Road Trip Itineraries to Favorite Fall Movie Locations

Amelia ArvesenSeptember 5, 2024

Road Trip Itineraries to Favorite Fall Movie Locations

Ever wanted to step into your favorite movie scenes? Now you can with these fall-inspired trip itineraries our team put together. 

From the quaint towns of New England to the bustling streets of New York City, this collection of movie-inspired road trips lets you explore iconic filming locations from beloved films like Knives Out, When Harry Met Sally, Beetlejuice, and more. 

Whether you’re chasing thrills, romance, or nostalgia, these routes take you on an unforgettable journey through the landscapes that shaped cinematic history—perfect for film buffs and road trip lovers alike.


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Knives Out (2019): A New England Road Trip Itinerary

Knives Out is a recently released and iconic detective movie that follows the wild shenanigans of the Thrombey family during a night of mayhem. 

Walk in the footsteps of Benoit Blanc and explore the ethereal filming locations that brought this modern whodunit to life:

Ames Mansion, Borderland State Park, Massachusetts

Start your journey at the grandiose Ames Mansion, the primary location for the Thrombey family estate. 

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Boston, Massachusetts

It’s here you’ll discover Lyman Estate in Waltham. Marvel at the beautiful exteriors that doubled as the film’s key scenes, and soak in the city’s rich atmosphere that perfectly complements the movie’s setting.

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Maynard, Massachusetts

Next, head to Maynard, a charming small town where you’ll find the quaint café scenes from the movie. Enjoy a coffee or a bite in the cozy spots that brought the film’s local flavor to life.

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Wellesley, Massachusetts 

Conclude your trip in the picturesque town of Wellesley. Explore the scenic settings that provided the backdrop for several crucial moments in the film. Wander the charming streets and enjoy the serene surroundings that capture the essence of the movie’s ambiance.

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October Sky (1999): A West Virginia Road Trip Itinerary

This inspirational movie tells the true tale of Homer Hickam, a West Virginia kid in the 50s who dreamt far beyond his small coal mining town. It’s an uplifting saga about the power of believing in oneself, no matter what anyone else tells you. 

This itinerary takes you through West Virginia, a beautiful state featuring America’s newest national park and picture-perfect fall drives.  

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Coalwood, West Virginia 

Start your adventure in the small town of Coalwood, the movie’s heart. Visit the Coalwood High School and the real locations that inspired Homer’s rocket-building dreams. 

Big Creek High School, War, West Virginia

Head to Big Creek High School, where many of the film’s key scenes were shot. Walk the halls where Homer and his friends honed their skills and prepared for the science fair that changed their lives.

The Hickam Family Home, Coalwood, West Virginia

Stop by the Hickam family home, the real-life house that inspired the film’s portrayal of Homer’s home life and where his dreams took flight. 

The Rocket Launch Site, Coalwood, West Virginia 

Visit the iconic rocket launch site where Homer and his friends made history with homemade rockets. Stand where the triumph of their achievements once soared and relive the excitement of their early experiments.

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, Beckley, West Virginia

Conclude your trip at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, a fantastic museum that offers a glimpse into the region’s coal mining heritage. Learn more about the coal industry that shaped the community and provided the backdrop for Homer’s journey.

When Harry Met Sally (1989): A New York City Itinerary

“When Harry Met Sally” is a beloved romantic comedy that captures the complexities of love and friendship against the vibrant backdrop of New York City. Follow in the footsteps of Harry and Sally as you visit the iconic locations that made their romance unforgettable:

Washington Square Park, New York, NY

Begin your journey in the heart of Greenwich Village at Washington Square Park, where Harry and Sally first part ways after their road trip from Chicago to New York. Soak in the buzz of the place, take in the iconic arch, and walk in the footsteps of these two lovebirds. 

Katz’s Delicatessen, New York, NY

Next, head to the legendary Katz’s Delicatessen on the Lower East Side, where one of the film’s most famous scenes took place—yes, that scene. Grab a pastrami sandwich and sit at the table marked with a sign to relive the iconic moment.

