25 GTA 5 Locations That Are Based on Actual Real-World Places

Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5) is not just a testament to Rockstar Games’ attention to detail, but also a tribute to real-life locations. This game, one of the best-selling titles of all time, takes players on a journey through a world filled with places strikingly similar to actual spots in Los Angeles and the broader California region. For players looking to deepen their experience, GTA modded accounts offer an enriched way to explore these meticulously crafted locations. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic GTA 5 locations and their real-life counterparts:

1. Bishop’s WTF?! (Based on Ripley’s Believe It or Not!)

Located on Vinewood Boulevard, this museum showcases the bizarre and extraordinary, akin to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! on Hollywood Boulevard.

2. The Vinewood Bowl (Based on The Hollywood Bowl)

This outdoor amphitheater in the Vinewood Hills is a perfect replica of the Hollywood Bowl, hosting various concerts and events.

3. The Oriental Theater (Based on Grauman’s Chinese Theater)

A key location for premieres in the game, mirroring the iconic Grauman’s Chinese Theater, famous for its celebrity handprints and footprints.

4. The Vinewood Von Crastenburg Hotel (Based on The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel)

Featuring a Spanish-style exterior, this hotel in the game resembles the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in L.A.

5. Tequi-la-la (Based on Whisky A Go Go)

A trendy nightclub in Vinewood, drawing inspiration from the legendary Whisky a Go Go on Sunset Boulevard, known for hosting famous bands and artists.

6. Galileo Observatory: A Look at the Stars

The Galileo Observatory in GTA 5 may not have functional capabilities for players, but it’s a prime spot for a panoramic view of Los Santos. Based on the real-life Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, this location in the game is a nod to one of California’s renowned landmarks. While you can’t enter the observatory, you can use telescopes around it for a small fee. In the future, perhaps GTA 6 will offer a chance to explore inside such iconic buildings.

7. The Iconic Vinewood Sign: Los Santos’ Hollywood

The Vinewood sign is GTA 5’s version of the world-famous Hollywood sign. Overlooking the city, it stands as a beacon for the Vinewood district, similar to its real-life counterpart in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Though players can’t climb this sign, it remains a significant visual element in the game, adding to the immersive experience.

8. Del Perro Pier: Santa Monica’s Virtual Twin

Del Perro Pier in GTA 5 draws its inspiration from the real-world Santa Monica Pier. This iconic Californian location is recreated with striking similarity in the game, capturing the essence of the bustling beachfront area known for its rides, games, and scenic views.

9. Vespucci Beach: GTA’s Venice Beach

Vespucci Beach, a popular destination in GTA 5, mirrors the vibrant and eclectic Venice Beach. With its Pacific Ocean views and bustling boardwalk, this in-game beach captures the unique atmosphere of its real-life counterpart. Players frequent Vespucci Beach for various activities, just like visitors do at Venice Beach.

10. Big Creek Bridge: Inspired by Bixby Bridge

The Big Creek Bridge in GTA 5, located along the game’s western highway, is modeled after the Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, California. This architectural marvel in the game reflects the elegance and grandeur of the real-life bridge, offering a picturesque view over the in-game ocean and adjacent mountains.

11. Playboy Mansion Easter Egg: Hugh Hefner’s Legacy

The Playboy Mansion in GTA 5 comes alive at night, just like its real-world inspiration. Complete with a grotto and party atmosphere, this Easter egg pays homage to Hugh Hefner’s legendary mansion in Los Angeles, ensuring that its cultural impact continues even in the virtual world.

12. Marlowe Vineyard: Reminiscent of Malibu Rocky Oaks

Nestled in the northern hills of Los Santos, Marlowe Vineyard in GTA 5 is likely modeled after the Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyard. With a house atop the hill and sprawling vineyards, this location is a must-visit for players seeking breathtaking views and a taste of luxury winemaking.

