What does Miami’s color palette look like?
- Sunny beach
- Coral-rich sea
- Long trees
- Pastel skies and
- Neon nightlife
The Magic City isn’t just all about that- it’s a movie star. Filmmakers love Miami because it can be anything.
- Romance? Of course, those golden South Beach sunsets are made for slow-motion kisses.
- Comedy chaos? Think goofy chases through Coconut Grove.
- Action? The neon-lit downtown skyline can witness more explosions than we can count.
That gives you a clear picture of Miami. It has all the cool factors that directors can’t resist. For this, they’ve shot several movies in different picturesque spots in the city.
Among them, the 3 Best historic Miami film locations with the most scenes are-
- Ocean Drive
- Vizcaya Museum
- Fontainebleau Resort
Historic Miami Film Locations At A Glance
| Location | Famous Movie | Highlights |
| Ocean Drive | Step Up Revolution | Beach vibe and art deco buildings |
| Vizcaya Museum | Iron Man 3 | Lush gardens and European architecture |
| Fontainebleau Resort | Scarface | Luxury-looking building and pool |
| Hardrock Stadium | Ace Ventura | Thrilling energy of sports and shows |
| Coconut Grove | Meet the Fockers | Bohemian charm and historic neighborhood |
| Rickenbacker Causeway | 2 Fast 2 Furious | Represents both tranquility and adventure |
| Matheson Hammock Park | There’s Something About Mary | Recreational pond and spectacular views of the bay |
| Downtown Miami | Pain & Gain | Vibrant skyline and skyscrapers |
| Little Havana | Chef | Rich culture and cuisine |
| Wynwood Walls | Here Comes the Neighborhood | Open-air art gallery and big murals |
10 Iconic Film Locations
Some of the top filming locations in Miami include Ocean Drive, Vizcaya Museum, Fontainebleau Resort, Rickenbacker Causeway, and Coconut Grove.
1. Ocean Drive
Exact Location
15th Street in South Beach, Miami Beach
On Google Maps: 15th St
Famous Movies
- Bad Boys 4 (2024)
- The Birdcage (1996)
- Step Up Revolution (2012)
Memorable Scene
[Memorable Scenes From The Birdcage and Step Up Revolution]
What Makes It Iconic
Ocean Drive is the heart of South Beach, Miami.
The colorful art deco buildings, lively street, beach vibe, and palm trees. All these make it just right for romantic and fun scenes.
Even if the day turns dark, the location doesn’t lose its spark. Instead, most buildings and the roads have neon lights that make the nightlife vibrant.
Out of multiple movies filmed in Miami Beach, the ones that accentuate Ocean Drive are-
- Bad Boys 4, The Birdcage, and Step Up Revolution.
One of The Birdcage scenes was specifically shot in the Carlyle Cafe. And just walk 3 minutes. There’s the Hilton Vacation Club Crescent, where Step Up Revolution filmed its Miami Heat mob sequence.
2. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Exact Location
3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33129
On Google Maps: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Main House
Famous Movies
- Money Pit (1986)
- Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
- Iron Man 3 (2013)
Memorable Scene
[Memorable Scenes From Ace Ventura and Iron Man 3]
What Makes It Iconic
The stunning gardens and architecture.
Just get inside the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. You’ll notice how the monotonous buildings and colorful flora complement each other.
The spot combines lush gardens and Italian Renaissance architecture. Both provide a beautiful background for action and dramatic scenes.
That’s why you find Vizcaya in several movies. For example, the spot suits both-
- The extravagant tone of Ace Ventura and
- The serious tone of the villain Aldrich Killian, seen in Iron Man 3
3. Fontainebleau Miami Beach Resort
Exact Location
4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
On Google Maps: 4441 Collins Ave
Famous Movies
- The Bellboy (1960)
- Scarface (1983)
- The Bodyguard (1992)
Memorable Scene
[Memorable Scenes From Scarface and The Bodyguard]
What Makes It Iconic
It screams PURE LUXURY.
The Fontainebleau Miami Beach Resort has a curved design and pool area section. Together, they give an “old Hollywood glamor” vibe.
