When you think of Miami, you likely think of beaches and palm trees, not movie locations. However, crews have filmed several Hollywood blockbusters in the Magic City.
If you’re an entertainment buff and want to see them for yourself, it’s easy to do. This can be a great way to bring some of your favorite big-screen classics to life.
Today, we’re sharing some famous movie locations in Miami. So grab your sunglasses because we’re heading to South Beach.
Let’s hit it!
Why Miami Is an Appealing Movie Location
While Miami, Florida, is nearly 3,000 miles from Hollywood, California, it’s an appealing location for filmmakers. There’s plenty of unique architecture and stunning views. In addition, the sandy beaches create a backdrop that’s difficult for studios to replicate. Many of the ethnic and urban neighborhoods require minimal staging for shooting.
Another reason production crews love this city is because of its predictably beautiful weather. There’s lots of sunshine and warm temperatures. While it may rain often, it’s consistent, and they can work around it. The natural lighting from the sunlight helps the colors pop for viewers.
There are some less obvious reasons to shoot here, too. For example, many of the hotels are production-friendly. They have the facilities to accommodate large teams and support systems for making award-winning motion pictures. Plus, tax exemptions, grants, and other local incentives are also enticing.
The Best Movie Locations to Visit in Miami
When visiting Miami, check out these movie locations if you’re tired of the same-old adventures. They’re unique and might give you a new perspective on your favorite shows.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
A winter home for industrialist James Deering is now an ideal site for entertainment. It was built in 1916 and features European-inspired architecture throughout the property.
The main house sits on 11 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and features more than 70 rooms. Visitors can relive the Gilded Age and see items dating back to the 15th century.
Because of its beauty, brides and photographers love the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for weddings and photo shoots. In addition, it was the backdrop for scenes from Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Bad Boys II, and Iron Man 3.
If you want to visit, you’ll need to purchase a ticket. Discounts are typically available for military and other individuals. It can be an excellent opportunity for those who enjoy history, art, or spending time in nature.
Plan your trip with Fodor’s South Florida Travel Guide (2023).
Lincoln Road Mall
The Lincoln Road Mall is an eight-block shopping district. Besides traditional stores like H&M, Zara, and Forever 21, you’ll find upscale retailers such as Ted Baker, Lulu, and Intermix. Restaurants like Isabella’s, Mila, and Lincoln Eatery, are hotspots with locals and tourists. If you visit on a Sunday, you can walk through the farmer’s market.
The impressive architecture and vibrant art made it an ideal location for a handful of productions. You can see it in Friendship, Miami Rhapsody, and multiple episodes of the mid-80s TV show Miami Vice.
This outdoor mall is a great place to shop, grab a bite to eat, or sit and people-watch. There’s something for every taste and budget.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
One of the most famous movie locations in the city is Fontainebleau Miami Beach. It opened in 1958 and has a reputation for luxury and elegance. It sits on a white sandy beach and offers first-class resort-style accommodations. Crews filmed several well-known blockbusters here.
If you’ve watched hits like The Bodyguard, Goldfinger, or The Specialist, you may have seen the Fontainebleau once or twice. The highest-rated picture captured on the property was the 1983 Al Pacino hit Scarface.
Take your trip further and stay the night in one of their luxurious rooms. You can dine at their world-class restaurant or relax in the spa. The resort offers plenty of nightlife opportunities and other activities and events.
Are you sure you want to go? 5 Reasons to Avoid Miami Beach.
7 Mile Bridge
Contrary to its moniker, Seven Mile Bridge measures a tad short of its name. Construction on the original structure lasted from 1909 to 1912. Today, the older version is only open to pedestrians and cyclists. The current bridge spans 35,862 feet (6.79 miles) and took four years to build.
This iconic Miami movie location appears in many films. True Lies, 2 Fast 2 Furious, and the 1989 James Bond flick License to Kill all feature the bridge. It was also in a 2011 episode of The Amazing Race.
If you want a unique way to experience this location, visit in April. Officials close it for two and a half hours for the Seven Mile Bridge Run. It’s your chance to run nearly seven miles entirely over water. Unfortunately, the 1,500 spots typically fill up within an hour of online registration opening, so be sure to act fast.
Matheson Hammock Park
Matheson Hammock Park is a 630-acre greenway south of Coral Gables. It opened in 1930 and features an abundance of mangroves and hardwood forests.
The county hired William Lyman Phillips to design the landscape. He developed it with help from Matheson Hammock Park and the Civilian Conservation Corps. The resulting space highlights the water and its natural beauty.
There’s a manufactured pool that pumps water from Biscayne Bay, and the sandy beach has limestone and coral around it. The serene, tropical environment is a popular place for kids to swim safely.
To see the park on the big screen, go back and rewatch the 1998 flick, There’s Something About Mary. A few scenes occur here, like when she dines at a local restaurant and hands out hamburgers from her bag.
You’ve got to eat while you’re touring Miami movie locations: 5 Best Doughnut Shops in Miami.
Hard Rock Stadium
When it comes to venues for major events in this city, there’s not much that tops Hard Rock Stadium. With 65,000 seats, it’s home to the city’s professional football team, the Miami Dolphins, and the University of Miami Hurricanes.
It’s hosted major sporting events like the Super Bowl, Orange Bowl, and college football’s National Championship Game. In 2026, the stadium will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Aside from the games you can catch on TV, Hard Rock Stadium can also be seen on the big screen. This Miami movie location was in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston’s Marley and Me. In addition, Oliver Stone filmed Al Pacino here in his film Any Given Sunday.
Ocean Drive
The typical image that comes to most people’s minds when they think of Miami belongs to Ocean Drive. It has the well-known Art Deco Historic District, boutique shops, and plenty of restaurants. Whether you want to eat, shop, or enjoy some of the best ocean views, it’s the place to go. It’s no wonder it’s often in entertainment.
You can catch glimpses of Ocean Drive in pictures like Scarface, There’s Something About Mary, 8MM, and The Birdcage. It frequently appeared in the original episodes of Miami Vice in the 1980s.
There’s always something exciting happening on Ocean Drive. Whether walking the sidewalks or driving down the road, production crews may be recording the next big hit.
Miami Movie Locations Won’t Disappoint
As you can see, there are many movie locations in Miami. The stunning beaches and bright colors are easy on the eyes, both in person and on the silver screen.
And if you can’t visit them yourself, a movie night is the next best thing. See how many of these sites you can spot from the comfort of your home!
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