Top 7 Underrated Travel Destinations for TV Show Locations You Might Have Missed
Top 7 Underrated Travel Destinations for TV Show Locations You Might Have Missed - Albuquerque, New Mexico Breaking Bad's Desert Backdrop
Albuquerque's stark desert landscape and unique urban settings have made it a favorite among TV producers, with "Breaking Bad" putting the city firmly on the map for film tourism.
Beyond the well-trodden path of Walter White's haunts, visitors can explore lesser-known locations from "Better Call Saul" and other productions, offering a fresh perspective on the city's cinematic appeal.
Albuquerque's elevation of 5,312 feet (1,619 meters) contributes to its unique desert climate, which was instrumental in creating the stark visual aesthetic of "Breaking Bad." This high-altitude environment also results in cooler summer nights, making it an ideal filming location.
The city's Sandia Peak Tramway, the world's third-longest single span aerial tramway, offers a bird's-eye view of many "Breaking Bad" filming locations.
The 7-mile ride to the summit provides a comprehensive overview of the show's geographical setting.
Albuquerque's International Balloon Fiesta, the world's largest hot air balloon festival, was subtly referenced in "Breaking Bad" through the recurring motif of Walter White's iconic khaki pants floating in the air.
This annual event attracts over 800,000 visitors.
The city's unique geology, including the nearby Petroglyph National Monument with over 24,000 ancient rock carvings, adds depth to the desert backdrop seen in the show.
These petroglyphs date back to 2000 BC, offering a stark contrast to the modern narrative of "Breaking Bad."
Albuquerque's "Rio Grande" featured in several key scenes of "Breaking Bad," is actually one of the few remaining wild rivers in North America.
It supports over 400 species of birds, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
The city's nuclear history, including its proximity to Los Alamos National Laboratory, adds an intriguing layer to the show's themes of chemistry and danger.
This scientific legacy continues to influence Albuquerque's research and technology sectors.
What else is in this post?
- Top 7 Underrated Travel Destinations for TV Show Locations You Might Have Missed - Albuquerque, New Mexico Breaking Bad's Desert Backdrop
- Top 7 Underrated Travel Destinations for TV Show Locations You Might Have Missed - Dubrovnik, Croatia Game of Thrones' King's Landing
- Top 7 Underrated Travel Destinations for TV Show Locations You Might Have Missed - Forks, Washington Twilight's Moody Pacific Northwest Setting
- Top 7 Underrated Travel Destinations for TV Show Locations You Might Have Missed - Wilmington, North Carolina One Tree Hill's Small Town Charm
- Top 7 Underrated Travel Destinations for TV Show Locations You Might Have Missed - Covington, Georgia The Vampire Diaries' Mystic Falls
- Top 7 Underrated Travel Destinations for TV Show Locations You Might Have Missed - Oahu, Hawaii Lost's Mysterious Island Paradise
- Top 7 Underrated Travel Destinations for TV Show Locations You Might Have Missed - Alston, Cumbria Witcher's Magical English Countryside
Top 7 Underrated Travel Destinations for TV Show Locations You Might Have Missed - Dubrovnik, Croatia Game of Thrones' King's Landing
Dubrovnik's Old Town, with its stunning medieval architecture and coastal charm, has become synonymous with King's Landing from "Game of Thrones." While the city's popularity has soared due to the show, there are still hidden gems and lesser-known filming locations waiting to be discovered.
Visitors can explore the narrow alleys of Ploče, used for market scenes, or venture to the nearby island of Lokrum, which doubled as the city of Qarth, offering a more secluded "Game of Thrones" experience away from the crowds.
The Walls of Dubrovnik, which serve as the backdrop for King's Landing, were built in the 12th century and stretch for 1,940 meters (6,365 feet), making them one of the most well-preserved medieval fortification systems in the world.
Dubrovnik's Fort Lovrijenac, used as the Red Keep in Game of Thrones, stands 37 meters (121 feet) above sea level and has walls up to 12 meters (39 feet) thick on the seaward side.
