Summary of Star Wars Filming Locations in California
- The Dune Sea and Jabba the Hutt’s Sail Barge
- R2D2’s Canyon
- Forest Moon of Endor and Ewok Forest
- Lucasfilm Headquarters and the Yoda Statue
- Star Wars Cast on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Star Wars Cast at Hollywood’s Chinese Theatre
- Star Tours Ride at Disneyland
- Star Wars Miniland, San Diego
- Star Wars Mural at Twentieth Century Fox
Since 1977, movie fans have been enjoying the Star Wars film series. If you’re passionate about the franchise and wish to explore some of the filming locations in California, this guide presents an overview of significant places associated with the Star Wars saga.
1. The Dune Sea and Jabba the Hutt’s Sail Barge From Episode V: Return of the Jedi
The scene from Episode V: Return of the Jedi where Luke Skywalker attempts to release his friends from Jabba the Hutt occurred at California’s Imperial Sand Dunes recreation area. This location is sometimes mistakenly attributed to Yuma, Arizona, which is the nearest town.
The filming took place in Buttercup Valley, which is characterized by a bowl-shaped depression surrounded by dunes. Accessing the site requires an off-road vehicle, and it’s a 1.5-mile drive from the picnic area.
Previously, Jabba the Hutt’s luxurious sail barge was left in the desert, but this has since been removed.
2. R2D2’s Canyon From Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
While many desert scenes for the Star Wars series were filmed in Tunisia, California’s Death Valley serves as a significant filming location for Tatooine, particularly in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope and Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
The area known as R2’s Arroyo Overlook appears in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, where R2-D2 gets zapped by the Jawas. This canyon is visible from the Artist’s Palette overlook, simply park your vehicle and walk towards the slope to catch a glimpse.
Other notable sites from Episode IV include Sandcrawler Station, Bantha Canyon, Jawa Canyon, and the Mos Eisley Overlook.
3. Forest Moon of Endor and Ewok Forest From Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
This picturesque location first appeared in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, featuring the second Death Star orbiting the Forest Moon of Endor, home to the lovable Ewoks.
The forest scenes were filmed in the redwood forests near Crescent City. Although some areas were cleared post-filming, visitors can still experience a similar atmosphere in the Owen R Cheatham Grove at Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park.
4. Lucasfilm Headquarters and the Yoda Statue, San Francisco
Visitors can explore the 17-acre Lucasfilm property located at the Letterman Digital Arts Center in San Francisco’s Presidio. Although public tours are not available, guests can enjoy the Yoda Fountain and other movie-related sculptures situated on the grounds.
The address for the Letterman Digital Arts Center is 1 Letterman Drive. You can access it via the PresidiGO Downtown bus or SFMTA bus #43. Don’t worry about parking lot security; simply inform them of your intention to visit the grounds and they will guide you to a parking spot.
5. Star Wars Cast on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
If you’re exploring the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you’ll find numerous honorees associated with the Star Wars films. Noteworthy stars include:
- Harrison Ford: 6801 Hollywood Blvd, in front of the Hollywood at Highland complex.
- Samuel L. Jackson: 7018 Hollywood Blvd. (Mace Windu in Episode III)
- Alec Guinness: 1559 Vine St. (Ben ‘Obi-Wan’ Kenobi in episodes IV, V, VI)
- Billy Dee Williams: 1521 Vine St. (Lando Calrissian in episodes IV, V, VI)
- Dennis Muren: 6764 Hollywood Blvd (Special effects for episodes I, II, IV, V, VI)
6. Star Wars Cast at Hollywood’s Chinese Theatre
The renowned Hollywood Chinese Theatre was the setting for the premiere of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope in 1977. The venue is also well-known for the handprints and footprints featured in its forecourt, including those of R2D2, C3PO, and Darth Vader.
7. Star Tours Ride at Disneyland
Disneyland’s Star Tours ride offers an incredible experience based on the Star Wars film series. This attraction provides a themed area leading to your spacecraft, where comic antics ensue as your clumsy droid pilot jumps to hyperspace.
The 3-D imagery is highly detailed, and visitors can enjoy up to 54 unique story sequences, ensuring repeat enjoyment for all. The immersive experience often has riders uncovering their roles as rebel spies.
8. Star Wars Miniland, San Diego
Legoland’s “Minilands” showcases various real-life locations, including a captivating model representing the Star Wars films. Enjoy features like the Death Star and the iconic trench run scene where Luke Skywalker navigates his X-Wing fighter.
Visitors can also engage in creativity by designing their own LEGO starships at interactive building stations while iconic LEGO ships soar nearby.
9. Star Wars Mural at Twentieth Century Fox and Other Locations
Twentieth Century Fox is the production house behind the original Star Wars films and continues as the franchise’s primary distributor.
This mural, which showcases beloved characters, is located within the 20th Century Fox Studios, viewable through Motor Gate 1 at the intersection of Motor Avenue and W. Pico Blvd. in the Century City area of Los Angeles. Using GPS coordinates of 10093 W Pico Blvd will guide you there smoothly.
10. More Sites in California
For dedicated fans, a tour of Steve Sansweet’s Rancho Obi-Wan near Petaluma requires a membership with a tour ticket costing $100 per person. This location houses the most extensive collection of Star Wars memorabilia available anywhere.
