15 Destinations That Rose To Fame Through Blockbusters And Hit Series

One good scene can make a place unforgettable, not because of a landmark, but because of what happened there on screen. A dramatic moment unfolds—maybe a showdown or an unexpected embrace—and it leaves a mark that viewers remember. And some destinations ride that recognition straight into the spotlight, turning quiet corners into cultural magnets. These 15 spots owe their fame to movies and TV moments that stuck.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Before Walter White set up his drug empire, Albuquerque wasn’t topping travel lists. The gritty drama of “Breaking Bad” turned it into a dark tourism hotspot. Today, fans flock to car washes, fast food joints, and even that infamous pink teddy bear pool.

Forks, Washington

Who knew a sleepy logging town would become a vampire’s playground? After “Twilight” took off, Forks saw a tourism boom. With its mossy forests and constant drizzle, it matched the novels perfectly. Now, die-hard fans—known as “Twihards”—visit to experience Bella and Edward’s moody romance all over again.

Empire State Building, New York

A towering symbol of ambition, the Empire State Building cemented its pop culture legacy when King Kong climbed it in 1933. Remade in 2005, King Kong’s climb is etched in cinematic history. Tourists often seek it out to experience this larger-than-life movie moment.

Santa Monica Pier, California

Not every pier gets a front-row seat in the Marvel Universe. Santa Monica Pier played host to Tony Stark in a key Iron Man moment. With its retro charm and oceanfront glow, it’s no wonder this vibrant California site keeps showing up on Hollywood’s call sheet.

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta earned the nickname “Y’allywood” for a good reason—it blends Southern hospitality with serious studio appeal. Tax breaks, varied locations, and reliable infrastructure drew hits like “Stranger Things” and “The Walking Dead.” Atlanta is now one of the busiest filming hubs outside Hollywood.

Monument Valley, Utah

Even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, the scenery will. With crimson buttes and endless sky, Monument Valley became the backdrop of the American West in “Stagecoach” (1939), thanks to director John Ford. It’s still the definitive image of classic cowboy cinema.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

No visit to Philly is complete without the steps. In “Rocky“ (1976), he ran up those 72 stone stairs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and created one of cinema’s most replayed moments. A bronze statue nearby draws just as many tourists as the museum itself.

Seattle, Washington

Medical drama and romance both put Seattle in the limelight. While “Grey’s Anatomy” only shoots limited exteriors there, its ferry scenes and skyline appearances made the city a character. Add “Sleepless in Seattle,” and you’ll get decades of screen-inspired love letters to the Emerald City.

Los Angeles, California

“La La Land” didn’t just tell a story—it spotlighted Los Angeles in a whole new light. Scenes at Griffith Observatory and Angels Flight turned familiar spots into dreamscapes. The film’s musical charm gave L.A.’s landmarks a fresh glow, inspiring a new wave of starry-eyed visitors.

Chicago, Illinois

Known for its raw energy, classic style, and cinematic appeal, Chicago doubled as Gotham in “The Dark Knight” and was Bueller’s playground in the ’80s classic. Its architecture and streets offer both edge and charm, which makes it one of Hollywood’s most versatile urban sets.

Roswell, New Mexico

The original “Roswell” series (1999–2002) gave this small New Mexico town a new identity—sci-fi central. Building on decades of UFO lore, the show turned Roswell into a pop culture magnet. Today, fans visit alien museums and themed diners, and there is a lingering sense of something otherworldly in the air.

New Orleans, Louisiana

“Interview with the Vampire” brought New Orleans’ shadowy elegance to the forefront. The film captured the Garden District’s eerie beauty, turning historic homes and gas-lit streets into cinematic gold. Its moody atmosphere and gothic flair gave the city a haunting presence that still draws curious fans to its timeless corners.

Chippewa Square, Savannah

Chippewa Square wasn’t built for fame, but one bench changed everything. “Forrest Gump” delivered his iconic lines there, which turned this square into a film landmark. Though the bench was a prop, fans still flock to the spot to snap photos and quote the unforgettable scene.

Big Bear Lake, California

Set high in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake served as the lush, forested backdrop for “Dr. Dolittle 2” (2001). The location amplified the film’s animal-filled antics and conservation theme. Today, visitors come here for wildlife sightings and family-friendly trails.

South Pasadena, California

South Pasadena became Haddonfield, Illinois, in “Halloween,” convincing viewers it was a chilly Midwest town. Behind the scenes, it was actually warm Southern California dressed in scattered fake leaves. Decades later, people still visit the original Myers house and nearby streets that remain eerily familiar.