The city's Pile Gate, featured as the entrance to King's Landing, was built in 1537 and includes a stone bridge and wooden drawbridge, which are still operational today.
Dubrovnik's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, covers an area of approximately 18 square kilometers (07 square miles), making it one of the smallest medieval walled cities in the world.
The Jesuit Staircase, where Cersei's Walk of Shame was filmed, consists of 164 stone steps and was built in the early 18th century as part of the Jesuit College complex.
Minčeta Tower, used for exterior shots of the House of the Undying in Qarth, is the highest point of Dubrovnik's walls at 25 meters (82 feet) tall and offers a 360-degree view of the city.
The clear waters of the Adriatic Sea around Dubrovnik, which doubled as Blackwater Bay in the show, have an average summer temperature of 25°C (77°F) and visibility up to 56 meters (184 feet) deep, making it ideal for underwater filming.
Top 7 Underrated Travel Destinations for TV Show Locations You Might Have Missed - Forks, Washington Twilight's Moody Pacific Northwest Setting
While the movies were not actually filmed in the area, the town and its surrounding region on the Olympic Peninsula offer a variety of underrated travel destinations that have been featured in other TV shows and films, providing visitors with stunning natural scenery and outdoor exploration opportunities beyond the "Twilight" theme.
Forks experiences an average of 212 days of rain per year, making it one of the wettest towns in the contiguous United States.
This climatic characteristic was a key factor in its selection as the setting for the gloomy and atmospheric "Twilight" saga.
The nearby Hoh Rainforest, located within Olympic National Park, is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States.
It receives an average of 12 to 14 feet (6 to 2 meters) of rainfall annually, creating a lush, mossy environment that perfectly captures the supernatural ambiance of the "Twilight" novels.
The average summer temperature in Forks hovers around a mild 65°F (18°C), with cool, overcast days being the norm.
This cool, misty climate provided an ideal backdrop for the vampiric characters of the "Twilight" series, who are averse to direct sunlight.
The Olympic Peninsula, where Forks is situated, is home to the Quileute Native American tribe, whose legends and mythologies heavily influenced the supernatural elements of Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" books.
Forks High School, the setting for much of the "Twilight" series, is a real-life public high school that has seen a significant increase in tourism since the books and films were released.
The school's enrollment has remained relatively stable, despite the influx of fans.
La Push, the coastal town where the Quileute tribe resides in the "Twilight" universe, is known for its dramatic sea stacks and rocky beaches.
These natural features were prominently featured in the films, showcasing the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
The Hoh River, which runs through the Hoh Rainforest near Forks, was used as a filming location for several scenes in the "Twilight" movies.
The river's crystal-clear waters and lush, mossy banks provided a visually striking backdrop for the supernatural elements of the series.
Despite the "Twilight" series being set in Forks, the actual filming locations for the movies were primarily in the nearby cities of Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, British Columbia.
This has not deterred fans from visiting the real-life town of Forks to experience the setting firsthand.
Top 7 Underrated Travel Destinations for TV Show Locations You Might Have Missed - Wilmington, North Carolina One Tree Hill's Small Town Charm
Wilmington, North Carolina, offers a charming small-town experience for "One Tree Hill" fans, with numerous filming locations scattered throughout the city.
Visitors can explore iconic spots like the Riverwalk's "Naley Bench" and the houses of beloved characters Brooke Davis, Peyton, and Haley.
The city's historic district and picturesque riverside settings provide a perfect backdrop for fans to relive their favorite moments from the show while discovering the authentic charm of this coastal North Carolina gem.
Wilmington's historic Thalian Hall, built in 1858, served as a filming location for several "One Tree Hill" scenes and continues to function as a working theater, hosting over 250 shows annually.
The city's unique microclimate, influenced by the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean, creates ideal lighting conditions for filming, contributing to the show's distinct visual aesthetic.
Wilmington International Airport (ILM) has recently expanded its routes, now offering direct flights to major hubs like New York and Atlanta, making it easier for fans to visit the "One Tree Hill" locations.
