Explore the Iconic Filming Locations of Vertigo with My Ultimate Map Guide

Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958) remains one of the most visually captivating films in cinema history. Its haunting story is deeply intertwined with the city of San Francisco, where many memorable scenes were shot. If you’re a fan of classic films, urban exploration, or just curious about the real places behind the movies, this guide will take you on a detailed journey through the iconic filming locations of Vertigo.

If you prefer to watch, you can check out the filming locations video on YouTube, where we walk through each site and share behind-the-scenes stories. While there, be sure to subscribe and also subscribe to my newsletter to stay updated on future videos!

If you’ve ever wanted to walk in the footsteps of Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958), this guide is for you. Below you’ll find a Google Map with all of the Vertigo filming locations I visited in my YouTube video, plus a few additional sites that didn’t make it into the final cut of my tour.

This is the definitive list of Vertigo filming locations in San Francisco and beyond — from the Golden Gate Bridge and Fort Point to the Palace of Fine Arts, Mission San Juan Bautista, and the Legion of Honor. These landmarks are central to the haunting world Hitchcock created for James Stewart and Kim Novak in his 1958 masterpiece.

The Ultimate Map Guide to Vertigo’s Filming Locations

While nearly every real-life spot from Vertigo can still be visited today, a few exist only in memory. Ernie’s Restaurant, for example, wasn’t filmed in the actual San Francisco location but recreated on a Hollywood soundstage. The McKittrick Hotel and the nearby church, seen in those early scenes when Scottie is following Madeleine, were sadly torn down long ago.

🎞️ About Vertigo (1958)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Vertigo stars James Stewart and Kim Novak in a story of obsession, mystery, and illusion set against the moody backdrop of 1950s San Francisco. Today, it remains one of the most visually striking and psychologically complex films in classic Hollywood history — a must-see for fans of vintage cinema and Old Hollywood locations.

Opening Rooftop Chase

While I couldn’t access these rooftops myself to capture the exact camera angles, therefore choosing to leave this location out of my video, you can still explore the area using the Google Map I’ve included above. The thrilling opening chase sequence from Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958) was filmed on location, with the camera panning right to left from Washington Street, across the rooftops of 1302 to 1360 Taylor Street. Reels SF has an excellent deep dive into this scene — it’s definitely worth checking out!

Midge’s Apartment

Although Midge’s apartment building has since been torn down, the photo below (taken in 1970) offers a clearer look at what it was like during the time of filming , it perfectly matches the brief glimpse we see in Vertigo. Standing in that area today, you can still take in the same sweeping city view that appeared from Midge’s window in the film.

The apartment building in 1970

Twin Peaks

We only get a quick panning shot of San Francisco from this spot in Vertigo (1958), but it’s instantly recognizable. If you visit Twin Peaks, you’ll see nearly the same breathtaking view of the city skyline that Alfred Hitchcock captured. There’s parking at the top, but be prepared for some wild winds!

Madeleine’s Apartment — The Brocklebank Apartments

This elegant location, known as the Brocklebank Apartments, appears several times throughout Vertigo. We see Madeleine pulling into the driveway, shots across the street in front of the Fairmont Hotel, and views facing the Pacific-Union Club on Mason Street.The best part? This corner of Nob Hill looks almost identical today as it did in Hitchcock’s 1958 classic — a rare time capsule of Old Hollywood elegance in modern San Francisco.

Podesta Baldocchi (Flower Shop)

The Podesta Baldocchi Florist was one of the oldest operating flower shops in San Francisco, and Hitchcock filmed the interior scenes here — something quite rare for him, as he typically used soundstages. Though the shop has since closed, the space remains one of Vertigo’s most atmospheric real-world filming locations.

Mission Dolores

The Mission Dolores adobe chapel, completed in 1791, is the oldest intact structure in San Francisco. In Vertigo, this is where Scottie follows Madeleine as she stands quietly before Carlotta Valdes’ grave — one of the film’s most haunting and symbolic moments.

Argosy Bookstore

I didn’t visit this spot since there’s very little to see today. Best I can tell, the Argosy Bookstore wasn’t a real San Francisco shop — the scene was filmed on a soundstage, with a projected background of the city visible through the window. That real street view was actually shot from the entrance of a hotel across the st, not a bookstore. The set itself was reportedly modeled after the real Argonaut Bookstore, while the exterior may have been inspired by Tillman Place Book Shop, once located across the street from Podesta Baldocchi.

The Alley ("Behind Podesta Baldocchi")

Despite what the film implies, this alleyway didn’t actually connect to the real Podesta Baldocchi shop — that flower shop was about a block away. Today, the alley is boarded up, but you can still see the outline of the old doors once used in Hitchcock’s Vertigo chase sequence. It’s a hidden piece of film history tucked within the city.

