Key Filming Resources in State Parks
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Located in Jamestown, in the heart of California’s Gold Country about 100 miles southeast of Sacramento, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is home to the Historic Jamestown Shops and Roundhouse—an intact and still-functioning steam locomotive repair and maintenance facility, portions of which date back to 1897. This one-of-a-kind attraction combines industrial heritage and railroad history with the lore of Hollywood’s film industry. The Railtown 1897 Interpretive Center, the authentic roundhouse and shops, and the Depot Store (a railroad specialty gift shop) are among the Park’s unique year-round offerings.
The Railtown 1897 SHP complex includes an authentic railroad roundhouse with operating turntable, functional blacksmithing area, and belt-driven machine shop. Guided Roundhouse Tours are available daily at this unique facility in which locomotives and cars are inspected, repaired, and rebuilt—just as they have been for the past century! The complex includes related historic structures and Hollywood “props,” plus a large picnic area, Depot Store, and Interpretive Center.
Visit the Railtown Website at http://www.railtown1897.org/railtown/default.asp
Benicia Capitol State Historic Park
Benicia Capitol State Historic Park is the site of California’s third seat of government (1853-54.) It is the only pre-Sacramento capitol that survives. The original building has been restored with reconstructed period furnishings and exhibits. The interior includes a board-for-board reconstruction of the building’s original floor with ponderosa pine. The desks, three of which are originals from the Benicia period or earlier, are furnished with a candlestick, a 19th century newspaper, a quill pen and a top hat. Visit Benicia Capitol Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=475
Sonoma Coast State Park Beaches
Sonoma Coast State Park one of California's most scenic attractions. Within the park is a series of beaches separated by rock bluffs and headlands, extends 17 miles from Bodega Head to Vista Trail located 4 miles north of Jenner. Bodega Head is the rocky headland that forms the entrance into Bodega Harbor. The harbor side provides a popular crabbing area along the jetty, and the many hiking trails on the ocean side allow access to small, sandy coves and spectacular scenic bluff top views. Goat Rock, near the mouth of the Russian River, is known for its scenic shoreline, easily accessible sandy beach and is home to a colony of harbor seals. Shell Beach is a favorite location for beachcombing and tide pooling. Duncan's Landing is famous for two things: as an early-day landing for loading small coastal ships with lumber and food products and for being the most dangerous point along the Sonoma Coast due to large and unpredictable surf.. Portuguese Beach & Schoolhouse Beach are beautiful sandy beaches surrounded by rocky headlands. Rock fishing and surf fishing are popular in these locations. Salmon Creek Beach, where a lagoon forms as sand closes the mouth of Salmon Creek, is a popular summer destination. Nearly two miles of unbroken, scenic, sandy beach make this an excellent place for surf fishing, beachcombing, and picnicking.
Visit Sonoma Coast State Park Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451