The USS North Carolina Battleship, which briefly appeared in "One Tree Hill," is permanently moored in Wilmington and serves as a floating museum, attracting over 200,000 visitors annually.
The Cape Fear River, prominently featured in the show, is one of the few rivers in North America that flows directly north for most of its course.
Airlie Gardens, which appeared in several romantic scenes in "One Tree Hill," contains a 467-year-old live oak tree, one of the oldest living things in the county.
Wilmington's film industry generates an average annual economic impact of $150 million, with "One Tree Hill" contributing significantly to this figure during its nine-season run.
The city's historic district, where many "One Tree Hill" scenes were filmed, covers 230 blocks, making it one of the largest in the United States.
Top 7 Underrated Travel Destinations for TV Show Locations You Might Have Missed - Covington, Georgia The Vampire Diaries' Mystic Falls
Covington, Georgia has become a hub for fans of "The Vampire Diaries," as the town serves as the real-life filming location for the show's fictional setting of Mystic Falls.
The Mystic Falls Tours offer guided tours of the town's "Vampire Diaries" filming locations, allowing fans to see the sights and learn behind-the-scenes insights.
Covington is home to the Covington Square, which served as the central town square and backdrop for many iconic scenes in "The Vampire Diaries." The picturesque square features a historic clock tower that has become a must-visit spot for fans.
The Mystic Grill, a popular restaurant featured in the show, is a real-life establishment in Covington that has become a pilgrimage site for devoted "Vampire Diaries" fans.
However, the interior of the restaurant doesn't exactly match its on-screen counterpart.
Covington's Twelve Oaks Bed and Breakfast, a stunning antebellum mansion, was used as the exterior of the Salvatore Boarding House in the series.
Fans can now stay overnight in this historic property, immersing themselves in the world of "The Vampire Diaries."
The Covington Visitor's Center features a museum dedicated to the show, showcasing iconic props, costumes, and memorabilia from "The Vampire Diaries" production.
Visitors can even pose for photos with a life-size replica of the Mystic Falls sign.
Covington's Lockwood Mansion, the exterior setting for the Lockwood family's house in the show, is a privately owned historic home that is not open to the public.
However, fans can admire the property from the outside and imagine the supernatural happenings that took place within.
The town's Oxford College, a private liberal arts college, was used as a filming location for numerous scenes set at Whitmore College in "The Vampire Diaries." The college's neo-Gothic architecture lent itself perfectly to the show's aesthetic.
Scoops, a classic ice cream parlor in Covington, was featured in several episodes of "The Vampire Diaries." Fans can visit the real-life establishment and indulge in a sweet treat, just like their favorite characters.
The Covington Cemetery, a historic graveyard, served as the backdrop for numerous supernatural encounters and plot points in the series.
Visitors can explore the eerie yet beautiful grounds and imagine the vampire activities that took place there.
Covington's Main Street, with its quaint Southern charm, was often used as a setting for the fictional town of Mystic Falls.
The well-preserved storefronts and period architecture transport fans back to the world of "The Vampire Diaries."
The town's proximity to Atlanta, a major production hub, made Covington an attractive filming location for "The Vampire Diaries" and other TV shows and movies.
This has contributed to Covington's growing reputation as a hub for film tourism.
Top 7 Underrated Travel Destinations for TV Show Locations You Might Have Missed - Oahu, Hawaii Lost's Mysterious Island Paradise
Oahu, the third-largest Hawaiian island, has become a popular filming location for television shows, with the hit series "Lost" prominently featuring the island's remote and undeveloped areas as the setting for its fictional island.
Beyond "Lost," Oahu's varied terrain, including volcanic landscapes and hidden waterfalls, has made it a sought-after location for other underrated travel destinations that have been featured in TV shows, offering visitors a chance to experience the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage away from the more crowded tourist hotspots.
Oahu's Mermaid Caves feature turquoise blue water and natural openings that allow sunlight to stream in, creating a magical and serene atmosphere.
