Where Was La La Land Filmed?

Location 01

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

California, Los Angeles Outside only

Filmed here: Opening 'Another Day of Sun' dance sequence in traffic jam

The famous opening 'Another Day of Sun' dance number was filmed here, with performers dancing on car roofs in a traffic jam. Production controlled traffic flow on the carpool lanes over two days of shooting. It remains an active freeway interchange, so there is no stopping on the ramps. The best approach is viewing from nearby roads or overpasses rather than attempting to stop on the freeway itself.

Location 02

Cathy's Corner, Mount Hollywood Drive

California, Los Angeles Free to see

Filmed here: 'A Lovely Night' tap dance scene overlooking the city

This spot on Mount Hollywood Drive in Griffith Park is where the 'A Lovely Night' tap dance scene was filmed, with the city lights spread out below. The road is closed to vehicles, so reaching it means hiking or biking roughly 2.5 miles from the observatory parking area along the paved road. Daylight is recommended for the trip. The payoff is a panoramic view over Los Angeles that matches the film.

Location 03

Griffith Observatory

California, Los Angeles Free to see

Filmed here: Planetarium dance sequence

The planetarium dance sequence, one of the film's most romantic moments, was shot here. The observatory is open to the public, with admission charged for planetarium shows, and it doubles as one of the city's best viewpoints. Visitors can explore the exhibits, watch a show, and stand on the terraces that appear in the film. The surrounding Griffith Park also connects to the Cathy's Corner trail.

Location 04

Angels Flight Railway

California, Los Angeles Ticketed

Filmed here: Funicular ride scene

Mia and Sebastian ride this historic funicular in one of the film's quieter scenes. The railway was actually out of service during filming but reopened in 2017. Today it operates daily, connecting Hill Street to California Plaza in downtown Los Angeles for a small fare. The ride is short but the orange and black cars are among the city's most photographed pieces of transit history.

Location 05

The Lighthouse Cafe

California, Hermosa Beach Free to see

Filmed here: Jazz club scene where Sebastian plays piano

Sebastian plays piano at this Hermosa Beach jazz club, which is a real working venue rather than a set. It has hosted live music since 1949 and still books performances, so visitors can catch a show and eat at the venue. It sits a short walk from the beach, making it easy to pair with the pier. Check the schedule in advance for jazz nights.

Location 06

Hermosa Beach Pier

California, Hermosa Beach Free to see

Filmed here: Sebastian dances alone at dusk on the pier

Sebastian dances alone at dusk on this public pier in one of the film's lonelier moments. The pier remains free to visit and is popular for walking and sunset views, which is exactly the mood the scene captures. It sits in Hermosa Beach, close to the Lighthouse Cafe, so the two locations can comfortably be combined in a single trip to the area.

Location 07

Rialto Theatre

California, South Pasadena Ticketed

Filmed here: Exterior where Sebastian waits for Mia outside Rebel Without a Cause screening

The exterior of this historic South Pasadena theater is where Sebastian waits for Mia outside a screening of Rebel Without a Cause. The building is a real landmark, and access is ticketed, with screenings and events held at times. Checking the theater's programming ahead of a visit is the way to go, since the interior opens for films and special occasions rather than general touring.

Location 08

Watts Towers

California, Los Angeles Free to see

Filmed here: Watts Towers scene

The Watts Towers, the towering folk art sculptures built by Simon Rodia, appear in the film as a destination the couple visits. The site is publicly accessible, and guided tours are available, though hours vary so checking ahead is wise. The steel and mosaic structures are remarkable in their own right and rank among Los Angeles's most distinctive art installations, film connection or not.

Location 09

Grand Central Market

California, Los Angeles Free to see

Filmed here: Market scene with Sarita’s Pupuseria

The historic downtown food hall appears in a scene featuring Sarita's Pupuseria, one of its long-standing vendors. The market is open daily and packed with food stalls, so visitors can eat at the same spot shown in the film. It sits near Angels Flight Railway, making the two an easy pairing in downtown Los Angeles. Arriving hungry is the standard advice here.

Location 10

Rose Towers / El Cordova Apartments

California, Long Beach Outside only

Filmed here: Mia's pink apartment exterior

The pink exterior of Mia's apartment building is a private residential property in Long Beach, listed under the names Rose Towers and El Cordova Apartments. As with any private building, viewing is from the street only, and there is nothing to enter. It is best treated as a quick photo stop for dedicated fans, since the building itself is still home to residents.