Next year, 2023, marks the 30th anniversary of the original Jurassic Park movie. In the almost 3 decades since, there has been an additional 5 movies and theme parks across the world. Jurassic Park was filmed heavily on the Hawaiian Islands, it’s mystical and prehistoric looking landscapes are the perfect backdrop for the dinosaur parks. The films weren’t just filmed on Hawaii, there were other locations too, from parts of the movies that didn’t take place at the parks.
Here are the top 10 Jurassic Park franchise filming locations that you can visit. Please note that some of these locations are on private land and may require tours to visit. Please follow signage and directions.
1. Red Rock Canyon State Park, California
This state park in the Mojave Desert is a popular filming location, particularly for westerns and other desert scenes. In Jurassic Park, it doubled for the Montana dig site where we first meet Dr Alan Grant and Dr Ellie Sattler. Remember Alan telling that kid about how dangerous Velociraptors were? Yeah, that scene. If you’re looking for a hike that will take you past this locations, we recommend the Hagen Canyon Nature Trail, an easy 1.9km loop trail.
2. Garden of Eden, Maui, Hawaii
This beautiful garden, overlooking the Pacific Ocean was seen in Jurassic World as they fly over Isla Nublar in the helicopter. The scene was filmed over the coast, just near the Garden of Eden and it is visible in the shots.
3. Halona Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
In Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, after escaping the eruption and stampede, Claire, Owen, and Franklin wash up on a seemingly deserted beach. In reality, this beach is the rather popular Halona Beach Cove. There is quite a hike to get to it, but once you are there, it’s a beautiful spot. The water can be rough and dangerous though because of the rock walls that surround this cove, so make sure to be careful if you go in for a swim!
4. Makai Research Pier, Oahu, Hawaii
In Jurassic World, the ferry that takes you to Isla Nublar pulls up to the Makai Research Pier. The pier is used for testing underwater equipment and instruments, It is usually open to the public for fishing, however it is currently closed.
5. Kualoa Ranch, Oahu, Hawaii
Probably the most well-known filming location of the Jurassic franchise, Kuala Ranch was used for many scenes in Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom as the wide, open spaces where the stampede scenes take place. The ranch offers Jurassic Park tours on ATVs, e-bikes, boats, and other forms of transport. They’re well worth a trip.
6. Kipu Kai, Kauai, Hawaii
This stunning beach was the backdrop for the Bowman family’s day at the beach in The Lost World: Jurassic Park. Unfortunately, that day didn’t end well, with their daughter being attacked by dinos. This beach is on private property so if you’d like to visit this beach you will need to go on a tour.
7. Allerton Garden, National Tropical Botanical Gardens, Kauai, Hawaii
The beautiful Allerton Garden’s prehistoric looking flora is the perfect backdrop for a movie with dinosaurs. It was used for a variety of scenes, particularly when Dr Alan Grant finds Velociraptor eggs and realises that the cloned dinosaurs can breed.
8. Manawaiopuna Falls, Kauai, Hawaii
In an early scene of Jurassic Park, a helicopter lands at the base of a waterfall. These beautiful falls are commonly known as Jurassic Park Falls after being used in the film. The falls are on private property and the only way to access them is by helicopter, so you can recreate that scene!
9. Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii
The Na Pali Coast of Hawaii’s fourth-largest island, Kauai, is featured in the films as Isla Sorna, or “Site B”. The best way to take in the majesty of this coastline is by sea or air. Take a boat tour to take in the towering cliffs, or view it all from a helicopter from above!
10. Universal Studios Hollywood, California
Of course, unfortunately not everything can be filmed on location, some things need a controlled environment like a soundstage. Stages 12, 24, 27 and 28 were the main settings for scenes filmed at Universal Studios Hollywood. When you visit the theme park and experience the Studio Tour, you’ll see some sound stages and props used in the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World films.
What's your favourite location?
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