Are you a fan of the classic comedy movie, National Lampoon’s Vacation? Have you ever wondered where the iconic Griswold family road trip was filmed? In this article, we will take a journey through the filming locations of this beloved movie.
Los Angeles, California
The opening scenes of the movie were filmed in Los Angeles, California. The exterior shots of the Griswold family home were actually filmed in a residential neighborhood in West Hills. The interior scenes were shot on a soundstage.
Arizona
The next stop on the Griswold family road trip was Arizona. The scene where Clark falls asleep at the wheel and crashes into a billboard was filmed on Highway 89A near Page, Arizona. The scene where they visit “Wally World” amusement park was actually filmed at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California.
Kansas
After leaving Arizona, the Griswolds find themselves lost in Kansas. The famous scene where they ask for directions at a gas station and end up getting robbed was filmed at an abandoned gas station in Monument Valley, Utah.
Colorado
As they make their way to Wally World, the Griswolds stop at a campground in Colorado. This scene was filmed at Molas Lake Park near Silverton, Colorado. The beautiful scenery and mountain views are still recognizable today.
Missouri
The final leg of their journey takes them through Missouri. The scene where Aunt Edna dies and is tied to the roof of the car was filmed on Interstate 70 near Breeze, Illinois. The final scene where Clark loses his temper and takes his family on a joyride through downtown Chicago was actually filmed on Glendale Boulevard in Los Angeles.
- In conclusion, National Lampoon’s Vacation was filmed in various locations across the United States. From the Griswold family home in California to the beautiful mountains of Colorado, each location added to the charm and humor of this classic comedy.
So, if you are a fan of National Lampoon’s Vacation, why not take a road trip of your own and visit these iconic filming locations?