La La Land was released in December 2016 when I was a sophomore in college. I had just returned from a semester abroad in Prague, and I was eager to start exploring Los Angeles since I had a car at school. Here are some of my favorites spots from the movie.
For a full list of La La Land filming locations, check out this article from Curbed LA.
Colorado Street Bridge | 504 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
This bridge connects Pasadena to Los Angeles. At 150 feet above the ground, this was the highest concrete bridge in the world when it was built in 1913. I’ve only seen it in the daylight but would like to go back at sunset and see the lights on. To see the bridge from below, check out Desiderio Neighborhood Park at 10 N Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105.
Rialto Theater | 1023 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
The Rialto Theatre opened in 1925 and showed movies with live orchestra accompaniment. The balcony, orchestra, and much of the inside are still in original condition. Now, Mosaic Church hosts Sunday church services and other events inside if you want to take a peek!
Griffith Observatory | 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
The observatory was built in 1935 and is located at the top of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. It’s surrounded by trails and has a great view of the Hollywood Sign. There’s a planetarium and other space-related exhibits inside. Entry is free, but parking can get expensive. To get a photo like this one without people in it, go for sunrise when the observatory is closed and parking is free. The location from the La La Land movie poster is in Griffith Park at Cathy’s Corner along Mt Hollywood Drive (it’s in Google Maps).
Grand Central Market | 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
This big market hall has been an LA icon since 1917, and it’s full of awesome neon signs. There dozens of food stalls, including Eggslut and McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams. It gets pretty crowded on weekends and sometimes it’s impossible to find somewhere to sit on a Saturday for lunch, so be sure to check out downstairs! The parking lot is actually located above the market at 308 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 and it’s $3 for the first 90 minutes.
Angels Flight Railway | 350 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071
This funicular is located just across the street from Grand Central Market. For $1, it takes you up 298 feet from Hill Street to Grand Avenue in less than a minute. It originally opened in 1901, but it was closed for renovations from 2013-2017, only re-opening for Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling to film in it for La La Land. It re-opened for service in August 2017.
Watts Towers Art Center | 1727 E 107th St, Los Angeles, CA 90002
Watts Towers are made of structural steel were designed and built by hand by Sam Rodia. Starting in 1921, it took him 34 years to make these 17 spires and he decorated them with several different media including seashells, tile, and colored glass. You can see the top of the towers from outside, but I’d recommend paying and going inside. Admission and a tour is $7 for adults, and it’s one of the most unique places I’ve been in Los Angeles.
Hermosa Beach Pier | 1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
This pier has more laidback beach town vibes and is a nice change of pace from the Santa Monica Pier. It’s made of concrete instead of wood and dogs are not allowed on it. The surrounding area is cute and there are a bunch of shops and restaurants along the Pier Plaza.
