America’s amazing movie industry ensures that it’s one of the world’s most iconic holiday destinations. From the monumental New York City skyline to the natural gorgeousness of Monument Valley’s red rock formations, the USA boasts sights and scenes made famous by countless movies and TV shows. If you’re a huge movie buff and want to experience some of the magic of the silver screen for yourself, there’s nowhere better to do it than America.
Los Angeles
Soak up the sun in the motion picture capital of the world as you get a real feel for what it means to be in the movies. Visit one of the many studios that invite tourists in for a glimpse behind the scenes or take a tour of Hollywood’s most memorable streets to tread the same pavement as some of the world’s biggest stars.
No trip would be complete without checking out the Hollywood Walk of Fame and if star spotting is your thing, you’ll want to spend some time chilling out in Beverly Hills. As you stroll the streets of LA you’re also sure to spot plenty of buildings and sights you recognise, thanks to the many films it has provided a gorgeous backdrop to over the years – LA Confidential, Jackie Brown and Chinatown to name just a few.
New York City
There’s surely nowhere in the world as instantly recognisable as New York. Its streets have been portrayed in countless movies, from modern superhero blockbusters to classics like Goodfellas, King Kong and Taxi Driver. The huge city is home to landmarks that will be familiar to all movie fans, making it the ideal place to explore. One of the advantages of being in the city is the choice of all the places to stay in New York. Thanks to countless options, you can stay close to your favourite film location, park, or just in one of the boroughs. Whether you’re with someone or you’re alone, book yourself into a film-related tour — you’re sure to have fun either way.
From the streets of Manhattan to Times Square and the Empire State Building, a sightseeing trip round New York is likely to make you feel as though you’ve just stepped into one of your favourite films. Pay a visit to excellent cinema Film Forum while you’re there, to check out independent premieres and interesting programme choices.
Monument Valley
For a holiday that celebrates the majesty of America’s natural landscape as well as it’s movie-making chops, book a trip to Monument Valley. Its stunning red rock formations symbolise the epitome of the south west, thanks to their use in a huge number of Wild West adventures. Located on the border of Utah and Arizona, it’s a beautiful flat-bottomed valley that’s administered by the Navajo Nation.
The valley was used as a backdrop for many films shot by Ford and John Wayne and is the perfect destination for those hoping to feel as though they’ve stepped into classic cinema. For a comprehensive guide to the area’s gloried past, stop by the family-run Goulding Lodge and Trading Post.
Get close to the movies you’ve loved your whole life with a trip to some of America’s most iconic destinations. Be sure to search for cheap flights before you head off and you should have plenty of cash left over for popcorn and posters while you’re there.
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