The classic film “Vacation,” directed by Harold Ramis and released in 1983, captures the essence of the American family road trip—complete with mishaps, misadventures, and unforgettable memories. Have you ever wondered where the Griswold family’s chaotic journey took place? What locations made the scenes so iconic? In this article, we will take you on a journey through the fascinating filming locations of “Vacation,” exploring the vibrant cities and breathtaking landscapes that brought this comedy to life. Join us as we dive into the details of where each memorable scene was filmed.
City Locations
The film takes viewers through various stunning landscapes across the American West. The primary filming locations span several states, each contributing to the film’s narrative and charm.
Arizona
Arizona serves as one of the most striking backdrops in “Vacation.” Key locations within the state include:
- Flagstaff: Nestled among tall pine trees and mountains, Flagstaff provides a picturesque setting that encapsulates the serene beauty of the American Southwest. It’s easy to see why filmmakers chose this charming town, which also offers numerous outdoor activities for visitors today.
- Grand Canyon National Park: No trip to Arizona is complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The awe-inspiring views of the layered red rock formations give a breathtaking backdrop for the film, making it an unforgettable destination for the Griswolds.
- Sedona: Known for its stunning red rock formations and vibrant arts community, Sedona was another filming location featured in the film. Its unique landscape offers a stark contrast to the urban settings, adding depth and beauty to the storyline.
Utah
As the Griswolds continue their journey, they venture into Utah, where one of the film’s most iconic scenes unfolds.
- Monument Valley: This location is renowned for its dramatic sandstone buttes and extensive desert landscapes. The striking visuals here perfectly portray the rugged beauty of the American West, captured during the iconic scene when the family’s trip takes a turn for the wild and unexpected.
Southern California
The concluding scenes of “Vacation” lead the Griswolds to Southern California, a vibrant area filled with exciting attractions. Key filming sites in this region include:
- Arcadia: This suburb of Los Angeles served as the primary setting for some of the family’s escapades, providing a taste of the California lifestyle.
- Glendale: Another filming location, Glendale, showcases the bustling city life, complete with shopping and dining options that represent a quintessential suburban experience.
- Valencia: Known for its theme parks and entertainment options, Valencia gives viewers a peek into the family’s quest for fun and thrills, culminating in their visit to Walley World.
Illinois
The road trip begins in California but circles back to the Griswold family’s roots in Illinois, specifically:
- Chicago: The vibrant city of Chicago appears briefly in the film, representing home for the Griswold family. Its stunning architecture and bustling city streets offer a perfect backdrop for the family’s beginnings.
Location Types
The various locations showcased in “Vacation” encompass a mix of American landscapes, including natural beauty, quaint houses, expansive nature-scapes, hotels/motels for roadside rests, and retail establishments.
- American: The film embodies the classic American road trip, encapsulating the spirit of adventure and the desire for exploration.
- House: Many scenes were filmed in residential areas that capture the essence of suburban America, leading to a relatable and familial feel throughout the film.
- NatureScapes: With stops in beautiful national parks and vast open spaces, “Vacation” draws attention to stunning natural landscapes, making them as much a character in the story as the Griswold family itself.
- Hotels/Motels: The film illustrates the importance of roadside lodgings during the journey, providing a sense of comfort (or comedy) to weary travelers.
- Retail: Scenes at various retail establishments highlight the humorous aspects of holiday shopping and the quirks of family outings.
Location Styles
Each filming location in “Vacation” showcases distinct styles that reflect the charm and quirks of Americana.
- Americana/Anywhere America: The film captures the essence of middle America, illustrating the unique characteristics found in towns across the country.
- Hotel/Motel Style: The motels featured in the film evoke a sense of nostalgia for those familiar roadside stays that are often parts of family vacations.
- Classic Car: The vintage car drives throughout the film further emphasize the nostalgic feel, serving as a symbol of adventure and exploration while offering a direct tie to the road trip experience.
About Vacation
“Vacation” stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, Beverly D’Angelo as his wife Ellen, and features a talented ensemble cast including Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie. The film follows the Griswold family on a cross-country trip to the fictional Walley World amusement park. As they navigate a series of hiccups and humorous mishaps, viewers are left in stitches while also reflecting on the chaos that often accompanies family vacations.
The film’s comedic blend of relatable family dynamics, comedic timing, and memorable quotes has solidified its status as a beloved classic. The journey serves as a reminder of how vacations can bring out the best—and the worst—in families, making it a timeless exploration of the all-American road trip.
Vacation Locations
The charm of “Vacation” is undeniably tied to its filming locations, each one carefully selected to enhance the story and humour. The contrasting environments—from bustling cityscapes to serene landscapes—underscore the tension and excitement of family travel.
