There’s a good chance your favourite Hollywood film moment was shot in California — from Indiana Jones sliding through snowy peaks to Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling sharing a kiss on a historic funicular. With its vast and diverse landscapes, California has long been the ultimate film set. Embark on a cinematic road trip from Los Angeles to Mammoth Lakes, covering 591 miles in 3 to 5 days across eight unforgettable stops. Along the way, you’ll cross deserts, climb mountains, stroll through iconic city streets, and relive moments from some of the most beloved movies of all time.

Stop 1: Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles

Begin your journey at the iconic Griffith Observatory, perched 1,134 feet above sea level on Mount Hollywood. Built in 1935 through a donation from visionary Griffith J Griffith, this Art Deco landmark was meant to make astronomy accessible to everyone — and it’s certainly earned a starring role in cinema. It’s here that James Dean had a knife fight in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’, and where The Terminator first landed on Earth. Visit the Samuel Oschin Planetarium for a spectacular show about the cosmos, then gaze through the historic Zeiss telescope after dark or examine solar activity during the day. The panoramic views of Los Angeles alone are worth the visit — especially at sunset.

Stop 2: Angels Flight, Los Angeles

Next, head to the heart of downtown L.A. to ride Angels Flight, the world’s shortest railway. This bright orange funicular, just 300 feet long, has been in operation for over 117 years. Its steep climb up Bunker Hill famously appeared in La La Land, where it set the scene for a romantic kiss between Mia and Sebastian. At the top, check out the Water Court mall; down below, grab a bite at Grand Central Market — perhaps even at Sarita’s Pupuseria, a key location in the film. Make time to stop by the California Welcome Center - Los Angeles nearby for local insights on what to eat, see, and do next.

Stop 3: Palm Springs Movie Locations

From downtown L.A., head southeast to Palm Springs, a desert haven that has doubled as countless film locations. The towering wind turbines of the San Gorgonio Pass played a high-stakes role in Mission: Impossible III, where Ethan Hunt faced danger dangling from a helicopter. In the heart of Palm Springs, you’ll find the Convention Center, where Bradley Cooper’s character performed in A Star Is Born. For a bird’s eye view of the region, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, featured in Skyway to Death. Book a stay at Casa de Monte Vista, a stunning property once used as Liberace’s fictional home in Behind the Candelabra — a glamorous touch to your journey.

Stop 4: Pioneertown

Drive east into the high desert to discover Pioneertown, just outside Joshua Tree National Park. This Old West-style village was built in 1946 as a live-in film set, and it still feels like you’ve stepped onto the set of a classic western. Stay at the cozy Pioneertown Motel, where rooms are adorned with rustic furniture and Native American blankets. In the evening, head to Pappy & Harriet’s for hearty food and live music — legends like Paul McCartney have graced its stage. For tips on nearby desert adventures, visit the California Welcome Center - Yucca Valley, just a short drive away.

Stop 5: Death Valley National Park

No road trip through cinematic California is complete without a visit to Death Valley National Park, America’s hottest and driest national park. Towering dunes, colourful canyons, and extreme elevations make it a filmmaker’s dream. Head to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for golden hour magic, or admire the sunrise over the wrinkled cliffs of Zabriskie Point. The vibrant Golden Canyon, glowing with every shade of yellow and orange, is perfect for a hike and an epic photo op. Spring is an especially magical time to spot wildflowers in bloom, adding a splash of colour to this dramatic landscape.

Stop 6: Museum of Western Film History, Lone Pine

As you leave the desert behind, head north to Lone Pine, nestled between Sequoia National Park and Death Valley. This town and its surrounding terrain have appeared in over 400 films, many of them Westerns. At the Museum of Western Film History, you’ll find memorabilia from classics like Samson and Delilah, Gunga Din, and Django Unchained. From vintage pianos to original scripts, the museum offers a fascinating look at the golden era of Western filmmaking. Pick up a map for a self-guided tour of Movie Road, where the real West became the “reel” West.

Stop 7: Lone Ranger Canyon, Lone Pine

One of the most dramatic spots along Movie Road is Lone Ranger Canyon. These otherworldly rock formations have starred as the American frontier, Afghanistan, and even the Spanish countryside in films like The Lone Ranger, Iron Man, and Gladiator. It’s an easy drive and well worth the detour — you’ll recognize the landscape the moment you arrive. Snap a photo where Tonto and the Lone Ranger’s fates were sealed, or just soak in the stark, cinematic beauty.