Where was The Mandalorian filmed? Discover the desert worlds and high-tech sets used to film the scenes that brought Grogu and Din Djarin’s world to life.
If you’ve ever hit pause on The Mandalorian right as Din Djarin strolls into a dusty cantina, Grogu snacks in hand, and thought, “Okay… which planet is that really?”- welcome, fellow bounty hunter.
Between Krayt Dragon showdowns, Bo-Katan throne rooms, pirate ports, and Jedi seeing stones, the show makes it feel like we’re jumping hyperspace every ten minutes.
But here’s the twist worthy of a plot reveal: most of that galaxy far, far away was built inside one California studio using tech so wild it fooled even seasoned Star Wars nerds.
We’re talking glowing LED worlds, clever backlot deserts, and a few real locations where stormtroopers actually tripped over real rocks.
So grab your jetpack, cue the Ludwig Göransson score in your head, and let’s track down the real filming locations behind every blaster duel, Grogu coo, and “This is the way” moment.
Table of Contents
🚀 Where Was The Mandalorian Filmed?
Whether you’re curious about Mandalorian Season 1, 2, or 3, or the new movie, here’s the full guide to the real filming locations and real-world places used in The Mandalorian that fans can travel to today. This is the way!
🪨 Rocky Peak Park – Grogu’s Force Beacon Planet
One of the few real outdoor filming locations used was Rocky Peak Park in Simi Valley, California. It’s the place where Grogu sat on the seeing stone, and Boba Fett wrecked stormtroopers.
This dramatic hiking area doubled as the Jedi planet Tython in Season 2, where Grogu reached out through the Force. It’s one of the rare places you can actually stand where the show was filmed.
The location was chosen because it already looked alien without needing much CGI. Fans who hike there still recognize the rocks from the episode.
🎯 What Was Filmed Here
- Grogu Seeing Stone Scene – Grogu contacting the Jedi
- Boba Fett Return Fight – Jetpack chaos and stormtroopers flying
- Dark Trooper Arrival – Dramatic cliffside moments
⭐ What To See Here
- The rocky plateau used as the seeing stone site
- Hiking trails with recognizable cliffs
- Great sunset photo spots
🤓 Fan Trivia
- It’s a popular LA hiking trail.
- Minimal CGI was used – the rocks are real.
- Fans visit and pose like Grogu on the stone.
- It’s only about an hour from Los Angeles.
Travel Tip: Bring water. It’s hotter than Tatooine in summer.
🌄 Alabama Hills – Classic Star Wars Landscape
Near Lone Pine, California, Alabama Hills provided sweeping desert visuals used for background plates and inspiration.
The rock arches and open terrain have appeared in hundreds of Western films, making them perfect for Star Wars’ cowboy-in-space aesthetic.
These shots were blended into digital environments inside the Volume, helping planets feel more real without full location shoots. It’s proof that Star Wars still loves classic Western scenery.
🎯 What Was Filmed Here
- Wide Desert Establishing Shots
- Tatooine-Style Background Plates
- Landscape References for Virtual Sets
⭐ What To See Here
The iconic rock formations near Lone Pine inspired many desert environments.
- Movie Road scenic drive
- Mobius Arch Loop Trailhead
- Wide desert landscapes
Travel Tip: Sunrise lighting looks straight out of Star Wars.
🤓 Fan Trivia
- The area appears in many old Westerns and sci-fi films.
- Mount Whitney often hides in the background.
- The terrain inspired multiple Mandalorian planets.
- Hundreds of Westerns have been filmed here.
- Star Trek and Iron Man scenes, too.
- Used for Mandalorian background plates.
🌌 Manhattan Beach Studios – The Real Heart of the Galaxy
When people ask where The Mandalorian was filmed, this is the biggest answer. Manhattan Beach Studios in California hosted most of the show using the famous StageCraft “Volume.”
Instead of green screens, actors performed inside a giant LED wall showing real-time environments. This let Pedro Pascal ride across fake deserts that looked completely real – and made lighting reflections accurate on Beskar armor.
The technique helped create dozens of planets without leaving Los Angeles, which is why most scenes across Seasons 1-3 were shot here.
🎯 What Was Filmed Here
- Tatooine Interiors – Cantinas, mechanic shops, bounty hunter hideouts
- Nevarro City – Streets with Greef Karga and Cara Dune
- Mandalore Scenes – Bo-Katan throne rooms and cave sequences
- Luke Skywalker Finale – Grogu’s emotional goodbye
⭐ What To See Here
You can’t tour inside the Volume, but you can visit Manhattan Beach and the surrounding area, where most filming happened.
- Manhattan Beach Pier
- Studio exterior area
- Local Star Wars filming landmarks
Travel Tip: Combine with a beach day – Din Djarin would approve.
