10 California Filming Locations From Modern Family

Modern Family captured hearts for over a decade with its hilarious portrayal of three interconnected families navigating life in sunny California.

While the Dunphy, Pritchett, and Tucker-Pritchett homes were built on studio sets, many memorable scenes unfolded at real locations throughout Los Angeles and beyond.

From upscale shopping centers to iconic theme parks, these actual California spots became part of the show’s charm and authenticity.

Fans visiting the Golden State can now walk in the footsteps of Phil, Claire, Jay, Gloria, Mitchell, Cameron, and the kids by exploring these ten recognizable filming locations.

Whether you’re a dedicated superfan or simply curious about where Hollywood magic happens, this guide reveals the real places that helped bring this beloved sitcom to life.

Pack your camera and get ready to discover the California landmarks that served as backdrops to some of Modern Family’s most unforgettable moments.

1. Westfield Century City Mall

Shopping scenes in Modern Family often took place at this sprawling retail destination located at 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067.

The mall’s sleek, open-air design provided the perfect backdrop for the family’s various shopping adventures and chance encounters.

Westfield Century City underwent a massive renovation that transformed it into one of the most elegant shopping centers in California.

Its wide pedestrian boulevards and contemporary architecture made it instantly recognizable to viewers who caught glimpses of the distinctive outdoor spaces.

The location served multiple purposes throughout the series, appearing whenever characters needed to shop, meet friends, or simply grab a bite.

Production crews appreciated the mall’s accommodating management and visually appealing layout.

Visitors today can stroll through the same pathways where fictional shopping trips and family arguments unfolded on screen.

The mall features a mix of luxury retailers and popular chain stores, creating an upscale yet accessible atmosphere.

Its proximity to the Twentieth Century Fox Studios made it a convenient filming location for quick exterior shots.

Fans visiting can imagine Phil’s enthusiasm for new gadgets or Gloria’s impeccable fashion sense as they explore the modern retail environment.

The transformation of this space mirrors the evolution of the show itself, growing more polished with each passing season.

2. Beverly Hills High School

Education played a significant role in Modern Family, and the exterior of this prestigious institution at 241 S Moreno Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 became the fictional school attended by Manny and Luke.

The distinctive architecture and manicured grounds instantly conveyed an upscale academic environment befitting the show’s affluent setting.

Beverly Hills High School carries its own Hollywood legacy, having appeared in countless films and television shows over the decades.

Its recognizable facade features classic California school architecture with Spanish influences and towering palm trees.

Production teams captured exterior shots here to establish school-related storylines without disrupting actual students.

The location added authenticity to episodes featuring parent-teacher conferences, school performances, and teenage drama.

Luke’s mischievous antics and Manny’s romantic pursuits theoretically unfolded behind these famous walls.

The school’s reputation for academic excellence contrasted humorously with Luke’s lackadaisical approach to education.

Meanwhile, Manny’s old-soul personality seemed almost too sophisticated for typical high school hallways.

Visitors driving through Beverly Hills can easily spot this landmark, though access to campus grounds remains restricted.

The building represents more than just a filming location but symbolizes the aspirational lifestyle portrayed throughout the series.

Its presence in Modern Family connected the show to California’s rich entertainment history.

3. The Ivy Restaurant

Celebrity sightings and upscale dining came together at this famous eatery located at 113 N Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048.

The Ivy’s distinctive white picket fence and cottage-like exterior made it instantly recognizable to viewers familiar with Los Angeles dining culture.

Characters gathered here for important conversations, celebrations, and the occasional awkward family meal.

The restaurant’s reputation as a hotspot for the entertainment industry added an extra layer of authenticity to scenes filmed on location.

Its charming patio area, adorned with colorful flowers and rustic furniture, provided a picturesque setting for outdoor dining scenes.

Production crews valued the location’s cooperation and the visual appeal it brought to episodes.

The Ivy represents the kind of establishment where Gloria might feel perfectly at home while Phil fumbles through the menu.

Mitchell and Cameron’s sophisticated tastes would naturally lead them to such a well-regarded culinary destination.

The restaurant’s ambiance perfectly captured the blend of casual elegance that defined the show’s aesthetic.

