Oceanside is located only 90 miles south of Los Angeles, and with its stunning pier, charming harbor, combined with a laid back, authentic beach vibe, Hollywood keeps coming back for more!
Oceanside has a long history as a film location for Hollywood productions starting as early as 1914 when The Rose of the Rancho was filmed in the city. In the late 1940s, Oceanside was a popular location for war movies such as John Wayne’s Sands of Iwo Jima, The Outsider, Battle Cry and Flying Leathernecks. Oceanside’s biggest claim to Hollywood fame is the 1985 blockbuster movie Top Gun starring Tom Cruise. The ocean view “Top Gun” house was featured as the home of Cruise’s love interest and continues to be a draw for fans of the movie. More recently, the popular cheerleading movie Bring It On starring Kirsten Dunst was filmed at Oceanside Amphitheater and Katy Perry’s Part of Me video was filmed at neighboring Camp Pendleton.
Today, Oceanside is fortunate to be the setting for the new TNT drama “Animal Kingdom”, starring Ellen Barkin and Scott Speedman. Viewers will notice iconic Oceanside locations including the pier, strand, train station, restaurants, surf shops and more.
Oceanside Filming Location Ideas
Alex Skate Park
Beaches
California Surf Museum
Coastal Skydiving
Helicopter Tours
Heritage Park
Hill Street Cafe
Historic 101 Cafe
Oceanside Harbor and Village
Oceanside Municipal Airport
Oceanside Museum of Art
Oceanside Pier
Oceanside Sunset Venue
Outdoor Pier Amphitheater
Paradise Falls Estate
Roberts Cottages
Rancho Guajome Adobe
Star Theatre
Sunshine Brooks Theater
The Strand
Current Oceanside Productions
Animal Kingdom (TNT)
The TNT Network’s hit drama series Animal Kingdom (2016) is currently filming in Oceanside, CA and it is creating quite the buzz for local residents and visitors. Season 1 of the television show was filmed at over 20 different locations throughout the city. Learn more about the show, the star-studded cast, and explore the Animal Kingdom Oceanside filming locations.
“I just wanted to thank you for all of the extraordinary help you gave us during our filming of Animal Kingdom. You gave us access to a beautiful city, and your assistance was crucial to making our show successful. The cooperation you and your team provided us was essential to that success. Animal Kingdom is incredibly lucky to call Oceanside home.” – John Wells Productions
Past Oceanside Productions
American Pickers (2011)
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! (1978)
Battle Cry (1955)
Bring It On (2000)
Flying Leathernecks (1951)
Getting Away Together (2011)
Gigging and Grubbing (2015)
Little Women: LA (2014)
The Outsider (1961)
Rose of the Rancho (1914)
Sands of Iwo Jima (1949)
Sister Wives (2012)
Top Gun (1986)
Veronica Mars (2004)
Zorro (1957)
Oceanside Film Festival
The Oceanside International Film Festival (OIFF) is an annual week-long event held in Oceanside every August. OIFF offers independent filmmakers an opportunity to have their work screened and judged. Film buffs from all over are drawn to Oceanside to view local and international films at a place in Southern California known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and artistic freedom. Learn More ➙
