The glossy teen soap about a troubled kid taken in by a wealthy family in Orange County is set in Newport Beach – but filmed up the coast in and around Los Angeles, whose beaches doubled for the O.C.
Where was The O.C. filmed?
The O.C. was filmed in and around Los Angeles, California, standing in for Newport Beach.
Every The O.C. location, explained
1
Newport Beach – LA’s beaches
The seaside town used Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach and Malibu in the Los Angeles area.
2
The clifftops – Palos Verdes
Coastal mansions used Rancho Palos Verdes, near Los Angeles.
3
The school – the LA area
Harbor High School used campuses around Los Angeles.
4
Orange County – the setting
The show is set in Newport Beach, Orange County.
Planning a visit
The beaches of the Los Angeles area – which doubled for the O.C. – are accessible and iconic.
The O.C. Fun Facts
1
Newport Beach filmed in LA The Orange County show used LA-area beaches like Redondo and Malibu.
2
'Welcome to the O.C.' The show’s catchphrase became instantly famous.
3
A teen soap phenomenon The show defined a wave of glossy 2000s teen dramas.
4
A star-making soundtrack The show’s indie soundtrack was hugely influential.
5
The Cohens The Cohen family take in troubled teen Ryan Atwood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was The O.C. filmed?
In and around Los Angeles, California, standing in for Newport Beach.
Is it set in Los Angeles?
No – it’s set in Newport Beach, Orange County, but filmed in the LA area.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – the LA-area beaches are accessible.
What is it about?
A troubled teen taken in by a wealthy Orange County family.
When did it start?
2003.