Fans visiting Los Angeles often make pilgrimages to this Robertson Boulevard landmark hoping to dine where their favorite characters once sat.

The location’s continued popularity demonstrates how Modern Family showcased real California institutions rather than generic sets.

Every meal filmed here added texture to the show’s portrayal of contemporary family life.

4. Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Art and romance intersected at this cultural landmark located at 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036.

The museum’s famous Urban Light installation, featuring rows of restored vintage street lamps, created a magical backdrop for Mitchell and Cameron’s engagement photos.

This memorable scene showcased one of California’s most photographed art installations in a deeply personal moment for the couple.

The golden glow of the lamps at dusk provided cinematographers with stunning natural lighting for romantic sequences.

LACMA represents Los Angeles culture at its finest, blending accessibility with world-class artistic offerings.

Choosing this location for such a significant milestone in Mitchell and Cam’s relationship demonstrated the show’s commitment to celebrating real Los Angeles landmarks.

Visitors to the museum can stand in the exact spot where the fictional couple captured their love story.

The installation has become a popular destination for actual engagement photos, partly due to its appearance on Modern Family.

Urban Light’s geometric beauty and warm illumination make it irresistible to photographers and romantics alike.

The scene perfectly balanced humor with genuine emotion, a hallmark of the series.

LACMA’s willingness to accommodate filming helped the show incorporate authentic cultural touchstones into its narrative.

This location reminds viewers that Modern Family celebrated not just family bonds but also the vibrant city surrounding them.

5. Griffith Park

Nature provided the setting for numerous family outings at this expansive green space located at 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027.

Griffith Park’s diverse landscapes offered production crews multiple backdrops for outdoor activities and casual family gatherings.

The park spans thousands of acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in North America.

Its varied terrain includes hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and scenic overlooks perfect for filming.

Episodes featuring outdoor adventures, heart-to-heart conversations, or simple family fun often utilized this versatile location.

Phil’s attempts at father-son bonding or the entire family’s recreational disasters found authentic settings within the park’s boundaries.

The natural California landscape visible throughout Griffith Park grounded the show in its Los Angeles setting.

Production teams could capture everything from intimate moments on quiet trails to chaotic scenes involving the entire cast.

The park’s accessibility and variety made it a practical choice for episodes requiring outdoor sequences.

Locals and tourists alike enjoy the same trails and vistas that appeared on screen throughout the series.

Griffith Park represents the outdoor lifestyle that California residents treasure and that Modern Family frequently celebrated.

Its presence in multiple episodes reinforced the show’s commitment to showcasing real locations where families actually spend time together.

6. Disneyland

Theme park magic took center stage when the entire cast descended upon this legendary destination at 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802.

The episode titled Disneyland devoted its entire runtime to the family’s chaotic visit to this California institution.

Filming at the actual park added immeasurable authenticity and excitement to what became one of the series’ most beloved episodes.

Disneyland’s cooperation allowed cameras to capture genuine park experiences, from crowded walkways to iconic attractions.

Each family member’s personality shone through in how they approached the theme park adventure.

Phil’s childlike enthusiasm contrasted with Claire’s obsessive planning and need for control.

Meanwhile, Jay struggled with physical limitations while trying to keep up with younger family members.

The episode brilliantly showcased how even magical settings cannot prevent family dysfunction from surfacing.

Production logistics for filming at such a busy tourist destination required extensive planning and coordination.

The result was an episode that felt both special and relatable to anyone who has navigated a theme park with family.

Disneyland represents the quintessential California family experience, making its inclusion in Modern Family particularly fitting.

Fans visiting the park today can retrace the family’s steps and imagine their misadventures unfolding around every corner.

7. Twentieth Century Fox Studios

Behind-the-scenes magic happened at this legendary production facility located at 10201 Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035.

While most interior scenes were filmed on soundstages within the studio lot, the exterior buildings themselves represent where Modern Family truly came to life.

The Dunphy, Pritchett, and Tucker-Pritchett homes existed as elaborate sets constructed inside these walls.

Production crews, writers, actors, and countless behind-the-scenes professionals collaborated here to create television magic.

The studio lot has housed countless iconic productions throughout Hollywood history.

Modern Family joined this prestigious legacy during its impressive run.

