Call Sheet Ready: An Orange County Filming Location Guide

Buena Park, California
Knott’s Berry Farm is one of Buena Park’s most iconic landmarks and has served as a filming location for numerous films and TV shows. Productions like Knocked Up, America’s Next Top Model, Entertainment Tonight, The Next Food Network Star , Parenthood, Criminal Minds, Storage Wars, The Bold and the Beautiful, Hell’s Kitchen, CONAN, Jay Leno’s Garage , and Bert the Conqueror have all featured the park. In Season 15 of America’s Next Top Model, contestants were challenged to strike poses while riding the 55 MPH Silver Bullet roller coaster. Knocked Up opens with Seth Rogen and friends enjoying thrill rides like Supreme Scream, Xcelerator, and Silver Bullet. Meanwhile, Food Network Star Season 10 finalists wowed park guests with live cooking demos. Just across the street, Knott’s Independence Hall—a faithful replica of the Philadelphia original—was featured in the 2004 film National Treasure starring Nicolas Cage. Buena Park’s Medieval Times also shines in pop culture. Jim Carrey’s The Cable Guy (1996) features a hilarious jousting scene, while Kevin Hart and Jason Sudeikis face off there in an episode of What the Fit. The castle also hosted a celebrity edition of Cupcake Wars, where stars like Yvette Nicole Brown and Carson Kressley competed to have their cupcakes featured at the 30th anniversary celebration. Nearby Pirates Dinner Adventure appeared in Season 23 of The Bachelor, where Colton Underwood was "captured" and dramatically rescued by his hopeful suitors aboard a swashbuckling galleon.

Laguna Beach, California
Continue your coastal cruise another 15 miles south to Laguna Beach, where the ocean views are just as famous as the TV drama. This scenic spot set the stage for The OC and Laguna Beach, the reality show that gave us unforgettable slow-motion beach strolls and early-2000s teen angst with a view.

Newport Beach
Roughly 30 miles south of Buena Park, Newport Beach offers a mix of stunning scenery and silver screen nostalgia. If you're up for a hike with a view, make your way to Cottage #13 at Crystal Cove State Park. This charming spot was featured in the 1988 tearjerker Beaches and once served as the Beaches Film and Media Center—though it's now closed, the scenic views are still worth the trek.While you're in town, swing by Fashion Island, where Tom Cruise famously walked and talked his way through scenes in Jerry Maguire. Just a few minutes away, the Newport Beach Central Library makes a cameo in Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion—perfect for fans of quirky reunions and '90s flair.