The Andy Griffith Show was filmed in California, not in small-town North Carolina like the story suggests.

Most of the series was shot:

  • On soundstages at Desilu Studios in Los Angeles (indoor scenes like the courthouse and Taylor house interiors).
  • On the “40 Acres” backlot in Culver City, California, which doubled as the streets of Mayberry and other outdoor town scenes.
  • In Franklin Canyon (Franklin Canyon Park) north of Beverly Hills for woodsy exteriors, including the famous opening and closing “fishing hole” sequence with Andy and Opie.

The inspiration for Mayberry, however, comes from Andy Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina , which now markets itself as the “real Mayberry” and celebrates the show with themed spots and festivals.