Famous Film and Television Locations Day Tour in San Francisco

The tour duration already includes lunch and rest stops, traffic delays, and driving hours between each location throughout the day. Please note that the total duration may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Itinerary:
Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Matrix Filming locations: California Street (20 mins) → Venom Filming, Inside Out locations: Lombard Street (40 mins) → Godzilla, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, X-Men Filming locations: Golden Gate Bridge & Battery Spencer (110 mins) → The Pursuit of Happyness Filming location: Golden Gate Park (50 mins) → Mission Impossible Filming location: Twin Peaks (40 mins) → Detective Chinatown Filming location: San Francisco Chinatown (30 mins)

California Street, one of San Francisco’s longest and most iconic thoroughfares, stretches 5.2 miles across 54 blocks, running east to west through the heart of the city. Its sweeping views of downtown and iconic cable cars make it a favorite backdrop for filmmakers. Memorable scenes from movies like Rise of the Planet of the Apes and The Matrix were filmed here, capturing its dramatic hills and quintessential San Francisco charm. Walking along California Street feels like stepping into a movie set, blending city energy with cinematic history.

Lombard Street, famously dubbed the “world’s most crooked street,” is one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks. Featured in films like Venom for its thrilling racing scenes, this winding road draws millions of visitors each year. Its eight sharp turns descend Russian Hill, surrounded by elegant mansions, manicured gardens, and vibrant flowers, making it as scenic as it is unique. Walking or driving down its zigzag path offers a quintessential San Francisco experience. From the top, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and Coit Tower, blending cinematic history with stunning city vistas.

The Golden Gate Bridge, a symbol of San Francisco, is one of the world’s largest single-span suspension bridges. Stretching 2.7 kilometers, it spans San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean, connecting the city to northern neighbors. This iconic landmark is not only vital for transportation but also a favorite filming location for Hollywood blockbusters like "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and "X-Men," making it a must-see spot for both travelers and movie fans alike.

Its combined viewing time with Battery Spencer is 110 minutes.

Hidden within the town is a viewing point offering a stunning panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge. From this vantage, you can take in the entire cityscape, feeling as though you’ve stepped right into a breathtaking movie scene.

Its combined viewing time with the Golden Gate Bridge is 110 minutes.

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco’s largest urban oasis, spans 53 streets and is famed for its lush landscapes and cinematic charm. It gained special recognition as a filming location in The Pursuit of Happyness, where Chris Gardner and his son shared a heartfelt moment by the park’s dinosaur sculpture—a scene that captured both the park’s beauty and emotional depth. With its winding trails, serene lakes, and vibrant gardens, Golden Gate Park is more than a green escape; it’s a living piece of film history. Often compared to New York’s Central Park, it offers visitors the chance to walk through iconic movie moments while enjoying one of the most picturesque spots in the city.

Twin Peaks, rising 270 meters above sea level, are the only remaining natural hills in San Francisco and offer some of the city’s best 360-degree panoramic views. Featured in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, their sweeping vistas provided a dramatic backdrop for the film’s high-stakes atmosphere. The winding figure-eight road encircling the peaks leads to an observation deck with unobstructed views of the city skyline, the sparkling bay, and beyond. With no dense trees to block the scenery, Twin Peaks is the perfect spot to take in San Francisco’s beauty while standing in a location tied to cinematic thrills and iconic action sequences.

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest Chinese community outside Asia and a vibrant cultural hub that immerses visitors in authentic Chinese traditions. Known for its ornate architecture, colorful murals, and bustling streets lined with shops and eateries, it feels like stepping into another world. Its unique atmosphere made it a perfect filming location for Detective Chinatown 2, where its lively streets and iconic gateways provided a cinematic backdrop for thrilling scenes. Nestled beside Union Square and the Financial District, Chinatown retains its rich heritage and charm, offering visitors a taste of home in a foreign land while doubling as a spot where film and culture beautifully intertwine.