TripAdvisor has unveiled the top ten movie tours in the U.S., according to TripAdvisor travelers and editors. Offering an entertaining and educational behind the scenes look at where some of the hottest films in history have been made, these tours are ideal for silver screen connoisseurs and star-gazers alike.
1. A Golden Time: San Francisco Movie Tours, San Francisco, California
This amazing tour allows travelers to experience the magic of movie-making aboard the “Theater-on-Wheels” while seeing the beautiful city by the bay. From Fisherman’s Wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge, highlights for tour-goers include visiting the spot where Kim Novak jumped into the water in Alfred Hitchcock’s film, Vertigo, the home where Robin Williams and Sally Field lived in Mrs. Doubtfire, and the high school that Anne Hathaway’s character attended in The Princess Diaries. A TripAdvisor traveler described the tours as an “Excellent way to see the city and superb for all movie buffs!” Tour tickets are $47 for adults, $37 for seniors and children, and free of charge for children age five and under.
2. Tinseltown Tour: LA City Tours, Los Angeles, California
Tour-goers will learn about the “City of Angels” while exploring the sites of many hit films such as Pretty Woman, Get Shorty, Charlie’s Angels, Beverly Hills Cop, and Wedding Crashers. In addition to featuring movie locations, this tour also takes in several sun-kissed beaches, the lavish neighborhood of Beverly Hills, and the legendary Hollywood Sign. A TripAdvisor traveler said, “Even if you’re from LA, go on this tour!” Tour tickets are $49 for adults and $39 for children for a three hour tour, or $40 for adults and $24 for children for a two hour tour.
3. Empire of Entertainment: On Location Tours, New York City, New York
For more than three hours, travelers are given a front row seat to some of the hottest attractions in the Big Apple, and the opportunity to visit scenes from Sleepless in Seattle, Home Alone 2, Taxi Driver, and Miss Congeniality. Tour-goers will even visit the famous firehouse from the 1984 film, Ghostbusters, and the office building where Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway’s characters worked in The Devil Wears Prada. A TripAdvisor traveler called this tour, “Brilliant and fun!” Tour tickets are $38 for adults and $22 for children.
4. Lights, Camera, Boston: Boston Movie Tours, Boston, Massachusetts
In this “Theater-on-Wheels” bus tour travelers can take in spectacular sights in Boston, including “Southie” where Ben Affleck enjoyed a cold beverage at Woody’s L Street Tavern in the award-winning film, Good Will Hunting. Movie buffs will also catch a glimpse of Fenway Park, seen in Fever Pitch, in addition to Harvard University, alma mater of Reese Witherspoon in the 2001 comedy, Legally Blonde. A TripAdvisor traveler said, “Boston Movie Tours, the only way to explore the city.” Tour tickets are $34 for adults and $17 for children aged three to 11.
5. Star-Spangled Sites: On Location Tours, Washington D.C.
This three hour tour begins at Union Station, where travelers will visit sites from movies galore, including Minority Report and Hannibal. Tour-goers will also take in the Nation’s Capitol and Lincoln Memorial, pictured in Wedding Crashers and the Tom Hanks classic, Forrest Gump, before moving on to Dupont Circle and the White House, seen in Independence Day and Austin Powers. A TripAdvisor traveler said, “A look at our Capitol from a different perspective, great for movie buffs and non-movie buffs!” Tour tickets are $40 for adults, $24 for children aged six to ten, and free of charge for children under six.
6. Pictures in Paradise: Kualoa Ranch Hawaii, Oahu, Hawaii
This unique movie tour allows travelers to venture through magnificent and lush terrain in the comfort of a school bus. Travelers will visit an array of film locations featured in Jurassic Park, Godzilla, Pearl Harbor, 50 First Dates and You, Me, and Dupree, among others. Not only will this tour appeal to film fans, but history buffs and nature lovers will also learn about the military and even the local vegetation. A TripAdvisor traveler said, “An amazing opportunity to see so many movie locations.” Tour tickets are $23 for adults and $15 for children aged three to 12.
7. Hollywood in Hawaii: Polynesian Adventure Tours, Kauai, Hawaii
Offering tours on several Hawaiian islands, this tropical tour visits the sites in Kauai where many legendary films have been produced, including South Pacific, White Heat, Fantasy Island and Jurassic Park. Movie enthusiasts will also see the now-closed Coco Palms Resort, where Elvis stayed while filming Blue Hawaii. Tour-goers are graced with the spirit of aloha as this tour stops for a relaxing break at Opaeka’a Falls. A TripAdvisor traveler said, “Great guides and good value.” Tour tickets are $107 for adults and $71 for children aged three to 11.
8. Wild West Wonders: Old Tucson Studios, Tucson, Arizona
Movie fanatics can take a walk on the wild side as they roam the streets of this movie set and learn about its thrilling history. Since 1939, Old Tucson Studios has served as the setting for over 300 film and television projects, and even earned the title of “Hollywood in the Desert.” Many John Wayne films, including El Dorado, McLintock!, and Rio Bravo, were produced here against the arid backdrop of cowboys, saloons and mischief. More recently, this Tucson set was also featured in Tombstone, starring Kurt Russel and Val Kilmer. A TripAdvisor traveler called this tour, “A must see.” Admittance into the studio is $16.95 for adults and $10.95 for children aged four to 11, and includes the cost of the tour.
9. Miles of Entertainment: Chicago Film Tour, Chicago, Illinois
This two hour tour allows travelers to enjoy a ride on a luxury coach while exploring the rich film history of the Windy City. Tour-goers will visit 30 sites where scenes from over 50 movies have been filmed, including the locations of blockbuster hits such as The Dark Knight and cult classic, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The tour also gives movie buffs a glimpse of history at Essanay Studios, where productions starring silent film legend, Charlie Chaplin, came to life, and the famous Wrigley Field, featured in The Blues Brothers, Rookie of the Year, and The Break-Up. A TripAdvisor traveler said this tour is, “Great fun for film fans!” Tour tickets are $30 per person.
10. Scenes of Serenity: Savannah Movie Tours, Savannah, Georgia
Rich in beauty, history and charm, Savannah has served as the perfect backdrop for many major motion pictures. This 90-minute tour takes travelers to 68 locations, one of the highlights being the famous bench where Forrest Gump sat in the award-winning movie of the same name. The tour also visits locations from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil directed by Clint Eastwood, and the 1989 Civil War movie, Glory, filmed in the Isle of Hope neighborhood. A TripAdvisor traveler commented, “Fun tour for movie fans.” Tour tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children.
“With the spotlight currently shining on the year’s top films, travelers can get the inside scoop on many spectacular locations where major motion pictures were made,” said Karen Drake, senior director of communications for TripAdvisor. “Offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse of some wonderful destinations, these tours offer an entertaining way to see the sites.”
