Fast Times At Ridgemont High Filming Locations – San Fernando Valley / 1982
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and reminisce about the golden year of entertainment – 1982. Hollywood was bustling with some of the finest and most iconic movies that we still hold dear to our hearts today.
One of those movies that made a lasting impact was the cult-classic, Fast Times At Ridgemont High. This movie, featuring Sean Penn as Jeff Spicoli, has become an everlasting gem, adored by generations of teenagers, surfers, and stoners alike.
What’s fascinating is that the movie was filmed in approximately 20 different locations all across the beautiful San Fernando Valley. From the bustling streets to the tranquil suburbs, the movie captures the essence of the valley’s diverse landscape. It’s amazing how a single movie could showcase so much of what the valley had to offer.
It’s safe to say that Fast Times At Ridgemont High was a timeless classic that will always be remembered as one of the best movies of the ’80s.
If you’re a fan of Fast Times at Ridgemont High, then you’re in luck! With the help of hollywoodfilminglocations.com, we can embark on a journey to explore all 20 filming locations used in this classic movie.
From Van Nuys to Sherman Oaks, we’ll visit some of the most iconic spots used in the film. We’ll get to see the actual locations where Jeff Spicoli and his surfer buddies hung out, where Brad and Stacy fell in love, and where Mr. Hand taught his infamous history class.
It’s amazing to think that so much of the San Fernando Valley was used in the making of this movie. And even though the movie was released over 40 years ago, the locations still exist today, allowing fans to relive some of the most memorable moments from the film.
So, buckle up, and get ready for a trip down memory lane as we explore the filming locations of Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
Brad and Stacy’s House
Now, let’s take a look at some of the iconic locations that still exist to this day. We’ll begin our journey in the West Valley, where we’ll find Brad and Stacy’s House on Welby Way.
This is the very same house where Brad and Stacy lived, complete with a backyard pool.
What’s more, the famous “little pool house” can still be seen in the backyard, as it is featured on the real estate website Zillow. MAP IT!!
Mi-T-Mart Store
Next up, we’ll travel to the sunny shores of Santa Monica, California for our second location. This is where we’ll discover the real-life Mi-T-Mart store that was immortalized on the big screen.
You may remember the unforgettable scene where Jeff Spicoli comes to Brad’s rescue by inadvertently thwarting a robbery at the store. That very same scene was filmed at the real Mi-T-Mart store in Santa Monica.
It’s incredible to think that such an ordinary location could become so famous thanks to the magic of cinema. And while the store may look different now, the memory of that scene lives on and continues to captivate audiences to this day. MAP IT!!
Update: Building is gone but as of January 2023, the sign is still there. 🙂
As it looked in 2013
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Rat & Stacy’s Date
For the next location we move to North Hollywood. This is where Rat & Stacy’s date was at The Old Heidelburg. This great scene was actually Barone’s in Valley Glen. MAP IT!! google street view: 13726 Oxnard St. Valley Glen, CA 91401
The All American Burger
Remember when Brad and friend work at The All American Burger? The forth location on the tour is where Brad worked. This was a real located and it was located on San Vicente. To bad this is no longer a burger joint. In the 1990’s it was turned into a Coffee Bean and Tea location.
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Captain Hook Restaurant
The Captain Hook’s Restaurant where Brad Hamilton worked was located in Northridge. MAP IT!! google street view: 8622 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, California
Brad Delivering Food / Corvette Girl
Moving on to another iconic scene in the movie, we see Brad making a delivery when he’s suddenly approached by a girl in a Corvette who begins to mock his pirate costume. This awkward moment was filmed at the intersection of White Oak and Chatsworth Street, a location that still exists to this day.
For fans who want to relive this cringy moment, you can easily find the exact spot on Google Maps. Simply search for 17701 Chatsworth Street in Granada Hills, California, and you’ll be transported to the same street corner where this scene was filmed.
It’s amazing to think that a single street corner in the San Fernando Valley could become such an iconic part of movie history. But that’s the magic of cinema – taking ordinary locations and turning them into something extraordinary that we can all cherish for years to come. MAP IT!! 17701 Chatsworth Street, Granada Hills, CA
Spacoli & Jefferson’s Little Brother Driving
Now, let’s head to the east side of the San Fernando Valley, specifically to Van Nuys, for another classic filming location. This is where we find Jeff Spicoli and Jefferson’s little brother racing south on Van Nuys Blvd in Jefferson’s brand new Camaro, which they stole.
In the image below, you can see the Southern California Gas Company building located at 6550 Van Nuys Blvd in the background. This scene was actually filmed at the corner of Van Nuys Blvd and Haynes St, a location that still exists to this day.
It’s amazing to think that this seemingly mundane street corner became the setting for one of the most memorable scenes in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. And for fans who want to relive that moment, a quick visit to the actual location is all it takes to transport you back in time.
Camaro Crash Scene
Continuing our tour of Fast Times at Ridgemont High filming locations in Van Nuys, we come to the scene where Jeff Spicoli and Washington’s little brother crash the stolen Camaro on Vose Street at the corner.
This location, too, still exists today, and fans can visit the actual spot where the crash occurred. It’s incredible to think that a single street corner in Van Nuys became such a memorable part of this classic movie. MAP IT!! 14530 Vose St Van Nuys, CA 91407
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Jeff Spicoli who crashes the Camaro on Vose Street heading west from Van Nuys Blvd in the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The construction site in the scene was located on the south side of Vose Street.
Ridgemont High School
Moving on to another memorable scene in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, we see the trashed Camaro parked in front of Ridgemont High School. However, the school used in this scene is not actually Ridgemont High, but the old Van Nuys High School.
In the next scene we see the trashed-Camaro parked in front of Ridgemont High School. The school used in this great scene is actually the old Van Nuys High School. MAP IT!! 6535 Cedros Ave, Van Nuys
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Mike Damone’s Apartment
In Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Mike Damone’s apartment is another iconic filming location that fans can visit today. The apartment building is located on Riverton Avenue in North Hollywood, specifically at 5944 Riverton Avenue, North Hollywood, California.
It’s amazing to think that this unassuming apartment building played such an important role in the movie. It’s a testament to the power of filmmaking and the ability of even the smallest details to become memorable parts of the story. Visiting these locations allows fans to connect with the movie on a deeper level and to appreciate the craft and artistry that went into making it. MAP IT!! Riverton Avenue, North Hollywood, California
Behind The Scenes | It Was Filmed Here | Where Was It Filmed?
‘Fast Time At Ridgemont High’
When: 08/13/1982, Universal Pictures
Starring: Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold
First Published April 20, 2016, 21:25