Big Little Lies Where Was It Filmed: Answers To The Questions Everyone Is Asking
Okay, so you’ve binge-watched Big Little Lies for the third time. We’ve all been there. Those gorgeous coastal vistas? The charming little shops? The houses that look like they belong on a magazine cover? Yeah, they’re pretty darn distracting, aren't they? And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself asking, “Wait a minute… where was all of that stunning scenery actually filmed?” It’s like the setting itself is practically a character, right? Don’t worry, you’re not alone in your curiosity. Let’s spill the tea, shall we?
Because honestly, who wouldn't want to live in a place that looks that perfect? It’s got that whole, you know, idyllic suburban dream vibe, but with a healthy dose of dark secrets lurking beneath the surface. The kind of place where the sun always seems to be shining, even when something terrible has just happened. The magic of television, I guess! But where does this magic actually happen in real life?
Now, before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s get one thing straight. While the show feels like it’s set in a singular, perfect beach town, the reality is a little more… spread out. Think of it as a beautifully curated collage of California dreams. Because, spoiler alert (though, let’s be real, if you’re reading this, you probably already know!), Big Little Lies is all about that Northern California charm. Specifically, the Monterey Peninsula.
Monterey Peninsula: The Star of the Show
So, the answer to your burning question is: primarily, the Monterey Peninsula. This little slice of paradise is where the fictional town of Monterey (and its even more fictional, super-wealthy enclave of meant-to-be-even-more-perfect-than-it-is Seabright) comes to life. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to pack your bags immediately and trade in your city stress for ocean breezes and the scent of salt in the air.
Why the Monterey Peninsula, you ask? Well, it’s got that perfect blend of rugged coastline, picturesque beaches, and charming, upscale towns. It’s the kind of place that whispers secrets, you know? It’s got a bit of old-school glamour and a whole lot of natural beauty. It’s the ideal backdrop for all those complex relationships and, well, the eventual murder mystery that keeps us all glued to our screens.
The Glorious Beaches and Coastal Views
Let’s talk about those sweeping ocean shots. They’re not just CGI, folks! A lot of that breathtaking scenery comes from real-life locations along the coast. Think dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and that endless blue horizon. It’s enough to make anyone’s heart flutter. And let’s not forget the iconic road that winds along the coast? Pure magic.
The showrunners really went for that quintessential California coastal experience. And they nailed it. You can practically feel the sea spray on your face just by watching. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to do yoga on the beach at sunrise and sip expensive wine while watching the sunset. Or, you know, secretly plot revenge. Whatever floats your boat!
Let’s Get Specific: Where Exactly?
Okay, so we know it’s the Monterey Peninsula. But can we get a little more granular? Absolutely! Because the devil, as they say, is in the details. And when it comes to filming locations, the details are what make it feel so real, or at least, almost real.
The Town of Monterey
The actual town of Monterey plays a pretty significant role. You know, the place where the elementary school is? And where the parents hang out at those trendy cafes? That’s real Monterey. They wanted to capture that specific Northern California vibe, and Monterey delivered. It’s got that historic feel, but also a modern edge. A bit like the characters themselves, wouldn’t you say? Trying to maintain an image while dealing with the messiness underneath.
Think Cannery Row, with its history and its current buzz. You might recognize some of the shops or the general atmosphere. It’s a place that’s seen a lot, just like these women. It’s got that salty air and that certain something that just screams “California.” And yes, it’s just as charming in real life as it looks on screen. Though, maybe a tad less dramatic. Hopefully!
Pacific Grove: The Quainter Side
Then there’s Pacific Grove. This is where some of the more residential scenes were filmed. It’s known for its Victorian architecture and its more laid-back, small-town feel. It’s the kind of place where you can imagine the quiet dramas unfolding behind those perfectly manicured hedges. Think charming streets, friendly neighbors (or are they?), and that sense of community that can be both comforting and suffocating.
Pacific Grove often serves as the stand-in for the more, shall we say, upscale neighborhoods. The ones where the houses are bigger and the secrets are arguably deeper. It’s got that picturesque quality that makes you think, “Ah, yes, this is where the lives of the wealthy and (seemingly) well-adjusted play out.” It’s got that subtle elegance that the show really leaned into.
