Filming Locations for Rent in San Diego, CA

Your Guide to Renting Filming Locations in San Diego, CA

Have you ever dreamt of making a short movie, a full-length feature, a music video, or perhaps a commercial, but you have no idea where to start and how to proceed with such an endeavor? We suggest you start the whole process by creating the script, but the second must-do should include finding a special place.

The city is filled with great filming locations, so if you decide to shoot your next project there, you can be sure it’ll be a smashing success as well! San Diego has a lot to offer, a thriving urban core, almost perfect weather the whole year, and a spectacular coastline! So no matter what kind of project you’re pursuing, we’re certain you’ll find the perfect location there! What’s more, with our carefully curated list of places and a short guide to renting a filming spot, you’ll be crossing off “find the location” from your “to-do” list within minutes. Sounds intriguing? Good! We’ll try our best to help you find the perfect spot for your next production, so don’t hesitate any longer and just browse through the filming locations listed on our platform!

But before you take any first steps in shooting your cinematic masterpiece, have a look at our short guide where we’ve jotted down a few things that will hopefully help you find the perfect filming location for your project. Whether you’re looking for a studio or an outdoor location, read away and get ready to book a place for your event! 

Guide to renting film locations in San Diego

• Have the script ready. A good script is the foundation of every critically acclaimed movie. That's why we recommend that you make sure to include all of the details, such as all the dialogue and info on what the scene is supposed to look like. Constantly keep checking it for any mistakes or even send it to someone else for proofreading. It is a natural process that your script will keep changing throughout the filming process, so don’t get frustrated if it causes any delays in your schedule. After all, there is a huge chance that your piece of work will be much better after introducing the changes.

• Think outside the box. Be open to many options, whether it’s all about the location or the changes in the script. You’ll never know which concept is the best one unless you try out other ideas. It may happen that a place you initially didn’t consider to be the perfect location for your upcoming film turns out to be the ONE. And remember that you don’t have to go for an outstanding, fully-furnished place - even a blank canvas venue can have a lot of potential!

• Stay within your budget. First things first, set your budget early in the process! If you don’t do so upfront, you may come across a location that meets all of your requirements but exceeds your budget big time. In this case, you will face a very difficult decision at the beginning of your process - and trust us when we say it’s completely unnecessary. That’s also why we suggest using search filters on Tagvenue! Once you know how much you’ll be able to spend, set the price range on the platform and browse only those locations that meet your criteria.

• Gather top crew. It doesn’t matter if you’re shooting an amateur short film with your friends, or you’re planning production on a grand scale - no film can happen without people. That’s why it’s very useful to book a crew! Think how many people will be needed on and off screen, and have all their responsibilities listed in the project. That way, you will be able to manage your work way more efficiently, and you’ll be able to figure out everyone’s rate. 

• Schedule the shooting period. When you start with setting your budget, you should also map out the schedule for the entire shoot. The ideal scenario is that you’ll know the exact number of days and what will be happening on each of those days. This can vary for different productions, especially those of various scales, but no matter the scope of your project, you should still plan to shoot at least 3 to 5 script pages in one day.

• Visit the location. If you’re a director or producer, we strongly suggest checking out the filming location you’re interested in before you make any final decisions. During the visit, you can see all the possibilities for utilizing the space to your advantage, which will save you a lot of time when shooting. Venue managers will gladly schedule a viewing for you if you ask to look around the space.

Hopefully, these tips and information will help you find a great filming location in the San Diego area. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that your vision becomes reality and we’re waiting for the invitation to the premiere!

FAQs about Filming Locations in San Diego, CA

Do you need any permits to film in San Diego?

If the production takes place on private property, at a City park, recreation center, beach, or park facility, you will have to submit a Filming Registration Form. However, if you are shooting stills or filming for personal use without “commercial” equipment somewhere in a state park or on a beach, you won’t need a permit.

What types of filming locations can I find in San Diego?

Why not set another iconic movie in the brilliant city of San Diego?! You will find many places here where you can film, both indoors and outdoors. We strongly recommend browsing through our website and having a look at the selection of unique locations in San Diego. The city gives you an opportunity to film in a professional studio, restaurant, cafe, bar, rooftop, private property, or coastline spot, to name just a few. Check Tagvenue’s website and pick your favorite!

How much does it cost to rent a filming location in San Diego?

When renting a large location, expect to pay from $1000 per day. Prep and count days are usually counted as half days and should be factored into the total cost. It could even be possible that you’ll end up paying $900 per hour when renting a large space. When it comes to smaller areas, such as cafes and tiny studios, prices range between $30 and $200 per hour. (Based on data from Tagvenue.)

Where in San Diego can I find the best filming locations?

Explore the amazing filming locations around the whole city! Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy both offer incredible places where your next cinematic pursuit could take place. In the urban East Village, you can be certain to find warehouses and blank canvas studios where you can film all kinds of projects. In case you’re looking for somewhere outside and charming, we suggest checking out Balboa Park for outdoor shots. La Jolla is known for its rugged coastline so if you’re after Baywatch-like scenes, you can’t miss out on this area.