Central Park, New York, NY

A trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Central Park, where Harry and Sally walk and discuss the nature of their evolving friendship. Visit the spots where they strolled through fall foliage and rent a boat to paddle around the lake.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Continue your journey at The Met, where Harry and Sally spent an afternoon exploring the exhibits. You can walk through the grand halls and even sit on the same steps where they discussed their love lives.

The Central Park Boathouse, New York, NY

Conclude your trip at The Central Park Boathouse, another memorable location from the movie where Harry and Sally share a meal by the water. Enjoy scrumptious eats by the lake at one of New York’s coolest grub spots. 

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Beetlejuice (1988): A Vermont Road Trip Itinerary

Tim Burton’s quirky and spooky cult classic, takes you into the afterlife and beyond, with plenty of gothic charm and eccentric fun. Follow this itinerary to visit the iconic filming locations that brought the supernatural mischief of Beetlejuice to life.

East Corinth, Vermont

Start your trip in East Corinth, a small town in Vermont that served as the primary filming location for the fictional town of Winter River. Visit the rolling hills and charming streets where much of the movie was filmed. You can even catch a glimpse of the iconic hill where the Maitland house was digitally constructed!

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Vermont’s Covered Bridges

While in Vermont, explore the classic covered bridges in the surrounding areas, a hallmark of New England scenery. These bridges add to the eerie yet quaint vibe that mirrors the film’s atmosphere, much like the covered bridge the Maitlands drive over before their fatal accident.

Old Town Cemetery, East Corinth, Vermont

Stop by the local cemetery that inspired the spooky cemeteries featured in the movie. Although the afterlife scenes were filmed on set, the real-life cemeteries in East Corinth capture the eerie, gothic charm that matches the movie’s aesthetic.

White River Junction, Vermont

Conclude your trip in the picturesque town of White River Junction. Though not directly featured in the film, the town’s Victorian architecture and quaint streets offer the same timeless, spooky atmosphere reminiscent of Winter River.

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Hocus Pocus (1993): A Salem, Massachusetts Trip Itinerary

The Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus” is filled with witchy fun and nostalgia, set against the spooky and historic backdrop of Salem, Massachusetts. Relive the Sanderson sisters’ mischief with this itinerary, visiting the iconic spots where the movie’s most memorable moments were filmed:

Salem Common, Salem, MA

Start your trip at Salem Common, a central location in the movie where Max rides his bike through the park. Stroll through this historic public space and imagine yourself in the middle of Salem’s Halloween festivities, just like in the film.

Ropes Mansion, Salem, MA

Next, head to the beautiful Ropes Mansion, which served as the exterior of Allison’s house. This historic home, located on Essex Street, is now a museum, so you can take a tour and admire its stunning gardens as you relive Max’s visit to Allison’s fancy Halloween party.

Old Burial Hill, Marblehead, MA

Take a short trip to Marblehead and visit Old Burial Hill, where the nighttime cemetery scenes were filmed, including Max’s run-in with the local bullies, Jay and Ice. Wander among the old gravestones and soak in the spooky ambiance of one of New England’s oldest graveyards.

Pioneer Village, Salem, MA

Continue your witchy adventure at Pioneer Village, which stood in as the 1600s Salem village during the opening scenes of “Hocus Pocus.” This living history museum will transport you back in time, offering a peek into Puritan-era New England, much like the time the Sanderson sisters first lived.

Phillips Elementary School, Salem, MA

Finally, visit Phillips Elementary School, the actual location of Max and Dani’s school, where they trapped the Sanderson sisters in the kiln. Though the school is no longer in use, the building still stands and is a fun stop for fans to recognize from the film.

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As you wrap up these movie-inspired road trips, you’ll have more than just memories—you’ll have walked in the footsteps of iconic characters, explored cinematic landmarks, and experienced the magic of film firsthand. Whether it’s the charm of small towns or the energy of big cities, these itineraries bring beloved movies to life in a way that makes every mile an adventure.

So grab your map, snag an RV, hit the road, and let the spirit of the silver screen guide your journey.

Halloweentown (1998): A Northern Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

This family fantasy is a Halloween classic, which the Disney Channel turned into a series of four that also includes Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge, Halloweentown High, and Return to Halloweentown. The main character, Marnie, learns she’s a witch on her 13th Halloween and is transported to a magical world of ghosts, witches, and werewolves. 