Its radiant ocean views and modern design attract both tourists and filmmakers. That’s why the hotel appears in most iconic movies.
Moreover, the architecture perfectly captures the essence of Miami. Its history dates back to 1954 and has been a top spot for videographers and celebrities.
In movies like Scarface and The Bodyguard, the hotel has served as the symbol of power and excess. Its grand setting makes it the perfect location to depict Miami’s high life.
4. Hardrock Stadium
Exact Location
347 Don Shula Drive, Miami Gardens, FL 33056
On Google Maps: Hard Rock Stadium
Famous Movies
- Marley & Me (2008)
- Any Given Sunday
- Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
Memorable Scene
[Memorable Scenes From Marley & Me and Any Given Sunday]
What Makes It Iconic
Home to the Miami Dolphins and several concerts.
Hard Rock Stadium is a big entertainment hub of Miami. The stadium has hosted many events, be it live shows or matches.
The size and architectural design make it visually impressive on screen. Plus, it perfectly captures the thrill of sports and public gatherings.
This is what filmmakers use. Movies often use that energy of a packed stadium and create thrilling moments on screen.
For instance, both Marley & Me and Any Given Sunday had sports sequences. So, they showcased this massive stadium in the films to hook viewers.
5. Coconut Grove
Exact Location
Biscayne Bay, Miami, FL 33133
On Google Maps: Miami, Florida 33133
Famous Movies
- Wild Things (1998)
- All About The Benjamins (2002)
- Meet the Fockers (2004)
Memorable Scene
[Memorable Scenes From Wild Things and Meet The Fockers]
What Makes It Iconic?
A relaxed atmosphere.
Coconut Grove is one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods. It dates back to the 19th century.
The place is known for its beautiful trees, mainly coconut and pretty homes. They give a relaxed atmosphere that videographers use for serene cinematography.
One perfect instance is the movie Wild Things. Several sequences are filmed at 4156 Crawford Avenue in Coconut Grove.
Moreover, the spot has a bohemian charm, historic architecture, and waterfront parks that add beauty to the setting.
The area’s quaint shops and outdoor cafes create a cozy backdrop for storytelling. Hence, filmmakers shoot several shopping and conversation scenes like the ones in Meet the Fockers.
6. Rickenbacker Causeway
Exact Location
Key Biscayne, Miami, FL 33149
On Google Maps: Key Biscayne
Famous Movies
- 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
- Waves (2019)
Memorable Scene
[Memorable Scene From 2 Fast 2 Furious]
What Makes It Iconic
A beautiful bridge.
Rickenbacker Causeway comprises-
- A fine-looking bridge
- An amazing Atlantic Ocean and
- A good mix of city and shore vibes
The spot is iconic because it offers stunning visuals and adrenaline-pumping action. This is what attracts filmmakers the most.
Interestingly, the spot represents both tranquility and adventure. For this, you’ll see many directors shoot both action and romantic scenes there.
For example, the movie Waves features the place in a scene where Tyler and his girlfriend Alexis drive along it.
In 2 Fast 2 Furious, there’s a car colliding boat scene. That was shot in the Rickenbacker Causeway, where the breezy backdrop helped enrich the thrill.
7. Matheson Hammock Park
Exact Location
9610 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL 33156
On Google Maps: 9610 Old Cutler Rd
Famous Movies
- There’s Something About Mary (1998)
Memorable Scene
[Memorable Scene From There’s Something About Mary]
What Makes It Iconic?
Beautiful views of Biscayne Bay and lush landscapes.
Matheson Hammock Park is a serene spot that contrasts with the busy city. It provides a recreational pond and spectacular views of the bay. Combine them and you get the perfect setting for romantic or reflective moments.
The park was the highlight in the movie There’s Something About Mary. Mary’s carefree spirit goes well with the vibe of the park.
In one scene, you see her hand out burgers to the disabled people. This shows her kind heart and fun personality, while the scenic park enhances the shot.
8. Downtown Miami
Exact Location
Central Business District, near Biscayne Boulevard and Flagler Street
On Google Maps: Downtown Miami
Famous Movies
- Pain & Gain (2013)
Memorable Scene
[Memorable Scene From Pain & Gain]
What Makes It Iconic?
