American film director Steven Spielberg watches the filming of "Lincoln" in Virginia
Baltimore, Maryland — also called Charm City — is where American director John Waters filmed many of his cult classics
Berlin, Maryland is a charismatic hamlet that served as the setting of the films "Tuck Everlasting" and "Runaway Bride"
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was the sight of the famous Forrest and Jenny splashing reunion scene in "Forrest Gump"
American film director Steven Spielberg watches the filming of "Lincoln" in Virginia
Baltimore, Maryland — also called Charm City — is where American director John Waters filmed many of his cult classics
Berlin, Maryland is a charismatic hamlet that served as the setting of the films "Tuck Everlasting" and "Runaway Bride"
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was the sight of the famous Forrest and Jenny splashing reunion scene in "Forrest Gump"
10 Famous Filming Locations in the Capital Region USA
Trace the footsteps of internationally known stars like Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Cynthia Erivo and Robin Wright as you visit famous filming locations in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC.
Trace the footsteps of internationally known stars like Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Cynthia Erivo and Robin Wright as you visit famous filming locations in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC.
Washington, DC
1. “The Exorcist” Stairs
Horror film fans will recognise many locales around Georgetown from “The Exorcist,” including a distinctive ivy-laden staircase — the site of the film’s climactic showdown, as noted by a plaque installed in 2015.
2. Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
The National Mall has appeared in countless films, including “Forrest Gump.” Who could forget Forrest and Jenny screaming each other’s names as they splash into the reflecting pool?
3. Smithsonian Institution
The world-famous Smithsonian Institution's museums are home to the second instalment of the rollicking “Night at the Museum” series. Embark on your own adventurous evening at one of the family-friendly Smithsonian Sleepovers.
4. US Capitol
This was the main setting for the landmark 1939 feature “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” Filming wasn’t allowed inside the building, so the US Senate Chamber was meticulously reproduced in Hollywood, California for the famous filibuster scene. Today you can visit the Capitol building, though it does take some planning ahead.
Maryland
5. John Waters’ Baltimore
Cult-classic director John Waters loves to showcase his hometown of Baltimore. Spots along 36th Street, locally known as “The Avenue,” in the Hampden neighbourhood appear in “Hairspray,” “Cry-Baby” and more. Don’t miss Atomic Books, the local book shop where Waters receives fan mail.
6. “House of Cards”
Though much intrigue in “House of Cards” happened in Washington, DC, Maryland was the primary filming location. The Underwoods’ home is in Baltimore’s Bolton Hill neighbourhood and Harford County masqueraded as Frank’s quaint hometown of Gaffney.
7. Cinema Magic in Berlin
Berlin boasts nearly 50 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. It was the backdrop for Julia Roberts’ romantic comedy “Runaway Bride” and transformed into the turn-of-the-century setting for “Tuck Everlasting.” This charming hamlet is also a short 15-minute drive from Assateague Island National Seashore, where you can spot wild ponies frolicking in the waves.
Virginia
8. “Harriet” in Richmond
Filmed at sites around the Richmond region including Berkeley Plantation in Charles City, Academy Awards-nominated “Harriet” tells the story of freedom fighter Harriet Tubman. To learn more about Tubman, you can also take a road trip along the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway to explore historical sites, hiding places and educational centres.
9. “Lincoln” in Petersburg
Steven Spielberg’s epic “Lincoln” was filmed entirely in Virginia. Old Towne Petersburg’s octagonal City Market appears several times, as does the stately Union Station.
10. “Dirty Dancing” at Mountain Lake
The iconic summer love story was filmed primarily at Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke. Plan a visit during one of the lodge's “Dirty Dancing”-themed weekends for a truly immersive experience.