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Killer Klowns from Outer Space movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Killer Klowns from Outer Space filmed?

1988

City Locations

Watsonville, Santa Cruz, CA (USA)

Location Types

House, Restaurant, Office, Museum

Location Styles

Beachfront, Building Dated/Retro, Craftsman, Georgian/Southern

About Killer Klowns from Outer Space

Unleash your imagination and enter the bizarre world of Killer Klowns from Outer Space, the apex of 1980s horror-comedy cinema directed by The Chiodo Brothers. Featuring the talents of Grant Cramer, John Allen Nelson, Suzanne Snyder, and John Vernon, this 1988 picture is an eclectic riot of color, fear, and comedy.

Debbie Stone (Suzanne Snyder) and Mike Tobacco (Grant Cramer), our heroes, find a peculiar, shimmering item falling from the sky in the picturesque town of Crescent Cove. They discover an incredible secret as they investigate: an extraterrestrial clown colony, and they aren't exactly friendly. This is not a place for these ethereal clowns to play. They slaughter all of the townspeople and use their bodies as food. As Mike, Debbie, and other friends are dragged into a bizarre nightmare, they muster up the bravery to fight the evil jesters and try to save their village.

For many, the film has become something of a cult classic. Based on 25 reviews, it has generally received positive reviews, with an average rating of 76% on the aggregate website Rotten Tomatoes. The Los Angeles Times' Leonard Klady gave the picture high marks for its innovative spirit and impressive technical abilities.

While Killer Klowns from Outer Space received no notable accolades, its now-iconic position and lasting impact speak eloquently about its importance. Due to its unusual combination of horror and comic elements, this picture has garnered a devoted fan base that loves its quirky dialogue, original storyline, and groundbreaking visual effects.

Killer Klowns from Outer Space Locations

In the 1988 cult film Killer Klowns from Outer Space, set in Watsonville, a peaceful town on Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Monterey along the breathtaking central California coast, the events occur in what appears to be Crescent Cove. The story revolves around aliens with an eerie similarity to circus clowns who begin their assault on this small village. Who, however, will trust the kids who say they saw them?

This lovely coastal location, famous for its picturesque monuments and points of interest, was the setting for most sequences. Just a short distance north on 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, was where the exciting finale of this charmingly tacky horror film was shot. The Lost Boys, Joel Schumacher's teen vampire thriller, was shot against the backdrop of this coastal amusement park, the only one of its kind in California. Other films include The Sting 2, a dark comedy by Hal Ashby (1971), and Harold And Maude.

The Big Top Burger, refurbished since the film's production at 300 East Lake Avenue, is another Watsonville location used for filming. Aside from the pavilion at 358 Main Street and the local police station at 231 Union Street, other locations also clarify the film's setting. Traveling to the sets of these Killer Klowns would be an enjoyable experience that combines a love of classic cinema with breathtaking natural scenery.

Mike and Debbie are on a date scene in Killer Klowns from Outer Space

Watsonville, CA

Students Mike (Grant Cramer) and Debbie (Suzanne Synder) are engrossed in their romantic exploration during their first date at "Make-Out" Point. Their intimate encounter is abruptly interrupted by what seems to be a shooting star crashing to Earth.

This scene unfolds in the tranquil town of 'Crescent Cove,' which is Watsonville, located on Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Monterey on the central California coast. Watsonville presents a wide variety of activities for its visitors. Your day could begin with observing the local birdlife, followed by an afternoon at a U-pick farm or exploring a museum. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the extensive beach at sunset as the day concludes, or immerse yourself in the unique experience of one of the town's renowned festivals.

As you drive around Watsonville, take the time to appreciate the vast expanses of farmland. The region's fertile soil and mild climate produce some of the country's finest produce. Don't miss out on the chance to purchase fresh produce, flowers, and unique artwork at the Watsonville Certified Farmer’s Market, which takes place every Friday throughout the year.

If you're traveling to Watsonville from San Francisco, start by going south on US-101 S. Afterward, take exit 336 for CA-129/Riverside Dr and follow signs for Watsonville. The drive is typically about ninety minutes. Alternatively, public transit options are available from San Francisco and Los Angeles, although these journeys require more time.

Big Top Burger scene in Killer Klowns from Outer Space

Ruby’s Restaurant, 300 E Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA

At Big Top Burger, a circus-themed fast food joint, during an elderly woman's birthday celebration, Jumbo tries to entice a little girl away from her family, sneakily hiding a mallet behind his back with ominous intentions. However, the young girl's mother intervenes, instructing her daughter to finish her meal and unknowingly rescuing her from a potentially dangerous situation.

