Genovia may be a fictional kingdom, but that doesn’t stop us from wanting to visit the amazing filming locations featured in Princess Diaries 1 and Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. From the breathtaking landscapes of the United Kingdom to the iconic landmarks of the United States, the Princess Diaries films have been shot across stunning locations.
With Anne Hathaway confirming her return as Princess Mia Thermopolis for Princess Diaries 3, anticipation is high to see where the third instalment will take us. Until then, let’s embark on a virtual journey through the breathtaking filming locations of the Princess Diaries films that brought Genovia to life.
The Princess Diaries 1 and 2: Key details
The Princess Diaries movies were likened to the fairy tale of Cinderella, minus the evil stepmother! The movies brought a sense of joy and belonging to the audience, with an entire generation of girls wishing to find their rightful place as princesses in a far-off country. Princess Diaries 1 was released on August 3, 2001, whereas Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement was released on August 7, 2004. The movies are available to stream on Disney+.
The stellar star cast includes Julie Andrews as Queen Clarisse Renaldi, Anne Hathaway as Amelia Thermopolis, Chris Pine as Nicholas Devereaux, Mandy Moore as Lana Thomas, Héctor Elizondo as Joe, Heather Matarazzo as Lilly Moscovitz, and Caroline Goodall as Mia’s mom Helen.
Where were the Princess Diaries movies filmed?
The filming locations of Princess Diaries 1 and 2 span several destinations in California, US, including Malibu, San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as Salisbury in the UK.
San Francisco, California
Mia’s home in the decommissioned fire station still stands in the Excelsior District in San Francisco. According to the movie, Mia attends Grove High School, which is not an actual school but a real-life private residence on Lyon Street. Another scene that depicts Mia driving off in a Mustang and crashing tails-first into one of the famous trams of San Francisco, was shot on Broadway and Taylor Street in the Russian Hill neighbourhood.
Things to do: Take Insta-worthy images of the stunning Golden Gate Bridge, spend time at the Pier 39 shopping district, and check out The Walt Disney Family Museum.
How to reach: San Francisco International Airport is located in the city.
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Los Angeles, California
The scene where Mia’s mother tells her that her grandmother from Europe wants to meet her was shot at the Rock Gym at the Falcon Sports Center, now known as Hangar 18 in Los Angeles. The scene showed Mia at her after-school job after having botched up a previous debate attempt at school. A scene that shows Mia’s grandmother visiting her school principal for a discussion on keeping the princess’s identity secret was shot at Alverno High School.
A few musings on where The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement was filmed also led us to several locations across California, among others. The graduation ceremony from Princess Diaries 2 was shot at Bovard, the University of Southern California. The next scene showing a joyous yet emotional goodbye between Mia and her college friends was shot at Trousdale Parkway, located close to this university. Further, a private property in Pasadena was featured for a garden party in the royal Genovian residence. That’s right, that maze exists!
The scene where Mia meets her grandmother for the first time in the purported Consulate of Genovia was shot at Doheny Mansion, a private property. The Disney Golden Oak Ranch in California, depicted as the Genovian Palace, was where Mia celebrated her 21st birthday with a lavish ball in the second instalment of the franchise.
Things to do: Explore the treasures of The Getty Art Museum, go on a tour of Universal Studios Hollywood, and spend time at the Santa Monica Pier
How to reach: Los Angeles International Airport is located within the city.
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Malibu, California
One of the most vibrant scenes in Princess Diaries 1 was the after-school summer bash that was supposedly held at Baker Beach in San Francisco. However, the real filming location for those scenes in Princess Diaries 1 was Zuma Beach in Malibu.
Things to do: Go beach-hopping across the stunning beaches of Malibu, check out a breathtaking sunset from Point Dume, and explore Leo Carrillo State Park.
How to reach: Los Angeles International Airport is approximately 43 km away.
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Salisbury, the UK
The castle portrayed as the Genovian King’s royal residence in Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement is in the United Kingdom. The gorgeous Longford Castle in Bodenham, Salisbury, was used in the plane fly-by scene when the audience is given the first view of Genovia.
Things to do: Explore the stunning Stonehenge, check out the historic Arundells Museum, and enjoy a walk across the New Forest National Park.
How to reach: Bournemouth Airport is approximately 38 km away.
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(Feature image credit: IMDb)
This story first appeared here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Longford Castle shown in Princess Diaries 2 is located in Bodenham, Salisbury, the UK.
Some of the best scenes in both the Princess Diaries movies were shot in Los Angeles, including the scene where Mia meets her grandmother for the first time, the time she bids farewell to her college friends, and the scene where she is seen celebrating her 21st birthday.
Grove High School, the on-screen school that Mia went to is actually a private residence on Lyon Street, San Francisco.
Yes, the house is real. It is a decommissioned firehouse in San Francisco’s Excelsior District.
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Esha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked with TravelTriangle and Internet Moguls. When not in work mode, she can be found downing endless cups of coffee while reading Enid Blyton/Sidney Sheldon.
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