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Big Little Lies movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Big Little Lies filmed?

2017

City Locations

Monterey (USA), Malibu (USA), Brentwood (USA), Culver City (USA), Van Nuys (USA), Los Angeles (USA), East Hollywood (USA), Carvel (USA), Pasadena (USA), Calabasas (USA), Pebble Beach (USA)

Location Types

House, Mansion, Restaurant, School, Film Studio, Unusual

Location Styles

Beach House, Beachfront, Cape Cod, Federal Building, Luxury, School, Modern Car, Modern Building

About Big Little Lies

Big Little Lies first premiered in February 2017. Based on the award-winning novel by Liane Moriarty of the same name, its gripping storylines and intriguing characters continue to enthrall audiences around the world with each new episode. David E. Kelley was the mastermind behind the acclaimed series that aired on HBO from 2017 to 2019, with two captivating seasons and a total of fourteen episodes. Jean-Marc Vallée helmed the first season of this hit miniseries, and Andrea Arnold took over as director for its second installment. Set in the picturesque coastal town of Monterey, California, Big Little Lies stars Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, and Zoë Kravitz as five women whose lives become entwined with an unexpected murder investigation. Alexander Skarsgård, James Tupper, Adam Scott, and Jeffrey Nordling also have supporting roles. Meryl Streep was introduced for the second season as a principal cast member, and Kathryn Newton and Iain Armitage were promoted to regular characters due to their recurring roles. The show received praise for its exceptional writing, directing, performances, production quality, cinematography, and soundtrack. It earned widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, with the debut season garnering an impressive 16 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and successfully seizing eight awards.

Big Little Lies Locations

It's difficult to choose what is the most captivating element of HBO's Big Little Lies, the gripping drama, the impressive cast of characters, or the astonishingly stunning scenery. The backdrop of Big Little Lies set in Monterey, California, showcasing pebbled beaches, monumental waves, breathtaking sunsets, opulent mansions, and picturesque beach town shots, appears so perfect it scarcely seems genuine. it isn't a fabricated place or computer-generated imagery; many of the Big Little Lies filming locations are real and can be visited any time. Big Little Lies was primarily filmed in Monterey, California, a small coastal city not too distant from other prominent cities like San Francisco and Big Sur. The area houses beaches, wineries, organic restaurants, plentiful shopping opportunities, and of course a quintessentially exquisite Californian climate. It's an admirable place to visit, particularly if you plan on embarking on a road trip; as Monterey County consists of Carmel Valley, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Big Sur, and many roads leading to uniquely beautiful sites. Take your holiday to the next level by making it a Big Little Lies filming locations tour! You never know: you might even get lucky and cross paths with the cast members.

Fun Fact:

Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon received $1 million per episode for season two, which was a huge improvement compared to their reported $250,000-$350,000 salary per episode for the first season. Plus the pay bump was only for their acting roles and didn’t include producer fees.

Celeste taking sons to school scene in Big Little Lies

40 Yankee Point Drive, Carmel, California, USA

We see the beautiful big house of retired lawyer Celeste (Nicole Kidman) and her husband Perry (Alexander Skarsgård). It is morning and time for her twin sons (Cameron Crovetti and Nicholas Crovetti) to go to school. The boys are really playful, so Celeste asks for her husband’s help. In an interview with Greg Alpert in the New York Post, it was revealed that only Celeste and Perry's mansion, located in Carmel Highlands near the fictitious Vin de Vie Restaurant featured in All the Old Knives (2022), is actually situated in the Monterey vicinity. To get to 40 Yankee Point Drive, Carmel, take the main highway running along California's coast until you see a white sign pointing toward Yankee Point Drive. Follow that road and make your way up the hill. Enjoy the stunning views of the city and surrounding coastline as you ascend the hills until you reach your destination.

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Madeline introducing Jane to friends scene in Big Little Lies

Kenter Canyon Elementary School, 645 North Kenter Avenue, Brentwood, California, USA

Madeline Martha Mackenzie (Reese Witherspoon) is a powerful and affluent alpha female in the local area. She attempts to reconcile with her ex-husband Nathan (James Tupper), who is married to Bonnie (Zoe Kravitz), a yoga instructor, while also forging a bond with her daughter Abigail (Kathryn Newton). Their children attend the same school and are in first grade. After rescuing Madeline, Jane (Shailene Woodley) drives her with her daughter to the school, where Madeline introduces her to Celeste (Nicole Kidman). Meanwhile, Madeline’s ex-husband approaches them with his new wife Bonnie. The pair ask Madeline to let their children communicate more because they are half-sisters. Kenter Canyon Elementary is a vibrant learning community located in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles County, California. This K-5 school provides a diverse education for over 600 students and their families. The school has an experienced staff of teachers and administrators that are committed to providing each student with the best possible educational experience. To navigate your way to Kenter Canyon Elementary School, start by heading south on Sepulveda Boulevard. You won't have to turn until you get to Gainsford Street; make a right there and keep going until you reach the school's parking lot.

