Are you hooked on the mysteries of Rosewood and the drama of Pretty Little Liars? Like many fans, you might find yourself captivated by the seemingly idyllic town where secrets lurk around every corner. While Rosewood may feel like a real place, much of the iconic series was filmed on the legendary Warner Bros. Studio lot in Los Angeles. If you’re a PLL addict wanting to step into the world of Aria, Hanna, Emily, Spencer, and Alison, then you’ve come to the right place. This Pretty Little Liars episode guide will take you on a tour of the Warner Bros. backlot, revealing the real-life locations behind your favorite Rosewood spots and connecting them to memorable moments from the show.
For years, Pretty Little Liars has kept viewers guessing with its intricate plots and stylish characters. From the very first episodes, the town of Rosewood, Pennsylvania, became a character in itself. Interestingly, while the pilot episode was filmed in Vancouver, production quickly moved to the iconic Warner Bros. Studio. This shift meant that the familiar streets, houses, and buildings of Rosewood are actually sets on the studio’s backlot, a place you can visit on the Warner Bros. VIP Studio Tour.
This guide is your personal Pretty Little Liars episode guide to Warner Bros. Studio, focusing on locations used in the first two and a half seasons – a period packed with secrets, suspense, and style. Get ready to discover the real-world counterparts of the Marin House, Rosewood High, the Apple Rose Grille, and many more, and learn how you can experience these sets for yourself.
Rosewood Unveiled: Your Pretty Little Liars Location Breakdown
To help you navigate this Pretty Little Liars episode guide, we’ve compiled a list of key locations at Warner Bros. Studio that frequently appeared in the series. Using the studio maps provided below, you can pinpoint exactly where the drama unfolded. Whether you’re planning a Warner Bros. Studio Tour or simply want to deepen your appreciation for Pretty Little Liars, this guide is your essential companion.
1. The Marin House: Hanna’s Stylish Abode
Located at the southern end of Warner Village (Building 187), the Marin House is instantly recognizable as Hanna Marin’s home. This grand Colonial-style house provides the exterior shots for Hanna’s often-featured residence throughout Pretty Little Liars. While the interiors of the Liars’ homes are soundstage sets, the exterior of the Marin house is a real structure on the Warner Bros. lot, though it currently serves as production offices in real life.
Memorable Episodes: The Marin House is a frequent backdrop, appearing in countless episodes as Hanna deals with family drama, fashion emergencies, and of course, “A’s” torment. Think back to episodes like Season 1’s “Know Your Frenemies,” where Hanna’s shoplifting storyline escalates, or moments where the girls gather to decipher cryptic messages at Hanna’s place.
2. The Fields House: Emily’s Family Home
Head to the northern end of Midwest Street to find the Fields House, Emily’s family residence. This house is another frequently seen location in Pretty Little Liars. Interestingly, this same house has another claim to fame: it was used as the exterior of Monica and Ross Geller’s parents’ house in the iconic sitcom Friends. While the interior of this practical set was used in Friends (notably in “The One with the Prom Video”), PLL only utilizes its exterior.
Memorable Episodes: The Fields House is central to Emily’s storylines, from navigating her parents’ divorce to dealing with Maya’s arrival and disappearance. Recall episodes like Season 1’s “The Homecoming Hangover,” where Emily struggles with her feelings for Maya, or moments where the Liars convene at Emily’s house to support her.
3. The DiLaurentis House: A House of Secrets
Located on the edge of the Jungle set, the DiLaurentis House has seen a revolving door of residents in Pretty Little Liars. Initially home to Alison DiLaurentis, then Maya St. Germain, and later Jason DiLaurentis, this house holds many secrets within its walls. However, what might surprise you is that it’s not even a complete house! It’s a façade without a roof, a detail sometimes subtly visible onscreen.
Memorable Episodes: The DiLaurentis House is steeped in mystery, central to Alison’s disappearance and the ongoing “A” saga. Think of Season 1’s pilot episode where we first see Alison at home, or Season 2’s “Over My Dead Body,” where Jason returns to Rosewood and takes up residence.
4. The Hastings House: Spencer’s Stately Home
Right next door to the Fields House on Midwest Street is the Hastings House, Spencer’s impressive residence. What you see on screen is actually the back of the house next to Emily’s. Adding to its Hollywood history, this same façade served as the exterior of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore’s house in Gilmore Girls.
Memorable Episodes: The Hastings House is synonymous with Spencer’s driven personality and family pressures. Consider episodes like Season 1’s “The Perfect Storm,” where Spencer’s rivalry with Melissa intensifies, or moments where the Liars gather at Spencer’s for study sessions or secret meetings.
5. Spencer’s Barn: A Chic Hideaway
Across from the Hastings House, in what is actually the front yard of the property, you’ll find Spencer’s Barn. This renovated barn, painstakingly decorated by Spencer and then occupied by Melissa, provides a rustic yet stylish setting for various scenes.
