Where Was National Lampoon Vacation Filmed?

By Robert Palmer

If you are a fan of the classic comedy movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” you might have wondered where the movie was filmed. This 1983 movie directed by Harold Ramis and starring Chevy Chase takes the audience on a hilarious road trip across the United States, visiting various landmarks and tourist attractions. In this article, we will explore some of the filming locations used in “National Lampoon’s Vacation.”

The Griswold Family Home

The Griswold family home, where all the chaos begins, is located at 231 Oxmoor Lane, Los Angeles, California. This beautiful house was built in 1937 and has four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The house still stands today, but it looks slightly different than it did in the movie due to some renovations.

Walley World

The ultimate destination for the Griswold family is Walley World, an amusement park located in Santa Clarita, California. In reality, Walley World is actually Six Flags Magic Mountain, which is still one of the most popular amusement parks in California.

The Grand Canyon

One of the most memorable scenes from “National Lampoon’s Vacation” takes place at the Grand Canyon. The scene shows Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) getting frustrated with his family while trying to enjoy one of America’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

In reality, this scene was filmed at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park located on the border between Arizona and Utah. This stunning natural wonder has been featured in many movies over the years due to its unique rock formations and breathtaking scenery.

Other Filming Locations

Aside from these iconic locations mentioned above, there were several other places where “National Lampoon’s Vacation” was filmed. Some of these locations include:

  • Six Flags Over Georgia – This amusement park was used for the scene where the Griswold family gets lost in Atlanta.
  • Downtown St. Louis – The famous arch in St. Louis was featured in the movie.
  • Lake Powell, Arizona – This beautiful lake was used for the water-skiing scene.

Conclusion

“National Lampoon’s Vacation” is a classic comedy that has stood the test of time. The movie takes viewers on a hilarious trip across America, visiting some of the most iconic landmarks and tourist attractions. By exploring some of the filming locations used in this movie, we get a deeper appreciation for the effort that went into creating such an unforgettable film.