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Yes, the hit medical drama Grey’s Anatomy is still airing on ABC and season 21 is in full swing. While the focus of the show is Meredith Grey and the doctors working at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital – be prepared for breakups, makeups and scandals – all the drama is set against the picturesque (and sometimes rainy) backdrop of Seattle.
Seattle has been a dazzling setting for so many movies and TV shows but Shonda Rhimes’ hit show (she’s also the producer of Bridgerton!) has brought even more pop culture love to the Emerald City. Despite being set in Seattle, however, much of the Grey’s Anatomy filming is done in LA on sets – though the show features many beautiful establishing shots of Seattle itself for that authenticity.
The Grey’s fandom is real and alive, even though they’re always killing off our fave characters, so, when you are done bingeing all 360+ hours of the show and are ready to ditch the screen and see the charming city IRL, here are all the Grey’s Anatomy filming locations in California and Washington state you have to visit…
Where is Grey’s Anatomy filmed?
While the show is set in Seattle, most of the show’s filming is done in LA on a studio set. That being said, there are exceptions, and certain places like Meredith’s house as well as various dramatic and disastrous scenes, are filmed on location in Seattle and other places.
Certain portions of the filming were also shot in Vancouver, though these shots are primarily used as B-Roll footage and the cast themselves rarely travel there. If you’re in awe of the natural beauty, you know where to travel.
Image source:Levi Jones / unsplash
Grey’s Anatomy filming locations
1. KOMO Plaza
The KOMO TV News Plaza is where Seattle’s leading news source is housed. It comprises two buildings adjacent to the city’s iconic Space Needle and it’s an important news and data centre, but for Grey’s Anatomy it serves as the exterior of the hospital. The helipad on the roof features in many dramatic shots!
2. Kerry Park
The Grey’s Anatomy cast and crew have been spotted numerous times filming at Kerry Park. It’s no secret that the park offers one of the most picture-perfect views of downtown Seattle, Mount Rainer, Elliott Bay, Bainbridge Island, and the Space Needle. It’s kind of the place to be if you’re ever in the area…
Fans will recognise it from their TV screen right away. If you’re visiting on a clear day, grab a coffee and stay awhile to catch the stunning sunset at this beautiful Grey’s Anatomy filming location.
3. Bainbridge Island Ferry docks
If you’ve ever watched an episode of Grey’s and seen a character take a ferry ride around the city, this is where it’s most likely been shot. Bainbridge Island Ferry is a terminal for the city’s ferries, and if you’re out and about chasing Grey’s Anatomy filming locations then this is something you can actually do! You can’t visit Seattle and not catch a ferry ride.
It’s a great way of viewing the city from the water and admiring the impressive skyline. You can take different routes which will each offer different views: some of downtown Seattle, others of nature-filled inlets and wildlife. The rides are under 45 minutes as well, just enough time to live like a local and enjoy another cup of coffee. If nothing else, do it for our ferry-lover McSteamy.
4. Calamigos Ranch
Calamigos Ranch, located in Malibu, is a stunning area which was used as the backdrop for a certain couple’s wedding. You can visit the ranch – or even host your own wedding here – for a really pretty day out in California. The ranch has been used for many other productions in the past, so they’re no strangers to having cameras and Hollywood actors traipsing through the property.
5. The Seattle waterfront
Walk along the Seattle waterfront to see the famed Pike Place Market, eat clam chowder at Ivar’s, head inside the Seattle Aquarium, or walk down to the ferry pier. This classic Grey’s Anatomy filming location will transport you to one of the most intense scenes of the entire show, where Meredith almost drowns in the middle of a rescue mission.
Obviously, you’ll be making more positive memories while visiting the Emerald City and a walk along the waterfront is perfect any time of year.
6. Fremont Bridge
Cross the iconic drawbridge that connects two of Seattle’s coolest neighbourhoods: Fremont and Queen Anne, and take a walk in Meredith’s shoes through her stomping grounds. While you’re in the area, make sure to stop by and say hi to the Fremont troll.
The cement troll is an 18ft tall public sculpture and resides under the Aurora Bride. The troll is the result of an art competition back in the 1980s, when artists were called to rehabilitate the area, which was becoming a dumping ground. The winning team of sculptors created the troll, inspired by the story, Billy Goat’s Gruff.
7. Poo Poo Point
Venture a bit outside of the city to Poo Poo Point and you’ll find yourself in one of the best MerDer (Meredith & Derek’s ship name) moments… yes the iconic ‘Candle House’ scene where Meredith builds their dream house out of candles. I’m not crying, you’re crying. A hike up to Poo Poo Point is absolutely breathtaking, on clear days you can see Mount Rainier to the South and from the North you’ll get an expansive view of the entire Seattle Metro area.
8. The Space Needle
Grey’s fans are sure to recognize the iconic Seattle landmark from all of the posters and city skyline views throughout the series. In fact, even non-Grey’s fans will recognise this skyscraper as it’s incredibly famous! It’s a must-visit Grey’s Anatomy filming location, so be sure to plan a ride to the top. A visit to the observation tower will take your trip to the next level and beyond.
9. The Intern House
You die-hard fans have to head to the infamous Intern House located at 303 W Comstock Street to get the ultimate Grey’s Anatomy IG pic. It’s one of the most iconic Grey’s Anatomy filming locations. Across the seasons, almost all of the interns at the hospital lived in this house. The real house was built in 1905, located on Queen Anne Hill, and is now worth over $1.8 million.
Remember the house does have residents, so be sure to stay on the sidewalk and after you’re done visiting stay and explore the neighbourhood. You’ll find cool and quirky cafes, shops, and restaurants, plus if you walk to the top of the hill expect amazing sweeping views of Seattle.
10. Los Feliz Prospect Studios
As you can imagine, most of Grey’s Anatomy was not filmed in a real hospital – this would probably be pretty disruptive for the doctors’ work. So, all the intense medical drama which the show revolves around is all filmed in the Los Feliz Prospect Studios in LA. You won’t necessarily be able to visit these, but you can certainly stand outside and imagine all the magic happening within!
11. Big Bear Lake
Real Grey’s fans know that Big Bear Lake is where a major and traumatic event happens in season 8. We won’t spoil it but, you’ll need tissues… If you’re over the trauma however, then this is a Grey’s Anatomy filming location that’s well worth a visit!
Big Bear Lake is iconic in California because of its sheer natural beauty. The lake has a mirror-like surface and plenty of lush woods all around and hiking trails. It’s an adventure lover’s dream and you can head here for some walking, climbing, kayaking, and so much more. That way if you end up crying a little, you can just blame the sweat.