Memorable Episodes: Spencer’s Barn becomes a significant location as the series progresses, serving as a personal space for Spencer and later becoming entangled in the mysteries. Think of episodes from Season 2 onwards where the barn becomes a refuge or a place of secret encounters.
6. The Hastings Gate: Grand Entrance (Sometimes)
The imposing gated entrance to the Hastings estate is not a permanent fixture. This piece is set up in the Jungle area, opposite the DiLaurentis house, only when filming requires it. You won’t see it on a regular Warner Bros. Studio Tour as it’s a temporary set piece.
Memorable Episodes: The Hastings Gate adds to the grandeur of Spencer’s home, often seen in establishing shots or dramatic entrances and exits. Look for it in episodes that emphasize the Hastings’ wealth and social standing.
7. Toby and Jenna’s House: Step-Sibling Residence
Two doors down from the Fields House on Midwest Street is the house belonging to step-siblings Toby Cavanaugh and Jenna Marshall. This more modest home contrasts with the Liars’ more affluent residences.
Memorable Episodes: Toby and Jenna’s house is often associated with mystery and suspicion, reflecting their characters’ complex roles in the PLL narrative. Recall episodes where the Liars investigate Toby or Jenna, often leading them to this house on Midwest Street.
8. Rosewood High School: Hallways of Secrets
Rosewood High School, located on Midwest Street near French Street, is a central location for the Liars’ daily lives (and dramas). Like many PLL locations, only the exterior is used on the Warner Bros. lot. The interior hallways and classrooms are sets built within soundstages.
Memorable Episodes: Rosewood High is the backdrop for countless iconic PLL moments – school dances, confrontations in the hallways, and “A’s” menacing messages. Think of episodes like Season 1’s “Careful What You Wish For,” where the girls navigate the school’s social scene while dealing with “A,” or any episode featuring school events or classroom scenes.
9. Rosewood City Hall: Civic Center of Mystery
Adjacent to Rosewood High School is Rosewood City Hall. This building adds to the town’s civic landscape and appears in scenes requiring a government building setting.
Memorable Episodes: Rosewood City Hall often appears in the background or in scenes involving official Rosewood business. It might be featured in episodes where police are involved or where town meetings are taking place.
10. Apple Rose Grille: The Liars’ Favorite Hangout
Located on the corner of Midwest Street and French Street, the Apple Rose Grille is the Liars’ go-to restaurant. Fans of Gilmore Girls might recognize this spot as Luke’s Diner! The Apple Rose Grille is a practical set, meaning both the interior and exterior are used for filming.
Memorable Episodes: The Apple Rose Grille is a constant in Pretty Little Liars, serving as a meeting place, a source of comfort food, and a location for significant conversations. Think of countless scenes where the girls gather at the Grille to discuss “A,” relationships, and Rosewood gossip.
11. Rosewood’s Local Church: Sanctuary and Secrets
The church on Midwest Street, across from Emily’s house, is another frequently used location. This church has been the site of dramatic moments, from Ian Thomas’s attempted attack on Spencer in Season 1’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls” to funerals and even Hannah’s attempt to disrupt her father’s wedding in Season 2’s “Over My Dead Body.”
Memorable Episodes: Rosewood Church is a versatile location, used for both solemn and suspenseful scenes. Revisit episodes featuring church services, funerals, or moments where characters seek solace or face confrontations within its walls.
12. Anne Sullivan’s Office / Hastings & Reibman Law Firm: Dual Identity
Across from the north side of the church on Midwest Street is a building that served two roles. In Season 2, it was Anne Sullivan’s therapy office, where the Liars underwent group therapy. Later, in Season 3’s “The Kahn Game,” it transformed into Hastings & Reibman Law Firm, Veronica Hastings’ office.
Memorable Episodes: Anne Sullivan’s office is crucial in Season 2 as the Liars confront their trauma. Hastings & Reibman Law Firm becomes relevant later as Veronica Hastings’ professional life intersects with the mysteries of Rosewood.
13. Ezra Fitz’s Apartment Building: Teacher’s Residence
Located between French Street and Embassy Courtyard, across from New York Park, is the exterior of Ezra Fitz’s apartment building. This location was featured in Season 1’s “If at First You Don’t Succeed, Lie, Lie Again…” and is marked as Building 60 on the studio map.
Memorable Episodes: Ezra’s apartment is key to his secret relationship with Aria in the early seasons. Revisit episodes where Aria sneaks to see Ezra at his apartment, starting with their first dates and secret rendezvous.
14. Philadelphia City Museum / Warner Bros. Courthouse: Date Night Disguise
The Warner Bros. Courthouse, located at the western end of Embassy Courtyard (Building 61), doubled as the Philadelphia City Museum for Aria and Ezra’s first real date in “If at First You Don’t Succeed, Lie, Lie Again…”. This Courthouse has Hollywood history of its own, regularly featured in the 1966 Batman TV series.
Memorable Episodes: This location is significant for marking a milestone in Aria and Ezra’s relationship. Rewatch “If at First You Don’t Succeed, Lie, Lie Again…” to see their museum date and appreciate the Courthouse façade.
