Lighthouse Café, Hermosa Beach: Iconic La La Land Filming Spot
Popular La La Land Filming Location: Lighthouse Cafe
La La Land—set in Los Angeles—is hugely popular in Japan as well.
The movie showcases many of L.A.’s most famous sightseeing spots.
This time I’d like to introduce the Lighthouse Cafe, a jazz venue with a chic atmosphere that served as one of the film’s locations!
Feel free to use this information when choosing places to visit on your trip!
1. What Is the Film “La La Land”?
“La La Land” is a 2016 musical (released in Japan in 2017) directed by Damien Chazelle and set in Los Angeles.
The story follows jazz-obsessed pianist Seb (Ryan Gosling) and aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone) as they fall into a sweet-yet-bittersweet romance while chasing their dreams—and face the hurdles and shifting dynamics that come with it.
The film earned 14 nominations in 13 categories at the Academy Awards, winning six—including Best Director and Best Actress.
Captivating not only for its narrative but also for its musical numbers, choreography, and score, it’s a movie you can enjoy again and again.
2. What Is the Lighthouse Café?
This café-bar is located in Hermosa Beach, California, just about a 17-minute drive (roughly 6.7 miles) from LAX.
Beloved by local music fans and surfers alike, it has a loyal following.
The nearby Hermosa Beach Pier is another beautiful stretch of sand—and a La La Land filming location—so it’s well worth visiting while you’re in the area!
3. About the Film Scenes
The Lighthouse Café appears in two of the movie’s key extended scenes.
Early in the story, Seb brings Mia here to show her the magic of jazz—even though she insists she hates it.
This is where Seb passionately explains jazz history and says it’s “how people who couldn’t speak the same language could still have a conversation.”
After that, Seb heads to the nearby Hermosa Beach Pier.
The café returns halfway through the film, when Seb plays piano and Mia dances—an upbeat moment that really shows how close they’ve become.
Check out Instagram for a peek inside the venue!
4. Another Filming Spot: Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory sits inside Griffith Park in Los Angeles and houses astronomy and science exhibits as well as public telescopes.
Step outside and you can enjoy a sweeping view of downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood—an absolutely stunning panorama.
Since its opening in 1935, it has remained a must-see destination for visitors from around the world.
In La La Land, the observatory features in the date sequence where Seb and Mia dance together.
Both the interior of the observatory and the surrounding Griffith Park were used, creating one of the film’s most memorable scenes.
The site also appears in movies referenced by Seb and Mia—such as Rebel Without a Cause (1955)—and in other classics like The Terminator (1984).
For an in-depth look, don’t miss the blog post below!
5. Another Filming Spot: Colorado Street Bridge
The Colorado Street Bridge was built in 1913 as a key link between Pasadena and Los Angeles.
It stretches about 1,486 feet (roughly 453 metres) long and rises around 150 feet (about 46 metres), arching over the Arroyo Seco that flows through Pasadena.
(The Spanish name “Arroyo Seco” means “dry canyon” and refers to the seasonal river running through Pasadena, California.)
For the best view, head to the park beneath the span or drive across it—both angles closely match what you see in the movie.
Although it appears only briefly—Seb and Mia stroll across it during their date—it’s a charming site that complements better-known spots like the Lighthouse Café.
See Instagram for more photos and reels of this location!
6. Conclusion
The hit film “La La Land” captures Los Angeles at its most enchanting!
Revisit the movie, immerse yourself in its world at the Lighthouse Café, and enjoy a chic getaway.
We share plenty of other sightseeing ideas on Instagram, so be sure to check them out!
Our Services
We offer comprehensive automotive solutions—buy, sell, rent, and repair in one place.
Car Sales
Browse our lineup of quality used cars with transparent pricing and up to a two-year warranty on select models.
View Inventory
Auto Repair
Get expert service from our certified Toyota Master Mechanic. We primarily service Toyota vehicles.
Schedule Service
Trade-in / Sell
We pay top dollar for your vehicle—especially hybrids. Count on fair, transparent appraisals.
Get Estimate
Car Rentals
Choose between fuel-saving hybrid rentals and a Tesla with Full Self-Driving Capability—both at competitive rates.
Reserve NowYou May Also Like
