Where was Vacation filmed?

In one of the funniest scenes in Vacation, Clark and Rusty arrive at the car lot to drop off their trade-in vehicle and pick up their new car. With the dealer accompanying them, they stroll across the parking lot toward an ugly green station wagon. They stop in front of the car, and this dialogue ensues.

Clark: Ed, this is not the car I ordered. I distinctly ordered the Antarctic Blue super sports wagon with the CB and the optional rally full pack.

Ed: You didn’t order the Metallic Pee?

Clark: Metallic Pee?? NO! Antarctic Blue! The sports wagon. This isn’t even the right model.

Ed: You know, I think you’re right. I don’t think this is the car. This is the new Wagon Queen Family Truckster. This is a d*mn fine automobile. If you want my honest opinion, this beats the h*ll out of the sports wagon, but I want to make you happy.

To get to this former Vacation film set, you can take bus lines 11, 180, 92, or 94 or take the subway routes Metrolink Antelope Valley Line, Metrolink Venture County Line, or the Pacific Surfliner.

The family has been traveling for nearly a full day, and everyone is asleep in the car except Clark who sings “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” to himself in a deep, faux baritone. Ellen wakes up and notices the exit Clark is taking and says to him, “Clark, I think this is the wrong exit!” Clark responds by saying, “What’s the difference as long as we get across the river?”

In the next film segment, it is now nighttime, and Clark is lost in a ghetto. Ellen asks him what he is doing, and he tells her to relax. She notes it is very dangerous, and they are out of their depth. Clark tells Ellen that this is a part of America they rarely get to see, so this is a wonderful cultural opportunity for the kids. He tells the kids to enjoy watching the “plight” outside their windows. All of a sudden, a gunshot rings out, and Clark yells to the kids, “Roll ‘em up!”

Though the ghetto scenes were filmed on a studio backlot, you can visit the exact exit where Clark makes the wrong turn that takes them to the opportunity to view the “plight” of America in the region.

To get to the Poplar Street Bridge, travel east on Chestnut Street, making a right onto N Broadway. Just after the Taco Bell, make a left-hand turn and continue straight on Chouteau Avenue. Make a left onto S Leonor K Sullivan Boulevard, traveling to the right at the sign for Levee Road. This will take you to the bridge.

Clark, Ellen, and the kids have stopped by to visit their cousins Eddie and Catherine. Eddie is at the barbecue, preparing a meal for the family to enjoy. Ellen helps by organizing the condiments and buns on the picnic table. As Eddie cooks, he asks Clark some questions, and the two share a running dialogue.

Eddie: How do you like yours, Clark?

Clark: Oh, medium rare, a little pink inside.

Eddie: No, your bun…light or dark? Mmmm, mmmm…I don’t know why they call this stuff Hamburger Helper. It does just fine by itself, huh? I like it better than Tuna Helper myself. Don’t you, Clark?

Clark: You’re the gourmet around here, Ed.

This Vacation filming location is now a private residence. You can travel here to view the exterior of the home, but it is important to remain respectful of the privacy of the homeowners. To visit this film site, travel south on N Baker Avenue, turning right onto Main Street. Make a left-hand turn onto CO-209 S then a left onto US-50 E. After 1.3 miles, make a left onto Apple Road, and you will find your destination directly to the left.

This Vacation film set is located on a section of the highway that connects the two states of Arizona and Utah in a place called Monument Valley. In this scene, the family continues along their travels, seemingly lost. Clark and Ellen are arguing with Ellen insisting they are lost, and Clark equally as fervent in saying they aren’t. They pass a sign that says Road Closed.

Audrey notes that she saw some detour signs. The following conversation takes place between Clark and Audrey:

Audrey: Mom, I saw some detour signs.

Clark: I didn’t see any.

Audrey: I saw them when you and mom were trying to fold the map.

Clark: Audrey, when they close the road, they put up big signs. Like this one…AAAGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!

Clark hits the signs taking the car airborne and crashing several hundred feet ahead.

This particular former Vacation production location is now home to a Hampton Inn. To get to this former film set, public transit is available via bus line 3.

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Clark meets the beautiful girl from the Ferrari at the hotel pool scene in Vacation

Saddleback Inn, 12500 Firestone Blvd, Norwalk, California, USA

Clark and the beautiful girl from the Ferrari wander down by the pool at the hotel. His family has turned in for the night, and he and Ellen are feuding. Clark and his lady friend share this conversation:

Clark: My credo is, if you have to have a credo. You know? Go for it, pretty much. You only go around this crazy merry go round once. You know?

Ferrari girl: I agree. {She takes off her blouse to reveal her bra.}

Clark: Yeah, that’s my credo.

{Ferrari girl removes her skirt.}

You don’t have to have a credo, but for it’s where it…a penny saved, pennies from heaven. My favorite credo. You know a penny saved…{Ferrari girl throws her panties at him and jumps in the pool} thank you.

To get to this well-known hotel, take bus lines 460, 5, or 62 or board the train’s Metrolink Orange County Line.

In one of the best scenes in Vacation, Clark is angered to arrive at Walley World to find it closed for two weeks for repairs. He leaves the park and goes to a store to purchase a realistic-looking BB gun, intent on returning to the park. Ellen tries to talk Clark into flying home, but Clark refuses.

Security guard: Sorry, folks, park’s closed. The moose out front should have told ya.

Clark: Yes, we’re here to see Mr. Roy Walley.

Security guard: What is your name, Sir?

Clark: Clark W. Griswold.

Security guard: What’s this regarding, Mr. Grizzle?

Clark: Uh, we’re here for public museum relations or summer inspection, a personal matter.

Security guard: Ah, well, nobody, uh, nobody notified this office of ummm…anything.

Clark: Well, I’m notifying you.

Security guard: I’m afraid I’m going to need a little more than that, Sir.

Clark: Okey dokey, how’s this? {He takes the BB gun out of the bag and points it at the security guard.}

To get to the site where this iconic scene was shot, you can take bus lines 179 or 187 or board the light rail’s L Line (Gold.)

Clark and the beautiful girl from the Ferrari wander down by the pool at the hotel. His family has turned in for the night, and he and Ellen are feuding. Clark and his lady friend share this conversation.

Clark: My credo is, if you have to have a credo. You know? Go for it, pretty much. You only go around this crazy merry go round once. You know?

Ferrari girl: I agree.

She takes off her blouse to reveal her bra.

Clark: Yeah, that’s my credo.

Ferrari girl removes her skirt.

You don’t have to have a credo, but for it’s where it…a penny saved, pennies from heaven. My favorite credo. You know a penny saved… Ferrari girl throws her panties at him and jumps in the pool. Clark: Thank you.

To get to this well-known hotel, take bus lines 460, 5, or 62 or board the train’s Metrolink Orange County Line.