The China Walls at Portlock Point are a unique wave formation that resembles the Great Wall of China, offering a stunning natural wonder for visitors to explore.
Kawela Bay on Oahu is home to the Byodo-In Temple, a peaceful Buddhist temple surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty that provides a serene escape from the more crowded tourist areas.
Despite being a popular tourist destination, Oahu is home to many hidden gems and secluded spots that offer a different perspective on the island's natural wonders, including remote beaches, hiking trails, and lookout points.
Oahu's varied terrain, including volcanic landscapes and hidden waterfalls, has made it a sought-after location for various television shows and movies, with the remote and undeveloped areas of the island serving as the setting for the popular TV series "Lost."
The island's elevation of 1,619 meters contributes to its unique desert climate, which was instrumental in creating the stark visual aesthetic of the TV show "Breaking Bad," which was filmed primarily in nearby Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Oahu's rich cultural heritage is reflected in the presence of the Quileute Native American tribe, whose legends and mythologies heavily influenced the supernatural elements of the "Twilight" book and film series, which was set in the nearby town of Forks, Washington.
The clear waters of the Adriatic Sea around Dubrovnik, Croatia, which doubled as Blackwater Bay in "Game of Thrones," have an average summer temperature of 25°C (77°F) and visibility up to 56 meters (184 feet) deep, making it an ideal filming location for underwater scenes.
Forks, Washington, experiences an average of 212 days of rain per year, making it one of the wettest towns in the contiguous United States, a key factor in its selection as the setting for the gloomy and atmospheric "Twilight" saga.
Wilmington, North Carolina, offers a charming small-town experience for "One Tree Hill" fans, with numerous filming locations scattered throughout the city, including the historic Thalian Hall and the USS North Carolina Battleship.
Covington, Georgia, has become a hub for fans of "The Vampire Diaries," as the town serves as the real-life filming location for the show's fictional setting of Mystic Falls, featuring iconic locations like the Covington Square and the Mystic Grill.
Top 7 Underrated Travel Destinations for TV Show Locations You Might Have Missed - Alston, Cumbria Witcher's Magical English Countryside
Alston, a charming and historic market town in the North Pennines, offers a unique travel experience with its picturesque landscapes, quaint shops, and the well-preserved Roman fort of Epiacum.
The area's scenic walking trails, art galleries, and outdoor activities like canoe trips and cave exploration make it an underrated yet magical destination, perfect for TV show filming locations.
Visitors can also explore the town's rich mining heritage at the Nenthead Mines and admire the stunning St.
Witcher's Magical English Countryside - 12 Surprising Facts
Alston is the highest market town in England, situated at an elevation of 1,076 feet (328 meters), providing stunning views of the North Pennines.
The town's steep cobbled streets, stone buildings, and traditional shop fronts evoke a sense of timelessness, transporting visitors back to the past.
The North Pennines were a global center for lead mining in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the landscape still bears the marks of this industrial heritage.
Alston and the Cumbrian North Pennines are considered underrated travel destinations, offering a variety of experiences for TV show locations beyond the typical tourist trails.
The area features scenic walking routes, art galleries, and outdoor activities such as canoe trips, mountain exploration, and cave exploration, catering to diverse interests.
The picturesque landscapes and quaint towns of the Cumbrian countryside have made the region an ideal location for TV show filming, providing a magical and underrated destination for travelers.
Alston's rich history is showcased through various attractions, including the South Tynedale Railway, a heritage and transport museum, and the well-preserved Roman fort of Epiacum.
Visitors can explore the stunning natural landscapes surrounding Alston, such as the cascading Ashgill Force waterfall and the picturesque Cow Green Reservoir.
Alston's historic St.
Augustine's Church, known as the "Cathedral of the North Pennines," features an impressive 16th-century clock and is a must-see attraction.
The nearby Nenthead Mines offer guided tours that provide a fascinating glimpse into the area's mining heritage, a significant part of the region's industrial past.
Alston's quaint shops and eateries offer a delightful experience for visitors, with a range of unique and traditional offerings.