If you’re a movie lover, seeing recognizable places that have featured in your favorite films can be a lot of fun. Often, movie locations are clustered in specific cities and states that have unique scenery and enough infrastructure to support the needs of the film crew. In Arizona, there are famous movie locations across the state that bring in film buffs from all over. Put these places on your list of road trips to take from your home in Sierra Vista, and get ready to walk through a little piece of movie music at each spot.
Old Tucson Studios
Old Tucson Studios has been a top filming location since the 1940s. Countless movies and television shows have been filmed here, from The Bells of St. Mary to Little House on the Prairie and Revenge of the Nerds. The studio is still functional, and it also operates as a theme park. Guests can take a tour of the studio and learn about some of the iconic movies and shows filmed there, plus, they can enjoy multiple live entertainment events that give a peek behind the scenes of movie magic. Old Tucson Studios is located on the Southern side of the Tucson Mountains. Note that Pima County temporarily closed Old Tucson Studios in 2021, so check their website for information before planning your visit.
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon may be one of the most recognizable movie locations in the world. It is a stunning backdrop that has been used time and again in movies, including Thelma and Louise, National Lampoon’s Vacation, and of course, Grand Canyon. You can also see the canyon in TV shows like The Amazing Race. Because the Grand Canyon is part of the National Park System, filming permit costs can be more affordable than some other sites.
Desert Dunes in Yuma
When movie directors are looking for a location to shoot scenes set in space, they frequently turn to Arizona. The desert dunes in Yuma are particularly recognizable, as George Lucas chose them to represent the planet Tatooine. Luke Skywalker has spent his fair share of time in the dunes, but Star Wars isn’t the only film to rely on the desert around Yuma for scenery. In fact, the dunes have been a filming location since the 1930s.
Tubac Golf Resort and Spa
If you’ve ever wished you could play the course that Kevin Costner’s character plays in the movie Tin Cup, you may be surprised to know that you can be visiting the Tubac Gold Resort and Spa, just outside of Tucson. Their Rancho #4 hole is the center of many of the shots in the film, but you will recognize other parts of the resort as well in the movie.
University of Arizona
They may refer to their school as Adams College in Revenge of the Nerds, but movie buffs know that the campus is actually the grounds of the University of Arizona. There are multiple sites on campus that were featured in the film, such as the grassy and the Old Main building. Some of the fraternity houses that were using in the movie are still around and still in use by the frats today.
Monument Valley
Just like the sand dunes of the Yuma are a common go-to for directors who want a to shoot desert or far-away planet scenes, Monument Valley is a popular location for films that need a Wild West backdrop. The rock formations are instantly recognizable on screen, and the undisturbed environment make it perfect western movies and desert shots. Forrest Gump, How the West Was Won, and Back to the Future III are among the movies that shot at this location.
Hoover Dam
Movies that need dramatic drops, dizzying heights, and barren landscapes often rely on the Hoover Dam for the perfect shot. Set in the northern part of the state, the Hoover Dam is a favorite spot for action movies in particular, including San Andreas, Transformers, and Superman. You can experience some of the action yourself by driving or walking across the bridge over the dam. Keep in mind the bridge dead ends on the Nevada side, so you have to turn around and cross back over.
With a Castle & Cooke home in Sierra Vista, you’re always on the doorstep of a new adventure in the state. The convenient location of our communities put the best of Arizona within reach, all from one our build-to-order or move-in ready homes. Learn more about our new homes in Sierra Vista and our master-planned communities by calling (520) 378-5110.