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Blue Blues Restaurant scene in Big Little Lies

101 Washington St, 93940 Monterey, California, USA

After school, Celeste, Madeline, and Jane drive to the Blue Blues Restaurant. Madeline asks Jane about her life, why she is moving to Monterey, and about her husband. Jane explains that they’ve never lived together. In general, the ladies hit it off quickly, Madeline says that she will help Jane, who is an accountant-freelancer, get a job. Jane says it is very sweet and Celeste replies that in Monterey all are sweet, sweet to death. Monterey is a beautiful coastal city located in the Central Coast region of California. Surrounded by wild stretches of nature and offering easy access to a variety of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder that Monterey has become a premier vacation destination for travelers from far and wide. From its world-famous 17-Mile Drive along the Pacific Coastline to its iconic aquarium and historic Old Town, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Monterey. 101 Washington Street in Monterey is located near downtown, right off Highway 1. From 1, take the exit for York Street and turn left at Washington Avenue. Continue south on Washington Avenue until you see 101 Washington Street on your right.

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Madeline and Chloe scene in Big Little Lies

30760 Broad Beach Road, Malibu, California, USA

It is early morning, and Madeline is drinking coffee and looking at the ocean. Chloe (Darby Camp), Madeline and Ed’s (Adam Scott) daughter, steals up to her mother. Madeline jokes that she will put a bell on Chloe to hear when she comes in. She then tells her daughter why she likes to look at the ocean, about its power, and about her thoughts, when she looks at it. Nestled on Broad Beach Road in Malibú, stands the stunning abode of Madeline and Ed Mackenzie, the beachside residence is a sight to behold! Malibu is a beautiful beach town located on the Southern California coast. With its stunning beaches, pristine ocean views, and relaxed lifestyle, it's an iconic Hollywood location as well as one of America’s top vacation destinations. From shopping at the charming boutiques of Malibu Lagoon to watching the sunset from Zuma Beach, there are endless activities and attractions to explore in this idyllic paradise. To get to 30760 Broad Beach Road, the address of Madeline and Ed’s abode, get on the Pacific Coast Highway and head north. After the Kanan Dume exit, keep going until you hit Broad Beach Road and make a right turn. You'll spot 30760 Broad Beach Road soon enough; it stands out thanks to its large lawn and modern exterior.

Malibu Filming Locations Search

Amabella’s birthday party scene in Big Little Lies

27326 Winding Way, Malibu, California, USA

Renata's (Laura Dern) party for Amabella (Ivy George) is a success, but she is ultimately upset when Madeline invites Amabella's closest friends and Ziggy (Iain Armitage) to Disney on Ice on the same day. But still, Renata creates a beautiful party for her daughter with dances, candy bars, and princesses. Everybody speaks highly about the party, especially about Bonnie’s dance. Malibu is an ideal location to go surfing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding along the miles of untouched coastline, or take a leisurely hike through the Santa Monica Mountains for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Whether visitors come for an afternoon visit or stay for an extended vacation, Malibu is sure to provide an unforgettable experience with its majestic beauty and laid-back culture. Getting to 27326 Winding Way in Malibu is a breeze if you have a GPS device handy. The route allows you to view landmarks such as nearby beaches, parks, and stores.

Malibu Film Shoot Locations Exploration

Bonnie tells Nathan about Abigail’s secret project scene in Big Little Lies

636 Crater Camp Drive, Calabasas, California, USA

The time draws closer to the school masquerade, and parents are going into a frenzy because of that. Nathan teaches songs for the masquerade because Abigail (Kathryn Newton) told him that Chloe (Darby Camp) told her about Ed (Adam Scott) getting ready for it as well. Nathan just wants to be better than Ed in everything. At their couples' dinner, Bonnie and Nathan reluctantly reveal to Madeline and Ed that Abigail is plotting to auction her virginity in order to generate funds for Amnesty International. Madeline rages at Abigail and accidentally reveals her secret liaison during her tirade. Located within the San Fernando Valley, Calabasas is a tranquil residential area that was once the stomping grounds for the renowned Chumash Native American Indians before it developed into an affluent suburb of Los Angeles. Home to celebrities such as Kanye West, Kim Kardashian and Drake, Calabasas is well-known for being one of LA's wealthiest cities yet still maintains a small-town atmosphere that has attracted throngs of tourists over the years. To get to The Big Little Lies film set on 636 Crater Camp Drive in Calabasas, start off by taking the 101 Freeway and getting off at Liberty Canyon Road. Continue North until you reach Mulholland Highway and make a left. From there, head West until you see Crater Camp Drive on your right-hand side.

Calabasas Filming Locations Guide

Conclusion

When Madeline and Celeste welcome Jane, a single mother new in town, into their circle of friends, they have no idea how her enigmatic son will alter each and every one of them. Big Little Lies is an ingenious examination of the complications and cover-ups created by ex-husbands, their new spouses, and schoolyard drama, all masterfully intermingled with tales of how we turn to little lies simply for our own survival. Three mothers of first-graders, basking in the idyllic oceanfront town, live seemingly perfect lives. Gradually, they become ensnared in matters such as adultery, family violence, intimidation, and even homicide. Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, and Shailene Woodley headline this extraordinary trio. Already having an acclaimed cast, the second season of the show welcomed Meryl Streep to its star-studded lineup alongside Laura Dern and Zoë Kravitz. Alexander Skarsgård shared that the therapy scenes between Perry and Celeste were filmed without rehearsal, allowing him and Nicole Kidman to produce genuine tension and awkwardness as they read each other's emotions for the scene. Shailene Woodley had been rejecting scripts for a year prior to this one but when she read it, she fell in love with Jane's character. A phone call of encouragement from her friend and co-star Laura Dern sealed the deal for her to take on the role.