LA’s Most-Filmed Locations: A Quick Tour You Can Actually Walk

Los Angeles is still the capital of on-location filming. Its mix of architecture, neighborhoods, and landscapes has made the city itself a star in thousands of films.

When people think of L.A. on screen, they picture the Hollywood Sign or the Walk of Fame. But the real workhorses are smaller specific blocks, tunnels, and bridges. These places are so recognizable that they’ve become visual shorthand for the city.

A 2022 study by American Home Shield, which analyzed IMDb filming data, named Hollywood Boulevard the most-filmed street in the U.S. But plenty of other spots keep showing up on screen. By looking at IMDb entries, FilmLA permit data, and local reporting, we can map out which blocks get the most attention and why.

How We Picked the Locations

We didn’t guess. We built this list from multiple sources.

• Street rankings: American Home Shield/IMDb study geocoded thousands of film shoots. That gave us hard data on the busiest streets.

• What counts as a “block”: A stretch of road with a distinct look maybe a tunnel, a bridge, or a cluster of buildings that define the shot.

• Cross-checking: We checked FilmLA and Los Angeles Times reporting on filming permits, then backed that up with references from guides, Wikipedia, and tourism outlets.

This isn’t a formal study. It’s a curated list of locations that repeatedly appear in films, TV, and commercials.

The Locations

2nd Street Tunnel (DTLA, Figueroa → Hill)

The 2nd Street Tunnel is one of L.A.’s most filmed landmarks, even if most people don’t know it by name. Its white tile walls and continuous curve make it perfect for car commercials, chase scenes, and sci-fi backdrops.

It’s been used in Blade Runner,  Kill Bill, and Transformers. The L.A. Times once called it “the most recognizable city landmark most Americans have never heard of”. Wikipedia lists dozens of credits, confirming how often it’s used, especially for car ads where the tunnel’s clean design keeps the focus on the vehicle.

6th Street Viaduct (Arts District ↔ Boyle Heights)

The old 6th Street Bridge appeared in countless films, from Grease to Terminator 2. In 2014, FilmLA logged 86 production days here, making it the #3 filming sites in the city (Los Angeles Times).

The new “Ribbon of Light” viaduct opened in 2022. NBC noted that “Hollywood got its favorite location back”. With sweeping arches, walkways, and skyline views, it has already landed major shoots. The underpasses below also give directors an urban, moody setting that works for both action and music videos.

Lower Grand Avenue Underpass (DTLA, 4th → 5th)

Lower Grand is the backdrop for countless car chases and nighttime scenes. Its split-level design, ribbed ceiling, and lack of clutter make it easy to film.

It’s appeared in The Terminator, The Dark Knight, and The Soloist. Student films, commercials, and blockbusters all use it for the same reason: it looks dramatic and is easy to control for stunts and lighting.

L.A. River (DTLA, 4th–7th Street Bridges)

The concrete L.A. River channel has been a film staple for decades. Chinatown, Terminator 2, and To Live and Die in L.A. all shot scenes here.

Its wide, empty space works for both action and quiet drama. The backdrop of old bridges gives it character. FilmLA has called it one of the most iconic filming locations in the world.

Hollywood Boulevard (Highland ↔ Vine)

Hollywood Boulevard is the most-filmed street in America (Source: American Home Shield). The stretch between Highland and Vine includes the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Dolby Theatre.

It’s chaotic, crowded, and filled with neon an instant signal of “Hollywood” on screen. You see it in rom-coms, dramas, reality TV, and documentaries. Its look is unmatched, even if filming here is a logistical headache.

Broadway @ 3rd: Bradbury Building Block (DTLA)

The Bradbury Building is one of L.A.’s most famous film sets. Its atrium with iron railings, skylit stairs, and vintage elevators has appeared in Blade Runner and (500) Days of Summer.

The exterior at Broadway and 3rd adds historic charm, while the interior gives filmmakers a flexible backdrop that works for both futuristic and period scenes.

Union Station (Alameda & Cesar E. Chávez, DTLA)

Union Station is both a transit hub and a film set. Its Spanish Colonial and Streamline Moderne design makes it work for period dramas and thrillers alike.

It has appeared in Blade Runner, Catch Me If You Can, and The Soloist. Los Angeles Magazine and IMDb analyses rank it among the most-filmed buildings in the U.S.. Its grand waiting room and Art Deco chandeliers make it instantly cinematic.

Sunset Boulevard (Hollywood ↔ Beverly Hills)

Sunset Boulevard ranked #5 on the American Home Shield list of most-filmed streets.

From the Sunset Strip’s clubs to Beverly Hills mansions, it offers a range of backdrops. Directors use it for montages, chase scenes, or just to anchor a film firmly in L.A.

Grand Avenue Cultural Core (DTLA)

Grand Avenue between Disney Hall and Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is a modern icon. The sweeping steel curves of the Walt Disney Concert Hall and sharp lines of nearby buildings give the area a futuristic feel.

The L.A. Times highlights its frequent use in films and ads. It’s a favorite for sci-fi settings and fashion shoots.

Why These Blocks Work

These locations get booked for two main reasons: they look good, and they’re practical.

• They’re visually clear: tunnels, bridges, and boulevards that read “Los Angeles” right away.

• They’re easy to control: underpasses and tunnels can be closed for stunts and big equipment.

• They’re inside the 30-Mile Zone: union rules make locations within this radius cheaper and easier to permit (Source: California Film Commission).

• They’re covered by FilmLA: one central office handles permits for most L.A. shoots (Source: FilmLA).

Living on a Filmed Block

Owning property on one of these streets comes with trade-offs.

• Pros: Your block is recognizable worldwide. Sometimes owners get paid location fees. These areas are often well-kept and in demand.

• Cons: Filming can disrupt daily life with lights, noise, and street closures.

FilmLA has a community page with updates so residents know when shoots are scheduled.

Final Thoughts

These blocks aren’t just backdrops. They’re part of how the world sees Los Angeles. From tunnels and riverbeds to grand stations and neon boulevards, each location has become part of Hollywood’s visual language.

They’re used so often because they balance looks and logistics. They’re striking on camera, but also practical for crews to work in. That’s what keeps bringing directors back, decade after decade.

For people living nearby, it’s a mix of pride and hassle your street might be on the big screen, but it also comes with late-night shoots and road closures.

Either way, these places remind us that in Los Angeles, the city itself is always part of the story.