Where was Independence Day filmed?

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.

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.

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.

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 (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.