The vibrant heartbeat of the city.
Downtown Miami features amazing views, including a vibrant skyline and attractive skyscrapers reflecting the sunlight. This creates a beautiful view, especially at sunset.
In Pain & Gain, the filmmakers made great use of the spot.
One iconic scene shows a driving sequence through Downtown Miami. There, the characters navigate the busy streets with the warm evening skyline behind them.
Such a scene captures the essence of the area. It symbolizes both the allure and the challenges of urban life. As they drive, the impressive structures of Downtown Miami stand tall in the background.
9. Little Havana
Exact Location
Calle Ocho or 1503 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
On Google Maps: Azucar Ice Cream – Little Havana
Famous Movies
- Chef (2014)
- Scarface (1983)
Memorable Scene
[Memorable Scene From Chef]
What Makes It Iconic
The vivid Cuban culture.
Little Havana is iconic for its rich cultural heritage. The lively streets are full of salsa music, local cafes, and delish food. Not just that. It celebrates Cuban festivals, art, and culture.
The spot became more iconic in films like “Chef.” It tells the story of a chef named Carl Casper.
In the film, Little Havana plays an important role. The character Carl Casper visits Versailles Restaurant, a famous Cuban eatery.
There, he enjoys a late-night Cuban sandwich that sparks a big change in his life. The food and atmosphere of Little Havana inspire Carl to reconnect with his love for cooking and open a food truck.
10. Wynwood Walls
Exact Location
2516 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
On Google Maps: 2516 NW 2nd Ave
Famous Movies
- Here Comes The Neighborhood
Memorable Scene
[Memorable Scene From Here Comes the Neighborhood]
What Makes It Iconic
Iconic outdoor spot.
Wynwood Walls is a popular street art museum in Miami’s Wynwood Art District. It flaunts vibrant murals that several street artists craft.
Because it’s an open-air art gallery, the artists transform the walls into a colorful hub of creativity.
The series Here Comes the Neighborhood has highlighted this artistic backdrop. It used the large-scale murals to comment on themes like-
- Gentrification and
- Community dynamics
Such a spot reflects the neighborhood’s rich diversity and culture.
Why Miami Is A Popular Filming Location?
Picturesque Locations
The scenic views.
Miami grabs the eyes for several reasons. From windy beaches and palm trees to towering skyscrapers, the city has diverse backdrops for filmmakers.
Its highlights are art deco architecture and vibrant nightlight. These two make every scene pop on screen.
Just by picking different locations, filmmakers capture a range of moods, be it-
- Romantic sunsets
- Daylight comedy or
- Thrilling action sequences
So, directors don’t need fake sets. The city already looks like a movie.
Cultural Diversity
A melting pot of cultures.
The Magic City Miami embraces Hispanic, Jewish American, Caribbean heritage, Haitian, Cuban, and so on.
Most are Hispanic, at least 65%. This shows how diverse Miami is.
With people from various backgrounds, the city offers filmmakers a unique opportunity to represent different stories and perspectives.
This allows for more inclusive storytelling.
For example-
Miami has Little Havana, Wynwood, and South Beach- each neighborhood has its own vibe and culture. This helps tell different kinds of stories.
Sunny Weather
One of the biggest perks of filming in Miami.
Hollywood hates rain delays. But this region won’t give you such hassles.
The city relishes warm temperatures and clear skies for much of the year. This makes it an ideal filming location year-round.
As per Current Results, Miami has over 250 sunny days a year.
Vibrant Nightlife
Movies about parties, crime, and fun?
Miami’s nightlife is the perfect backdrop.
It has rooftop bars, clubs, and live music venues. Plus, there are neon lights throughout the buildings and streets that make the spot pop on screen.
Different films use Miami’s nightlife and create thrilling scenes. They’re filled with lots of energy and excitement.
Plus, the nightlife reflects the city’s lively spirit and adds depth to any storyline.
Attraction of top talent
Big stars love filming here.
