Traveling is one of my biggest passions—I love exploring and discovering new places. My other passion is movies, which is why I studied what I studied, and I absolutely enjoy working in video production and editing. While I don’t do big or even medium-sized productions, lately I’ve been focusing more on travel videos (and some clients’ projects), but I still love visiting famous filming locations.
Florida has been the backdrop for many famous movies and TV shows throughout the years. If you’re a film buff and a travel lover, in this post I’ll take you through some of the places where Hollywood brought its stories to life.
Seaside: “The Truman Show”
Welcome to Seaside! This charming town in Northwest Florida is known for its picturesque architecture and white sandy beaches. It was here that Jim Carrey played Truman Burbank in The Truman Show, a film that perfectly captures the beauty and uniqueness of this seaside paradise. The town is absolutely stunning and worth a visit. You can read more about Seaside here.
Lakeland: “Edward Scissorhands”
The colorful streets of Lakeland, in Central Florida, served as the setting for Tim Burton’s classic Edward Scissorhands. Its pastel houses and suburban aesthetics added a touch of gothic charm to the film. Lakeland has plenty of fun places to explore, including the Saturday farmers’ market and nearby Bonnet Springs Park, a perfect spot to spend the afternoon. In Lakeland, we visited a small shopping plaza (photo below) where one of the scenes from Edward Scissorhands was filmed: Southgate Shopping Center.
Sanford and Bartow: “My Girl”
The heartfelt story of My Girl unfolds in the quiet towns of Sanford and Bartow. The funeral home in Bartow is especially recognizable from the movie, and these locations bring a strong emotional backdrop to the story. Sanford’s historic downtown is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening, enjoying restaurants and unique little shops.
Miami Beach – Ocean Drive: Various
And of course, I have to add this location! Miami Beach is world-famous—not only for its endless restaurants, iconic art deco architecture, and vibrant oceanfront atmosphere—but also because it has served as a set for countless Hollywood productions. One of the most iconic is Scarface (1983), where several scenes captured the city’s chaotic energy at the time. Films like The Birdcage (1996), starring Robin Williams, also highlighted the colorful, fun side of Miami Beach. And of course, TV classics like Miami Vice in the 80s forever immortalized Ocean Drive, turning it into a global pop culture icon. Walking down Ocean Drive truly feels like stepping onto a movie set that’s still alive today.
Silver Springs: “Tarzan” and others
Classics like the Tarzan films from the 1930s and 40s were shot here, at Silver Springs. Its crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation created the perfect setting to portray the jungle. Today, you can visit the park and even take a glass-bottom boat tour—almost like stepping right into a movie. The place is breathtaking. Learn more about Silver Springs here.
Key West: “Licence to Kill” (James Bonds) and others
Beyond its postcard-perfect scenery, Key West has also been a favorite Hollywood set. Films shot here include Licence to Kill (James Bond), 2 Fast 2 Furious—which also used other parts of the Florida Keys such as the iconic Seven Mile Bridge—, the family adventure Flipper, and even True Lies. The romantic comedy Fool’s Gold, starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, also filmed scenes here. With its tropical and laid-back vibe, Key West is a natural movie set. It’s impossible to visit the Florida Keys and not want to capture this stunning place on camera.
Florida has proven to be a versatile and diverse backdrop for films of every genre. From dramas to action blockbusters, this state has served as a creative canvas for directors. So, the next time you watch one of these movies, remember that Florida’s landscapes are also stars in their own right. Get ready to explore these places and live your own cinematic adventures in the Sunshine State!
