Vasquez Rocks Los Angeles: Filming Locations (Star Trek, BTS ‘ON’, Michael Jackson) + Day-Trip Guid

Featured in Michael Jackson and BTS Music Videos! The Otherworldly Vasquez Rocks

The United States is an enormous country, and its vast natural landscapes are one of its biggest draws!

However, if you want to see both breathtaking wilderness and urban attractions across different states, the travel distances can be long and you’ll need to allow for a fairly extended stay.

This time, while enjoying classic Los Angeles sights like the beaches and downtown, I’ll introduce a nearby spot where you can easily experience America’s great outdoors!

1. What Is Vasquez Rocks?

California’s Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park (Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park) features dramatic, jagged rock layers that look as though giant boulders tumbled down from the sky, making it a popular sightseeing spot.

It is located about an hour’s drive (around 52 miles) north of Los Angeles International Airport.

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2. History

Vasquez Rocks is believed to have formed more than 25 million years ago through tectonic activity.

Driven by movements along the San Andreas Fault at the boundary between the Pacific and North American plates, >the rock layers were first uplifted and then, over millions of years, sculpted by erosion and weakened by weathering, resulting in their unique shapes today.

The name “Vasquez Rocks” comes from Tiburcio Vásquez, a notorious bandit who used the area as his hideout in the 1870s.

3. A Famous Filming Location

Many movies, TV series—such as Star Trek—and corporate commercials have been shot here.

It has also been used as a location for music videos by world-famous artists.

For example, Michael Jackson’s “Black or White”; the British band known as 1D, One Direction’s “Steal My Girl”; the hugely popular Korean idol group BTS’s “ON”; and, from Japan, B’z’s “Yuruginai Mono Hitotsu” were all filmed here.

Because you can experience the very same distinctive landscape you’ve seen on screen, it’s a spot I highly recommend!

See the scenery in motion on Instagram!

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4. Recommended Ways to Explore

I recommend walking around the rock formations to admire them from various angles, or basking in the sun atop the lower, climbable rocks.

However, be careful—some rocks can be slippery!

Even a simple stroll in the surrounding area is enjoyable, so wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of water, and have fun!

5. Recommended Cafés in the Area

If you drive a short distance from Vasquez Rocks, you’ll find several retro, charming cafés.

This area is truly packed with delicious and stylish cafés, so be sure to give them a try.

The Halfway House Cafe
The closest café is The Halfway House Cafe.

Looking like something straight out of an old movie, this spot was founded in 1931 and has been beloved by locals ever since!

We recommend the rich Eggs Benedict.

Be sure to enjoy the gooey eggs, crispy bacon, and fragrant potatoes.

For the address and other details, please check Instagram!

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Egg Plantation
An award-winning, highly rated breakfast restaurant, Egg Plantation.

Founded in 1973, it offers 101 kinds of omelets!

If you ask the staff for their recommended omelet, you’ll have no trouble choosing.

I went with their most popular option—an omelet filled with bacon, avocado, green onions, and more—and it was bursting with flavor and absolutely delicious!

It can get crowded on weekends, so I recommend visiting on a weekday.

Check Instagram for the address and other details!

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Smokehouse On Main
This restaurant serves Southern-style barbecue cuisine!

The must-try is their enormous Smokehouse Colossal Burger.

The juicy patty and crispy bacon are absolutely delicious, so I highly recommend it!

Check Instagram for details!

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6. In Conclusion

You can enjoy otherworldly natural scenery just about an hour’s drive from LAX!

You can experience the same stunning views you’ve seen in music videos.

Be sure to add this spot to your Los Angeles itinerary!