Top 10 Horror Movie Locations You Can Actually Visit

“Rosemary’s Baby” (1968)
Fans of the smash 1968 horror hit “Rosemary’s Baby” may know it as “The Bramford,” but residents at this historic New York City apartment co-op call it by another name: the Dakota. The complex has been home to many famous celebrities over the years, with the board of directors tending to favor artists and creatives, such as musicians or actors. These have included John Lennon, Lauren Bacall, Gilda Radner and Boris Karloff, the latter of whom ties into the Dakota’s horror history. The exterior scenes focused around the Woodhouses’ Bramford apartment were shot here, but be careful, as the Dakota’s aforementioned board of directors have been outspoken with some of their high-profile snubs of potential residents, including Gene Simmons. Maybe it’s the Demon makeup.

Hammer Film Productions
Oakley Court in Berkshire County, England may not have been the house that Hammer built, but it certainly served as something of a spiritual base over the years. This is due to some of the British studio’s horror classics being filmed there, including “The Brides of Dracula” and “The Plague of the Zombies.” Additionally, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” was also shot on the sprawling grounds of this picturesque country house, thanks to the immense atmosphere and instant gothic vibes. It served as the perfect place to set up Dr. Frank N. Furter’s “Frankenstein Place,” while other horror films continued to be shot there throughout the seventies. These included “Vampyres,” Girly,” and the murder-mystery spoof, “Murder by Death.” The estate currently serves as a hotel.

“The Birds” (1963)
We don’t have reason to believe homicidal birds would ever congregate around the area of Bodega Bay… but still we wonder. After all, it was here where Alfred Hitchcock shot his classic 1963 horror film “The Birds,” and the setting is just as gorgeous today, over half-a-decade later. Bodega Bay is located off the northern coast of California, and actually served as an evacuation point for those seeking to escape devastating wildfires that ravaged the nearby Wine Country in 2017. The area is also home to a number of marine reserves, protecting local aquatic life while monitoring their ecosystems.

“The Fog” (1980)
Fans of John Carpenter’s “The Fog” that choose to visit this lighthouse in Point Reyes, California, are in for a treat: tons of actual fog! Yup, the area that served as home base for radio DJ Stevie Wayne during the filming of Carpenter’s classic isn’t just blowing smoke when it comes to….er, “fog,” because its reputation is actually well-earned. The climate surrounding Point Reyes is quite prone, at certain times of the year, to a dense, nearly impenetrable fog. This makes the beacon on the house essential for passing ships, while also making the area a perfect pilgrimage for those seeking to experience Carpenter’s creepy vision for themselves.

“Halloween” (1978)
Speaking of John Carpenter, a word to the wise (and polite): you can visit the Myers House from the director’s 1978 classic, “Halloween.” Just be respectful. This is because there’s actually a chiropractor’s office that operates on the property today, although they do welcome photos from movie fans who are seeking some exterior shots. The Myers House was originally located on 707 Meridian Avenue in South Pasadena, California, but had to be moved after barely escaping demolition in 1987. Can’t make it to the West Coast? Well, there’s also a replica that you can visit in North Carolina, that offers tours of the property and photo opportunities.

“Friday the 13th” (1980)
“Friday the 13th” may be more known for Camp Crystal Lake and its surrounding woods than for good food and friendly service, but who says you can’t have it both ways? Fans of this franchise try to make it to the Blairstown Diner on every Friday the 13th, as this real restaurant in Blairstown, New Jersey served as a location for one of the first film’s opening scenes. It was here where Annie Phillips took truck driver Enos up on his offer of a lift into the area of Crystal Lake, only for the young woman to meet her end at the hands of Pamela Voorhees. The Blairstown Diner may look slightly different today, but the owners and staff celebrate their moment of horror history all year round.

“The Exorcist” (1973)
It may not exactly be the sort of movie location that offers much comfort, but fans of William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist” continue to flock to this otherwise unassuming set of stairs for their dose of Satanic thrills. The Exorcist steps served as the location where Father Damien Karras took his fatal fall after inviting the demon Pazuzu to inhabit his body. The act would save the soul of young Regan MacNeil, while simultaneously serving as one of the film’s more memorable scenes. The steps are located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., and are commemorated with a plaque detailing the area’s history at the bottom.

“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974)
Fans of the original “Texas Chain Saw Massacre” are in luck, because there are a number of visitable location options open to the public. For starters, there’s the original Sawyer House, which was moved from its original location to Kingsland, Texas, and converted into a restaurant called the Grand Central Café. The gas station from Tobe Hooper’s classic 1974 flick in Bastrop serves barbecue, although its current operators swear that their food is people-free. Fans can even choose to spend the night at one of the Gas Station’s cabins, while a gift shop offers “TCM” memorabilia for that true, down-home “Texas Chainsaw” experience.

“Dawn of the Dead” (1978)
Filmmaker George A. Romero shot many of his films in and around the area of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and you can visit a number of their locations today. The cemetery from Romero’s iconic “Night of the Living Dead” is located in Evans City, but fans of the man’s work often point to one other place as a mecca for zombie mayhem: the Monroeville Mall. The shopping center is located on Route 22 near the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and has hosted a number of tributes to Romero’s work. These have included a zombie museum (which has since been moved to the aforementioned Evans City), as well as an area of memorabilia located on the top floor of the mall. There’s even a bust of Romero located on site!

Before we name our number one pick, here are some honorable mentions!

Seneca Creek State Park, “The Blair Witch Project” (1999)
Just Don’t Get Lost in these Maryland Woods


Bates Motel, “Psycho” (1960)
A Tour Attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood

Ettington Park Hotel, “The Haunting” (1963)
Is This English Location From “The Haunting” Actually Haunted?

“The Shining” (1980)
Many movie fans will tell you that both interior and exterior shots matter when it comes to creating a classic vibe and atmosphere. The Timberline Lodge possesses such an atmosphere thanks to its use as the exterior of the Overlook Hotel from director Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of “The Shining.” The building is certainly gorgeous, while the area is a big tourist destination for both horror fans as well as your average, everyday outdoor enthusiasts. Other movies, such as 2014’s “Wild,” were also shot near the Timberline, and the area was also used for location shots on the television series “Hogan’s Heroes.”