Lights, Camera, Nevada: Set-Jetting takes centre stage across the Silver State
- May 18
- 4 min read
18 May 2026: From the glittering neon-lit energy of Reno and Downtown Las Vegas, to vast desert backdrops, rugged nature and alpine lakes, Nevada has long provided a striking canvas for filmmakers.
With thousands of productions filmed across the state, there are many standout locations where set-jetting enthusiasts can experience their own movie moment.
Just a few of Nevada’s big-screen locations include:
Downtown Las Vegas - While the Las Vegas Strip often takes the spotlight, Downtown Las Vegas (DTLV) has established its own strong cinematic identity. It features in contemporary titles including Academy Award-winning Anora (2024) and the new series, Margo's Got Money Troubles (2026) with Michelle Pfeiffer saying ‘I do’ at Graceland Wedding Chapel following a night exploring Fremont Street. Downtown’s vintage neon glow has also appeared in classics such as Casino (1995) and The Hangover (2009). Visitors can explore recognisable landmarks including Fremont Street Experience and the Little White Wedding Chapel. Today, the six-block pedestrian precinct remains the original heart of the city, lined with classic casinos, open-air bars, live music, street performers, the Neon Museum, Mob Museum and SlotZilla zip line.
Reno - Once known primarily as a casino destination, Reno has redefined itself as a vibrant, multi-layered city blending public art, a bohemian retail scene, live music and standout dining across its walkable neighbourhoods. Its cinematic credentials includes Kingpin (1996), starring Woody Harrelson and Bill Murray, uses Reno’s bowling scene as its comedic anchor, while The Misfits (1961) featuring Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable, captures the stark Nevada landscape surrounding the glittering city. More recently, Waking Up in Reno (2002) starring Charlize Theron and the late Patrick Swayze, reflects the small-city casino atmosphere and road-trip energy. Beyond film, the “Biggest Little City in the World” sign is always a popular photo-stop, as is the Burning Man pedi-cab art tour taking in the desert festival’s former installations which have found a new home in Reno.
Fallon - “I feel the need, the need for speed!” The iconic line from Top Gun (1986) and Top Gun: Maverick (2022) was partly filmed in Nevada, with Fallon, east of Reno, serving as a key location. While the Naval Air Station is not open to the public, aviation enthusiasts can still view training activity from nearby vantage points, offering a real-world glimpse into the film’s backdrop. Known as “The Oasis of Nevada” for its historic waterways and outdoor recreation, Fallon also caters to speed seekers at the Top Gun Dragstrip, northern Nevada’s premier drag strip just south of town on Schurz Highway.
Northern Nevada (Empire, Gerlach and Fernley) - The Oscar-winning Nomadland (2020) showcased the raw beauty of Nevada’s desert landscapes just north of Reno, with the film starring Frances McDormand as a widow who leaves her life in Nevada to drift around the United States in her van. Travellers can follow in the film’s footsteps along State Route 447, exploring the remnants of the tiny desert township of Empire, neighbouring Gerlach, and Fernley home to the Desert Rose RV Park, where elements of the production remain visible.
Genoa and Carson City - The Sierra Nevada backdrop set the scene for Misery (1990), directed by Rob Reiner and starring Kathy Bates, with scenes filmed in and around Genoaand Carson City. More recently, The Mustang (2019), starring Matthias Schoenaerts, was also shot in Carson City, centering on the powerful connection between humans and wild horses. Travellers can experience this firsthand at Washoe Lake State Park, where wild mustangs still roam. Casa Grande, starring Lou Diamond Phillips, was released nationwide in theaters on 1 May, filmed in Genoa and Gardnerville, with scenes also filmed in Nevada’s state capital, Carson City. The movie captures a few of the iconic landscapes that define the region: Genoa Livestock Company, the silos along Genoa Lane, and Gardnerville's Desert Stream Farm all make an appearance on screen The region’s alpine scenery continues to draw filmmakers in search of dramatic mountain vistas.
Rachel - Along the otherworldly stretch of the Extraterrestrial Highway - steeped in the legend of Area 51 - Nevada leans all the way into its sci-fi credentials. This remote pocket of the state set the scene for Independence Day (1996) and its sequel Resurgence (2016), inviting travellers to channel their inner conspiracy theorist in the tiny town of Rachel home to the iconic Little A’Le’Inn, known for its burgers and film memorabilia.
Lake Tahoe - Renowned for its alpine drama and year-round cinematic appeal, Lake Tahoe continues to punch above its weight on screen, as a spectacular backdrop for cinematic blockbusters. Recent buzz includes The Last Showgirl (2024) with Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis, and Smokin’ Aces (2006), with its all-star cast including Ryan Reynolds, Ben Affleck, Andy Garcia, Jeremy Piven, Chris Pine and the late Ray Liotta. The area’s lakeside resorts and scenic lookouts continue to attract filmmakers and travellers alike.
Get a Little Out There with pro climber, Alex Honnold - Tune in and watch as the world-class rock climber explores his home state, in a series filmed in conjunction with Travel Nevada. From Black Canyon to the summit of Mt. Charleston, Alex climbs, hikes, and solos his favorite desert routes while reflecting on life, fame, family—and aliens.
As interest in film-inspired travel continues to grow, Nevada offers a ready-made itinerary for those looking to turn movie moments into real-world adventures. For more on Nevada’s set-jetting movie locations, visit travelnevada.com/nevada-magazine/ready-for-your-closeup.
SetJetters, a screen tourism app that lets travellers visit real-world film locations across the globe have partnered with Film Nevada to feature Nevada’s rich filming history, guide visitors to iconic and offbeat locations, and convert on-screen inspiration into real-world visitation. The “SetJetters: Movie Locations” app is available for download on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Find out how to Get a Little Out There in Nevada at travelnevada.com
ENDS
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