Where was Going the Distance filmed

Locations

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

  In movie

  Scene where travel and separation are underlined through airport beats that show the practical effort of maintaining a relationship across cities. Departures, arrivals, and terminal movement reinforce scheduling stress and the emotional cost of frequent flights.

  Real

  John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on the map

  Scene was shot a major international airport in Queens with large terminals, roadways, and passenger drop-off areas that visually communicate distance and travel logistics. It is frequently used on screen because signage, vehicles, and scale quickly establish long-distance movement.

• La Vela Ristorante

  In movie

  Scene where a couple-focused dining moment plays in a recognizable neighborhood restaurant environment, reinforcing the everyday reality of dating in the city. The location supports conversational staging and the contrast between private feelings and public settings.

  Real

  La Vela Ristorante on the map

  Scene was shot an Upper West Side restaurant address at Amsterdam Avenue and West 78th Street in a dense residential-and-dining corridor. The storefront scale and steady neighborhood traffic make it a practical choice for date-night coverage and exterior arrivals.

• Sheep Meadow, Central Park

  In movie

  Scene where Erin and Garrett are shown sharing downtime in the city, with an open green space that contrasts with apartment interiors and busy streets. The setting supports relaxed dialogue, casual physical closeness, and a sense of summer ease.

  Real

  Sheep Meadow, Central Park on the map

  Scene was shot a large open lawn area in Central Park between roughly 66th and 69th Streets, popular for picnics and skyline-facing relaxation. Its broad sightlines, grass field, and surrounding trees provide a flexible backdrop for daytime scenes and wide establishing frames.

• The Half King Bar

  In movie

  Scene where Garrett’s social life and friend commentary are supported by a familiar local bar setting where conversations can turn blunt and funny. The venue works for group banter, relationship talk, and reaction shots without feeling staged.

  Real

  The Half King Bar on the map

  Scene was shot a well-known Chelsea pub at West 23rd Street and 10th Avenue with a compact interior, dark-wood bar feel, and an approachable neighborhood vibe. Its corner location and recognizable façade make it useful for both exterior beats and intimate dialogue coverage.

• The Mall (Central Park)

  In movie

  Scene where

  Real

  The Mall (Central Park) on the map

  Scene was shot The Mall, running from the flower bed on Center Drive in the south to Bethesda Terrace in the north, is the only straight path in the entire park. The path runs through a series of statues of famous writers known as the Literary Walk and past the Naumburg Bandshell. The walkway and surrounding American elms were built in 1857 and designed as part of the large park by landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux.

  New York

• The Mall, Central Park

  In movie

  Scene where Erin and Garrett spend time together outdoors, walking and talking in a recognizable Central Park corridor that emphasizes their comfort with each other. The long perspective and steady footpath allow clean two-shots and conversational pacing.

  Real

  The Mall, Central Park on the map

  Scene was shot a famous tree-lined pedestrian promenade in Central Park, known for its long straight walkway, benches, and seasonal canopy. It sits near mid-park landmarks and is frequently used for filming because it reads instantly as “New York” without needing signage.