Most talented actors and directors are drawn to Miami. Some prominent figures include Will Smith, Al Pacino, and Jamie Foxx.
Not just that. Several videographers and production houses target Miami for shooting films and content.
As per Rentech Digital, you’ll find 1002+ companies in Florida. And many are based in the Magic City.
Among them, the 3 top video production companies in Miami include LocalEyes, Regulus Films, and Bonomotion.
5 Famous Movies Filmed in Miami
1. Scarface (1983)
The ultimate Miami gangster flick.
The Scarface movie defined Miami in the 80s. Crime, money, excess- it showed the dark side of the American Dream.
There, the film portrays a city where anything is possible, but at a steep price. Directed by Brian De Palma, the film stars Al Pacino as Tony Montana.
He’s a Cuban immigrant who climbs to the top of the drug world.
The movie focuses on themes of ambition and greed. It shows both the glamor and the dark side of Miami, be it-
- The luxury parties or
- The violent turf wars
This is one of the best movies set in Miami. Its most iconic shot highlights the Fontainebleau resort.
2. Bad Boys 4 (2024)
This made Miami Cops look cool.
Bad Boys have stars like Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as two Miami detectives. Directed by Michael Bay, the film combines-
- Action
- Comedy and
- Buddy cop dynamics
The movie has used the fast and fun side of Miami. It made Miami cops look chic, which eventually set a high standard for future action films.
In Bad Boys, you’ll explore the thrilling car chases and explosive action scenes. This helped make Miami a major filming destination.
The vibrant Miami background line Ocean Drive adds to the film’s energy. So, you’ll find it an integral part of the storyline.
3. Chef (2014)
Showed Miami’s food and culture.
Chef isn’t about crime or action. It’s more about Cuban food, family, and Miami’s soul.
Written and directed by Jon Favreau, it tells a heartwarming story about a chef.
He quit his high-profile restaurant job because he wasn’t being valued there. This leads him to explore the Little Havana of Miami and try Cuban sandwiches. Eventually, it makes him rediscover his love for the cuisine, motivating him to start a food truck.
In one word, the movie shines a light on Miami’s rich culinary scene and diverse culture.
4. Step Up Revolution (2012)
Relish Miami’s dance and art scene.
Step Up Revolution is the fourth movie in the Step Up dance series. And it’s packed with Miami vibes.
The film totally captures the city’s energy through artistic expression.
Think insane dance battles, flash mobs, and stunning visuals of Miami, including-
- Street art and
- Beaches
Step Up Revolution follows young dancers fighting greedy developers. This resonates with the city’s ongoing challenges, making it relatable to local audiences.
5. 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
Turned Miami into a racing city.
Miami was never a big car-racing city. But the film changed the perception. Directed by John Singleton, 2 Fast 2 Furious focuses on-
- Street racing
- Heists and
- The pursuit of justice
Here, Miami takes the center stage as a city of speed and sports culture. The film ramps up the thrill around car culture. This leads to the rise of legal racing events in the city.
As you know, Miami is rich in blue coastal views and electric nightlife. The film has utilized this scenery in different scenes.
FAQs: Historic Miami Film Locations
It’s Miami Vice. This show aired in the 1980s and highlighted the 80s music, fashion, and vibe. It features stylish detectives who solve crimes in the Miami area.
2 Fast 2 Furious. It was released in 2003 in Miami. The film showed the city’s car culture and beautiful landscapes.
Scarface was shot in several locations in and around Miami. Some key spots are- Ocean Drive, Versailles Restaurant, and Fontainebleau Miami Beach.
Some of the popular movies filmed at the Fontainebleau include- The Bellboy (1960), Scarface (1983) and The Bodyguard (1992).
Scarface. That’s the most famous gangster movie set in Miami. It showed the rise and fall of Tony Montana in the drug trade.
Miami is special for several reasons. It has a diverse culture, beautiful beaches, and a lively arts scene. The city has a unique mix of Latin, Caribbean, and American influences. This makes it the right spot for highlighting different stories and perspectives.
Founder at LocalEyes Video Production | Inc. 5000 CEO | Emmy Award Winning Producer