15. Noel Kahn’s Cabin / Lost Woods Resort / Merlotte’s Bar & Grill: Triple Role Player
In Season 1’s “To Kill a Mocking Girl,” the cabin party was filmed at the Practical House in the Jungle set, identified as Noel Kahn’s family cabin. This same structure did triple duty, also appearing as the Lost Woods Resort in PLL and Merlotte’s Bar & Grill in True Blood.
Memorable Episodes: The Kahn cabin party is a significant early event in PLL. The Lost Woods Resort becomes a recurring location for more secluded scenes later in the series. Episodes featuring the cabin party or Lost Woods scenes showcase this versatile set.
16. Emily and Maya’s Lakeside Hangout / The Greenhouse / Ira’s Roadside Diner: Another Triple Threat
In Season 3’s “Stolen Kisses,” Emily and Nate visit a lakeside cabin, portrayed by the Shore-Side Cabin in the Jungle, opposite the DiLaurentis house. This versatile set also served as Ira’s Roadside Diner in Million Dollar Baby and Lyle Sussman’s hunting cabin in Dexter. The back of this cabin even functions as a greenhouse, used for clandestine Liars’ meetings in early Season 2.
Memorable Episodes: The lakeside cabin is a poignant location connected to Emily and Maya’s relationship. The greenhouse is a setting for early Season 2 secret planning sessions.
17. Radley Sanitarium: Mental Institution of Secrets
The large building on Embassy Courtyard served as Radley Sanitarium, where Mona Vanderwaal was confined for much of Season 3. This ominous location plays a significant role in the unfolding mysteries.
Memorable Episodes: Radley Sanitarium is central to Mona’s storyline as “A” and becomes increasingly important as the series delves deeper into the mystery. Episodes set at Radley, particularly those in Season 3, are key to understanding Mona’s arc.
18. The Haunted House / Seaver House: Halloween Horror and Family Comedy
In the Halloween episode “The First Secret” (Season 2), Alison is attacked at Rosewood’s abandoned house. This house, located on Midwest Street across from Emily’s, also has a lighter past – it was the Seaver family home in the 1985 series Growing Pains.
Memorable Episodes: “The First Secret” Halloween episode heavily features the Haunted House, setting a spooky tone. Its Growing Pains connection is a fun fact for TV history buffs.
19. Vail’s Doll Hospital: Creepy Doll Store
Located in the middle of French Street, Vail’s Doll Hospital is the unsettling doll store visited by the Liars in Season 2’s “Father Knows Best” and “If These Dolls Could Talk.” This location is memorable for its sheer creepiness.
Memorable Episodes: “If These Dolls Could Talk” is particularly centered around Vail’s Doll Hospital, making it one of the scariest PLL episodes. Revisit these episodes to experience the doll store’s unsettling atmosphere.
20. The Brew: Coffee Shop Central
Starting in Season 3, The Brew becomes the Liars’ new hangout, and Emily even works there. This coffee shop exterior is located off Midwest Street, near Rosewood City Hall.
Memorable Episodes: The Brew becomes a central meeting point in Season 3 and beyond. Episodes from Season 3 onwards frequently feature scenes at The Brew as the girls navigate new mysteries and relationships.
21. The Local Rosewood Motel: Production Offices in Disguise
A building housing production offices in the northeast section of Warner Bros. Studio (Building 139) stood in as a local motel in several Season 1 episodes, including “Can You Hear Me Now?”, “The New Normal,” and “A Person of Interest.”
Memorable Episodes: The Rosewood Motel appears in early Season 1 episodes, often in scenes involving clandestine meetings or characters needing a temporary hideout.
22. Melissa’s Philadelphia Apartment: Out-of-Town Mystery
Located on Brownstone Street, slightly off the main studio map, is the apartment raided by the Liars in Season 3’s “Birds of a Feather,” identified as Melissa’s Philadelphia apartment.
Memorable Episodes: “Birds of a Feather” is the key episode featuring Melissa’s Philadelphia apartment, as the Liars investigate Melissa and her secrets outside of Rosewood.
Aria’s Missing House: Notably absent from the Warner Bros. lot is Aria Montgomery’s house. The exterior of the Montgomery residence only appeared once in the Pretty Little Liars pilot, filmed in Vancouver. A replica exterior was never built at Warner Bros. for subsequent episodes (at least through Season 3).
Step into Rosewood: Visiting Warner Bros. Studio
This Pretty Little Liars episode guide just scratches the surface of the Warner Bros. Studio magic. To truly experience these iconic locations, consider taking the Warner Bros. VIP Studio Tour. You can walk the streets of Rosewood, see these familiar facades up close, and immerse yourself in the world of Pretty Little Liars and countless other film and television productions.
Visit Rosewood: Warner Bros. Studio is located at 3400 West Riverside Drive in Burbank, CA 91505. Find more information about the VIP Studio Tour and book your visit at Warner Bros. VIP Studio Tour.
Happy Stalking… the sets!
