Jurassic Park, also now known as Jurassic World, is a popular American science fiction movie franchise. Its ongoing story is based on the introduction (and eventual demise) of a theme park with cloned dinosaurs. The Jurassic World movies have been shot in some of the most beautiful places in the world, so it’s no surprise that these locations are frequent destinations for tourists!
Where can I visit Jurassic Park and Jurassic World film locations? The Jurassic Park and Jurassic World franchises were filmed in a variety of locations, spanning from Hawaii, California, and Arizona, to England.
The following is an overview of where you can see most of the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World filming locations beyond the big screen.
JURASSIC PARK LOCATIONS
The below locations were featured in the early Jurassic Park anthology, starting from the first through third Jurassic Park films.
TEHACHAPI PASS, CALIFORNIA
Tehachapi Pass, California, is home to where the archaeological dig sets were in the Jurassic Park movies. Located high up in the Tehachapi Mountains, 4,000 feet above altitude, Tehachapi Pass overlooks the San Joaquin Valley and the Mojave Desert.
WHERE TO STAY DURING YOUR VISIT
While there are not many options for lodging in the town itself, there are a number of popular chain hotels and inns, such as Holiday Inn, Best Western, and Fairfield Inn, only minutes away.
NOTABLE THINGS TO SEE & DO
- Tehachapi Loop
- Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum
- Tehachapi Mountain Park
POPULAR EATERIES NEARBY
- Kohnen’s Country Bakery
- Red House BBQ
- Jake’s Steakhouse
FUN FACTS ABOUT TEHACHAPI PASS
Tehachapi Pass has been featured in a number of films besides Jurassic Park, including Star Trek Generations, Batman Revenge, and The Grapes of Wrath.
RED ROCK CANYON STATE PARK
Red Rock Canyon, King of Hearts [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]
Located near Highway 14 in Cantil, California, Red Rock Canyon State Park is another site for Jurassic Park’s archaeological dig scene. It is known for its breath-taking scenic views, from the desert cliffs and buttes to the colorful rock formations.
WHERE TO STAY DURING YOUR VISIT
The ideal place to stay if you plan on visiting Red Rock Canyon State Park is the park itself. The park offers at least 50 campsites for you to choose from. Bring your car, truck, or RV, and stay a night or two!
However, if camping isn’t your strong suit, and you don’t mind a 30 to 45-minute drive, there are a few local hotel chains and inns you can spend the night in that are not too terribly far away.
NOTABLE THINGS TO SEE & DO
The park offers plenty of trails for you and your family or friends to hike to experience what this location truly has to offer in terms of natural views. There are a number of cultural and historical landmarks to explore, in addition to exhibits and guided tours.
POPULAR EATERIES NEARBY
Although the camping experience allows you to make your own meals cooked over an open campfire, there are a handful of popular restaurants you can try on the way to the park!
- Original Hacienda Grill Nuestro Mexico
- Bakersfield Black Bear Diner
- Salty’s Barbecue
FUN FACTS ABOUT RED ROCK CANYON STATE PARK
- Historically, Red Rock Canyon was once home to the Kawaiisu Indians. Today, you can still find signs of the petroglyphs they left behind in the El Paso mountains nearby.
- The park’s vibrant rock formations were often used as landmarks for freight wagons to stop for water during the early 1870s.
(Source: California Department of Parks and Recreation)
MANAWAIOPUNA FALLS (HAWAII)
Manawaiopuna Falls, Julian Fong [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)]
You may recognize the waterfall at Manawaiopuna Falls in Hawaii from the first two Jurassic Park films! Now nicknamed “Jurassic Falls,” this beautiful waterfall starts at the height of 400 feet, naturally cascading into the area below.
WHERE TO STAY DURING YOUR VISIT
This waterfall can only be seen via a 75 to 80-minute helicopter tour, so it doesn’t hurt to stay nearby! Some highly-rated hotels in the area include O’Luina and Village Manor. Many travelers also choose to stay in rental properties or apartments in the region.
NOTABLE THINGS TO SEE & DO
During the trip to the Jurassic Falls area, take advantage of the marvelous sights that you can find along the way. The view above the island is simply spectacular.
POPULAR EATERIES NEARBY
- The Fish Express
- Skinny Mike’s Ice Cream and Shave Ice
- Duke’s Kauai
FUN FACTS ABOUT MANAWAIOPUNA FALLS
Manawaiopuna Falls can only be seen by helicopter because it is located on privately owned land! If you want to take a closer look, you’ll need to take flight on one of the Island Helicopters, which are the only metal birds that have permission from the owners to land at the waterfall’s base.
KUALOA RANCH
Kualoa Ranch in Hawaii may remind you of Dinosaur Ranch in the Jurassic Park movies. The ranch is a large nature preserve that stretches over 4,000 acres.
NOTABLE THINGS TO SEE & DO
Take an ATV or bus tour across Kualoa Ranch’s expansive space to learn more about its history, wildlife, and more!
