Florida’s Most Famous Film & TV Locations You Can Visit Today

Florida has been a Hollywood favorite for decades, serving as the backdrop for everything from action-packed blockbusters to beloved comedies. The state’s sunny beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant cities have starred in countless films and TV shows that you probably know by heart.

Best of all, many of these iconic locations are open to the public, so you can walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters and see where movie magic happened.

1. South Beach – Miami

Neon lights, palm trees, and pastel buildings make South Beach one of the most recognizable neighborhoods in America. This Art Deco district has been featured in major films like Scarface, Miami Vice, Bad Boys, and The Birdcage.

Walking down Ocean Drive feels like stepping onto a movie set because, well, it basically is one. The vibrant colors and retro architecture create a cinematic atmosphere that filmmakers can’t resist.

You can stroll the same streets where Will Smith and Martin Lawrence filmed their chase scenes. Grab a Cuban coffee and soak in the energy of this legendary filming hotspot.

2. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens – Miami

Picture an Italian palazzo transported to Miami’s waterfront, and you’ve got Vizcaya. This stunning estate has appeared in blockbusters like Iron Man 3, Bad Boys II, and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.

Built in the early 1900s, the mansion features elaborate gardens, ornate rooms, and breathtaking bay views. Directors love using it to add European elegance without leaving Florida.

Visitors can tour the same halls where Tony Stark walked and explore the gorgeous grounds that have captivated audiences worldwide. It’s a photographer’s dream and a history lover’s paradise rolled into one magical location.

3. Seven Mile Bridge – Florida Keys

Stretching across crystal-clear waters, the Seven Mile Bridge is pure cinematic gold. It’s been blown up in True Lies and raced across in 2 Fast 2 Furious.

Driving this bridge gives you that feeling of endless ocean on both sides, which is exactly why action directors love it. The old bridge section is now open to pedestrians and cyclists.

You can walk where famous actors performed stunts or simply enjoy the incredible views that make this one of the world’s most photographed bridges.

4. Ca’ d’Zan Mansion – Sarasota

This Venetian Gothic mansion looks like it belongs in a Great Gatsby film—and it literally starred in the 1998 version of Great Expectations. Built by circus magnate John Ringling, Ca’ d’Zan screams old Hollywood glamour.

The mansion’s waterfront location and elaborate architecture make it a natural choice for period pieces. Its 56 rooms are filled with original furnishings and artwork.

Tours let you explore the same opulent spaces captured on film, from the marble ballroom to the rooftop terrace. It’s a glimpse into how America’s wealthiest families once lived.

5. Universal Studios Florida – Orlando

Unlike other locations on this list, Universal Studios is both a filming location and a place where you can experience movie magic firsthand. Real soundstages and backlot streets have been used for countless productions.

Walking through the park means stepping into recreated New York streets, London alleys, and Hollywood boulevards. These aren’t just decorations—they’re actual film-quality sets.

You might recognize locations from various TV shows and commercials filmed here over the decades. Plus, attractions let you experience movie moments from franchises like Harry Potter, Transformers, and Jurassic Park in immersive detail.

6. Carlyle Hotel – Miami Beach

Fans of The Birdcage will instantly recognize the Carlyle’s iconic curved facade and bold Art Deco styling. This hotel served as the exterior for the nightclub in the beloved 1996 comedy.

Built in 1939, the Carlyle represents Miami Beach’s golden era of glamorous architecture. Its distinctive corner design makes it one of the most photographed buildings on Ocean Drive.

You can stay overnight in the same building where Robin Williams and Nathan Lane’s characters worked their magic.

7. St. Augustine’s Historic District – St. Augustine

America’s oldest city naturally attracts filmmakers looking for authentic historic backdrops. St. Augustine’s Spanish colonial architecture has appeared in period films, documentaries, and TV specials for generations.

Cobblestone streets, centuries-old buildings, and the massive Castillo de San Marcos fort create a time-travel effect. Directors can film European-style scenes without leaving the United States.

Walking through the district feels like stepping back 400 years, which is exactly what makes it so cinematic. Ghost tours add another layer of intrigue to this already atmospheric location.

8. The Breakers Hotel – Palm Beach

This legendary resort has hosted everyone from presidents to movie stars, serving as both a filming location and interview backdrop. The Breakers’ Italian Renaissance architecture and oceanfront setting scream luxury.

Built in 1896 and rebuilt in 1926, the hotel features hand-painted ceilings, marble columns, and sprawling grounds. Major TV interviews and films have captured its opulent interiors.

Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can visit the public areas and feel like royalty. The sheer grandeur of The Breakers makes every visit feel like a special occasion.

9. Siesta Key Beach – Sarasota

MTV turned this gorgeous beach into reality TV gold with their show Siesta Key. The powder-white quartz sand and crystal-clear waters made it a perfect backdrop for drama and romance.

Consistently ranked among America’s best beaches, Siesta Key offers more than just TV fame. The sand is so fine it squeaks under your feet and stays cool even in summer.

Even without the celebrity angle, this beach is worth visiting purely for its natural beauty and stunning sunsets.

10. Fort Lauderdale Beach & Las Olas Boulevard – Fort Lauderdale

The 1960 film Where the Boys Are put Fort Lauderdale on the map as America’s spring break capital. The beach and Las Olas Boulevard became synonymous with sun-soaked youth culture.

Though spring break crowds have moved elsewhere, the location remains iconic for movie fans. The wide sandy beach and palm-lined boulevard maintain that classic Florida vacation vibe.

Today’s visitors enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere while walking the same beaches that launched a cultural phenomenon.