From the dramatic Dutton family’s Montana ranch in “Yellowstone” to the historic La Candelaria neighborhood in Bogotá seen in “Narcos,” television’s inspirational settings have viewers falling in love with destinations long before their footprints ever hit the scene. Read one for some well-loved shows and their must-see filming locations.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
“Yellowstone”: Montana
The Dutton family has experienced a wild ride of conflicts over the years. “Yellowstone” filmed its first three seasons in Utah, but the centerpiece of the show is the fictional Yellowstone Dutton Ranch in Montana. In real life, the iconic 5,000-square-foot log house is located on the Chief Joseph Ranch near Darby, Montana, a real-working cattle ranch.
Ninety minutes south of Darby, Missoula is home to Ruby’s Café — the setting of the unforgettable shoot-out scene between Rip and Donnie in Season 4 Episode 2, entitled “Phantom Pain.” Residence Inn by Marriott Missoula Downtown is less than a 10-minute drive from this notable spot.
“Severance”: New York and New Jersey
Much like the characters’ memories, the psychological thriller “Severance” is split across filming locations, primarily in New York and New Jersey. Designed by architect Kaneji Domoto, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, Ricken and Devon’s house is in the Usonia Historic District in Pleasantville, New York, while Bell Works in Holmdel, New Jersey, is the exterior of the show’s Lumon Industries.
Baird Creek Manor, where Mark and Mrs. Selvig’s houses are located, is filmed at the Village Gate Townhouses in Nyack, New York. Also in Nyack, The Hudson House appears in the first season, where Mark and Alexa had their first date. Courtyard by Marriott Tarrytown Westchester County isn’t far from the former village hall and jailhouse-turned-restaurant.
“The Walking Dead: Dead City”: Boston, Massachusetts
With the first season shot primarily in New Jersey, “The Walking Dead: Dead City” moved to the streets of Boston, turning it into a dilapidated postapocalyptic Manhattan. The opening minutes of Season 2, “Power Equals Power,” were shot in downtown Boston at 100 Federal Street, a 41-story office tower occupying a two-acre city block.
Minutes away, Boston Marriott Long Wharf impresses with its magnificent design and harbor-front location. Make your stay really come to life by reserving a room or suite with a wharf or city view.
“The Last of Us”: Calgary, Alberta
The video game-turned-postapocalyptic HBO hit series, “The Last of Us,” filmed its first season entirely in Alberta, Canada. Several scenes were shot in Calgary, including Season 1 Episode 5’s epic battle, transforming the outside of the Calgary Film Centre into a dystopian city. The Calgary Courts Centre was the scene of the resistance group’s violent uprising against the Federal Disaster Response Agency (FEDRA).
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s giraffes were spotlighted as a significant marker during Season 1, Episode 9 when Joel and Ellie encounter a herd of them. Centrally located downtown and minutes from the zoo, Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire is an all-suite hotel overlooking the Bow River and Prince’s Island Park. It’s a perfect lookout point, but fortunately, you can simply enjoy the views without worrying about any zombies coming your way.
“Narcos”: Bogotá, Colombia
Following the life of notorious Pablo Escobar, “Narcos” was shot across various locations in Colombia. La Candelaria district in Bogotá, lined with narrow cobblestone streets accented with colorful homes and Spanish Colonial Baroque architecture, served as a cornerstone of Season 1.
President César Gaviria often addressed the country from Casa de Nariño, the Presidential Palace — and the show was granted the right to film every Gaviria scene in this real-life location.
North of the city center, JW Marriott Hotel Bogota looks and feels like a modern-day palace. Set in the Financial District, the luxury hotel highlights amenities like a tranquil spa and an indoor lap pool to help you enjoy a restful stay.
“The Bachelorette”: Indian Wells, California
Situated in the Coachella Valley in Indian Wells, California, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells was the starting point for Michelle Young’s journey on Season 18 of “The Bachelorette.” The first four episodes were shot at this mid-century modern desert oasis surrounded by the Santa Rosa Mountains and overlooking a sprawling swimming pool and the 36-hole Indian Wells Golf Resort. Season 18 stans will have fun retracing Young’s steps down the iconic curved staircase in the resort’s atrium lobby.
After the shocking dramatic exit of contestant Jamie in Episode 3, Michelle could have spent time rejuvenating with advanced wellness therapies at the Renew Recovery Lounge at Spa Esmeralda.
The Bachelorette Australia”: Fiji
Her name rhymes with trophy, and despite the awkwardness that reality TV can inspire, Sophie Monk from Season 3 of “The Bachelorette Australia” found love during the finale, which was filmed at the Fijian-owned overwater hotel, The Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay.
