The film was shot in various locations, but principal photography took place in Santa Cruz, California. Director Jordan Peele chose this city for its unique atmosphere and the boardwalk with an amusement park, which became a key location for the film. The scenes with the mirror maze, where Adelaide meets her doppelgänger, were also filmed in Santa Cruz. For the modern scenes, the boardwalk was left largely unchanged, while for the 1986 scenes, special props and road signs from that era were created. The homes of the Wilson family and their friends, the Tylers, are located in a residential area by the lagoon, but these scenes were filmed at Lake Gregory in the San Bernardino National Park, as no suitable location was found in Santa Cruz. This decision allowed the filmmakers to create the necessary atmosphere without disrupting the lives of local residents.

Filming Locations:

Lake

In the Movie

Scene where the family watches as the dad has fun on a speedboat. Gabe Wilson, the father, decides to play around on his new speedboat to impress his children and wife. The children, Zora and Jason, watch their father with interest, while Adelaide observes him with some concern. Gabe rides the boat, showing his joy and enthusiasm, which adds lightness and fun to the family's overall atmosphere. However, this scene also serves as a contrast to the darker events that will unfold later in the film.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Lake Gregory in Crestline, California. It was created as a result of dam construction in 1936-1938 for fresh water supply and development of adjacent areas. Lake Gregory is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and offers a 4-kilometer walking trail, making it a popular place for recreation and walks.

Road with Abandoned Cars

In the Movie

Scene where the Wilson family encounters their doppelgängers. Adelaide experiences shock and horror. She cannot understand how this is possible and what is happening. Red, her doppelgänger, begins to speak to her, telling the story of two girls, one living in the shadows and the other enjoying life on the surface. This scene sets off a chain of events that reveal the dark secrets of Adelaide's past and the true nature of the Tethered.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in Santa Cruz, California. East Cliff Drive is a scenic street in Santa Cruz that runs along the ocean shore. It is surrounded by beautiful homes and offers a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. For filming the encounter scene with the doppelgängers, the film crew used this area to create a sense of ordinariness and calm that sharply contrasts with the terrifying events that unfold after the Tethered appear.

Beach

In the Movie

Scene where the Wilson family accidentally meets the Tylers on the beach. The Wilson and Tyler families are enjoying a sunny day on the beach when Adelaide begins to feel uneasy. She notices that her son Jason has wandered off and starts looking for him. This event creates tension and anxiety, especially given Adelaide's past experience and her fears.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in Santa Cruz, California. Director Jordan Peele used real beach landscapes to create a contrast between peaceful family life and the impending horrors. The Santa Cruz Boardwalk with its amusement park became a key location for showcasing the nightmares haunting Adelaide and her family.