Find out which films have been shot in Long Beach

Long Beach: Hollywood's Versatile Waterfront Backdrop

Long Beach, California has served as a chameleon-like filming location for over seven decades, with its diverse architecture and iconic waterfront standing in for everything from Miami to Mediterranean coastal towns. The city's unique combination of art deco buildings, industrial ports, and palm-lined streets has attracted countless productions seeking versatile urban and maritime settings.

A Cinematic History

The city's relationship with Hollywood began in earnest during the 1950s when its bustling port and downtown area provided authentic backdrops for film noir and maritime adventures. The Port of Long Beach, one of North America's largest shipping complexes, has been particularly attractive to filmmakers seeking industrial scale and waterfront authenticity.

Long Beach's film-friendly policies and proximity to Los Angeles have made it a practical choice for production companies. The city established its own film office in 1977 to streamline permits and location services, helping cement its reputation as a cooperative filming destination.

Iconic Productions

"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986) utilized Long Beach's architectural diversity, with the house at 4160 Country Club Drive serving as the exterior of the Bueller family home. The property's clean lines and modernist design perfectly matched director John Hughes' vision for suburban Chicago.

More recently, "Inception" (2010) transformed sections of downtown Long Beach into a dream-state version of a coastal metropolis. The film took advantage of the city's mix of contemporary and historic architecture to create its surreal urban landscapes.

The television series "Dexter" regularly used Long Beach to double as Miami, with the city's similar palm trees, waterfront views, and art deco buildings creating a convincing Florida atmosphere across multiple seasons.

Famous Filming Spots

The Pike Outlets, formerly known as The Pike amusement zone, has appeared in numerous productions thanks to its distinctive waterfront architecture and renovated retail spaces. The area's transformation over the decades has provided settings ranging from vintage Americana to modern urban scenes.

Signal Hill's dramatic elevation and panoramic views have made it a favorite location for establishing shots and dramatic sequences. The site's industrial history and sweeping vistas of the harbor create compelling visual backdrops.

George's 50's Diner has become a recognizable location for period pieces and contemporary productions alike, with its preserved mid-century aesthetic offering authentic nostalgic appeal.

Film Tourism Today

The Long Beach Film Office continues to facilitate approximately 200 filming days annually, contributing significantly to the local economy. Walking tours highlighting famous filming locations have become popular among visitors, particularly around the downtown waterfront district.

Film scouts continue to discover new possibilities within the city's 50 square miles, with the recently renovated Pacific Gateway area attracting increased attention from production companies. The port's ongoing modernization provides fresh industrial vistas while maintaining the maritime character that has drawn filmmakers for generations.

Long Beach remains one of Southern California's most versatile filming locations, offering production teams an efficient alternative to Los Angeles proper while maintaining the professional infrastructure necessary for major productions.