Santa Monica’s iconic ocean views, coupled with its proximity to Hollywood, means the city shows up frequently on the silver screen. Maybe you’ve recognized Pacific Park’s solar-powered Ferris Wheel or the restaurant, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, on the pier? Both have ties to successful Hollywood films. Here’s our guide to films set in Santa Monica.
The Sting (1974)
The Looff Hippodrome, located at 276 Santa Monica Pier, is where Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman) lived and worked, operating a carousel, with his girlfriend, Billie (Eileen Brennan) in the film.
Father of the Bride (1991)
This 1991 comedy starring Steve Martin and Diane Keaton is set in ‘San Marino’, a white collar southern California town that looks just like a suburb of Los Angeles. The church used for the interior of Annie’s (Kimberley Williams-Paisley) wedding is the Trinity Church of Santa Monica, located at 1015 California Avenue in Santa Monica.
Forrest Gump (1994)
In this 1994 Academy Award-winning movie, Forrest take a pit stop at the Santa Monica pier, and soaks in a beautiful ocean view. Two years after the movie’s release, a themed restaurant, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, opened on the pier to celebrate all things Forrest.
Bean (1997)
This 1997 film starring quirky Rowan Atkinson has a scene that prominently features Santa Monica’s Pacific Park—its ferris wheel, food courts, and prominent ocean view.
Knocked Up (2007)
The film’s main characters, Alison and Ben (Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogen) meet for breakfast at Santa Monica’s trendy diner, Swingers, on 802 Broadway.
Discovering the Best of Santa Monica
Planning a visit to Southern California? Learn more about our hotel here, so that you can experience Santa Monica for yourself, and get more insider tips on our Santa Monica blog!