to Warner Bros., offering a slice of classic L.A. glamour.

✨ Luxury: The Hollywood Roosevelt - $350+/night - Stay right on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a historic hotel with a legendary pool. Perfect for film buffs seeking opulence.

🚗 Getting Around

🚇 Metro: Los Angeles has a growing Metro system, particularly useful for getting to downtown or Hollywood from some areas. For destinations like Hermosa Beach, a combination of Metro and rideshare might be needed.

🚗 Car: A car is generally recommended for exploring L.A.'s widespread locations. Be prepared for traffic, especially during rush hour, and factor in parking costs.

🚶 Walking: While some areas like the Hermosa Beach Pier/Lighthouse Cafe are walkable, L.A. is very spread out. Walking between most "La La Land" locations isn't feasible, so plan for driving or public transport.

📸 Photo Tips

🌅 Best Times: For that classic "La La Land" glow, aim for "magic hour" (just before sunset) or early morning. The light is soft, warm, and highly cinematic.

📱 Instagram Spots: At Griffith Observatory, capture the panoramic city views. On Hermosa Beach Pier, get that iconic sunset silhouette. At The Lighthouse Cafe, capture the vintage marquee.

🎬 Movie Moments: Recreate Mia and Sebastian's dance at the Observatory (safely, of course!). Hum "City of Stars" as you stroll the Hermosa Beach Pier. Feel the rhythm of the city at the Pregerson Interchange.

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❓ Quick Answers

🎬 Is this based on a true story?

No, "La La Land" is a fictional musical. However, it draws heavily on the real-life experiences of aspiring artists in Los Angeles and pays homage to the city's rich cinematic history.

🗺️ Can I visit all locations in one day?

It would be a very ambitious day! While some locations like the Hermosa Beach Pier and The Lighthouse Cafe are close, L.A.'s sprawling nature makes seeing all five in one day a stretch. We recommend splitting it into two full days or focusing on specific areas.

💰 How much should I budget?

Excluding accommodation, budget around $50-$150 per person for attractions (like Warner Bros Studio Tour) and around $50-$100 per day for food and incidentals. Travel costs (car rental, gas, rideshares) will add to this.

📱 Are there guided tours?

Yes! Several local tour companies offer "La La Land" themed tours that will take you to multiple filming locations, often providing behind-the-scenes stories and film insights. A quick online search will reveal options.

🎭 When was this filmed?

"La La Land" was primarily filmed in the summer and early fall of 2015, capturing the vibrant and sunny Los Angeles that is so characteristic of the film.

🌍 Is Los Angeles safe for tourists?

Yes, Los Angeles is generally safe for tourists. As with any major city, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and take standard precautions like keeping valuables secure. The areas around the "La La Land" locations are popular and well-trafficked.

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🎬 Ready for Your Cinematic Adventure?

"La La Land" is more than just a movie; it's an ode to chasing your dreams and the city that inspires them. Walking in the footsteps of Mia and Sebastian allows you to truly feel the magic, the struggles, and the enduring hope that vibrated through every scene.

From the dizzying heights of the Griffith Observatory to the soulful jazz of Hermosa Beach, each location offers a unique connection to the film's unforgettable narrative. So, pack your bags, tune into the soundtrack, and prepare to fall in love with Los Angeles all over again.

Want to explore more iconic film destinations? Dive into our archives at wherewasitfilmed.co for your next cinematic adventure!

Year Released

2016

Director

Damien Chazelle

Filming Locations

5 locations

Behind the Scenes

Damien Chazelle's 'La La Land' wasn't just a film; it was a vibrant love letter to classic Hollywood musicals and Los Angeles itself. The director's vision was to make the city a character, and filming entirely on location was crucial to capturing its unique blend of hope, dreams, and the often-unseen magic of modern L.A.

The spectacular opening freeway sequence was shot on a real, active interchange (I-105/I-110) over two days, requiring a full shutdown of sections of the freeway.
Ryan Gosling learned to play the piano from scratch for his role, performing all of Sebastian's complex piano pieces himself.
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling underwent extensive dance training, including tap and ballroom, for months to prepare for the film's routines.
Many of the musical numbers were meticulously choreographed to appear as continuous single takes, blending camera movement with the actors' performances.
The iconic 'A Lovely Night' dance scene in the Hollywood Hills was filmed during 'magic hour' (sunset), giving the crew only a short window each day to capture the perfect light.
The film consciously paid homage to classic Golden Age Hollywood musicals, with visual cues and thematic elements inspired by films like 'Singin' in the Rain' and 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg'.
The vibrant color palette was a deliberate choice by cinematographer Linus Sandgren, using saturated hues to evoke a dreamlike, heightened reality.
The Observatory sequence drew inspiration from the planetarium scene in 'Rebel Without a Cause,' which also featured the Griffith Observatory.
The film's final 'Epilogue' scene, a visually stunning non-verbal sequence, was developed late in pre-production and became central to the film's emotional impact.
Despite its grand scale, the film had a relatively modest budget for a musical, showcasing innovative filmmaking techniques.
Mia's apartment building was a real structure in the Valley, chosen for its authentic, slightly rundown yet charming L.A. vibe.
The casting of Gosling and Stone marked their third film together, contributing to their undeniable on-screen chemistry.

Location Gallery

Griffith Observatory

Warner Bros. Studios (Backlot)

Hermosa Beach Pier

The Lighthouse Cafe

Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange (I-105/I-110)

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 Griffith Observatory, Warner Bros. Studios (Backlot), Hermosa Beach Pier in one day.