Add These ‘Imperfect Women’ Filming Locations To Your LA Itinerary

When Apple TV dropped its searing psychological thriller “Imperfect Women,” audiences were instantly hooked by the magnetic, messy chemistry of its powerhouse trio: Kerry Washington, Elisabeth Moss and Kate Mara. While the series expertly dissects the fractures of a decades-long female friendship shattered by a dark crime, the show’s secondary star is undeniably its setting. Ditching generic soundstages for a sun-drenched, moody aesthetic, the production transforms Los Angeles into a living, breathing character.

For the culture-forward traveler, chasing the filming locations featured in “Imperfect Women” is the ultimate way to experience the city’s complex duality. Pack your bags and prep your itinerary as we dive into the real-life L.A. spots you can visit on your next trip.

Explore Downtown Los Angeles, California, As Seen In ‘Imperfect Women’

Key Scenes: As noted by Apple’s official guide to “Imperfect Women” filming locations, Cara Cara is one of the show’s most recognizable Downtown L.A. locations, providing the show with a polished rooftop setting and skyline views. The restaurant sits above Downtown Los Angeles and describes itself as an all-day rooftop space with cocktails, wine, seasonal California dishes, fire pits, greenery and sweeping city views.

Best Time to Visit: Downtown Los Angeles is best visited in spring or fall, when the weather is comfortable enough for rooftop dining, walking tours and outdoor sightseeing. March through May and September through November are especially useful windows for visitors who want to enjoy the city without the harshest summer heat.

Transportation Options: Downtown L.A. is one of the easiest Los Angeles neighborhoods to explore without a car. Visitors can use Metro rail, DASH buses, rideshare services, taxis or walk between clustered destinations like Grand Avenue, South Park, the Historic Core and the Arts District.

Another filming location, Hotel Figueroa, also fits the show’s themes of women, image and power especially well, since the hotel opened in 1926 as a YWCA property and was once the largest commercial building funded by women for women. Other West Coast hotspots where cast and crew set up shop include Echo Lake, which Kerry Washington gave huge praise.

“Echo Park is one of the BEST!” the actress gushed, according to Apple. “It holds this beautiful tension between calm and chaos, which made it the perfect backdrop. Filming there with Lizzie felt lived-in and real – like life unfolding just outside the frame.”

Things to Do: Visitors can turn the Downtown filming area into a full itinerary by starting at The Broad, where general admission is always free, located at 221 S. Grand Avenue. Nearby, travelers can visit Walt Disney Concert Hall, walk through Grand Park, or stop by Grand Central Market, a historic food hall filled with vendors.

Where to Eat: Cara Cara is the most obvious stop for fans because it is directly tied to the show and offers rooftop dining above Downtown Los Angeles. The restaurant highlights seasonal California produce, cocktails, wine, local beer, skyline views, lush greenery and fire-pit seating. For a more casual stop, Grand Central Market gives visitors access to a wide range of Downtown L.A. food options in one place, including Sarita’s Pupuseria, which is known for handmade pupusas based on family recipes.

Where to Stay: Fans who want to stay close to filming locations can book Hotel Figueroa. Another strong option is the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel, which houses Cara Cara and features design by Kelly Wearstler inside a restored historic building.

Filming For The Apple TV Series Also Took Place In Long Beach, California

Key Scenes: Long Beach Shoreline Marina appears during several nighttime waterfront scenes connected to the growing investigation and emotional fallout after Nancy’s murder. The marina gives the show access to waterfront views, boats, city lights and a different Southern California atmosphere than Downtown L.A. or Pasadena.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are the best times to visit Long Beach because the waterfront is comfortable for walking, dining outside and taking in harbor views. Summer can still be beautiful, but it is usually busier.

Transportation Options: Long Beach is easiest to visit by car, especially if you are coming from Downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena or Silver Lake. Once near the marina, visitors can walk to restaurants, waterfront shops and nearby entertainment areas.

Pioneers Bridge in Pasadena is briefly visible during transitional driving sequences that help establish the wealthy suburban setting surrounding several characters. The production also filmed exterior shots near All Saints Episcopal Church, which appears in funeral- and memorial-related sequences later in the season, according to Time Out.

Things to Do: Visitors can walk around Shoreline Marina, explore the waterfront, or head to Shoreline Village, which overlooks Rainbow Harbor and offers shopping, dining, and entertainment in a colorful waterfront setting. The area includes waterfront restaurants, beachwear shops, casual clothing stores, sunglasses, shoes, décor, home goods, hot sauces and more.

Where to Eat: Long Beach is strong for waterfront dining. Shoreline Village lists dining options ranging from casual snacks to upscale waterfront restaurants, including Gilan Pizza & Grill, Louisiana Charlie’s, Shenanigan’s Irish Pub & Grill, Tequila Jack’s and Yard House.

Where to Stay: For a waterfront stay, Hotel Maya Long Beach offers views of the Pacific Ocean, Long Beach skyline and Queen Mary from Fuego’s patio, along with bicycle rentals, swimming, sailing, paddle boarding, a seaside pool, whirlpool, floating cabanas, and a walking path to Downtown attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “Imperfect Women” based on a book?

Yes. “Imperfect Women” is based on the 2020 novel of the same name by Araminta Hall. The Apple TV adaptation was created, written and executive-produced by Annie Weisman, who relocated the story from England to Los Angeles for the series adaptation.

Will there be a season two of “Imperfect Women”?

As of June 2026, “Imperfect Women” has not been renewed for a second season. The series was originally developed as a limited series, but creator Annie Weisman and stars Kerry Washington and Elisabeth Moss have publicly said they would be open to continuing the story if the streamer decides to move forward.

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