Where was Independence Day filmed?
1996
City Locations
Los Angeles, CA; New York City, NY; Socorro, NM; Utah (USA)
Location Types
House, Hotel, Riverside, Film Studio, Underground, Museum
Location Styles
Americana/Anywhere, Bungalow, Building Dated/Retro, Desert, Georgian/Southern, Plane/Helicopter Style, Rustic, Industrial Style, Luxury Hotel, Retreat
About Independence Day
Independence Day is a 1996 American science fiction action film that rocked the cinematic world under the able direction of the famed Roland Emmerich. The movie showcases the acting prowess of a star-studded ensemble cast, including big names like Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Mary McDonnell, Margaret Colin, Judd Hirsch, Randy Quaid, and others.
The plot is an adrenaline-pumping adventure that unfurls on July 2nd, coinciding with American Independence Day, when an alien invasion occurs on Earth. The film captivates audiences by focusing on a diverse group of characters — a Marine F/A-18 pilot, the U.S. President, a former fighter pilot, and a satellite engineer, who all unite to combat the extraterrestrial menace and salvage humanity.
Despite its gripping storytelling and spectacular visual effects, Independence Day unleashed its true potential during the awards season. It grabbed the prestigious Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, etching its mark on cinematic history. Moreover, it also secured a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Sound, further solidifying its reputation. Independence Day is more than just a movie. It's an iconic symbol of the blockbuster Hollywood flicks and spearheaded the resurgence of large-scale disaster films and sci-fi spectacles in the mid-to-late 90s.
Independence Day Locations
Step into the world of the iconic movie Independence Day (1996) and explore the diverse scenic landscapes that served as backdrops for this beloved cinematic masterpiece. Filmed across various regions in the United States, this film brought to life compelling scenes through the authentic beauty of its chosen shooting locales.
Immerse yourself in the vast, pulsating network of New York, where chilling scenes of alien ships casting shadows over the Manhattan Bridge and causing traffic chaos on Church Street were filmed. The city’s Tribeca district also served as a principal filming location, adding a layer of metropolitan authenticity to the movie.
Los Angeles is also another location where significant scenes in the film were shot. Witness the grandeur of the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, the helipad from where the First Lady departs, and experience the awe-inspiring view from the US Bank Tower, the meeting point for the unsuspecting new-agers in the movie. Meanwhile in Nevada, the Nellis Air Force Range served as the trailer park in the film. You can also experience the barren beauty of Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats, where Captain Hiller drags an unconscious alien.
Embarking on a tour of these locations from Independence Day (1996) would be a rewarding experience for film fans. You can relive the thrill, suspense, and visual grandeur brought to life through the cinematic lens spread across the symbolic landscapes of New York, Los Angeles, Nevada, and Utah. Every corner and landmark imprints a fragment of cinema history, inviting you to walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters and experience the world of Independence Day in a unique, immersive way.
Steven Hiller's house scene in Independence Day
6033 W 74th St, Los Angeles, California 90045, USA
Steven Hiller (Will Smith) steps outside to pick up his newspaper, only to discover something extraordinary. As he casually goes about his morning routine, an enormous ship moves across the moon and enters Earth's orbit, signaling the arrival of extraterrestrial visitors.
This iconic scene was filmed at 6033 W 74th St, Los Angeles. The one-story, green-shingled property retains its appearance even after nearly three decades, strikingly resembling how it debuted on cinema screens in July 1996. However, the view from the property has been significantly altered for the movie; contrary to what is shown in the film, the Los Angeles skyline isn't visible from the Dubrow/Hiller home. Instead, the filmmakers used CGI to create the illusion of a dramatic cityscape backdrop.
To visit this historic filming location, you can hire a car and drive through all the filming sites. Depending on your starting point, you may need to take Interstate 405 (I-405) or State Route 90 (SR 90). From the city center, you can drive via I-10 W. Please respect private property rights while visiting, as the location is residential.
Uncover Inglewood Filming Locations
Marilyn gets a call scene in Independence Day
The Biltmore Los Angeles, 506 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA
First Lady Marilyn Whitmore (Mary McDonnell) finds herself in Los Angeles during the alien attack; tragically, she's injured when her helicopter crashes amidst the chaos. Meanwhile, Jasmine (Vivica A. Fox) and Dylan (Ross Bagley) are trapped in the city and Jasmine discovers and rescues the injured First Lady in a twist of fate.
Marilyn was staying at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel at 506 South Grand Avenue, downtown L.A. when the attack occurred. The hotel’s Rendezvous Court, which used to be the grand lobby, is where she receives a frantic call warning her to flee the city. She departs from the helipad on the hotel's roof but doesn't make it far.
The Biltmore is an iconic location, featured in numerous films such as Beverly Hills Cop, In The Line Of Fire, The Sting, New York, New York, Ghostbusters, Splash, Species, and Daredevil. Since its opening in 1923, the hotel has hosted a plethora of dignitaries and celebrities, from President John F. Kennedy to The Beatles, cementing its status as a living legend in the hospitality world.
