8 Breaking Bad Locations You Can Actually Visit
Real-Life Albuquerque Filming Spots
Breaking Bad captivated audiences with its gripping storyline and unforgettable characters. The show's iconic filming locations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, have become popular tourist attractions for fans eager to immerse themselves in the world of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman.
Visitors can explore several key sites from the series, including Walter White's house, Jesse Pinkman's apartment, and Los Pollos Hermanos restaurant. These locations offer fans a chance to relive memorable scenes and gain a deeper appreciation for the show's setting. From suburban neighborhoods to desert landscapes, Breaking Bad's filming spots showcase the diverse beauty of Albuquerque and its surrounding areas.
1) Walter White's Car Wash
The A1A Car Wash plays a significant role in the Breaking Bad series. Located at 9516 Snow Heights Circle NE in Albuquerque, this car wash serves as a money laundering front for Walter White's illicit drug business.
In the show, Walter initially works at the car wash before buying it with his wife Skyler. Fans can visit this iconic location and experience a piece of Breaking Bad history firsthand.
The exterior of the building remains largely unchanged from its appearance in the series. Visitors can easily recognize the familiar facade and signage that featured prominently in many scenes.
While the interior may differ from what was shown on screen, the car wash continues to operate as a functional business. Tourists can get their vehicles cleaned while imagining Walter and Skyler's scheming behind the counter.
The A1A Car Wash provides an excellent photo opportunity for Breaking Bad enthusiasts. Its significance in the show's storyline makes it a must-visit location for fans touring Albuquerque's Breaking Bad filming sites.
2) Saul Goodman's Office
Fans of Breaking Bad can visit the real-life location of Saul Goodman's law office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The distinctive strip mall office is situated at 9800 Montgomery Boulevard NE.
In reality, the building now houses Duke City Sports Bar. While the exterior has undergone some renovations since filming, it remains recognizable to eagle-eyed viewers.
The office served as a key setting for many of Saul's colorful interactions with clients throughout the series. Its garish decor and cheesy advertisements perfectly captured the character's over-the-top persona.
Visitors can snap photos of the exterior and imagine walking through those doors to seek legal advice from everyone's favorite criminal lawyer. The location offers a tangible connection to the show's fictional world.
While tours inside are not available, simply seeing the building in person can be a thrill for dedicated Breaking Bad enthusiasts. It stands as one of several easily accessible filming locations in the Albuquerque area.
3) Los Pollos Hermanos Restaurant
Los Pollos Hermanos, the fictional fast-food chain from Breaking Bad, has become an iconic location for fans of the show. In reality, the restaurant is called Twisters and is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Twisters serves a variety of burgers, burritos, and chicken dishes. The exterior and interior of this establishment were used extensively during filming to represent Gustavo Fring's front for his drug operation.
Visitors can sit in the same booths where Walter White and Jesse Pinkman met with potential buyers for their product. The restaurant's management has embraced its connection to the show, allowing fans to take photos and experience the atmosphere.
While the Los Pollos Hermanos branding is no longer present, many elements of the location remain recognizable from the series. The layout and decor still closely resemble what viewers saw on screen.
Twisters has become a popular spot for Breaking Bad enthusiasts, often considered one of the most visited filming locations from the show. It offers fans a chance to immerse themselves in a key part of the Breaking Bad universe.
4) A1A Car Wash
The A1A Car Wash stands as an iconic location from Breaking Bad. Situated at 9516 Snow Heights Circle NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, it played a crucial role in Walter White's money laundering scheme.
In the series, Walter and Skyler White purchase the car wash as a front for their illegal activities. The location's real-life name was Octopus Car Wash during filming, one of six Octopus brand locations in Albuquerque.
Fans can visit this memorable site and experience a piece of Breaking Bad history. The car wash continues to operate under new ownership as Mister Car Wash, maintaining its appearance from the show.
Visitors often recreate scenes at this location, such as Walter's famous "Have an A1 day" catchphrase. The car wash's proximity to downtown Albuquerque makes it an easily accessible stop for Breaking Bad enthusiasts.
While touring, fans can imagine the tense moments and pivotal scenes that unfolded at this seemingly ordinary business. The A1A Car Wash remains a popular destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the world of Breaking Bad.
5) The Crossroads Motel
The Crossroads Motel is a notable location from the hit series Breaking Bad. Situated at 1001 Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this motel plays a significant role in several episodes.
In the show, DEA agent Hank Schrader nicknames the motel "The Crystal Palace" due to its reputation as a hangout for drug users. The motel serves as the residence and workplace of Wendy, a recurring character who works as a prostitute.
Fans of Breaking Bad can visit this iconic filming location. The exterior of the motel remains largely unchanged since its appearance in the series, allowing visitors to easily recognize it from the show.
The Crossroads Motel also features in a pivotal scene where Hank warns Walter Jr. about the dangers of drug use. This conversation takes place at the motel, highlighting its importance in the narrative.
While the motel's interior was not used for filming, the exterior and parking lot are authentic locations from the show. Visitors can experience the atmosphere of this memorable Breaking Bad setting firsthand.
