Blended, the 2014 romantic comedy starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, was primarily filmed in stunning real-world locations that brought its family vacation chaos to life. Directed by Frank Coraci, the movie splits its shooting between everyday American spots and exotic African vistas, creating a perfect contrast for the plot's mismatched families. These sites have drawn fans ever since, eager to revisit the on-screen magic.

Primary South African Resort

The bulk of the film's luxurious "African familymoon" scenes unfolded at Sun City Resort in South Africa's North West Province, about 2.5 hours northwest of Johannesburg. Key highlights include the opulent Palace of the Lost City hotel , with its grand lobby, pool terraces, gardens, and fantasy Afro- palatial architecture that screamed high-end getaway.

Nearby wildlife parks hosted safari sequences, capturing authentic animal encounters that added thrill to the blended families' adventures—think cheetahs and game drives straight from the bushveld.

Georgia's Stand-In Spots

Before the Africa trip, U.S. scenes were shot around Gwinnett County, Georgia , particularly Buford , Lake Lanier , and Lawrenceville during July-August 2013. Lake Lanier mimicked watery fun, while a Hooters at 860 Duluth Hwy in Lawrenceville stood in for the awkward blind-date diner.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town also featured for a lush nature walk, blending South African beauty into the mix.

Key Filming Sites Breakdown

Location| Role in Film| Real-World Access
---|---|---
Sun City Resort & Palace of the Lost City, South Africa 13| Main resort, pools, golf, safari| 2-hour drive from Johannesburg; luxury stays available
Lake Lanier & Buford, Georgia, USA 39| Pre-vacation family outings, jungle illusions| 45-min drive from Atlanta; parks for picnics/BBQs
Lawrenceville Hooters, GA 1| Blind date disaster| I-85 N from Atlanta; spot the orange logo
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Cape Town 1| Romantic family stroll| Rhodes Dr, Newlands; fynbos blooms year-round

These choices weren't random—Georgia offered tax incentives and Southern charm, while Sun City's wild luxury fit the script's escapist vibe perfectly. Imagine Adam Sandler dodging elephants amid real resort opulence; behind-the- scenes clips show the cast raving about the hospitality.

TL;DR: Mostly Sun City, South Africa, with Georgia backups—prime spots for movie magic that fans still visit today.

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