The Biltmore is conveniently close to Hollywood, making it an ideal base for exploring the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown. If you're driving, the journey typically takes around 10 minutes. However, the trip could take approximately 30 minutes if you opt for public transportation. Kindly adhere to traffic laws and safety guidelines when visiting this bustling location.
The President's evacuation scene in Independence Day
Golden Oak Ranch, 19802 Placerita Canyon Rd, Newhall, CA 91321, USA
David (Jeff Goldblum) convinces President Whitmore (Bill Pullman) of the aliens' evil intentions. The president promptly evacuates the White House along with his daughter and several executive staff members. This tense evacuation sequence was shot late at night on the grounds of Golden Oak Ranch in the Newhall community of Santa Clarita.
For filming, an essential section of both the interior and exterior of the White House was constructed in one of the property’s open fields, complete with a waiting helicopter parked outside, adding to the realism and urgency of the scene.
Golden Oak Ranch is owned by The Walt Disney Company; the company initially began leasing the site in the 1950s for shooting The Adventures of Spin and Marty. Since its early days, the ranch has served as the setting for various unforgettable scenes. This includes the iconic Peabody Barn sequences from the 1985 classic Back to the Future and the heartwarming wedding scene between characters Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) and Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney) in the series finale of The Mentalist.
The ranch is located off of Placerita Canyon Road in Newhall, less than an hour's drive north of Los Angeles. To reach Golden Oak Ranch from central Los Angeles, you might need to take Interstate 5 (I-5) or State Route 14 (SR 14), depending on your starting point.
Santa Clarita Filming Locations Directory
Area 51 and El Toro airbase scenes in Independence Day
Wendover Airfield, 345 Airport Way, Wendover, UT 84083, USA
In a heroic act, Jasmine (Vivica A. Fox) and Dylan (Ross Bagley) take control of a highway maintenance truck to save a group of survivors, among them the severely wounded First Lady (Mary McDonnell). They are later picked up by Hiller (Will Smith), who hijacks a helicopter from his base to transport them to Area 51. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, Marilyn's injuries prove to be too severe, and she sadly passes away after a brief reunion with her family.
The airforce base where Captain Hiller reports for duty, called 'El Toro' in the film, is the abandoned Wendover Airfield. This historic site is located at 345 South Airport Apron, Wendover, in Utah, near the Nevada border. The airfield holds significant historical significance as it was the base for the atom bomb-carrying Enola Gay towards the end of WWII. Since its closure, it has been a filming location for movies such as The Core, Con Air, Hulk, and Mulholland Falls.
In the movie, Wendover Airfield depicts Area 51 and the fictional El Toro airbase. It features prominently in the film, serving as the staging ground for the military’s offensive operations against the alien invaders and a haven for refugees fleeing the chaos.
To reach Wendover Airfield from Salt Lake City, you would need to take Interstate 80 W, a journey of approximately 120 miles or roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes by car. Please note that while the airfield is open to the public, certain areas may be restricted or require prior permission.
Hiller and Levinson return to the return to Earth scene in Independence Day
Bonneville Salt Flats State Park, Wendover, Utah 84083, USA
Hiller (Will Smith) and Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) manage to destroy the alien mothership and make a daring escape. Caught in the aftermath of the explosion, they miraculously return to earth unscathed, crash-landing their hijacked alien fighter near Area 51. As the remnants of the Mothership burn up in the atmosphere, creating an impromptu fireworks display, Hiller turns to Dylan (Ross Bagley) and humorously remarks that he had promised him fireworks for the holiday.
This memorable scene was filmed at the Bonneville Salt Flats State Park in Utah. Located in Tooele County, it is a massive, dense salt pan; it is a historical relic of the Pleistocene Lake Bonneville and is the most extensive among numerous salt flats situated to the west of the Great Salt Lake.
To get to the Bonneville Salt Flats from Salt Lake City, take I-80 W heading towards Reno. After about 90 minutes, you should reach the exit for Bonneville Speedway, which will lead you directly to the salt flats. Remember, while the flats are open to the public, visitors must respect the unique environment and adhere to any posted signs or instructions. The site is conveniently located near Wendover Airfield, just one hour away.
Conclusion
Independence Day (1996) starts with an awe-inspiring scene where a colossal shadow engulfs the moon's surface, setting the tone for the extraterrestrial visitors' arrival. The enormity of their ship, described as "one-fourth the size of the moon", might cause scientific inaccuracies to be overlooked in favor of the film's pace and dramatic effect.
The movie channels the charm of 1950s flying saucer films, echoing their chaos-filled scenes with panicked crowds fleeing towering skyscrapers. Shot across several American regions, including New York, Los Angeles, Nevada, and Utah, Independence Day exploits the natural allure of these locations to create gripping scenes.
Even though it may not offer groundbreaking special effects or flawless scientific accuracy, its nostalgic nod to classic sci-fi films, diverse character ensemble, and use of iconic American landscapes contribute significantly to the movie industry. Furthermore, visiting the filming locations offers an exciting chance to relive the cinematic magic and explore significant landmarks in American cinema.