Legion of Honor

The Legion of Honor Museum, overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, appears multiple times in Vertigo as Madeleine (Kim Novak) visits the portrait of Carlotta Valdes. The museum’s neoclassical architecture, tranquil courtyards, and dramatic views perfectly capture the film’s haunting, elegant mood — making it one of the most memorable Vertigo filming locations in San Francisco.

McKittrick Hotel

I didn’t include this one in my video since both the McKittrick Hotel and the adjacent church seen in Vertigo are long gone. However, if you visit the area, you’ll still find the same benches across the street!

Fort Point (Golden Gate Bridge)

The Golden Gate Bridge serves almost as a silent character in Vertigo. The dramatic rescue scene, where Scottie saves Madeleine from the bay, was filmed at Fort Point, directly beneath the bridge. It’s one of the most iconic Vertigo filming locations — and the sweeping views of the bay and bridge are absolutely breathtaking in person. There's a fence up now so you can't go to where Scottie and Madeleine jumped in.

Scottie’s Apartment & Coit Tower

Coit Tower looms beautifully in the background of the scenes outside Scottie’s apartment. Unfortunately, the actual apartment building no longer resembles its 1958 appearance — around 2012, the owners modified the façade and added a wall to deter curious Vertigo fans. Still, it’s worth a stop; you’re just down the street from Lombard Street, the famed “crookedest street in the world” so you can check out both!

Palace of Fine Arts

Only a few quick tracking shots of the Palace of Fine Arts appear in Vertigo, but it’s well worth a visit for its architectural grandeur alone. This landmark is one of San Francisco’s most beautiful film locations.

Mission San Juan Bautista plays one of the most important roles in Vertigo’s story. Amazingly, the mission remains almost unchanged today, with one big exception: the bell tower wasn’t real. The famous tower was built as a Hollywood set, and Hitchcock used a scale model turned on its side to achieve the now-legendary “Vertigo effect,” the opposite zoom and tracking shot that visually conveys Scottie’s fear of heights.

Cypress Lawn Memorial Park

Though seen only briefly in Vertigo (1958), Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, California adds another haunting layer to Hitchcock’s vision of mortality and memory. If you’d like to visit, look for the tall obelisk in East Side Section 1 within the Linden Avenue circle. It’s a peaceful and eerie spot — classic Hitchcock atmosphere.

Scottie Can’t Sleep — Union Square

This quick nighttime scene shows James Stewart’s Scottie wandering through Union Square, surrounded by the glow of mid-century San Francisco. It’s just a moment, but it captures the loneliness and psychological tension that define the film. You can still stand in the same spot today — one of the busiest intersections of Vertigo’s San Francisco.

Scottie’s Nervous Breakdown — St. Joseph’s Hospital

During filming, St. Joseph’s Hospital was a functioning medical facility, used for the sequence depicting Scottie’s breakdown after Madeleine’s death. Today, the building has been converted into condos, but its façade remains recognizable — a fascinating stop for fans tracing Vertigo’s filming history.

Ransohoff’s Department Store & Flower Stall

In Vertigo, Scottie takes Judy to a flower stall across the street before heading into the famous Ransohoff’s Department Store, a real San Francisco landmark at the time. Sadly, Ransohoff’s has long since closed. Hitchcock recreated the store interiors on a soundstage, using real props and merchandise from the actual shop to maintain authenticity. It’s a perfect blend of real location and Hollywood artifice — a signature Hitchcock touch.

August Hall — The Vertigo Premiere

Though not a filming location, August Hall is an essential stop for Vertigo fans — it’s where the film premiered on May 9, 1958. It's in Union Square, so near to other spots on the map.

Photo from the premiere

Ernie’s, Big Basin, and the Coastline Kiss Scene

I didn’t make it to the Big Basin or coastline locations where Scottie and Madeleine share their first kiss, but they remain among the most romantic Vertigo settings. As for Ernie’s Restaurant, it closed many years ago — and even when open, it wasn’t used for filming. Both the interior and exterior scenes were shot on a soundstage, inspired by the restaurant’s real-life design.

How to Use the Map for Your Visit

Our interactive map marks each location mentioned here!

Here are some tips for making the most of your visit:

• Start early to avoid crowds, especially at popular spots like Fort Point and the Palace of Fine Arts.

• Wear comfortable shoes; many locations involve walking

• Respect private properties and local regulations while exploring.

  
  
  
  

What Makes Vertigo’s Locations Timeless?

Many of the locations used in Vertigo have changed little since the 1950s. This preservation allows visitors to step back in time and experience the film’s atmosphere firsthand. The blend of natural beauty and urban architecture creates a unique setting that continues to captivate audiences.

The film’s locations also highlight San Francisco’s diverse character—from historic missions to modern cityscapes. This variety keeps the exploration interesting and visually rich.

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