Are you a fan of the National Lampoon’s Vacation series? Do you remember the classic 1983 film which started it all?
Well, if you have ever wondered where the iconic Vacation (1983) was filmed, then look no further! We have got you covered with all the juicy details.
The Plot of Vacation (1983)
Before we dive into the filming locations of this comedy classic, let’s briefly recap the plot. The movie follows Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase), a bumbling family man who sets out on a cross-country road trip from his home in Chicago to Los Angeles with his wife Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo) and their two children Rusty and Audrey. Along the way, they encounter a series of hilarious misadventures, including getting lost in East St. Louis, picking up a mysterious blonde hitchhiker, and accidentally destroying Aunt Edna’s dog.
Where Was Vacation (1983) Filmed?
The movie was filmed on location in several states across the United States. The Griswold family’s journey begins in Illinois and takes them through Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Arizona, and finally California. Here are some of the most memorable filming locations:
Chicago
The movie starts off in Clark Griswold’s hometown of Chicago. Some iconic scenes were filmed here such as when Clark accidentally drives into an alley and gets stuck between two buildings.
St. Louis
The Griswolds get lost in East St. Louis on their way to California which leads to one of the most memorable scenes in the movie where they find themselves driving through a rough neighbourhood.
Colorado
One of my favourite scenes from the film is when they make an unexpected stop at Cousin Eddie’s house in Colorado. The exterior shots of the house were filmed in an actual neighborhood in Breckenridge, Colorado.
Arizona
The Griswolds make a stop at the Grand Canyon in Arizona which provides some breathtaking scenery. The iconic scene where Clark gets a little too close to the edge was filmed on location at the canyon.
California
Finally, the Griswolds reach their destination of California where they visit several landmarks such as Magic Mountain and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. The scene where Clark drives his car off of a ramp and lands in the parking lot of a hotel was filmed at the Hyatt Regency Valencia in Santa Clarita.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Now you know where Vacation (1983) was filmed.
If you ever find yourself on a road trip through the United States, be sure to visit some of these iconic filming locations. They provide a unique glimpse into one of the most beloved comedy classics, and who knows, maybe you’ll even find yourself recreating some of your favourite scenes!