where was national lampoon's vacation filmed
“National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983) was filmed across multiple U.S. states, mainly in California, Colorado, and Arizona, plus a few other scattered spots along the Griswolds’ “route.”
Main filming locations
- California was a primary base, with suburban scenes and Walley World shot in the Los Angeles area.
- Colorado provided many of the highway and desert–style road trip sequences, including stretches near Durango, Avondale, and La Plata County.
- Arizona was used for the Grand Canyon stop and Sedona overlook scenes, including Aunt Edna’s death sequence.
Notable specific spots
- Walley World : Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California, doubled for the park, while some parking‑lot views used Santa Anita Park in Arcadia with matte work.
- Griswold house : Exterior shots were done at 2310 North Vermont Avenue in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles.
- Aunt Edna scenes and desert mishaps : Shot around Schnebly Hill Road Overlook in Sedona and roadways in Colorado and on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation near Cortez.
Quick road-trip table
| Scene / Setting | Real filming location |
|---|---|
| Walley World park | Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California | [5][1]
| Walley World parking lot views | Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California (with scenic tricks) | [5]
| Griswold family home exterior | Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California (2310 N. Vermont Ave.) | [1]
| Aunt Edna’s death overlook | Schnebly Hill Road Overlook, Sedona, Arizona | [1]
| Grand Canyon stop | Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona | [1]
| Various highway / desert scenes | Rural Colorado and nearby reservation roads (e.g., La Plata County, Ute Mountain Ute Reservation) | [5]