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St. Helens, Oregon

Head first to the backdrop for the movie, the waterfront city of St. Helens, Oregon, less than an hour from Portland. Every Halloween, the city transforms into a haven of festivities, including  parades, costume contests, trick-or-treating, haunted tours, and more. Look for the replica of the vintage taxi driven by the skeleton cab driver Benny in the original movie.

Nob Hill Riverview B&B

This Craftsmen-style bed & breakfast is now permanently closed, but film crews used it for exterior shots of the character Aggie Cromwell’s Halloweentown house. But because it’s listed on the National Historic Registry, you can still see it in its perch overlooking the Columbia River.

Scappoose, Oregon

Ten minutes south of St. Helens you’ll find the filming location for the Cromwell family’s “mortal realm” house on Southwest Sequoia Street. Though not part of the movie, other popular locations in the community include the West Coast Shoe Factory and the Crown Zellerbach Trail.

Good Will Hunting Park Scene

Good Will Hunting (1997): A Boston and Toronto Road Trip Itinerary

Played by Matt Damon, Will Hunting is a genius working as a janitor at MIT. His talents are discovered by Professor Gerald Lameau, but when Will is arrested for attacking a police officer, his leniency deal includes seeing therapist Sean Maquire, played by Robin Williams. The movie was filmed between Boston and Toronto, about a 9-hour drive apart, making for a reasonable road trip.

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L Street Tavern, Boston

This is the Irish pub where Will and his best friend Chuckie (Ben Affleck) hang out. Now known as Woody’s L Street Tavern, the bar is located at 658 East 8th Street, at the intersection with L Street. Stop and grab a pint! 

Bunker Hill Community College, Boston

Will and his therapist Sean meet for therapy sessions here, less than a mile from MIT. During your visit, first tour MIT and then make the short walk to the community college for the full effect.

Boston Public Garden

On a bench overlooking the pond, Robin Williams delivers a moving monologue to Matt Damon. The bench is a little tricky to locate since it’s not marked, so here are some helpful directions. This garden was the first public botanical garden in America; you can spend a whole morning or afternoon admiring the grounds.

University of Toronto

Instead of filming at MIT, the crew used the University of Toronto as a backdrop. Notable locations include Whitney Hall, St. Michael’s College, McLennan Hall, Knox College, and the St. George campus.

Massachusetts Turnpike

The end scene was filmed on the Massachusetts Turnpike, with Matt Damon as Will driving around a bend and disappearing as the credits roll. If you’re heading to Tortonto from Boston, chances are you’ll take this route.

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Coco Movie

Coco (2017): A Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

The Disney Pixar animated film is set in the town of Santa Cecilia in Mexico, inspired by real villages. The movie takes place during Day of the Dead, in which a young boy dreams of becoming a musician even though his family has banned music for generations.

Traditionally observed November 1 and 2, Día de los Muertos honors and remembers deceased loved ones through vibrant and joyful festivities. Head out to one of these celebrations in the southwestern U.S.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Old Town Albuquerque comes alive for almost a full week with marigolds, sugar skulls, and candles. The schedule includes a movie showing of Coco, dances and a parade, a classic car and truck show, and public decorations and altars.

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San Antonio, Texas

One of the biggest celebrations in the U.S. takes place in San Antonio along the River Walk and elsewhere in the city. Around town, you can find public altars or ofrendas for loved ones, beautiful folk art sculptures, face painting booths, literary readings, and art fairs. Check dates because it changes from year to year.

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Los Angeles, California

Celebrating Los Angeles’s large Mexican American population, the LA Day of the Dead has two celebrations: one in downtown and another at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Attendees can expect music, dancing, food, merchants, and beautiful colors. 

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Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix goes all out: The Mesa Arts Center hosts a free annual event of performances; the Desert Botanical Garden has a two-day festival with music, dance, and storytelling; and Scottsdale brings the Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company for emotions, movement, and sound.

