Take a Self-Guided Tour of San Francisco’s Top Film and TV Locations

From cinema classics to today’s biggest blockbusters, San Francisco has made hundreds of appearances on the silver screen. Only this time, you be the “star”! After you visit San Francisco’s top movie sites, plan to see more locales all over California.  

Visit some of these locations on your next visit to the movie-friendly city of San Francisco:

“Bullitt”

The streets of San Francisco provide the perfect setting for the best movie car chase ever. The action in this Steve McQueen classic set the precedent and has been often copied but never matched.  Locations include:

Taylor and Vallejo streets, Russian Hill – The chase begins.

“Dirty Harry”

As renegade cop Harry Callahan, Clint Eastwood roams the streets, telling the story with every step. Here are a few must-see locations from the classic.  Locations include:

Bank of America Building, 555 California St.

Kezar Stadium, Frederick Street, Golden Gate Park

Davidson Landmark Park and Cross, 125 Dalewood Way

“Full House” / “Fuller House”

This beloved sitcom and its sequel have stayed in the hearts of millions for decades. While most of the show was filmed in a studio, the Tanners’ house is very real, even though its famous red door has gotten a paint job since filming.  Locations include:

Alamo Square Park, Steiner and Hayes streets – This is the famous park across from the Painted Ladies featured in opening title sequence.

Tanner-Fuller house, 1709 Broderick St. – Please do not disturb the residents.

“Vertigo”

In a city known for its many hills and scenic overlooks, San Francisco might not be the place for someone with acrophobia, and this is just what makes Alfred Hitchcock’s movie a classic.  Locations include:

Fort Point National Historic Site, End of Marine Dr. in the Presidio

Hotel Vertigo, 940 Sutter St. – Featured as the Empire Hotel

“Mrs. Doubtfire”

Everyone’s favorite nanny, played by Robin Williams, came into our lives in the ’90s and made herself at home. A must-see for families and kids at heart, the Hillard House is located in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. If you’re a true film geek, you’ll have no problem pointing it out.  Locations include:

Hillard House, Broadway and Steiner St. – Please do not disturb the residents.

“Ant-Man / Ant-Man and the Wasp”

Several San Francisco locations can be seen throughout the thrilling car chase scenes, the most famous of which ends at Fisherman’s Wharf.  Locations include:

601 Buena Vista Ave. – Hank Pym’s Victorian house.

Fort Point National Historic Site, End of Marine Dr. in the Presidio – Scott reflects on his past after being released from prison.

“Always Be My Maybe”

This modern-day “When Harry Met Sally” follows two childhood friends, Sasha and Marcus, as they reunite after years apart and explore their complicated friendship. This film has been celebrated for its diversity and celebration of Asian-American heritage, so there is no question that this story was made for San Francisco. Locations include:

Musée Mécanique, The Embarcadero at Pier 45 – As kids, Sasha and Marcus take pictures in the photo booth.

Palace of Fine Arts, 3601 Lyon St. – Sasha takes Marcus as her date to a red carpet event.

Pier 7, The Embarcadero – Sasha and Marcus go fishing.

“Milk”

San Francisco would not be what it is today without Harvey Milk. In fact, Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport has just been named in his honor.  Milk’s story defines the fight for LGBTQ freedom that spread throughout the country during and after his life. The filmmakers were able to film nearly all of the outdoor scenes at the actual historic locations.  Locations include:

Harvey Milk Plaza, 17th and Castro streets – Harvey holds his first rally for gay rights standing on a soap box.

Human Rights Campaign Action Center and Store, 575 Castro St. – Harvey opens Castro Camera after moving to San Francisco.

Twin Peaks Tavern, 401 Castro St.

“Sister Act”

Where did Whoopi Goldberg hide from her angry mobster boyfriend in “Sister Act”? Right here in San Francisco at one of the most beautiful churches in the city. Located in Noe Valley, St. Paul’s is just a short walk from the Mission District.  Locations include:

Paul’s Church, 221 Valley St.

“Pursuit of Happyness”

This heartbreaking yet inspiring movie tells the tale of a father trying to raise his son after losing everything. Will Smith beautifully enacts the true story of Chris Gardner, who reaches success through hard work and persistence alone.  Locations include:

1592 Taylor St. and Broadway St. – Final shot of Chris and his son walking towards the Bay Bridge.

Pacific Coast Stock Exchange, 301 Pine St. – Chris asks man with a Ferrari what he does for a living and is inspired to become a stock broker. The exchange now houses an Equinox Fitness Club.

“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”

“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” puts a modern twist on the cult sci-fi classic. From atop the downtown skyscrapers and at the San Francisco Zoo, their uprising spreads throughout the Bay Area. If you’re looking to join Caesar’s tribe, head to the Muir Woods, where the apes eventually formed their own prosperous community.  Locations include:

Muir Woods, 10 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge – Caesar is introduced to nature and eventually builds a community. Make parking and shuttle reservations at https://gomuirwoods.com/.

San Francisco Zoo, 1 Zoo Rd. at corner of Great Hwy. and Sloat Blvd. – Where the apes free fellow primates during the uprising.

“The Rock”

Sean Connery, Nicholas Cage, and Michael Bay action galore—but the real star of the movie is Alcatraz itself. Here are some other locations for your itinerary.  Locations include:

The Fairmont San Francisco, 950 Mason St.- Also the scene of the 80s TV series “Hotel.”

Palace of Fine Arts, 3601 Lyon St.

“Sense8”

While the story bounces around the world to places like Iceland, Nairobi, and Seoul, Nomi’s story unfolds in San Francisco, a very fitting home for the proud, transgender, lesbian hacker.  Locations include:

Billy Goat Hill, Stairs at corner of 30th St. and Laidley St. – Amanita takes Nomi out for a birthday picnic,

City Lights Bookstore, 261 Columbus Ave. – Amanita works at a book reading.

Clarion Alley, Between Valencia and Mission streets – Nomi tells Amanita about the strange visions she has been having.

“My Name Is Khan”

This Bollywood film follows an Indian immigrant with Asperger’s syndrome, Rizwan Khan, who sets out on a journey across the nation after his son is murdered. Within this gut-wrenching film, the happiest scenes of Rizwan falling in love with his future wife are filmed in San Francisco.  Locations include:

Coit Tower, 280 Telegraph Hill Ave. – Mandira says she will marry Rizwan if he shows her something in the city she hasn’t already seen. Buy tickets to explore the top of Coit Tower.

Corona Heights Park, Corner of Roosevelt Way and Museum Way – Rizwan brings Mandira to the peak to propose.

“The OA”

The second season to this mind-bending mystery is set in San Francisco. Director Batmanglij made it a point to present the diversity of San Francisco’s neighborhoods as accurately as possible, filming at several notable locations.  Locations include:

Chinatown, Waverly Pl. at corner of Clay St. – Karim has conversation while walking through the street.

Plan your Movie Trail trip

For more ideas for your trip, from hotels to dining, visit the San Francisco Travel Association.