WHERE TO STAY DURING YOUR VISIT
- Paradise Bay Resort
- Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore
POPULAR EATERIES NEARBY
- Kualoa Ranch Restaurant
- Shrimp Shack
- Waiahole Poi Factory
FUN FACTS ABOUT KUALOA RANCH
Kualoa Ranch has been the location for many famous films and TV shows, including Jurassic Park, Pearl Harbor, 50 First Dates, Lost, and Hawaii Five-O.
BLUE HOLE (KAUA’I)
The Blue Hole, found in Kaua’i, Hawaii, refers to a large crater found on the east of Mount Waialeale at the base. Its name also comes from the large 1,000-feet-high waterfall that spans across three of its sides.
NOTABLE THINGS TO SEE & DO
The trek to visit this part of Mount Waialeale consists of plenty of natural sights sure to leave you awestruck, from the lush greenery to the Weeping Wall behind the falls at the end of your journey.
Note that getting to this area of Mount Waialeale can be difficult; it is only recommended for the most experienced of hikers! For hiking novices, if you do decide to take on the hike, be sure to bring a travel guide with you.
WHERE TO STAY DURING YOUR VISIT
Local chain hotels and inns will be your best bet for lodging near the Blue Hole park area.
POPULAR EATERIES NEARBY
- Gaylord’s Restaurant at Kilohana
- Kauai Ono
- Tahiti Nui Restaurant
FUN FACTS ABOUT BLUE HOLE
- The Blue Hole was featured in both the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World movies; from Jurassic Park, you may recognize the large front gates into Isla Nubar.
- Mount Waialeale, where you can find the Blue Hole, is known as the “wettest spot on earth” due to its record high rainfall. It receives over 450 inches of rain each year!
JURASSIC KAHILI RANCH (KAUA’I)
The Jurassic Kahili Ranch in Kaua’i, Hawaii, is a historic property that stretches across 2,800 acres of land. The highly diverse terrain features waterfalls and ponds, forests, mountainous areas, and more. The ranch is home to over 200 cattle.
NOTABLE THINGS TO SEE & DO
The ranch itself offers plenty to look at with its beautiful landscape. Take a helicopter tour and discover the natural wonders of the ranch!
WHERE TO STAY DURING YOUR VISIT
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Kauai Beach Resort
POPULAR EATERIES NEARBY
- Kilauea Bakery
- The Dolphin Restaurant
- Kalypso Island Bar & Grill
FUN FACTS ABOUT JURASSIC KAHILI RANCH
- Jurassic Kahili Ranch is featured in the opening scenes of Jurassic Park.
- Jurassic Kahili Ranch has a very long and interesting history, which you can learn more about at the official Jurassic Kahili Ranch website.
NATIONAL TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDENS (KALAHEO, HAWAII)
Jurassic Park Allerton Gardens, Payton Walton [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]
The National Tropical Botanical Gardens are dedicated to pursuing research, conservation, and education for its thousands of tropical plant species. They have five gardens, which can be found across Hawaii and Florida. The garden featured in Jurassic Park is the Allerton Garden, located in Kalaheo, Hawaii.
NOTABLE THINGS TO SEE & DO
The Allerton Garden offers plenty of flora and fauna to see, from its towering rainforest trees to golden bamboo shoots. Make sure you stop by the Morton Bay fig trees–you’ll recognize them from Jurassic Park!
WHERE TO STAY DURING YOUR VISIT
- The Lodge at Kukuilua
- Ka Lae Kiki
POPULAR EATERIES NEARBY
- Waikomo Shave Ice
- Anake’s Juice Bar
- Makai Sushi
FUN FACTS ABOUT THE NATIONAL TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDENS
The National Tropical Botanical Gardens (Allerton) in Kalaheo, Hawaii, was featured in the Jurassic Park movies a few times: once in the scene where the jeep falls on Tim and Dr. Grant, and a second time in the scene where Dr. Grant discovers a nest of empty dinosaur eggs.
JURASSIC WORLD LOCATIONS
The following destinations can be found in the later Jurassic World movie (2015):
THE HONOLULU ZOO
A trip to the zoo is always fun, but a trip to a zoo featured in Jurassic World makes it special! The Honolulu Zoo in Honolulu, Hawaii, covers 42 acres of land and features a variety of native and endangered species, from amphibians and birds to mammals and reptiles.
NOTABLE THINGS TO SEE & DO
- Keiki (Children’s) Zoo
- Twilight Tour
- Honolulu Zoo Concert Series
WHERE TO STAY DURING YOUR VISIT
- Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
- Hilton Waikiki Beach
- Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach
POPULAR EATERIES NEARBY
- Mami’s Empanadas
- Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
- Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand
FUN FACTS ABOUT THE HONOLULU ZOO
- The Honolulu Zoo is visited by over 600,000 people every year.
- The zoo is home to over 1,000 animals and plant species!
- Honolulu Zoo is the only zoo in the United States to be supported by a king’s grant, thanks to King Kalakaua of Hawaii.
