Short answer:
Cobra Kai is set in Los Angeles, but most of it was actually filmed in and around Atlanta, Georgia, with some scenes shot in real Los Angeles neighborhoods and later seasons adding locations in Okinawa, Japan and even Barcelona, Spain.

Where Was Cobra Kai Filmed?

Main Filming Hubs

  • Atlanta, Georgia (primary base) – Most of the series was filmed in Atlanta and nearby cities like Marietta, Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Conyers, Decatur, and Union City.
  • Los Angeles, California (real Valley flavor) – Select scenes really were shot in LA, using areas such as Reseda, Encino, and Tarzana to match the in‑story San Fernando Valley setting.
  • Okinawa, Japan – Key portions of Season 3 (and some later storytelling) that return to Daniel’s roots were filmed on location in Okinawa.
  • Barcelona, Spain & Semuc Champey, Guatemala (later seasons) – Season 6 used Barcelona for certain storylines, with an establishing shot taken from the scenic Semuc Champey in Guatemala.

Key Locations Fans Talk About

  • Cobra Kai dojo (Johnny’s strip‑mall dojo)
    • In the story: in a rundown LA strip mall.
    • In real life: exterior filmed at a strip mall in Atlanta; interiors done on soundstages.
  • Miyagi‑Do dojo
    • Filmed around Atlanta, with fans noting locations near White Street SW as recognizable Miyagi‑Do backdrops.
  • West Valley High School
    • The “school fight” and other major scenes were shot at Atlanta Technical College (Metropolitan Parkway SW, Atlanta).
  • All Valley Sports Arena
    • The in‑universe arena is actually a building used by Kennesaw State University in Marietta, Georgia.
  • Johnny’s “Reseda” apartment
    • Exteriors use a real apartment complex on Burbank Boulevard in Tarzana, standing in for a Reseda location.

Quick Location Table (Major Areas)

[5][3][1] [3][7] [9][7] [7] [5][1] [1]
In‑show location Real filming area Notes
San Fernando Valley (LA) Atlanta metro + some LA Most “Valley” scenes are Georgia doubles, with a few real LA neighborhood shots.
Cobra Kai dojo Strip mall in Atlanta Exterior in Atlanta strip mall; interior on soundstage.
Miyagi‑Do dojo Atlanta area Outdoor dojo and yard built/shot around Atlanta.
West Valley High Atlanta Technical College Used for hallways, exteriors, and the big Season 2 fight.
Okinawa story arc Okinawa, Japan Season 3 and beyond revisit Karate Kid II locations.
International tournament & later arcs Barcelona & Semuc Champey Season 6 adds European and Guatemalan scenery.

“Although Cobra Kai is supposed to take place in Los Angeles, a lot of scenes in the show weren’t actually filmed there.”

So if you’re planning a fan trip, Atlanta and its suburbs give you the highest concentration of recognizable spots, with a bonus pilgrimage possible in LA’s Valley and, if you’re really dedicated, Okinawa. TL;DR: Cobra Kai looks like the San Fernando Valley, but it’s mostly Atlanta in disguise, with important sequences also filmed in real LA neighborhoods, Okinawa, Barcelona, and even using a shot from Guatemala.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.