Are you a fan of the classic comedy movie “Vacation” and wondering where it was filmed? Look no further! In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the filming locations of this iconic film.
The Plot of Vacation
Before we dive into the filming locations, let’s quickly recap the plot of Vacation. The movie follows the Griswold family as they embark on a cross-country road trip from their home in Chicago to the fictional amusement park Walley World in California. Throughout their journey, they encounter a series of mishaps and comedic misadventures that culminate in an unforgettable experience at Walley World.
Filming Locations
Although Vacation is set across multiple states, most of the filming actually took place in California. Here are some of the key filming locations:
Walley World – Magic Mountain
The fictional amusement park that serves as the ultimate destination for the Griswold family was actually filmed at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. The theme park was closed for two weeks during filming to allow for exclusive access to the cast and crew.
Grand Canyon – Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park
In one memorable scene, Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) takes his family to see the Grand Canyon. However, because it’s too crowded and they can’t find parking, they end up viewing a different canyon instead. This scene was actually filmed at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park near Agua Dulce, California.
Hotel – Royal Palms Resort and Spa
The hotel scenes in Vacation were filmed at Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. Specifically, the pool scenes were shot at a private residence adjacent to the hotel.
Road Trip Scenes – Various Locations
Many of the road trip scenes in Vacation were filmed on location along the highways and byways of California. Some notable locations include:
- The opening sequence, which was filmed on State Route 14 near Mojave, California
- The scene where the Griswolds accidentally drag a dead family member behind their car was filmed on US Route 50 near Fallon, Nevada
- The car crash scene was filmed on State Route 58 near Kramer Junction, California
Conclusion
While Vacation is set across multiple states, most of the filming actually took place in California. From Six Flags Magic Mountain to Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park to Royal Palms Resort and Spa, there are plenty of filming locations for fans to visit and relive their favorite scenes from this classic comedy film.