NA PALI COAST STATE PARK (KAUA’I)
Found in Kauai, Hawaii, the Na Pali Coast State Park offers beautiful scenery that any outdoor enthisiast will appreciate. From camping and hiking to boat tours, the Na Pali Coast State Park offers a variety of activities to enjoy.
NOTABLE THINGS TO SEE & DO
- Kalalau Trail
- Limahuli Garden & Preserve
- Hanakapiai Falls
WHERE TO STAY DURING YOUR VISIT
- Tiki Hut Cottage
- The Cabins at Kokee
POPULAR EATERIES NEARBY
- Sushi Girl Kauai
- Pink’s Creamery
- Jo Jo’s
FUN FACTS ABOUT NA PALI COAST STATE PARK
The Na Pali Coast State Park was featured in Jurassic World in the scene in which some of the main characters approach Isla Nublar.
MANOA FALLS
Manoa Falls, Edmund Garman from Salem, Oregon, USA [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]
Manoa Falls in Oahu, Hawaii, is a popular waterfall destination that stretches 150 feet high. It can be accessed by going up the Manoa Falls Trail, which is a breath-taking hike that takes you through the surrounding jungle.
NOTABLE THINGS TO SEE & DO
- Manoa Falls Trail
- Aihualama Trail
- Puu Ualakaa State Park
WHERE TO STAY DURING YOUR VISIT
- Manoa Valley Inn
- Prince Waikiki
- The Surfjack Hotel
POPULAR EATERIES NEARBY
- Morning Class Coffee
- Fresh Catch
- Rainbows End
FUN FACTS ABOUT MANOA FALLS
- Manoa Falls is the location of the famous waterfall jump scene in Jurassic World!
- The nearby Manoa Falls Trail was featured in the TV show, Lost.
JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM LOCATIONS
These locations can be seen in the latest movie in the Jurassic franchise, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
HARTLAND PARK
Hartland Park is a quaint town located in the far northwest region of England. It has a short, but important history being one of England’s older ports off the Atlantic Ocean.
WHERE TO STAY DURING YOUR VISIT
- Hartland Mill B&B
- Great Philham House B&B and Holiday Cottage
- Hartland Quay Hotel
NOTABLE THINGS TO SEE & DO
- Docton Mill Gardens & Tea Rooms
- Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall
- Hartland Point Lighthouse
- St. Nectan’s Church
- Hartland Quay
POPULAR EATERIES NEARBY
- The Old Bakery Coffee Shop
- Pattard Kitchen
- The Kings Arms
FUN FACTS ABOUT HARTLAND PARK
- Hartland Park is the location of the opening scene in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
- The St. Nectan’s Church remains as an important landmark for ships navigating the nearby Bristol Channel.
MONUMENT VALLEY
Monument Valley in Arizona is part of the Colorado Plateau, and is home to some of America’s most beautiful panoramic views.
WHERE TO STAY DURING YOUR VISIT
Getting to Monument Valley is a day trip (The nearest city is over 100 miles away!), so it’s a good destination if you’re planning on visiting one of its neighboring cities for a few days or are passing through the area. However, if you want to avoid the long travel time, check out some of these lodgings in the Monument Valley area:
- Goulding’s Lodge and Campground
- The View Hotel
NOTABLE THINGS TO SEE & DO
- Tribal Park Loop (West Mitten Butte, John Ford’s Point)
- Lower Monument Valley
- Mystery Valley
- Teardrop Arch
- Hunt’s Mesa
POPULAR EATERIES NEARBY
- Amigo Cafe
- Blue Coffee Pot
- The View Restaurant
FUN FACTS ABOUT MONUMENT VALLEY
- Monument Valley is featured in the closing scenes of Jurassic World.
- Monument Valley has been used as the backdrop for a number of other films, including Forest Gump, National Lampoons Vacation, Mission Impossible II, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and the HBO TV series, Westworld.
PINEWOOD STUDIOS
Located in Buckinghamshire, England, Pinewood Studios is the final filming location for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. It’s hosted a variety of famous movie shoots, including a number of Star Wars films, The Mummy, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Mary Poppins Returns, and more.
WHERE TO STAY DURING YOUR VISIT
- Lancaster Hotel & Spa
- The Langley
- The Pinewood Hotel
- Falcon Inn
NOTABLE THINGS TO SEE & DO
If you tour Pinewood Studios, be sure to see the studio’s underwater stage! Their underwater stage is one of the world’s only studio-based temperature-controlled atmospheres with the largest exterior tank in Europe. Pinewood does open itself up for special event tours and will let you know about these if you sign up.
POPULAR EATERIES NEARBY
- La Palma Italian Restaurant
- The Black Horse
- Ottimmo Bao Bao
FUN FACTS ABOUT PINEWOOD STUDIOS
- Pinewood Studios was home to the majority of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’s interior scenes.
- At Pinewood, you can also find the legendary 007 stage!