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The Goonies (1985): An Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary

A group of young misfits called The Goonies discover a secret treasure map, which sends them on an adventure of a lifetime—a fitting film to watch on your own kind of adventure. This 1985 movie has a cult-like following and Astoria, Oregon proudly embraces the lore.

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Astoria, Oregon

The fictional town of Goondocks is set in Astoria, Oregon, a sleepy coastal town right before the southern border of Washington. There’s always something going on in the city, from festivals to markets. Some points of interest related to the film include the Oregon Film Museum in the old Astoria Jail, the Victorian-era Flavel House Museum, and the Lower Columbia Bowl. 

The Goonies House

At 368 38th Street in Astoria you’ll find the character Mikey’s house, where the kids find the treasure map in the attic. The current owners of the house are friendly toward tourists, but all they ask is that you arrive on foot, respect local parking restrictions, and consider dropping a donation in the box in their driveway. 

Haystack Rock, Oregon

As one of Oregon’s most recognizable landmarks, of course it has a story. The kids use the big jutting rock feature as a waypoint on the map. Spend the day walking along Cannon Beach and popping into the quaint seaside shops.

Ecola State Park, Oregon

Minutes to the north of Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park is the hideout of the Fratellis (bad guys) and where Mikey’s brother Brandon gets pushed off his bike. This area was also used for the filming of the uber famous Twilight (more on that later). You can see Haystack Rock from here, and there’s tons of hiking to be had.

Remember The Titans movie

Remember the Titans (2000): A Georgia Road Trip Itinerary

A new Black high school football coach (Denzel Washington) is hired when the school board is forced to integrate an all-Black school with an all-white one. Taking place in 1971 in Alexandria, Virginia, the movie shows how people can come together, regardless of their backgrounds, to work toward a common goal. It’s a movie that is not just for football fans.

Check out Explore Georgia’s walking tour recommendations, too.

Berry College, Georgia

Located in Rome, the largest and most scenic college campus in Georgia was used for filming at the Ford Buildings, the Old Mill, and Oak Hill. The architecture includes recognizable styles like English Gothic and Colonial, along with a “Goldfish Garden” and “Sunken Garden.”

Etowah High School, Georgia

The school’s football stadium and field were used for filming. Catch a fall football game, if you’re passing through,to cheer on the Eagles.

Covington, Georgia

Scenes depicting downtown Alexandria, Virginia were filmed in Covington, Georgia which is part of the Atlanta metro. Walking around its cute boutiques, antique stores, and restaurants, you just might recognize it for other movies including The Dukes of Hazzard, In the Heat of the Night, and The Vampire Diaries—plus 140 other films.

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Twilight

Twilight (2008): A Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary

Twilight fans are fanatic. And if you’re one, you’ve probably already visited or heard of these places around Washington that were the setting of the saga casting Kristen Stewart as Bella and Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen, a vampire who falls in love with her. Buckle up because the five films are available for streaming on Amazon Prime right now.

This film will have you traveling up and down Washington and Oregon for all the locations.

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Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

Located in Oregon about 20 miles southeast of Salem, this state park served as the backdrop for the opening scene of a deer, the spider-monkey scene (you know what I’m talking about if you’ve seen it), and Bella driving her truck over an icy bridge.

Indian Beach at Ecola State Park, Oregon

With their raincoats drenched, Bella and her childhood friend/second love interest Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) walk along what is supposed to be La Push Beach—a perfect representation of the Oregon Coast. It’s worth spending an entire day in this area, especially if it’s not raining.

Madison High School, Oregon

At 2735 NE 82nd Avenue in Portland is Madison High School, which was the interior of Forks High School. You can tour the school during specific hours by calling 503-916-5220. 

Bridge of the Gods, Oregon and Washington

This iconic green bridge spans the Columbia River, taking you from Oregon to Washington and back. You have to pay a $1 toll, but driving slowly to take in the view makes it worth the money. This bridge is in the scene where Charlie and Bella drive to Forks.

This might just be our best road trip itinerary roundup yet, or at least the most interesting, taking you to the most offbeat places as well as worthwhile historic destinations. Don’t forget to plan a night to stream the film that inspired the road trip. Browse thousands of RVs that’ll get you there.


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Amelia Arvesen, auteur Outdoorsy


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