Ultimate 1-Day Back to the Future Movie Trip: Time Travel Nostalgia & 80s Adventure

Introduction

“Great Scott!” Step back into the 1980s and relive the magic of Back to the Future on this immersive movie trip. From the iconic courthouse square to filming locations that defined Hill Valley, this nostalgic journey blends cinematic history with a dash of adventure. Perfect for couples, families, or fans who grew up quoting Doc Brown and Marty McFly, this one-day getaway promises unforgettable moments — no flux capacitor required.

✈️ How to Fly into Los Angeles

• Closest Airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) — about 30–45 minutes from most filming sites.
  
  

• Direct Flights: Major airlines (Delta, United, American, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue) offer nonstop service from most U.S. hubs.
  
  

• Rental Car: Highly recommended — filming spots are spread across LA, Pasadena, and City of Industry.
  
  

• Pro Tip: Traffic in LA is unpredictable. Build in extra time between stops.
  
  

👉 [Book Flights + Rental Car on Expedia]

🏨 Where to Stay in Los Angeles Area

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena (Upscale Luxury)
📍 1401 S Oak Knoll Ave, Pasadena, CA
✅ Historic luxury hotel, gardens, spa, pool — minutes from Doc Brown’s house (The Gamble House)
👉 [Book on Expedia]

Sheraton Universal Hotel (Modern Mid-Range)
📍 333 Universal Hollywood Dr, Universal City, CA
✅ Steps from Universal Studios Hollywood, stylish rooms, pool, on-site dining
👉 [Book on Expedia]

Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City (Mid-Range Classic)
📍 555 Universal Hollywood Dr, Universal City, CA
✅ Spacious rooms, family-friendly, walkable to Universal Studios
👉 [Book on Expedia]

Motel 6 Los Angeles – Hollywood (Budget-Friendly)
📍 1738 Whitley Ave, Los Angeles, CA
✅ Budget stay, pet-friendly, basic rooms, central Hollywood location
👉 [Book on Expedia]

VRBO Option: Pasadena Craftsman Home
📍 Near Old Town Pasadena
✅ 2-bedroom bungalow, full kitchen, private yard, close to filming sites
👉 [Book on VRBO]

🎬 Itinerary Stops

Stop 1: Burger King Drive-Thru (Opening Scene)
📍 535 N Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA
⏳ 20 min 💲 Free
Where Marty first appears on his skateboard, hanging onto a truck. Lancers diner is in the background.

Stop 2: Whittier High School (Hill Valley High)
📍 12417 Philadelphia St, Whittier, CA
⏳ 30–45 min 💲 Free (exterior only)
Exterior shots of Marty’s high school.

Stop 3: The McFly House
📍 9303 Roslyndale Ave, Arleta, CA
⏳ 20–30 min 💲 Free (view from street)
Marty’s suburban home in 1985 Hill Valley.

Stop 4: Puente Hills Mall (Twin Pines Mall)
📍 1600 S Azusa Ave, Rowland Heights, CA
⏳ 1 hr 💲 Free
Where Doc unveiled the DeLorean and Marty blasted into 1955.

Stop 5: Lorraine’s House (1955)
📍 1727 Bushnell Ave, South Pasadena, CA
⏳ 30 min 💲 Free (exterior only)
Marty meets his young mom here — awkward but iconic.

Stop 6: George McFly’s Tree (Peeping Scene)
📍 Bushnell Ave, South Pasadena, CA
⏳ 10–15 min 💲 Free
The tree George climbed with binoculars before fate (and Marty) rewrote history.

Stop 7: Biff’s House (1955)
📍 Bushnell Ave, South Pasadena, CA
⏳ 10–15 min 💲 Free
Just down the street from Lorraine’s house.

Stop 8: George’s House (1955)
📍 1711 Bushnell Ave, South Pasadena, CA
⏳ 20–30 min 💲 Free (exterior only)
George McFly’s childhood home, right in the same neighborhood.

Stop 9: The Gamble House (Doc Brown’s Mansion)
📍 4 Westmoreland Pl, Pasadena, CA
⏳ 1 hr 💲 $15–20 tours
Exterior of Doc Brown’s eccentric home.

Stop 10: The Blacker House (Doc’s Interiors)
📍 1777 Hillcrest Ave, Pasadena, CA
⏳ 20 min 💲 Limited view (private property)
Used for interior filming of Doc’s house.

Stop 11: Enchantment Under the Sea Dance
📍 Hollywood United Methodist Church, 6817 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA
⏳ 45–60 min 💲 Free to view (church still active)
The church basement hosted the legendary school dance.

Stop 12: Griffith Park (DeLorean Run-Up)
📍 2715 N Vermont Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA
⏳ 30–45 min 💲 Free
Marty lined up the DeLorean here to reach 88 mph and return home.

🎢 Optional Day 2 Add-On: Universal Studios Hollywood

📍 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA
Spend an extra day exploring Universal Studios Hollywood. Though the original Back to the Future: The Ride is gone, memorabilia and references remain — plus you’ll already be in Hill Valley’s backyard.

🕒 How Long Will This Trip Take?

A full 1-day trip to all the major Back to the Future filming locations will take about 8–10 hours, including drive times, photos, meals, and short tours. If you add the optional Universal Studios Hollywood visit, plan for an additional full day.

Final Thoughts

A one-day trip through the Back to the Future filming locations in Los Angeles, Pasadena, and beyond is pure movie magic — where 80s nostalgia, time-travel adventure, and Hollywood history collide. You’ll stand where Marty and Doc changed the past (and the future), explore iconic landmarks like Twin Pines Mall and the Gamble House, and finish the day with classic diner vibes. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the trilogy or just love cinematic road trips, this getaway is as unforgettable as it is nostalgic.

🕒✨ Book your stay through Expedia or VRBO and get ready to step back in time for yourself.