13. Mount Chiliad: Echoes of Mount San Jacinto

Mount Chiliad, the tallest mountain in GTA 5, is shrouded in mystery and conspiracy theories, much like its possible real-life counterpart, Mount San Jacinto. Its rugged terrain and mysterious aura make it a focal point for adventurous players seeking thrills and exploration.

14. Los Santos Storm Drain: Reflecting the Los Angeles River

The Los Santos Storm Drain in GTA 5 is a reimagined version of the Los Angeles River. Known for its concrete embankments, this location is featured in various races and missions. While the game’s representation is smaller compared to the real-life river, it captures the essence of the iconic L.A. landmark.

15. Rancho Towers: Resembling Watts Towers

Rancho Towers in GTA 5, located in southern Los Santos, is based on the real-life Watts Towers in Los Angeles. Designed by Sabato Rodia, the Watts Towers are known for their unique architectural style, which the game replicates as a decorative feature in the virtual world.

16. Legion Square: GTA’s Pershing Square

In the heart of downtown Los Santos lies Legion Square, closely resembling Pershing Square in Los Angeles. This colorful and vibrant area is a hub for various side missions and is a near-exact replica of its real-world counterpart, featuring distinctive buildings and sculptures.

17. Badger Building: Modeled After Capitol Records

The Badger Building in GTA 5, located in the Vinewood area, echoes the famous Capitol Records building. Known for its production of albums for iconic artists like the Beatles, this building’s design in the game is a nod to the real-world music industry landmark.

18. Liquor Ace: GTA’s Carniceria Toro Loco

Liquor Ace in GTA 5, used by Trevor Philips for various missions, is based on the real Carniceria Toro Loco in Mecca, California. This attention to detail by Rockstar Games extends even to the smallest locations, adding authenticity to the game’s world.

19. Maze Bank Arena: Inspired by The Forum

The Maze Bank Arena in GTA 5, located in southern Los Santos, is based on The Forum in Inglewood, California. Formerly home to the Los Angeles Lakers, this in-game stadium hosts various events, mirroring the real-world venue’s significance.

20. Kortz Center: Echoes of Getty Center

Just outside Los Santos, the Kortz Center, a museum in GTA 5, is inspired by the Getty Center in Los Angeles. This cultural landmark in the game is the setting for key missions and mirrors the Getty Center’s architectural style and art collection.

21. El Gordo Lighthouse: Based on Point Fermin Lighthouse

The El Gordo Lighthouse in GTA 5, located in Cape Catfish, is inspired by the real Point Fermin L

ighthouse in San Pedro, California. This picturesque location is featured in the game’s heists and remains a cultural landmark, much like its real-world inspiration.

22. Morningwood: Los Santos’ Westwood

In GTA 5, Morningwood is a playfully named area based on the real Westwood in Los Angeles. This bustling neighborhood in the game includes parodies of well-known brands and landmarks, offering a virtual tour of LA’s commercial and residential landscape.

23. Hookies: A Nod to Neptune’s Net

Hookies, located on the Great Ocean Highway in GTA 5, is heavily influenced by Neptune’s Net in Malibu, California. Famous for its seafood and as a biker bar, this location has been featured in various films and TV shows, and its in-game counterpart offers a similar ambiance.

24. ULSA: Los Santos’ UCLA

The University of San Andreas, Los Santos (ULSA) in GTA 5 is a fictional representation of the renowned UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles). The university campus in the game is a hotspot for various missions and heists, echoing the vibrant academic atmosphere of its real-life counterpart.

25. Portola Drive: GTA’s Rodeo Drive

Portola Drive in GTA 5 is the game’s version of the luxurious Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Known for its high-end shopping and affluent residents, this iconic location in Los Santos is central to several game missions, offering players a taste of the opulent lifestyle.

For an enhanced experience in exploring these and other locations in GTA 5, consider acquiring GTA modded accounts. These accounts can provide extra in-game GTA money and other benefits, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the rich and detailed world of Grand Theft Auto.