“The Andy Griffith Show” was filmed primarily in California, not North Carolina, even though it’s set in the fictional town of Mayberry.

Main filming locations

  • Most town scenes were shot on the “Forty Acres” backlot in Culver City, California, which stood in for downtown Mayberry.
  • Interior scenes (like the Taylor house and sheriff’s office) were filmed on soundstages at Desilu Studios in Hollywood/Los Angeles.
  • The rural “fishin’ hole” and other woodsy scenes were filmed at Franklin Canyon (Upper Franklin Reservoir) north of Beverly Hills.

Quick note for fans

Even though filming was done in and around Los Angeles, many fans associate Mayberry with Andy Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina, which now has tourist spots and tributes inspired by the show.