Located off the west coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, the Lagoon House Restaurant and Lagoon Lounge were where Jarrod and Stu met Sophie’s family before she made her pick. Sophie could have chosen several tranquil spaces (like the award-winning Quan Spa) to mull over her decision, but the sanctuary of her Royal Ocean Bure accommodation, which included a private deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean, was where she decided — for the final time — who would get her rose.
“The White Lotus”: Thailand
Mike White’s third installment of “The White Lotus” leans on Thailand to provide a magnificent backdrop for the show’s fictional cast of rich, famous, and suspicious characters.
Filming primarily took place in Koh Samui, the country’s second-largest island. The Fishermen’s Village and Night Market at Bophut were both featured in Episode 4, and Wat Phu Khao Thong is the Buddhist temple and meditation center where Piper tries to find spiritual solace. While the majestic dragon staircase, the exterior, and interior of the monastery were real, the surrounding gardens were filmed at the Dusit Dhewa cultural center.
Set on a private bay a 30-minute drive away from the temple, The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui, an all-suite beachfront resort, puts fans near the Fisherman’s Village and temple features in the series.
“Stranger Things”: Georgia, U.S.
For years, fans have watched the small fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, get turned upside down. “Stranger Things” is primarily filmed in Georgia, spotlighting places like the exterior of Emory University’s Briarcliff Campus, which serves as Hawkins Laboratory, and South Bend Pool in Atlanta, which acts as the Hawkins Community Pool where Billy the flirty lifeguard works.
The town square of Jackson, Georgia, represents downtown Hawkins, while Sleepy Hallow Farm in Powder Springs doubles as the exterior of Hopper’s cabin in the first three seasons and Merrill’s pumpkin patch in the Halloween episode. Fans can take guided tours, get lost in the corn maze (watch out for Demogorgons), or try escaping from Hopper’s Cabin.
Less than an hour drive from the farm, Atlanta Marriott Marquis is an exciting hotel option for entertainment fans. Known for its famous atrium and distinct architecture, it has been seen in several films like “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Flight,” and most notably, “The Hunger Games” movies.
“One Piece”: Cape Town, South Africa
Who doesn’t want to be a pirate? Eiichiro Oda’s bestselling manga series, “One Piece,” was turned into a Netflix live-action series. Taking fans to the high seas, this pirate saga was shot primarily at Cape Town Film Studios, with key props, including the legendary ships Baratie and Going Merry.
Back on land, the fight between Luffy and Buggy the Clown was shot in the vibrant, colorful, and historic Bo-Kaap neighborhood. Minutes from Bo-Kapp and other top Cape Town attractions, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Cape Town exudes luxury and is the ideal spot to rejuvenate after a long day of searching for treasure. (Speaking of fire and ice, “Game of Thrones” fans should add these filming locations to their set-jetting bucket list.)
“Dexter: Resurrection”: New York, NY
Resuming after Dexter survives a near-fatal shooting, the series “Dexter: Resurrection” was taped across multiple locations in New York City. It was the first time a “Dexter” show was shot in the Big Apple, and eagle-eyed viewers may spot scenes shot in Washington Square Park, Times Square, and the Upper West Side.
After a long day of killing it in the streets of Manhattan, retreat to Residence Inn by Marriott New York Downtown Manhattan/World Trade Center Area. Oozing comfort and equipped with full kitchenettes and smart TVs to watch crime dramas, you’ll feel right at home. In the series, Dexter travels by subway like the locals do — when you’re ready to explore the city, you can access multiple subway lines within just a couple blocks of your hotel’s doorstep. (A New Yorker’s dream!)
“Hawaii Five-O”: Oahu, Hawaii
Thanks to its landscape and lush setting, countless movies and TV shows, including the jungle scenes in “Hawaii Five-O,” have been filmed at Kualoa Ranch, a nature reserve and working ranch on Oahu. In East Honolulu, the Bayer Estate in Oahu’s Aina Haina neighborhood doubles as McGarrett’s home, while Ali ‘Iolani Hale, the Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court, provided the exterior shots for the show’s headquarters.
In the Season 5 opening of “Nowhere to Hide,” the Diamond Head Crater was transformed into a top-secret government facility. A short drive from this iconic landmark sits Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort, displaying rooms and suites with spectacular ocean views.
A six-minute walk from Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort is Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach. Once known as the “First Lady of Waikiki,” this historic Oahu hotel boasts all the Victorian-era elegance you’d expect from a hotel that first opened in 1901. Make sure to save time to visit Moana Lani Spa, an award-winning beachfront spa.
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