Unveiling its magic to audiences three decades ago, The Lost Boys enchanted moviegoers with its tale of two brothers, Jason Patric and Corey Haim, who stumbled upon a menacing group of youthful vampires haunting the fictional coastal town of Santa Carla.
With the majority of scenes filmed in the picturesque Santa Cruz County, The Lost Boys showcased the burgeoning talent of Patric, Haim, and Kiefer Sutherland before their rise to stardom. Against the backdrop of Santa Cruz’s scenic beaches, lively boardwalks, and captivating bridges, the movie’s story unfolded, leaving an indelible mark. Interestingly, several locations that served as the movie’s backdrop still stand, allowing enthusiasts to embark on an immersive journey into The Lost Boys’ realm, devoid of any nocturnal creatures.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Stretching along the picturesque coastline of Monterey Bay, the renowned Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk served as a prominent setting for many captivating sequences in The Lost Boys. It is here that the historic Looff Carousel took center stage in an early scene, introducing the infamous vampire gang led by Sutherland’s character. Additionally, the majestic Giant Dipper roller coaster loomed large in the background, heightening the film’s nighttime ambiance.
Address: 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Atlantis Fantasyworld Comic Book Shop
Nestled in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, the Atlantis Fantasyworld Comic Book Shop played a pivotal role in The Lost Boys. This eccentric establishment served as the meeting point between Haim’s character and the idiosyncratic Frog Brothers, played by Corey Feldman and Jamison Newlander. While the film portrayed it as part of the boardwalk, Atlantis Fantasyworld has been a cherished Santa Cruz landmark for over four decades. Although the original shop was lost to the devastating 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, owner Joe Ferrara, who even made a cameo appearance in The Lost Boys, continues to run the store at its new location on Cedar Street.
Address: 1020 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Santa Cruz Wharf
As the proud owner of the title “longest pier on the West Coast,” the Santa Cruz Wharf assumed a prominent role in The Lost Boys as the backdrop for Max’s Video Store. While the building currently houses the Santa Cruz Bay Company gift shop, the distinctive shape and entrance will undoubtedly trigger fond memories for ardent fans of the film.
Address: 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Pogonip Clubhouse
The exterior shots of the rustic house, the on-screen residence of Patric and Haim’s characters, were cleverly filmed at the Pogonip Country Club’s enchanting clubhouse. Nestled atop the scenic hills overlooking Santa Cruz, this unique property boasts a rich history as a former social club, golf course, and polo club. Although it has remained unoccupied for an extended period, the clubhouse continues to captivate hikers and adventurers who cross its path—rest assured, vampires need not apply.
Address: Pogonip Open Space Preserve, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
The Trestle Bridge
One of the most memorable scenes in The Lost Boys takes place on the Trestle Bridge, where the vampire gang gathers. Located outside of Santa Cruz, specifically in Santa Clarita, this iconic bridge spans a picturesque landscape. The Iron Horse Trailhead trestle bridge, once a haunting backdrop for the film, now invites pedestrians to cross over it, providing a serene and scenic experience.
Address: Iron Horse Trailhead, Magic Mountain Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
The Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium played host to the film’s climactic final battle between the protagonists and the vampire gang. This historic venue, known for hosting concerts and events, served as an epic setting for the film’s thrilling showdown, adding a touch of grandeur to the movie’s conclusion.
Address: 307 Church St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Edgewater Beach Apartment Complex
The Edgewater Beach Apartment Complex, located in Santa Cruz, served as the residence for the vampire gang in the film. The iconic building with its distinctive architecture provided a memorable backdrop for several scenes, showcasing the eerie allure of the vampire lair.
Address: 720 Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Santa Cruz Beach and Cliff Railway
The Santa Cruz Beach and Cliff Railway, also known as the Santa Cruz Scenic Railway, made a brief appearance in The Lost Boys. This historic railway, which operated from 1904 to 1926, was featured in a scene where the characters ride the trolley along the scenic coastal route.
Address: This railway is no longer in operation, but its former location was near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Boardwalk Parking Lot
The Boardwalk Parking Lot, adjacent to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, was used for filming various scenes in The Lost Boys. It served as a gathering point for the characters and was featured prominently in the movie’s climax.
Address: 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Same as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk)
Santa Cruz Wharf Warehouse
Near the Santa Cruz Wharf, there is a warehouse that appeared in The Lost Boys as the location where the Frog Brothers stocked up on vampire-fighting supplies. Although the warehouse itself may not be accessible, it remains a notable spot for fans of the film.
Address: The specific address for the warehouse used in the film is not publicly available. It was located near the Santa Cruz Wharf. You can explore the area around the wharf to spot the warehouse.