From an Alfred Hitchcock classic such as Vertigo to a blockbuster Marvel hit such as Ant-Man, San Francisco has an impressive show reel. Scout out San Francisco film locations on a self-guided tour perfect for movie buff families.
The Roxie is one of the oldest cinemas in the country! Credit: San Francisco Travel Association
Vertigo
This cinema classic was filmed in 1958 and is one of Alfred Hitchcock’s most famous works. Follow the footsteps of Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak and discover the thrill and mystery of the city. Hotel Vertigo on Sutter Street and the Fort Point National Historic Site both feature in the film.
Ant-Man and Ant-Man and the Wasp
In this Marvel action story of (quite literally) epic proportions, Paul Rudd stars as unlikely hero Scott Lang. His powers? He can shrink as small as an ant or grow bigger than the San Fran skyline. San Francisco film locations include Fisherman’s Wharf and tech mastermind Hank Pym’s house at 601 Buena Vista Avenue.
Soak up seaside vibes (and spot sea lions!) at Fisherman’s Wharf Credit: San Francisco Travel Association photo by Sylvia Matzkowiak
Bullitt
You haven’t seen car chase until you’ve seen Steve McQueen. This 1968 action thriller revved up on Taylor and Vallejo streets, on Russian Hill.
Full House (and Fuller House)
The family-friendly sitcom’s opening sequence shows off Alamo Square Park. The park is opposite the Painted Ladies, a series of famous and colourful terrace houses.
The quaint Painted Ladies of Alamo Square Credit: Levent Konuk Shutterstock
Mrs Doubtfire
You can take a peek at the mischief-filled house from Robin Williams’ family favourite film. Hillard House is on Broadway and Steiner streets. Be respectful of its owners.
Sister Act
Oh happy day! Much of Whoopi Goldberg’s pitch perfect musical comedy was filmed in San Fran, including at Paul’s Church.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
The recent sequel to this cult favourite – when our primate cousins take over the world – has scenes near Golden Gate Bridge and the much-loved San Francisco Zoo.
Crissy Field beach is great for a run around in front of the Golden Gate Bridge Credit: San Francisco Travel Association
Venom
Older families will have seen the motorcycle chase scene in this dark superhero film, which ends in a spectacular jump at the top of Taylor Street. In one scene, Venom climbs the Transamerica Pyramid on Montgomery Street.
What next?
The movie fun doesn’t end at San Francisco film locations. Walt Disney Family Museum is a hidden treasure in the Presidio for Disney fans, and Roxie Theater is one of the oldest cinemas in the country. San Francisco Film Museum is run by volunteers, many of whom are artists and filmmakers themselves. Time your visit to coincide with the San Francisco International Film Festival, which showcases more than 200 films annually.
Take a day trip to spooky Alcatraz Island Credit: San Francisco Travel Association photo by Sylvia Matzkowiak
You’ll feel like you’re on the set of a haunted thriller on a guided tour of notorious prison island Alcatraz. The stately Golden Gate Bridge is also very photogenic, and the carousel of Pier 39 on Fisherman’s Wharf could be straight out of a family film or romcom.
Read more here:
Kid’s View California – what kids love in San Fran and beyond
California’s most Instagram-worthy hotels
Sophie is a die-hard pasta lover, beach-goer and theatre fanatic hit hard with the travel bug. When exploring new places, Sophie loves straying from the beaten path and chatting with locals about the best places to grab a bite to eat.