Where was Fast Times at Ridgemont High filmed?
1982
City Locations
Los Angeles, CA (USA)
Location Types
School, House, Hospital, Cafe
Location Styles
Americana, Beachfront, Parking Lot, Colonial, School, Retro
About Fast Times at Ridgemont High
The 1982 comedy movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High, directed by Amy Heckerling and written by Cameron Crowe, is commonly recognized as an exceptional film within the frequently undervalued category of teen sex comedies. Heckerling's adaptation of Crowe's work garnered high praise and helped launch several celebrity careers.
The movie portrays the experiences of a teenager named Stacy Hamilton (Jennifer Jason Leigh) as she deals with various situations during high school in 1980s southern California. Stacy develops feelings for Mark Ratner (Brian Backer), who is shy and hesitant to initiate a relationship with her.
Stacy tries to get the attention of Mark, but he ignores her. She gets involved with Mike Damone (Robert Romanus), who is more confident. The movie also follows Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn), a surfer who always conflicts with his history teacher, Mr. Hand (Ray Walston).
Since its release in 1982, Fast Times at Ridgemont High has become one of the genre's most iconic films, and it received praise for its realism and attention to detail. The film received a Writers Guild of America nomination as Best Comedy Adapted from Another Medium (Cameron Crowe). In 2005, the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress selected it for preservation due to its cultural significance.
While Roger Ebert was critical of the film as a whole, he did acknowledge the strong performances of Leigh, Penn, Cates, and Reinhold, describing the movie as "a cuz-pit."
Fast Times at Ridgemont High Locations
A trip to the locations for Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) could be a nostalgic and rewarding experience for fans of the classic movie. Los Angeles, including Canoga Park High School, Van Nuys High School, Santa Monica Place Mall, and Sherman Oaks Galleria, provided backdrops for several scenes.
Visiting the areas around these landmarks is akin to hopping on a time capsule experience to 1982 when the movie was filmed, from stunning beaches lining the Pacific Ocean to towering hills within view of downtown LA. This area offers much more than just an insight into the filming location of Fast Times at Ridgemont High; it also gives visitors a glimpse into the Los Angeles rich culture, art, shopping, and dining experiences that have become synonymous with this bustling metropolis.
Tourists can explore rural neighborhoods such as Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Canoga Park, where suburban gems like Perry’s Pizza are between grassy hills, or take a stroll down Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, where they can visit All American Burger, now Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, for Brad Hamilton's infamous firing scene.
Whether you want to relive some unforgettable moments from one of the most epic teen movies or immerse yourself in LA culture, a trip to the Fast Times at Ridgemont High filming locations will surely be an unforgettable adventure.
The mall scenes in Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Sherman Oaks Galleria, 15301 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, USA
Sherman Oaks Galleria is where they filmed the opening scene, a classic representation of teenage life in the ‘80s. Stacy Hamilton (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and Linda Barrett (Phoebe Cates), two teenage friends, work together at the pizza parlor, discussing sex and boys. Mark Ratner (Brian Backer) works in the movie theater across them, while Mike Damone (Robert Romanus) often scalps tickets outside.
Sherman Oaks Galleria is a three-level mall constructed at the intersection of Ventura and Sepulveda boulevards, where Moses Sherman initially invested in a thousand-acre land in 1911. Along with Fast Times at Ridgemont High, other famous films to feature it include Valley Girl (1983), Back to the Future Part II (1989), and Terminator 2 (1991).
Sherman Oaks Galleria is on Ventura Blvd & Sepulveda Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. The easiest way to get there is by car - take US-101 N, exit onto Sepulveda Blvd, and it is on your left-hand side. Another option is to use the Metro B line (red) from Universal City and then board a 155 bus to Sepulveda/Ventura bus stop.
Brad gets fired from the “All American Burger” scene in Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, 11698 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049, USA
Stacy's senior brother Brad (Judge Reinhold) is somewhat nerdy but quite popular among his peers, thanks to his car and his position as a junior manager at All-American Burger. Brad is in his last year of high school and enjoying his blue 1960 Buick LeSabre, which he will fully own after making six more payments. He is contemplating ending his relationship with his longtime girlfriend, Lisa (Amanda Wyss), his coworker at All-American Burger.
All-American Burger is a popular after-school hangout where Judge Reinhold's character, Brad Hamilton, gets fired in a famous scene. The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in West Los Angeles stood in for the burger joint. Tourists can visit the place, but it is now a coffeehouse chain serving different beverages.
By car, get via I-10 W from downtown Los Angeles. Alternatively, take the Metro J line (Silver) and then transfer to a bus at the 5th/Grand bus stop, which will take you to Wilshire/Barrington.
