In 2025, television continues to be more than just entertainment—it’s a deep part of American culture. For fans who’ve laughed, cried, and grown up with their favorite shows, visiting the real-life locations where these stories were filmed is like walking through a memory. Across the United States, many of these iconic filming spots are not only real but open for visitors. From small-town diners to big-city apartments, they offer immersive experiences that bring TV magic to life.
Whether you’re a nostalgic sitcom lover or a die-hard crime drama follower, here are ten iconic TV show filming locations across the U.S. that you can actually visit.
10 Must-Visit TV Show Filming Spots
1. Friends — New York, NY
The corner building at 90 Bedford Street in Manhattan’s West Village stands as the fictional apartment building for Rachel, Monica, Joey, and Chandler. While the interior scenes were filmed in a studio, the building’s exterior remains instantly recognizable to millions of fans. A visit to this corner feels like stepping into a scene from the show, and nearby cafés now sell “Central Perk-style” lattes.
(Backlink: https://www.nycgo.com)
2. Breaking Bad — Albuquerque, NM
Walter White’s house, Saul Goodman’s office, and the infamous car wash are all real spots in Albuquerque. Fans can take a self-guided “Breaking Bad” tour or join a guided experience that includes local trivia and behind-the-scenes stories. The city has embraced its pop culture fame with murals, merchandise, and themed food trucks.
(Backlink: https://www.visitalbuquerque.org)
3. The Office — Scranton, PA
Though filmed primarily in Los Angeles, Scranton still holds a special place for fans of The Office. The town proudly displays Dunder Mifflin signs, and many real locations mentioned in the show—like Poor Richard’s Pub—exist and welcome fans. There’s even an “Office” convention held here annually.
(Backlink: https://www.visitnepa.org)
4. Stranger Things — Atlanta, GA and Jackson, GA
This retro sci-fi hit filmed much of its eerie charm in the small towns around Atlanta. Jackson, Georgia served as the backdrop for the fictional Hawkins, Indiana. You can visit the real Hawkins Lab, downtown streets seen in major scenes, and even the arcade where the kids hang out.
(Backlink: https://www.exploregeorgia.org)
5. Game of Thrones (House of the Dragon) — Big Sur, CA
While the original series was mostly filmed abroad, recent spin-offs have used U.S. coastal landscapes. Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs and misty forests provide the fantasy setting for House of the Dragon’s new world. Though heavily edited with CGI, the raw beauty of Big Sur is unmistakable.
(Backlink: https://www.seemonterey.com)
6. Full House — San Francisco, CA
The “Painted Ladies” of Alamo Square and the house at 1709 Broderick Street have long been associated with Full House and its reboot Fuller House. Tourists often recreate the show’s iconic opening picnic scene and snap selfies in front of the famous home.
(Backlink: https://www.sftravel.com)
7. Friday Night Lights — Austin, TX
Although set in the fictional Dillon, Texas, this heartfelt drama was filmed in and around Austin. Panther Field, the characters’ houses, and even the high school can still be seen today. The show’s legacy remains strong in local shops, with fan-made memorabilia widely available.
(Backlink: https://www.austintexas.org)
8. Sex and the City — New York, NY
Carrie Bradshaw’s brownstone at 66 Perry Street in Manhattan continues to draw tourists. You can also visit Magnolia Bakery, where Carrie and Miranda shared cupcakes, or hop on a guided SATC tour that includes multiple stops from the series.
(Backlink: https://www.onlocationtours.com)
9. Twin Peaks — Snoqualmie, WA
Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, the sleepy town of Snoqualmie offers haunting vibes perfect for fans of Twin Peaks. The waterfall from the show’s opening credits, the iconic diner (Twede’s Café), and the sheriff’s office are all open to the public.
(Backlink: https://www.snoqualmiewa.gov)
10. Glee — Los Angeles, CA
Many scenes from Glee were filmed at the Paramount Studios lot and various real high schools around L.A. You can take a studio tour to see where the magic happened and visit McKinley High’s “front entrance,” which is still used for filming today.
(Backlink: https://www.paramountstudiotour.com)
TV Nostalgia Meets Real-World Adventure
These locations aren’t just tourist spots—they’re emotional landmarks for millions. Visiting them means reconnecting with stories that shaped pop culture and personal memories alike. In a time where content is constantly evolving, revisiting these real-life sets feels grounding and inspiring.
As more shows opt for on-location shoots over sound stages, even more filming locations will become accessible to fans in the future. Until then, these 10 destinations offer the perfect blend of wanderlust and fandom.
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