This distinctive scene was filmed at a 300 E Lake Avenue restaurant in Watsonville. Since filming, the establishment has undergone significant renovations and is now known as Ruby’s Restaurant. Today, it serves delicious Mexican cuisine, attracting patrons with its mouthwatering tacos and perfectly cooked asado.

Situated conveniently close to the heart of the city, the restaurant is just an 11-minute stroll away. If you're coming from San Francisco, expect a driving time of approximately ninety minutes on the US-101 S. There are also public transportation options, although these may extend your travel time.

The police station scene in Killer Klowns from Outer Space

Watsonville Parks & Community Services, 231 Union St, Watsonville, CA

Officer Curtis Mooney (John Vernon) arrests one of the alien clowns. He places him in a cell at the police station. However, the tables are swiftly turned when the clown gruesomely dispatches everyone inside the cell, using Mooney's lifeless body as a ventriloquist's doll to instill terror in Dave Hanson (John Allen Nelson), the youngest officer on the force.

In this chilling moment, Hanson realizes the actual threat the clowns pose to their town. In a desperate bid to defend himself, he shoots the clown, discovering their weak point is their red nose.

This iconic scene was filmed at 231 Union St, Watsonville. Although the building now serves as an office for Watsonville Parks & Community Services, the exterior remains unchanged from its appearance in the movie, preserving the eerie aura of the scene.

To visit this location, you must travel to Watsonville, California. If you're coming from Santa Cruz, you can take Highway 1 South towards Watsonville. After approximately 20 miles, take the exit 426. Continue on Riverside Drive for about a mile, then turn right onto Union Street. The destination will be on your right.

The puppet show scene in Killer Klowns from Outer Space

Watsonville City Plaza, 358 Main St, Watsonville, CA

Mike (Grant Cramer) and Dave (John Allen Nelson) observe Klown's sinister puppet show. The Klown captivates a crowd by creating shadow puppets, only to shockingly shrink the onlookers and toss them into a popcorn bag. It is revealed that these popcorn kernels are the larval forms of their alien species.

This memorable scene was filmed at 358 Main St., Watsonville, in the heart of the Watsonville Plaza. The puppet show occurred in the plaza's gazebo, a central fixture of this vibrant downtown park. The gazebo is believed to still stand today. Watsonville Plaza is known for hosting various annual events such as the Spirit of Watsonville 4th of July Parade, Strawberry Festival, Music in the Plaza, and Holiday in the Plaza, making it a lively and relaxing environment for locals and visitors alike.

If you're journeying to Watsonville Plaza from San Francisco, begin by heading south on US-101 S. Take exit 336 and proceed onto CA-129/Riverside Dr in the direction of Watsonville. This drive typically takes around an hour and a half. Public transportation is also an option from San Francisco and Los Angeles, though these routes will significantly extend your travel time.

Debbie Stone's house scene in Killer Klowns from Outer Space

615 California St, Santa Cruz, CA

The menacing clowns target Debbie (Suzanne Snyder). Intriguingly, they show a peculiar interest in capturing her alive. In a surreal display of their alien abilities, they ensnare her at home and carry her in an enormous balloon. Witnessing this, Mike (Grant Cramer) and Dave (John Allen Nelson) give chase. They rescue Debbie from the yellow balloon, escaping by sliding down a pole.

This scene was filmed at 615 California St. in Santa Cruz. The house, which was built in 1900, boasts a size of 2,153 square feet. While the home's exterior has since been modified and may not look exactly as it did in the film, fans can still get a sense of the location by visiting the intersection of California St. and Rigg St., where additional scenes were filmed.

To reach this location, you must travel to Santa Cruz, California. Once in Santa Cruz, head towards California St. From Watsonville, the road will take up to 35 minutes via CA-1 N. Please remember that the house is privately owned, and visitors should be respectful and not disturb the residents. It's recommended to admire the location from a distance at the nearby intersection of California St. and Rigg St.

Conclusion

The bizarre mix of horror and comedy in Killer Klowns from Outer Space has made it a cult classic. Fans of B-movie cult classics like The Blob will like this lighthearted tribute, which is appropriate for families with kids who can handle gory clowns, cotton candy cocoons, and the gruesome death penalty.

Crescent Cove, Watsonville, a peaceful village on Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Monterey in picturesque central California, was one of the sites used to film the film. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, just a short distance north, provided a distinctive backdrop for the film's climax.

The success of Killer Klowns from Outer Space and other B-movie horror-comedy hybrids is a tribute to the importance of original narrative telling. Some may not find it crucial to watch, but those who enjoy comedies, horror, and the ridiculous will find it hard to resist.

Additionally, those who appreciate traveling to scenic seaside towns or are fans of the movies might enjoy seeing the places used in the films. Watsonville and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk provide an irresistible combination of nostalgic film vibes and breathtaking natural scenery.