The film was entirely shot in Los Angeles and its surroundings, including all desert scenes. 

Filming Locations:

Riggs' RV

In the Movie

Scene where Sergeant Riggs lives.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the parking lot of El Segundo Beach in Los Angeles, California.

High-rise Building

In the Movie

Scene where A young girl jumps from a high-rise building.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the International Tower building in Los Angeles.

Christmas Tree Lot

In the Movie

Scene where Riggs works undercover, haggling with a gang that asks for $100 for a batch of cocaine.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the parking lot of the used car dealership "Car Star Motors" in Los Angeles, near Bob Hope Airport.

Hot Dog Stand

In the Movie

Scene where Riggs and Roger Murtaugh eat a hot dog.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the intersection near the concert venue "The Wiltern" - it is still operating, but the hot dog stand is no longer there.

Suicide on the Roof

In the Movie

Scene where Sergeant Riggs is about to negotiate with a suicidal person.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on the roof of a building and on the street next to it, in Santa Monica, Los Angeles.

House with a Pool

In the Movie

Scene where Riggs and Murtaugh arrive at a house in a wealthy area for an interrogation, but encounter girls packaging drugs and come under fire.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Forest Knoll estate - a huge house in the Hollywood Hills. Estimated value $7-8 million.

Dixie's House

In the Movie

Scene where The detectives come to interrogate the prostitute Dixie.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in a poor area in Lennox, California. Now an elementary school is located on this site.

Cliffside Residence

In the Movie

Scene where Sergeant Murtaugh goes to interrogate his friend.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at a large private estate on the oceanfront.

Intersection

In the Movie

Scene where Riggs is about to interrogate a prostitute at an intersection.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at an intersection near the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Desert

In the Movie

Scene where Sergeant Murtaugh goes to the desert to meet the gang, planning to set a trap to save his daughter from being held hostage.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the desert, northeast of Los Angeles.

In Front of a Nightclub

In the Movie

Scene where Riggs gets into a shootout at the entrance of a nightclub.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on Hollywood Boulevard; currently, a movie theater operates in this building.