Spicoli and Mr. Hand's school scene in Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Van Nuys High School, 6535 Cedros Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91411, USA
One of the most memorable scenes in this movie is between Spicoli (Sean Penn), the laid-back surfer, and Mr. Hand (Ray Walston), his strict teacher who he continuously clashes with. Later on, we see a scene where Spicoli keeps bothering Mr. Hand.
One time, Spicoli orders pizza during class, and the delivery guy (Taylor Negron), who is less-than-happy about it, brings it in. However, Mr. Hand takes the pizza and gives it to his favorite students instead.
Van Nuys High School at 6535 Cedros Avenue in Los Angeles, California, provided the setting for the interior school scenes. The school still looks almost exactly like it did on screen and has seen Robert Redford, Jane Russell, and Marilyn Monroe pass through its doors.
To get there, follow US-101 N to the Van Nuys neighborhood. Alternatively, take a train from Union Station to Amtrak/Metrolink Station. Then, at Amtrak/Metrolink Station, look for a bus that will take you to Van Nuys / Kittridge bus stop.
Mark and Stacy at a dinner date scene in Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Barone's, 13726 Oxnard St, Valley Glen, CA 91401, USA
Mark (Brian Backer) and Stacy (Jennifer Jason Leigh) go on a date to a local German restaurant, only to have their night cut short when Mark forgets his wallet and the tape deck stolen from the car. They eventually return to her house, where Stacy comes onto him, and he chickens out, leaving her with nothing but a robe.
Barone’s Famous Italian Restaurant at 13726 Oxnard St, Van Nuys, California, is where the Fast Times at Ridgemont High production team filmed the scene. This 1940s-era spot offers thin-crust Neapolitan-style pizza and boasts retro vinyl booth seating sets for diners looking for an old-school vibe. The place is currently open, so you can still go and enjoy the atmosphere of a movie.
Take the Metro B Line from Union Station and get off at North Hollywood Station. Walk or take a taxi to the Woodman/Valley Glen stop. The restaurant is two blocks away from there.
The Hamilton house scenes in Fast Times at Ridgemont High
24124 Welby Way, West Hills, CA 91307, USA
The scenes at Hamilton's house in Fast Times are famous because they represent a crucial event in the movie where Stacy and Damone's relationship develops. The setting for this scene is a cozy middle-class family home.
Damone (Robert Romanus) persuades Mark (Brian Backer) to try again with Stacy (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and takes him to her house, where he joins in on Linda (Phoebe Cates) and Stacy's conversation. Brad (Judge Reinhold) returns home feeling down after losing his job at All America Burger, and the teenagers remark on his sadness. Later, Stacy and Damone meet at Hamilton's house after school, and he gives her a ride home. Stacy's feelings for Damone begin to deepen.
24124 Welby Way, West Hills, CA 91307, USA, served as the backdrop for the scene. It is a private residence, so fans cannot enter the house or view its interiors. However, they can appreciate its exterior charm.
To reach 24124 Welby Way, the most convenient mode of transportation is a personal car. Using the US-101 N road is recommended.
Access Calabasas Filming Locations
Brad picks up his sister at the hospital scene in Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Morningside Primary Care, 617 W Manchester Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90044, USA
Stacy (Jennifer Jason Leigh) gets a ride with Brad (Judge Reinhold) to a bowling alley nearby, telling him she is meeting some friends there. However, Brad sees Stacy enter a clinic after leaving the bowling alley.
He waits for her outside and speaks to her about the abortion, but Stacy refuses to reveal the father's name. Brad demonstrates a brotherly act of kindness by not pushing the matter, strengthening their bond as siblings.
Morningside Primary Care, located at 617 W Manchester Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90044, provided the backdrop for the scene. The site is open today and looks nearly identical to how it appeared onscreen in 1982.
Morningside Primary Care is off the 110 Freeway near Exposition Park in South Los Angeles. If you rely on public transportation, several bus routes operate in the area, and you can also take the Silver Metro J line.
Conclusion
Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a beloved coming-of-age comedy that resonates with viewers today. The performances of the cast, notably Sean Penn and Phoebe Cates, were excellent. They helped bring the story to life and make it engaging.
The familiar sites around Los Angeles that served as the Fast at Ridgemont High filming locations also enriched the narrative. Additional filming locations include Santa Monica Place at Third Street, which served as the facade for the mall. Jennifer Jason Leigh worked at Perry’s Pizza to prepare for her role.
The movie had a significant impact on the movie industry overall as well. It opened new doors for younger Hollywood talent like Sean Penn and Phoebe Cates, allowing them to shine in more prominent roles than they previously landed. Additionally, it popularized teen comedies during the ‘80s, and the genre would become extremely popular throughout that decade.
Watching Fast Times at Ridgemont High is recommended as a worthwhile watch for anybody looking for an entertaining yet thought-provoking insight into teenage life during that decade. It should also inspire any fan interested in embarking on a filming locations tour inspired by the comedy movie.