Lincoln & Beyond: Itinerary to Famous Filming Locations in Washington, DC, Maryland & Virginia
Explore the sites where the filming of Lincoln took place and the settings of other film and television favourites shot in America’s Capital Region. The unique landscape and culture of the region has played a role in bringing numerous hits to life, from Forrest Gump and Night at the Museum to Harriet and The Wedding Crashers.
Explore the sites where the filming of Lincoln took place and the settings of other film and television favourites shot in America’s Capital Region. The unique landscape and culture of the region has played a role in bringing numerous hits to life, from Forrest Gump and Night at the Museum to Harriet and The Wedding Crashers.
The epic American historical drama, Lincoln, was filmed solely in Virginia.
Colonial Williamsburg has played host to numerous historical dramas and miniseries including TURN and John Adams. (credit: Virginia Tourism Corporation)
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was one of the characters in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Maryland was one of the filming locations for the film The Wedding Crashers.
Mercy Street actors and local historical reenactors pose in front of Carlyle House in Alexandria, Virginia (Credit: M. Enriques for Visit Alexandria)
"The Avenue" in the quirky Hampden neighbourhood of Baltimore was the setting for many of director John Waters' cult classics.
The epic American historical drama, Lincoln, was filmed solely in Virginia.
Colonial Williamsburg has played host to numerous historical dramas and miniseries including TURN and John Adams. (credit: Virginia Tourism Corporation)
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was one of the characters in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Maryland was one of the filming locations for the film The Wedding Crashers.
Mercy Street actors and local historical reenactors pose in front of Carlyle House in Alexandria, Virginia (Credit: M. Enriques for Visit Alexandria)
"The Avenue" in the quirky Hampden neighbourhood of Baltimore was the setting for many of director John Waters' cult classics.
With the iconic monuments and memorials of Washington, DC, the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland and Virginia, America’s Capital Region makes a stunning backdrop for blockbuster films, historical dramatizations and binge-worthy television series.
DAYS 1–2: Dulles International Airport & Washington DC
Transformers, Night at the Museum & Muppets
When you fly into Washington Dulles International Airport, you can immediately kick off your film tour with a visit to the nearby Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center, an annex of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum that’s located just minutes from the airport. The museum and some of its exhibitions are featured in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Visit to see artefacts such as the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird — one of the transforming vehicles from the film.
In Washington, DC the National Mall has served as the backdrop for many films and television shows, such as the classic Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, the Academy Award-winning Forrest Gump and the action-packed Independence Day.
Also along the National Mall, the Smithsonian museums and several of their artefacts were featured in the second instalment of the Night at the Museum series, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. The institution also offers Smithsonian Nighttime Adventures at the Natural History Museum, including the occasional sleepover during which your family can experience your own night at the museum!
During the day, be sure to stop into the nearby Smithsonian National Museum of American History to see such iconic film artefacts as Dorothy’s ruby red slippers from The Wizard of Oz, the Muppet character Kermit the Frog and props from popular television series, such as M*A*S*H.
While in DC, visit the Georgetown neighbourhood where many scenes from the 1973 American horror classic, The Exorcist, were filmed. The most popular site for fans to visit is the infamous “Exorcist stairs” which is the last stop of the Ghosts of Georgetown walking tour. Georgetown also served as the setting for the 1980s film St. Elmo’s Fire. Stop for a drink at The Tombs, the inspiration for St. Elmo’s Bar that was featured in the film.
DAY 3–4: Alexandria, Richmond, Petersburg & Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
Mercy Street, Lincoln, TURN, Harriet & John Adams
From Washington, DC, journey across the Potomac River to Alexandria, Virginia. Set during the American Civil War, the television series Mercy Street follows two volunteer nurses from opposing sides who work at the Mansion House Hospital in Alexandria. Tour the Carlyle House — which served as the hospital — and its lovely gardens.
From Alexandria, venture south to Virginia’s state capital, Richmond. The city has played host to many films, most notably the historical epic, Lincoln. The filming of Lincoln took place solely in Virginia, primarily in the cities of Richmond and Petersburg. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film recounts the last four months of the president’s life, focusing on his efforts to abolish slavery in the US. Top filming sites in Richmond include the state capitol and capital square, where the US Capitol scenes took place.
A spy thriller set during the American Revolutionary War, TURN tells the untold story of the nation’s first spy ring. The TURN Film Trail takes you to sites in and around Richmond and then southeast to Colonial Williamsburg. Sites include the Christopher Wren Building at the College of William and Mary which appears as the throne room of King George IV.
The seven-part HBO miniseries John Adams examines American history through the eyes of the country’s second president and much of the filming took place in Colonial Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg’s historic area offers a setting faithful to the 18th century, immersing visitors in the lifestyle and history depicted in the series. You can easily spend a full day enjoying this living-history museum, whether watching woodworkers or meeting historical figures like Thomas Jefferson, James Armistead Lafayette and George Washington.
Sidetrip: From Richmond, you can opt to take a 30-minute drive due south for a detour to the town of Petersburg to further explore where scenes from the films Lincoln and Harriet were shot. In this city set along the Appomattox River, you can stroll the same cobblestone streets as the actors did and take in the Union Station, which appears in both films.
DAY 5–6: St. Michaels, Annapolis, Baltimore & Seneca State Park, Maryland, USA
The Wedding Crashers, Hairspray & Blair Witch Project
Enjoy a scenic drive up the Eastern Shore of Maryland to the town of St. Michaels. This area was the primary film location for the 2005 comedy film, The Wedding Crashers. Stay at the Inn at Perry Cabin where the wedding reception scene was filmed.
After leaving St. Michaels, journey to Maryland’s capital city, Annapolis. Here you can book a cruise on the Woodwind II, the boat that served as the sailing yacht for Christopher Walken’s character.
From Annapolis, head north to Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city. Tour the filming locations of director and Baltimore native John Waters, including the Senator Theatre which appears in Cecil B. Demented and is the venue where many of Waters’ films premiered. Hairspray and Pecker were filmed along “The Avenue" (36th Street) in the Hampden neighbourhood. While in Hampden you can take a detour to Atomic Books; Waters receives fan mail through this independent shop — you might even catch him picking it up. Fans of Waters' films can also visit the star Divine’s grave or visit her statue at the American Visionary Art Museum.
Next head to Seneca Creek State Park near Germantown, Maryland. The 1999 documentary-style horror film, Blair Witch Project and Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2, was set and filmed in the woods of western Maryland. Most of the filming took place in Seneca Creek State Park in Montgomery County with a few scenes filmed in the town of Burkittsville. Just make sure you stick to the trails …
Find more ways to enjoy arts and culture in America’s Capital Region:
Explore murals and street art in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.
Check out our arts and culture itinerary.
Connect with a tour operator to help plan your American holiday.