As tourists explore these locations today, they can connect with the film’s locations in a unique way, experiencing first-hand the beauty and quirks that defined the Griswold family’s journey. The legacy of the film lives on as fans flock to these sites, creating their own memories reminiscent of their favourite scenes.
Clark buys a new car for their trip scene in Vacation
The film kicks off with a memorable scene in which Clark Griswold, eager to ensure his family’s comfort on the trip, purchases a brand-new family car—the iconic Wagon Queen Family Truckster. Painted a strikingly bright green and gold, the car quickly becomes a character of its own, symbolising the Griswold family’s hopes and dreams for an idyllic vacation.
The choice of the Vehicle is humorous, representing both Clark’s ambition to create the perfect family experience and the failures that follow. Its eye-catching design often elicits laughter and disbelief from those who witness it on-screen. This classic car embodies the essence of the road trip, allowing viewers to smile as they remember the chaotic moments that arise during travels.
Clark stops for directions in the ghetto scene in Vacation
In one particularly memorable scene, Clark, ever the determined patriarch, stops to ask for directions in a Chicago neighbourhood that is depicted with a humorous flair. This moment evokes a mixture of laughter and discomfort as the family unwittingly finds themselves in a less-than-ideal neighbourhood.
The interaction with locals illustrates the comedic side of their journey while accentuating the discomfort of getting lost (both literally and figuratively) on a family vacation. This scene not only provides comedic value but serves as a moment of growth for the characters, highlighting the importance of understanding their surroundings and adapting to unfamiliar situations.
The Griswolds visit Cousins Eddie and Catherine S Leonor K Sullivan Boulevard scene in Vacation
Another memorable stop on the Griswold’s journey is their visit to Cousin Eddie and his family, who reside in an RV parked along Leonor K Sullivan Boulevard in St. Louis. This scene showcases a contrast of lifestyles between the two families while also adding to the comedy with eccentric characters and witty dialogue.
Through this encounter, viewers are reminded of the importance of family bonds and making time for loved ones—even those who may be a bit quirky or odd. It also serves as a reminder that sometimes, even when things don’t go according to plan, unexpected detours can lead to unforgettable moments.
Clark crashes the family truck scene in Vacation
No family vacation is complete without a few bumps in the road, and “Vacation” delivers on this with its iconic truck crash scene. As Clark drives through the desert in his newly acquired truck, he dozes off at the wheel, leading to a series of chaotic events that result in the destruction of their beloved vehicle.
This scene not only adds to the comedic hijinks but also serves as a lesson about the importance of being alert while driving. It also highlights how unexpected mishaps can lead to new adventures and memories, even if they are not what was initially planned.
Clark breaks into Walley World scene in Vacation
The film’s climax takes place at the fictional Walley World amusement park, where Clark is determined to make sure his family has the perfect vacation. After a series of roadblocks and mishaps, the Griswolds reach their destination only to find it closed for repairs. Driven to desperation, Clark decides to take matters into his own hands and breaks into the park—with hilarious consequences.
This scene not only emphasizes Clark’s determination and love for his family but also serves as a commentary on the often outlandish lengths people will go to in pursuit of happiness or creating perfect memories. It also showcases how even when things don’t go according to plan, laughter and joy can still be found in unexpected places.
Clark meets the beautiful girl from the Ferrari at the hotel pool scene in Vacation
Amidst all the chaos and comedy, “Vacation” also offers a touch of romance when Clark meets a beautiful woman at the hotel pool. This brief encounter not only adds to the film’s comedic elements but also serves as a reminder that amidst the craziness of family vacations, there can still be moments of unexpected charm and connection.
This scene highlights how even in chaotic times, taking a moment to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures can lead to special memories. It also showcases how unplanned encounters with strangers can leave lasting impressions on our hearts and minds.
In Conclusion
“Vacation” continues to capture audiences’ hearts with its mix of relatable family dynamics, iconic scenes, and comedic moments. As fans journey to the film’s various filming locations, they are reminded of the enduring legacy of this classic road trip movie and the lessons it imparted about family, adventure, and making memories along the way. So grab your own Wagon Queen Family Truckster and hit the open road—adventure awaits! While “Vacation” may have ended, its impact on pop culture and our love for quirky family vacations lives on. As we continue to make our own vacation memories, let’s not forget to pay tribute to the hilarious and heartwarming journey of the Griswold family that started it all.
So whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the world of “Vacation,” this film is sure to leave a lasting impression and remind us all that sometimes, the most memorable adventures are those with loved ones by our side. So buckle up, hit the road, and create your own unforgettable vacation experiences! Happy travels! Remember to always expect the unexpected and embrace every moment, no matter how crazy or chaotic it may be. Who knows, you might just end up with your very own hilarious and heartwarming version of “Vacation.” The possibilities are endless on the open road—the only limit is your imagination. So pack your bags, grab some snacks, and let the adventure begin!
