Exploring Florida’s Iconic Filming Locations
Florida isn’t just home to beautiful beaches and theme parks—it’s also been the backdrop for countless movies and TV shows. From the neon-soaked streets of Miami Vice to the mystical swamps of The Glades and the blockbuster action of Bad Boys, the Sunshine State offers fans a chance to step into the scenes of their favorite stories.
In this blog, we’re taking you on a behind-the-scenes road trip through some of Florida’s most iconic—and sometimes surprising—filming locations. Whether you’re a die-hard movie buff or just looking for a unique twist on your next vacation, these spots bring a touch of Hollywood magic to your travel plans.
Lights, Camera, Sunshine!
The Waterboy (1998)
The Truman Show (1998)
The Truman Show Day Trip Itinerary – Seaside, FL – click for more details
🗓️ Duration: 1 Full Day
☀️ 9:00 AM – Arrive in Seaside 📍 Main Location: Seaside, Florida (Walton County on 30A)
- Parking: Free or metered parking available around Central Square.
- Tip: Get there early — Seaside can get busy in high season.
🏡 9:30 AM – Visit Truman’s House📍 31 Natchez Street
- Snap a photo of the famous white-picket fence and pastel house.
- 🎥 Seen often in the film as Truman’s “perfect” home.
- Respect the privacy of the owners — view from the sidewalk only.
☕ 10:00 AM – Coffee in Central Square📍 Modica Market or Amavida Coffee
- Modica Market was featured in the film (Truman walks through it!).
- Grab a coffee and light breakfast.
- The town square was the setting for many casual Truman moments.
🚶♂️ 11:00 AM – Walking Tour of Seaside Landmarks
Explore:
- 📍 Seaside Post Office – Small, photogenic, featured in film
- 📍 Central Square – Truman rides his bike, greets townspeople
- 📍 Bookstore and Shops – Seen in background scenes
- 📍 Ruskin Place Park – Great for shady strolls and film vibes
🏖️ 12:30 PM – Seaside Beach Pavilion📍E County Hwy 30A
- 🎥 The boardwalk where Truman tries to escape Seahaven.
- Walk down the Coleman Pavilion to the shore.
- Optional: dip your feet in the Gulf or relax on the sand.
🥗 1:30 PM – Lunch at Great Southern Café📍 83 Central Square
- Famous for southern comfort food with a coastal twist.
- Indoor and patio seating available near where Truman biked and talked with townspeople.
🚲 2:30 PM – Optional Bike Tour
- Rent a bike from Seaside Transit Authority
- Cruise through the town as Truman did, checking out side streets and pastel homes
- Optional: Bike over to nearby WaterColor or Grayton Beach State Park
🎞️ 4:00 PM – Scenic Drive or Stop at Sundog Books📍 89 Central Square
- A great local bookstore — and a perfect Truman-esque stop to reflect.
- You’ll feel like you’re inside the movie.
🌅 5:00 PM – Watch the Sunset📍 Seaside Beach Pavilion or Bud & Alley’s Rooftop Bar
Summary Map Stops:
1. Truman’s House – 31 Natchez St
2. Modica Market – Central Square
3. Post Office – Central Square
4. Seaside Beach Pavilion – Coleman Pavilion
5. Great Southern Café – Central Square
6. Sundog Books – Central Square
The Florida Keys
Traveling through the Florida Keys offers a laid-back road trip filled with turquoise waters, island vibes, and some pretty iconic filming locations. From Key Largo—where Key Largo starring Humphrey Bogart was filmed—to Marathon’s historic Seven Mile Bridge featured in True Lies and 2 Fast 2 Furious, the Keys are a cinematic treasure.
True Lies (1994)
Director: James Cameron
– Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character rescues Jamie Lee Curtis before it goes off an old bridge – the Seven Mile Bridge, Marathon
– Island mansion scenes and background shots – Sugarloaf Key
– Scenes of shipping and operations – Port Miami
Key Largo (1948)
Director: John Huston
– “Caribbean Club” – Caribbean Club 104080 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo
2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
Director: John Singleton
– Scenic driving shots – Card Sound Road, Key Largo
– Boat party scene – Biscayne Bay
Office Space (1999)
Director: Mike Judge
– “Chotchkie’s” restaurant – TGI Friday’s *now demolished*, Orlando
– Suburban driving scenes – Orlando suburbs, near Alafya Trl and University Blvd
Licensed To Kill (1989)
Director: John Glen
– Opening scene – Seven Mile Bridge, Marathon
– James Bond’s arrival – Key West International Airport (EYW)
– Bond’s resignation scene – Mallory Square, Key West
– The Governor’s residence – Ernest Hemingway House, Key West
– Courthouse exterior – Old Post Office (now a museum, ‘The Custom House’)
Notable Locations
The Seven Mile Bridge📍Bridge connecting Knight’s Key / Little Duck Key
Key Largo “The Caribbean Club” 📍104080 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo
The Custom House📍281 Front St, Key West
Fort Myers
Day of the Dead (1985)
Director: George A. Romero
🗺️ Want to Visit the Fort Myers Filming Location?
Fort Myers Zombie Tour (DIY):
- Start at First Street & Hendry Street
- Walk toward Dean Street and Bay Street — the exact stretch from the opening zombie sequence.
- Look for:
- The post office
- Old banks and storefronts featured in the film
🎥 Bring still shots from the film and recreate the iconic moments!
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Dade Tire Co.
Tropics Hotel
Marcus’ House
Bad Boys Franchise
Click here for a mapped route
Bad Boys (1995)
Director: Michael Bay
– Opening car scene – Dade Tire Company
– Hotel where Julie hides out – Biltmore Hotel
– Miami Police HQ – Old Police Station
– Drug exchange – Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport
Bad Boys II (2003)
Director: Michael Bay
Downtown Miami
– Car chase scene – the MacArthur Causeway
– Mortuary scene – North Miami Funeral Home
Bad Boys for Life (2020)
Directors: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah
– Luxurious party scene – Villa Vizcaya
– City scenes – Wynwood Walls & Arts District
– Chase/drug shipment scenes – Port Miami
Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)
Directors: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah
– Brickwell/ Downtown Miami
– Stunt scene – A1A Hwy & Ocean Dr, Ft. Lauderdale
Exterior of ‘Club xquisite’
Wilson’s Sports Lounge – 3030 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
St. Pete
Dolphin Tale (2011) & Dolphin Tale 2 (2014)
Director: Charles Martin Smith
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA)
✅ Open to the public with guided and self-guided tours.
📍 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL
- Primary filming location for both films
- Scenes of Winter’s rescue, treatment, tank time, and visitor interactions were filmed on-site.
- You can visit CMA today — it’s been remodeled and includes a dedicated “Dolphin Tale” exhibit, props, and behind-the-scenes info.
Clearwater Beach & Causeway Bridge
📍 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL
- Dolphin transport scenes
- Montage shots of Sawyer biking
- Scenes showing the aquarium’s coastal setting
Marina & Dock Scenes
📍 Filmed at local Clearwater marinas near the Island Estates and Downtown Clearwater.
- Used for scenes involving boats, dolphin release prep, and water views.
- Many of these are near the aquarium and walkable.
🧭 Fan Travel Tip:
You can create a “Dolphin Tale” day trip:
- Start at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Cross the Causeway Bridge for beach scenes
- Visit Honeymoon Island for scenic beach vibes
- Grab lunch at local spots featured in behind-the-scenes tours
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