🤓 Fan Trivia
- Almost every planet was filmed here.
- StageCraft changed Hollywood filmmaking.
- Same tech used for Marvel shows.
- The LED screens are 20 feet tall and wrap around actors.
- Reflections on Mando’s helmet are real, not CGI.
- This filming technique changed how Hollywood makes sci-fi.
🏜️ El Segundo Backlot – The Desert Without Leaving LA
Some fans assume all desert scenes were shot in Tunisia, like the original Star Wars films. Nope. Many iconic dusty scenes were filmed on a huge outdoor set in El Segundo, California.
So yes, many Tatooine scenes were filmed a short drive from LAX. Production built entire Western-style towns with real sand, props, and buildings. This gave actors sunlight, wind, and shadows that looked authentic on camera.
It also explains why so many gunfights feel like classic cowboy movies.
🎯 What Was Filmed Here
- Mos Pelgo Town – Cobb Vanth’s showdown episode
- Tusken Raider Camps – Cultural scenes from Season 2
- Speeder Bike Chases – Early bounty hunter missions
- Saloon Interiors – Western-style cantina duels
🤓 Fan Trivia
- Truckloads of sand were imported for realism.
- The Krayt Dragon skeleton used practical effects.
- Directors wanted a Sergio Leone Western vibe.
🎬 The Mandalorian and Grogu Filming Locations
The upcoming movie, The Mandalorian & Grogu, continues using Manhattan Beach Studios and upgraded StageCraft tech. Reports suggest filming started in California with new backlot builds and possible outdoor plates captured for digital environments.
Expect familiar production tricks: real puppetry for Grogu, practical sets for close-ups, and digital worlds for huge space scenes. The movie will likely reuse the same locations that powered Season 3 while expanding into new planets built virtually.
🎯 What We Know So Far
- Manhattan Beach Studios remains the main filming location
- New California desert sets built for action scenes
- Limited outdoor shoots for realism
- Upgraded LED tech for better reflections
So the galaxy keeps expanding – without leaving California. If outdoor scenes are confirmed later, fan tours will definitely follow. Stay tuned, bounty hunter 👀
Possible visitable areas in the future:
- California desert sets
- Rocky Peak-style locations
- Studio exterior landmarks
🤓 Fan Trivia
- Grogu is still a puppet in most shots.
- Directors said the movie will feel bigger than the show.
- StageCraft has improved since Season 1.
🛣️ 5-Day Mandalorian Road Trip
Pack your jetpack and cue the theme from The Mandalorian. This 5-day road trip (Google map link) takes you from Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Grogu’s Force beacon rock to iconic desert vistas every fan should see.
Day 1-2 – Anaheim
Day 3 – Los Angeles
Day 4 – Rocky Peak Park
- Hike the Rocky Peak trail
- Pose like Grogu and take photos
- Have a sunset picnic
Day 5 – Lone Pine & Alabama Hills
- Visit the Museum of Western Film History
- Hike to the Mobius Arch Loop trailhead
- Get spectacular arch photography at sunset
You’ll feel like part of the Mandalorian cast without dodging blaster fire.
❓ Mandalorian Filming FAQ
⭐ When does The Mandalorian take place?
Five years after Return of the Jedi.
⭐ Where was The Mandalorian filmed?
Mostly at Manhattan Beach Studios and California backlots, with a few outdoor scenes in places like Rocky Peak Park.
⭐ Where was The Mandalorian filmed in Season 1?
Primarily, Manhattan Beach Studios and the El Segundo desert set.
⭐ Where was The Mandalorian filmed in Season 2?
Same studios plus Rocky Peak Park for the Tython battle scenes.
⭐ Where was The Mandalorian filmed in Season 3?
Mostly Manhattan Beach Studios with new backlot builds.
⭐ Where were The Mandalorian desert scenes filmed?
El Segundo backlot and landscape plates from Alabama Hills.
⭐ Is The Mandalorian over?
No. The story continues with The Mandalorian and Grogu movie and potential future seasons.
⭐ Will there be a Season 4 of The Mandalorian?
Lucasfilm has hinted that the story may continue after the movie.
⭐ Who plays the Mandalorian?
Pedro Pascal is Din Djarin, supported by stunt performers.
From glowing LED worlds to real desert rocks under California skies, The Mandalorian proves you don’t need hyperspace to build a galaxy – you just need imagination, great tech, and a tiny green co-pilot stealing snacks between takes.
Next time Din Djarin walks into a cantina, or Grogu reaches out through the Force, you’ll know exactly where that magic came from… and maybe even plan a fan pilgrimage of your own.
This is the way. 🪖
Disclaimer: This fan guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lucasfilm Ltd., Disney, or any related companies. Star Wars and The Mandalorian are trademarks of their respective owners. Images are used under license, public domain, or fair use for commentary and education.
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