California has been the backdrop for countless films, TV shows and commercials, but none more popular than the galactic adventures of the Star Wars franchise. In fact, The Force is stronger in California than anywhere else in the world.
Star Wars creator George Lucas was born and raised in Modesto, California, where he spent his youth aspiring to be a race-car driver among other things. In college, his love for film making had grown more powerful than the Dark Side and he ultimately graduated with a bachelor’s degree from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.
Eventually, Lucas’ personal and professional lives would lead him to putting down some roots in San Anselmo where he created Star Wars in 1973 and Indiana Jones in 1974.
In addition to the creation of Star Wars, George Lucas used California’s vast landscapes for several key scenes throughout the original trilogy. Furthermore, the state also plays a significant role outside of the films where fans can immerse themselves in their own adventures through amusement parks, statues and memorabilia collections.
Where did Star Wars film in California?
California was featured in two of the original trilogy’s films: A New Hope and Return of the Jedi.
The following is a breakdown of the scenes filmed within the state
Episode IV: A New Hope
The majority of footage for Tatooine was filmed in Tunisia. However, due to production costs and other last minute needs like Mardji the elephant, there were several scenes filmed in Death Valley National Park to splice with the Tunisia footage.
These Death Valley scenes include the following locations and the exact moments they appeared in Star Wars: A New Hope in order of appearance:
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – R2D2 goes separate ways from C3PO
Artist Palette & Golden Canyon – Jawas attack R2D2
Artist’s Drive – R2D2 is being carried up to the Sandcrawler
Dante's View is located of Dantes View Rd.. There's a public bathroom and a large parking area.
Episode IV: Return of the Jedi
As with A New Hope, George Lucas returned to Death Valley National Park to film a few scenes for Episode IV: Return of the Jedi.
Twenty Mule Team Canyon – Scenes of R2D2 and C3PO heading to Jabba’s Palace.
Twenty Mule Team Road – A closed cave was once used for a deleted scene in ROTJ. No longer accessible to the public.
Del Norte County – Scenes from Endor were shot throughout various Redwood locations on private land and in parks like Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park. All of the scenes shot on private land are no longer recognizable.
Scenes of R2D2 and C3PO heading to Jabba’s Palace. There's also a deleted scene from ROTJ where Luke is fixing his ligthsaber in a cave. This cave was closed and no longer accessible to public.
Scenes from Endor were shot throughout various Redwood locations on private land and in parks like Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park. All of the scenes shot on private land are no longer recognizable.
In addition to visiting Star Wars’ filming locations, fans can also enjoy many other thrilling Star Wars experiences throughout California:
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Star Wars fans can walk among the stars as they stroll down Hollywood’s famous Walk of Fame. Several of Star Wars’ most beloved figures have been honored with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Fans can go view these stars at the following locations:
Mark Hamill – 6834 Hollywood Boulevard
Harrison Ford – 6801 Hollywood Boulevard
Alec Guinness – 1559 Vine Street
Billy Dee Williams – 1521 Vine Street
Grauman's Chinese Theatre
Located at 6925 Hollywood Blvd., along the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre not only shows Star Wars films when they’re released, but it also has famous handprints and footprints of Star Wars personalities like: Harrison Ford, R2D2, C3PO and Darth Vader.
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland
Star Wars enthusiasts can spend the day at Disneyland and enjoy the popular attraction of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This Disney spectacle features a simulator ride on the Millennium Falcon, the Rise of the Resistance dark ride that takes you through a battle between the First Order and the Resistance, shops, dining and much more.
Rancho Obi-Wan
Located just west of Petaluma, CA, is Rancho Obi-Wan home of arguably the world’s greatest memorabilia collection of the film franchise. Star Wars fans can tour this collection and learn about the history of this franchise in a unique and authentic experience.
Yoda Fountain at Lucasfilms LDAC
Star Wars fans can visit one of two famous Yoda monuments built in California. This Yoda tribute is a fountain at the entrance to the Lucasfilms Letterman Digital Arts in San Francisco’s Presidio National Park.