Carmel-by-the-Sea: The Picture-Perfect Enclave
And let’s not forget Carmel-by-the-Sea. This place is basically the epitome of a fairytale coastal town. Think quaint cottages, art galleries, and a beach that looks like it was plucked straight from a postcard. Carmel is all about that charming, European-inspired vibe. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stroll hand-in-hand with your loved one, or perhaps, gather intel for your next big move.
Carmel often doubles for the more exclusive, exclusive parts of town. The places where the biggest parties happen and where the most important decisions (or misunderstandings) are made. It’s got that sophisticated, almost bohemian feel. A place where beauty and… shall we say, ambition, often go hand-in-hand.
The Houses: Oh, Those Houses!
Now, let’s talk about the houses. Because, let’s be honest, who hasn’t fantasized about living in one of those stunning beachfront properties? The kind that cost more than you’ll earn in a lifetime. They are, to put it mildly, jaw-droppingly gorgeous.
Here’s the kicker: while many of the exteriors were filmed in these beautiful coastal towns, some of the actual houses you see on screen are a bit of a Hollywood magic trick. Some were real homes, sure. But others were either staged or the interior shots were filmed elsewhere. It’s a bit of a cheat, but hey, it’s for the greater good of television drama, right?
Think of it like this: they found the perfect architectural vibe in these locations, and then sometimes they tweaked it or found similar-looking spots to get the exact look they wanted. It’s all about creating that visual narrative. And they certainly created a stunning one.
But Wait, There’s More!
While the Monterey Peninsula is the undisputed star, there are a few other places that get a cameo. It’s not a huge departure, but it’s worth mentioning for the super-fans out there. Because we’re all super-fans, right?
San Mateo County: A Little Bit of Everything
Some scenes were also filmed a little further north, in San Mateo County. This area offers a similar coastal beauty but can sometimes stand in for slightly different neighborhoods or backgrounds. It’s like adding a few extra brushstrokes to an already beautiful painting. It allows for more flexibility and can sometimes offer more secluded or dramatic settings.
Think of it as extending the geographical reach of this fictional paradise. It’s still California, still coastal, but perhaps with a slightly different feel to certain shots. It helps create that sense of a larger, interconnected community, even if the filming locations are a bit more dispersed.
Los Angeles: For the Interior Shots
And now, for the biggest “wait, what?!” moment. Many of the interior shots, particularly for some of the fancier houses and the school, were filmed in Los Angeles! Yes, you read that right. The sprawling, glamorous, and very different city of Los Angeles. It’s a testament to the skill of the set designers and cinematographers that you probably didn’t even notice. They managed to transport the essence of the Monterey Peninsula to the soundstages of LA.
It’s a common practice in filmmaking. You find the perfect exterior locations to capture the overall atmosphere, and then you recreate or adapt interior spaces on a soundstage for practical reasons. Easier to control the lighting, the sound, and to move cameras around. So, while you’re admiring Celeste’s immaculate living room, remember that it might have been built from scratch in a studio lot far, far away. Pretty impressive, huh?
Why Does It All Matter?
So, why do we care so much about where Big Little Lies was filmed? Well, it’s more than just trivia, isn’t it? It’s about the immersive experience. The setting plays such a crucial role in establishing the mood, the tone, and the overall feeling of the show. That beautiful, sun-drenched coastline becomes a character in itself, a silent observer of all the drama unfolding.
It makes you feel like you’re there. You can almost taste the salty air, feel the warmth of the sun, and imagine yourself living that seemingly perfect life. And then, of course, the show reminds you that perfection is often a carefully constructed facade. The gorgeous scenery makes the dark secrets even more jarring, and that’s part of the show’s genius. It’s the juxtaposition of beauty and darkness, and the filming locations are key to that.
Plus, who doesn’t love a good “armchair travel” experience? Knowing where these iconic scenes were shot allows us to dream, to plan future vacations, or simply to appreciate the artistry of filmmaking even more. It’s like getting a little peek behind the curtain, a secret handshake with the world of Big Little Lies.
So, next time you’re rewatching it (and let’s face it, you will be), you can impress your friends with your newfound knowledge. You can point to the screen and say, “Oh yeah, that’s Pacific Grove!” or “That’s definitely a Los Angeles soundstage!” And they’ll be like, “Whoa, how do you know that?” And you’ll just smile, sip your coffee, and say, “Oh, you know, just a little bit of investigative journalism. For the love of television!” Because that’s what we do, right? We are dedicated fans. And we deserve to know the truth about where our favorite dramas unfold.