“Modern Family,” the Emmy-winning sitcom that captured hearts worldwide, is celebrated for its relatable characters and hilarious family dynamics. While the Pritchett-Delgado, Dunphy, and Tucker-Pritchett families feel like they could live next door, many viewers often wonder: where is Modern Family filmed? Although much of the interior scenes are shot on studio sets, the exterior shots and various location scenes bring the sunny vibes of Los Angeles to life. Let’s explore the real-world neighborhoods and locations that serve as the backdrop for this beloved show.
Iconic Homes of Modern Family
The exterior shots of the family homes are instantly recognizable to fans. Interestingly, the show utilizes actual houses in Los Angeles, lending authenticity to the suburban settings. It’s important to note that these are private residences, and respecting the residents’ privacy is paramount.
Dunphy House: Cheviot Hills Charm
Phil and Claire Dunphy’s classic two-story home is located at 10336 Dunleer Drive in Cheviot Hills, Los Angeles. This upscale neighborhood on the west side of Los Angeles provides the perfect backdrop for the Dunphy’s energetic and often chaotic family life. While you can’t peek inside, driving by and seeing the familiar facade brings the show to life.
Pritchett-Delgado House: Brentwood Elegance
Jay and Gloria Pritchett’s more opulent and modern home is situated in Brentwood, at 121 S. Cliffwood Avenue. Brentwood, known for its beautiful homes and affluent atmosphere, perfectly reflects Jay and Gloria’s lifestyle. The house exterior, often seen with its lush landscaping, adds a touch of sophistication to the Pritchett-Delgado family’s storylines.
Tucker-Pritchett House: Fox Hills Family Home
Mitchell Pritchett and Cameron Tucker’s charming home is found at 2211 Fox Hills Drive, near Century City. Nestled in the Fox Hills area, close to the bustling Century City, this house represents the cozy and loving environment where Mitchell and Cam raise Lily. The exterior shots often showcase the welcoming front porch, a frequent setting for heartwarming family moments.
Map of the Modern Family Houses
To give you a sense of their proximity, these houses are all located on the west side of Los Angeles, albeit in different neighborhoods. While not next door to each other in reality, their relative closeness geographically reinforces the interconnected family dynamic central to “Modern Family.”
Beyond the Homes: Exploring Other Filming Locations
“Modern Family” isn’t confined to just the family homes. The show frequently ventures out to various locations around Los Angeles, adding depth and realism to the storylines. Here are some other notable places where “Modern Family” has filmed:
South Bay Galleria: Redondo Beach Mall Scene
In the pilot episode, a memorable scene unfolds at a mall where Manny attempts to impress a girl. This scene was filmed inside the South Bay Galleria, located at the corner of Artesia & Hawthorne Boulevards in Redondo Beach. Specifically, the filming took place on the third floor of the mall. This real-life shopping center provides a familiar and bustling backdrop for the early episode’s comedic moments.
Unocal 76 Gas Station: West Los Angeles Pit Stop
Remember the episode where the family dresses as 1920s gangsters? A key scene in that episode features a gas station. This location is the Unocal 76 station at 11675 W. Pico Blvd., in West Los Angeles, at the corner of Pico Blvd & S. Barrington Ave. This everyday location becomes a stage for humorous encounters when Haley bumps into classmates while in full costume.
Pinz Bowling Center: Studio City Bowling Alley
The bowling alley where Cam and Jay enjoy league bowling is a recurring location. These scenes are filmed at Pinz Bowling Center, located at 12655 Ventura Blvd in Studio City, CA. This actual bowling alley in the San Fernando Valley provides a genuine and lively setting for the characters’ bowling league escapades.
Palisades High School: Pacific Palisades Football Field
For scenes involving football, like when Cam coaches a game, “Modern Family” utilizes the football field at Palisades High School, located at 15777 Bowdoin St in Pacific Palisades. This high school, situated in the hills of Pacific Palisades, has also been used in other productions like “Teen Wolf,” adding to its recognizable cinematic appeal.
Will Rogers Memorial Park: Beverly Hills Bike Riding Scene
When Mitchell and Cam teach Lily to ride a bike, the picturesque park they use is Will Rogers Memorial Park, at 9650 Sunset Blvd in Beverly Hills. Located across from the Beverly Hills Hotel, this attractive park, named after Will Rogers, the honorary mayor of Beverly Hills, offers a beautiful and serene setting for the heartwarming family moment. It’s important not to confuse this with the larger Will Rogers State Park.
Goorus Yoga: Palisades Yoga Studio
Claire’s memorable yoga class scene takes place in a real yoga studio named Goorus Yoga, located at 15327 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. Interestingly, this studio is just a block east of Palisades High School, showcasing how locations can be clustered within the same area for filming convenience.
Rialto Theatre: South Pasadena Movie Theatre
Phil’s attempt to break into an old movie theatre was filmed at the Rialto Theatre, at 1023 Fair Oaks Ave in South Pasadena. This historic theatre, dating back to 1925, has also been featured in films like “La La Land” and “Transformers,” adding to its iconic status. Its distinctive architecture provides a visually striking backdrop for the episode.
Bluff Creek Drive: Playa del Rey Street Scene
The scene where Phil accidentally drops Lily’s princess castle was filmed on Bluff Creek Drive in Playa del Rey. Specifically, the castle falls off the truck around 12334 Bluff Creek Drive, where it intersects with S. Seabluff Drive. Playa del Rey, nestled between Marina del Rey and LAX, offers a coastal suburban setting for this comedic mishap.
Fairfax Ave Parking Lot: West Los Angeles Church Parking
The parking lot Phil and Jay invest in is actually a church parking lot located at 1236 S. Fairfax Ave in West Los Angeles. This lot, situated just north of Pico Blvd and next to the Korean Western Presbyterian Church of L.A., was transformed with props to create a paid parking facility for the show.
Bringing Modern Family to Life in Los Angeles
“Modern Family” masterfully uses the diverse landscapes of Los Angeles to create a relatable and visually appealing world. From the charming suburban homes to bustling malls and serene parks, the show’s filming locations add an extra layer of authenticity and charm. Next time you watch “Modern Family,” you’ll have a better idea of the real neighborhoods and streets of Los Angeles where the Pritchett-Delgado-Dunphy-Tucker clan’s hilarious stories unfold.
