Maps of Movies

Mars Attacks! (1996)

Where Mars Attacks! says it takes place, and where it was really shot.

The Martians land in Pahrump, Nevada, but the landing was reportedly filmed in Arizona, and a real Las Vegas hotel was blown up for it

Scenes and places

A Martian fleet gathers

Hundreds of Martian ships assemble and head for Earth. President Dale addresses the nation about the historic event.

Set in Mars — A Martian spaceship gathers hundreds of other ships and sets out for Earth.

First contact in Pahrump

The President's science aides stage a welcome in the desert as Dale watches on television. The Martian ambassador announces they have "come in peace", and a released dove changes everything.

Set in Pahrump, Nevada — The site of the planned first-contact meeting with the Martians. Google Maps · Apple Maps

The Martians address Congress

Professor Kessler tries to renegotiate and Congress hears the Martian ambassador. Kessler begs him to stop; things go badly for everyone in the chamber.

Set in U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. — The Martian ambassador asks to address the United States Congress.

War reaches the White House

The Martians declare war after a failed attempt on Dale. As they attack the White House, the Secret Service hurries Dale out and his family is scattered in the chaos.

Set in The White House, Washington, D.C. — The Martians declare war and invade, starting with Washington, D.C.

The Martians ravage Las Vegas

Former champion boxer Byron Williams leads a few survivors out of the casinos. At the plane he draws the Martians into a fistfight so the others can get away.

Set in Las Vegas, Nevada — Martians overrun the casinos; a former boxer turned casino employee leads survivors toward a plane.

Filmed at Landmark Hotel and Casino demolition, Las Vegas — Real nighttime footage of the Landmark hotel's demolition was used in the film. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there:

The Norris family and the town

Richie sets out to rescue his grandmother Florence and discovers the Martians' weakness: Slim Whitman's "Indian Love Call". He and Florence drive around town using the song.

Set in Kansas town (Norris family) — Richie Norris and his grandmother Florence drive around town after Richie finds the Martians' weakness.

The crashed ships at Lake Tahoe

Set in Lake Tahoe — Aftermath location named in the plot summary. Google Maps · Apple Maps

Washington, D.C. at the end

Set in Washington, D.C. — The devastation is being cleaned up.

Characters

• President James Dale — The U.S. President who tries to make peace with the Martians.
• Byron Williams — A former world-champion boxer turned Las Vegas casino employee.
• Richie Norris — A young man who discovers the Martians' weakness.