6) Gus Fring's Lavandería
Lavandería Brillante serves as a crucial location in the Breaking Bad universe. This industrial laundromat, owned by Gustavo Fring, conceals a state-of-the-art meth Superlab beneath its legitimate business facade.
Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the laundry facility was strategically chosen for its large plot of accessible land and regular chemical deliveries. These features made it an ideal cover for the clandestine drug operation.
The construction of the hidden lab began in April 2004, overseen by Mike Ehrmantraut. The facility played a significant role in the series, serving as the primary production site for Walter White and Jesse Pinkman's high-quality methamphetamine.
While the exterior shots of Lavandería Brillante were filmed at a real location in Albuquerque, the interior lab scenes were shot on a soundstage. Fans can drive by the exterior of the building to see where these pivotal scenes were set.
The laundry's dual nature as both a legitimate business and a front for illegal activities exemplifies the show's theme of hidden identities and secret lives.
7) Walter White's House
Walter White's iconic residence from Breaking Bad is a real home located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Fans can visit the exterior of this famous house and take photos, allowing them to experience a piece of television history firsthand.
The property, owned by Frances Padilla for over 40 years, was rented to the show's production in 2008. Since then, it has become a popular tourist attraction, with approximately 200 fans visiting daily to capture pictures of the memorable location.
While visitors cannot enter the house, they can still appreciate its recognizable facade. The exterior remains largely unchanged from its appearance in the series, making it easy for fans to envision Walter White's fictional life there.
It's important for visitors to be respectful of the property and its residents. The high volume of tourists has led to some challenges for the homeowners, so fans should be mindful of their behavior when visiting this Breaking Bad landmark.
8) J.P. Wynne High School
J.P. Wynne High School, a key location in Breaking Bad, is where Walter White taught chemistry before his life-changing diagnosis. In reality, this fictional school is portrayed by Rio Rancho High School.
Located at 301 Loma Colorado Dr. NE in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, the school's exterior served as the backdrop for many scenes. Fans can easily recognize the building from the series.
It's important to note that the interior scenes were filmed at different locations. The show used a composite of six different buildings to create the complete J.P. Wynne High School experience.
The gymnasium, where Walt discusses the plane crash, was filmed at a separate location. This highlights the complexity of creating a cohesive fictional setting using multiple real-world locations.
Visitors should be aware that Rio Rancho High School is an active educational institution. Respect for the staff and students is paramount when exploring this Breaking Bad filming site.
Background Of Breaking Bad Locations
Breaking Bad's filming locations have become iconic landmarks, attracting fans from around the world to Albuquerque, New Mexico. These sites offer a tangible connection to the show's gripping narrative and characters.
Cultural Impact Of Filming
Breaking Bad transformed Albuquerque into a character itself, showcasing the city's unique landscape and architecture. The show's creators carefully selected locations that reflected the story's gritty realism and moral ambiguity.
Many local businesses and residences featured in the series have gained newfound fame. The White family home, located at 3828 Piermont Drive, receives up to 200 visitors daily. Owners have embraced this attention, though some have faced challenges with overzealous fans.
Twisters, the real-life restaurant that served as Los Pollos Hermanos, has become a popular tourist destination. It proudly displays Breaking Bad memorabilia, capitalizing on its association with the show.
Influence On Tourism
Breaking Bad has significantly boosted Albuquerque's tourism industry. Fans flock to the city to experience the world of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman firsthand.
Several tour companies now offer Breaking Bad-themed excursions, taking visitors to key filming locations. These tours provide behind-the-scenes information and photo opportunities at sites like the car wash, Saul Goodman's office, and Jesse's house.
Local businesses have created Breaking Bad-inspired products and experiences. From blue meth candy to hazmat suit cooking classes, entrepreneurs have tapped into the show's enduring popularity.
The Albuquerque Tourism Board has embraced the show's legacy, promoting Breaking Bad-related attractions alongside traditional New Mexican cultural experiences. This blend of fiction and reality has created a unique tourism niche for the city.
Tips For Visiting
Planning your Breaking Bad location tour requires some preparation. Knowing when to visit and understanding local customs will enhance your experience.
Best Times To Visit
Albuquerque's climate is arid, with hot summers and mild winters. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer the most comfortable temperatures for exploring outdoor locations. Summer months can be intensely hot, especially in July and August, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C).
Winter provides cooler weather but some outdoor sites may have limited access. Weekdays generally see fewer tourists at popular spots like Walter White's house or Los Pollos Hermanos. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for avoiding peak crowds and harsh midday sun.
Consider timing your visit during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October for a unique backdrop to your Breaking Bad tour.
Local Etiquette
Respect for private property is paramount when visiting Breaking Bad locations. Many sites, like the White residence, are privately owned homes. Observe from the sidewalk and do not trespass or disturb residents.
Photography is generally allowed from public areas, but avoid using flash or intrusive equipment. At businesses like Los Pollos Hermanos (Twisters), make a purchase to support the establishment if you plan to take photos.
Be mindful of traffic when stopping for pictures, especially in residential areas. Park legally and do not block driveways or roads.
Remember that some locations may have changed since filming. Always check current accessibility before planning your visit.