Though public access remains restricted, fans driving along Pico Boulevard can glimpse the studio’s exterior.

Understanding that the show’s most intimate moments were filmed just beyond those gates adds another layer of appreciation.

The proximity of this facility to many filming locations made production logistics more manageable.

Crews could easily transport cast and equipment between the studio and nearby real-world locations.

This central hub represented the show’s home base throughout its entire run.

Every laugh, tear, and heartfelt moment audiences experienced originated from within this California landmark.

The studio itself became as much a part of Modern Family’s story as any location that appeared on screen.

8. The Alexandria Hotel

Historic elegance provided the backdrop for formal events at this landmark building located at 501 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013.

The Alexandria Hotel’s vintage architecture and ornate interior spaces transported viewers to a more glamorous era.

Production designers valued the location’s authentic period details and grand ballrooms for filming upscale gatherings.

Episodes featuring weddings, charity events, or business functions often utilized this downtown Los Angeles treasure.

The hotel’s rich history dates back over a century, when it hosted Hollywood’s earliest stars and political dignitaries.

Its faded grandeur added character and depth to scenes requiring sophisticated settings.

The building’s interior features marble columns, ornate ceilings, and architectural details rarely found in modern constructions.

These elements helped establish the upscale world that characters like Jay and Gloria naturally inhabited.

Filming at The Alexandria connected Modern Family to Los Angeles’ storied past while telling contemporary stories.

The hotel represents a California landmark that has witnessed the city’s transformation over decades.

Its appearance on the show introduced viewers to a piece of architectural history they might otherwise overlook.

Downtown Los Angeles contains numerous such hidden gems that Modern Family occasionally spotlighted.

The Alexandria’s timeless beauty ensured that scenes filmed there possessed a visual richness that elevated the production value.

9. Malibu Pier

Coastal California beauty framed a bonding attempt at this iconic structure located at 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265.

The episode featuring Phil’s awkward efforts to connect with Mitchell and Cameron utilized the pier’s picturesque setting to full advantage.

Malibu Pier extends into the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking views and quintessential Southern California ambiance.

The wooden planks, ocean breeze, and surrounding beaches created an ideal backdrop for outdoor conversations.

Phil’s characteristic enthusiasm clashed humorously with Mitchell’s reserved nature against this scenic location.

The pier represents the laid-back beach culture that defines much of California’s coastal identity.

Filming there allowed the show to showcase the state’s natural beauty while advancing character relationships.

Visitors walking the same planks can imagine Phil’s overeager attempts at male bonding playing out around them.

The location’s accessibility makes it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Malibu’s reputation as a celebrity haven added an extra touch of glamour to scenes filmed in the area.

The pier’s rustic charm contrasts beautifully with the upscale homes dotting the nearby coastline.

Modern Family’s use of this location highlighted how California’s diverse landscapes provided endless filming possibilities.

The Pacific Ocean’s presence reminded viewers of the show’s unmistakably West Coast setting.

10. The Bicycle Casino

High-stakes humor unfolded at this gaming establishment located at 7300 Florence Ave, Bell Gardens, CA 90201.

The Poker Game episode brought the male characters together for an evening of cards and competition at this actual casino.

The Bicycle Casino ranks among California’s most recognized card rooms, known for hosting major poker tournaments.

Its professional atmosphere and authentic gaming environment added credibility to the episode’s premise.

Filming at a real casino rather than a studio mockup enhanced the scene’s authenticity and visual appeal.

The location provided production crews with genuine gaming tables, lighting, and ambiance that would be costly to recreate.

Characters’ personalities emerged through their gambling styles and interactions around the poker table.

Phil’s overconfidence, Jay’s competitiveness, and Mitchell’s analytical approach all came into play.

The casino setting allowed for a rare episode focusing primarily on the show’s male characters.

Bell Gardens may not be as glamorous as Beverly Hills, but The Bicycle Casino represents an important part of Southern California’s entertainment landscape.

The venue’s willingness to accommodate filming demonstrated how local businesses embraced the show’s production.

Poker enthusiasts visiting California might recognize the location from their Modern Family viewing experience.

This filming location proved that the show explored all corners of the region, not just the most obvious tourist destinations.