Ever wished you could visit Pawnee, Indiana? Good news: you can—sort of. Parks and Rec was filmed in and around Los Angeles, and many of its famous locations are real places you can still visit. Some locations look almost exactly as they did on the show, while others have changed over the years. But with a little imagination (and maybe a few Parks and Rec quotes), you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into your favorite small-town government office.
Whether you want to stop by City Hall, play mini-golf, or eat a waffle-filled breakfast, this guide will help you plan the perfect Parks and Rec tour around Los Angeles County. So grab your best waffle-loving friends, map out a route, and get ready to experience the real-life locations behind Pawnee, Indiana. Just watch out for those sneaky Eagletonians.
Pasadena
You’ll probably want to start your pilgrimage at Pasadena City Hall, a building that any Parks and Rec fan will recognize immediately. It’s the site of Leslie Knope’s many grand speeches, the entrance that our beloved characters pace in and out of on a daily basis, and—if you want to get technical—only the bottom half of Pawnee’s government headquarters. That’s because the Pawnee City Hall exteriors were actually filmed in front of Pasadena City Hall, while the upper floors that appear in some shots were created with CGI.
If you want the full Pawnee experience, don’t just admire the building from the outside. Walk around the courtyard and take a few pictures by the fountain where Leslie and Ben got engaged. Try to resist the temptation to issue a fake public decree—unlike Pawnee, Pasadena seems to run on a mostly drama-free level of government. While you’re in Pasadena, don’t miss Vroman’s Bookstore. This independent bookstore, one of the oldest in Los Angeles County, is where Leslie held her book signing for Pawnee: The Greatest Town in America. Your own copy of Leslie’s passionate love letter to her fictional town will make a great souvenir.
Woodland Hills
Who can forget the Harvest Festival? Once thought to be Leslie Knope’s crowning achievement, and better known—at least to Leslie—as the place where Ben Wyatt finally fell in love with Li’l Sebastian, most of the festivities were filmed at Pierce College Farm Center in Woodland Hills. This location gave the Harvest Festival that true county fair feel, with plenty of open space for carnival rides, live music, and, of course, the presence of Pawnee’s beloved miniature horse.
While the farm center itself has since closed, Pierce College still hosts other seasonal events and community activities, so it’s worth checking their schedule while you’re in the area. Woodland Hills is also home to another Parks and Rec landmark: Villa, the restaurant where Leslie and her closest friends celebrated Galentine’s Day. Even if you’re visiting solo, you can still make a reservation at what is now called Casalena and raise a mimosa to Leslie’s favorite holiday. Bonus points if you bring handmade friendship crafts.
Gardens of the World by Jeremy Thompson licensed under CC by 2.0
Thousand Oaks
Chris Traeger might tell you that running is literally the greatest thing a human being can do. But if you’re looking for a more leisurely approach to staying active, head to the hiking trails at Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks. This beautiful outdoor destination provided the backdrop for some of Pawnee’s outdoor scenes, including Leslie and Ron’s big confrontation in season seven’s “The Fight.”
If you’re up for a walk, take the trail to Paradise Falls—a picturesque 40-foot waterfall that you may recognize from the show. It’s a relatively easy hike, but if you want to make Chris proud, you can power walk the whole thing. Not far from Wildwood is the Los Robles Greens Golf Course, another location that appeared in Parks and Rec. If you’re in the mood for a round of golf, you can take a swing in the same place where several Pawnee government discussions played out under the guise of “relaxed” golf outings.
Norwalk
Want to play a few rounds of mini-golf on the course that Leslie fought so hard to save? Head over to Golf N’ Stuff in Norwalk. This family-friendly spot doubled as Putt Putt, the Pawnee mini-golf course at the center of one of the show’s many city council battles. In addition to mini-golf, the “‘N Stuff” includes go-karts, bumper boats, and a full arcade. It’s worth setting aside at least part of your day for some friendly competition. Just don’t get too heated over the mini-golf course design—the last thing you want is to turn into a Councilman Jamm about it.
North Hills
If you want to visit JJ’s Diner in its early seasons, that would be Kountry Folks Restaurant in North Hills. This down-home Southern-style diner stood in for everyone’s favorite breakfast spot before a different restaurant took over in later episodes. The actual exterior shots of JJ’s, though, were filmed all the way in Atlanta, Georgia, so unless you plan to extend your trip, you’ll have to settle for a plate of waffles closer to LA. Sure, this trip might have you zipping from town to town, but if you’re truly dedicated—and not about to bail on a good time like a Jerry Gergich—you can map out a solid route and see it all.
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Arcadia
No Parks and Rec tour would be complete without a stop in the show’s other famous Indiana town: Eagleton. The ultra-wealthy neighbor to Pawnee was portrayed as obnoxiously luxurious, and in reality, many of its locations were filmed at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia. The beautifully manicured landscapes and sprawling gardens of the Arboretum were the perfect stand-in for Eagleton’s elite outdoor spaces. Unlike Eagleton, though, you don’t have to be absurdly wealthy to enjoy them.
Next to the Arboretum is Santa Anita Park, a historic horse racing track that also made appearances in the show. Even if there’s no race happening on the day of your visit, the track and its surrounding park make for a great stop while you’re in Arcadia. If you’re planning your trip around a meal and want to experience something that feels worthy of the finer tastes of Eagleton residents, you could check out one of Arcadia’s well-rated restaurants and treat yourself to a meal nicer than anything Pawnee’s food scene could offer (except, of course, for JJ’s waffles).
FAQs:
Q: Do I need a car to visit these locations?
A: Yes, a car is highly recommended. The filming locations are spread out across Los Angeles County, and public transportation options are limited. Rideshare services can work, but costs will add up with the longer distances.
Q: Are there guided Parks and Rec location tours available?
A: There are no official tours dedicated to Parks and Rec, but some general Hollywood location tours may include Pasadena City Hall. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to plan a self-guided trip.
Q: What’s a great time of year to visit?
A: Southern California has mild weather year-round, but spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures. If you plan to visit outdoor spots like Wildwood Regional Park, avoid the hotter summer months.
Q: Can I go inside Pasadena City Hall?
A: Yes! Visitors can walk through the courtyard and first-floor hallways. The building is an active government office, so certain areas may be restricted, but you can still enjoy the iconic exterior.
Q: Is JJ’s Diner a real place I can eat at?
A: Not exactly. Different diners were used for filming throughout the series. While Kountry Folks in North Hills served as an early JJ’s interior, it’s not officially associated with the show.
Q: Did they actually film in Indiana at all?
A: No, Parks and Rec was filmed entirely in California and Georgia. However, the show’s creators researched real Indiana towns, and some Indiana-specific details—like Sweetums and the rivalry with Eagleton—were inspired by real Midwestern culture.
Have you ever visited these famous ‘Parks and Rec’ spots around the U.S.? Tell us your thoughts below!
Featured Image: Parks and Recreation by Peabody Awards licensed under CC by 2.0
