Where was Grease filmed?

The iconic opening scene was shot at Leo Carrillo Beach in Malibu, where Sandy and Danny say their goodbyes as she heads back home to Australia. The two are standing in the surf, surrounded by a stunning sunset, with the romantic song “Love is a Many Splendored Thing” playing in the background. This beach has become one of the most famous beaches of all time and is featured in numerous other films such as Inception, The Usual Suspects, 50 First Dates and Letters from Iwo Jima.

Leo Carrillo State Park offers many marine activities on the Pacific coast, just 30 miles from Los Angeles. The beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, windsurfing or simply enjoying some time out at sea. But it doesn't stop there; visitors can also explore tide pools and be mesmerized by its enchanting sea caves and colorful reefs.

To get to the stunning Leo Carrillo Beach from Los Angeles, head west along the coast. When you see signs for Leo Carrillo State Park, you know you’re in the right place.

Amidst the commotion of dozens of students shaking to ‘50s tunes, Cha-Cha (Annette Charles) and Danny take center stage with an invigorating hand jive. To spite each other, Rizzo (Stockard Channing) and Kenickie (Jeff Conaway) bring Leo (Dennis Cleveland Stewart) and Cha-Cha as their dates, only for Sonny (Michael Tucci) to whisk Sandy away right before the winners are announced, leaving Cha-Cha and Danny together in triumph. This remarkable scene has become one of Hollywood's most iconic moments that have been referenced countless times since its release.

A trip to Huntington Park will be a memorable experience for any Grease fan, particularly with the old auto shop—where Danny and Sandy's electric performance of "Greased Lightning" was filmed—and the school gymnasium, which featured in the iconic National Bandstand dance-off. Located in Southern California, the school’s 6020 Miles Ave address perfectly replicates Rydell High's lively environment and can be visited today. To reach this spot from Downtown Los Angeles, you’re looking at a six-mile drive south.

The drive-in scene in Grease is one of the movie's most memorable moments. In it, Danny takes Sandy to a drive-in theater to make it up to her for his earlier behavior. However, things don't go as planned when he attempts to seduce her instead of watching the film. The drive-in scene of Grease commences with Rydell High's students gathering to witness the screening of The Blob before concluding with Danny tragically crooning about his "stranded" fate at the drive-in.

The scene was filmed at the Pickwick Drive-In in Burbank, California. The single-screen drive-in opened in 1949 at 1390 W. Burbank Blvd. It offered over 900 car spots, had a snack bar, and showed double features every night until 1989 when it finally closed down due to diminishing ticket sales and rising operation costs. Today, the Rancho Marketplace shopping center stands in its place.

Getting to the Pickwick Drive-In site from downtown Los Angeles is relatively easy via car or public transportation. By car, it should take around 20 minutes to the north of the city.

The scene at Frenchie's house, set during a Pink Ladies pajama party, is one of the film's most cherished moments. At the party, Sandy falls ill after trying a cigarette and having her ears pierced by Frenchie (Didi Conn). At the same time, Rizzo mocks her wholesome personality before departing for sex with Kenickie in his car. Unfortunately for them, Leo and his girlfriend Cha-Cha unexpectedly interrupt their night of passion. The aftermath of this moment leads to Sandy realizing she still loves Danny.

This scene was filmed at a craftsman house built in the early 1900s. Paramount Studios constructed sound stages where parts of this scene were also shot, such as Frenchie’s bedroom and the backyard where Sandy performed “Hopelessly Devoted to You,”— a song written specifically for the film.

If you're coming from downtown Los Angeles, the house is found around five miles northwest of the city center on Kingswell Avenue.

The grand carnival scene at the end of Grease is an iconic moment in cinematography. This exuberant and celebratory scene features the ensemble singing and dancing to the song “You’re The One That I Want” as Sandy, Danny, and their friends come together in joyous bliss. The carnival scene represents the ultimate transformation of Sandy from her "good girl" persona to the red-stiletto-wearing Rizzo-inspired swan that has won Danny's heart. The carnival includes a Ferris wheel, a big wheel, twirling rides, and other classic games and activities. Everyone is decked out in their 1950s-style clothes and having a blast.

When the filmmakers of Grease needed a dramatic backdrop for their celebratory scene, they turned to John Marshall High School in Los Angeles. This school has gained notoriety amongst Hollywood directors due to its gothic architecture that can be used as a stand-in for many destinations from coast to coast. To make their finale extra special, the team opted out of more typical football fields at Venice or Huntington Park and instead chose one with an eye-catching aesthetic.

Making your way from downtown Los Angeles to John Marshall High School is a breeze! Traveling via private car will take approximately 15 minutes, depending on the traffic. If you opt for public transport, it should take about an hour.