Love Across Landscapes: The Real-Life Filming Locations of Netflix’s Forever
Forever from Netflix, below is an upcoming 2025 series adapted from the beloved novel by Judy Blume. It follows the first love of two L.A. teens named Keisha and Justin. As their emotional roller-coaster rides keep viewers interested, the sumptuous locations add depth and believability to the story—publicity images, Gotham (no review available, not many words needed).
Shot primarily in Los Angeles and Martha’s Vineyard, the drama captures actual neighborhoods and iconic landmarks to convey the duality and interconnectedness in the characters’ lives. This post details every real filming location that gives Forever a spark of life on screen.
Netflix’s Forever: A Modern Twist on a Timeless Romance
Forever debuted on Netflix in May 2025 and instantly won fans with its real look at first love. Based on the 1975 Judy Blume novel Forever. The show chronicles Keisha and Justin, two high school athletes from different neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Justin is from Park-Windsor Hills, and Keisha is from Crenshaw. Their lives intertwine in an emotional story of love and maturation. Created by Mara Brock Akil, the series currently boasts a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is bound to satisfy both long-time fans and newcomers.
Shooting in Los Angeles: Giving the City a Pulse
Los Angeles is not just a location, but a character, in Forever. The production took advantage of various neighborhoods around the city to mirror Keisha and Justin’s social and cultural divide. Crenshaw, a community-oriented neighborhood, symbolizes Keisha’s solid home life.
Park-Windsor Hills, the neighborhood where Justin lives, is one of the wealthiest Black communities in the United States. Suppose scenes filmed in the Fairfax District lend spice to street fashion and urban flair. The West Slauson Avenue car wash and green screen effects completed the LA aesthetic.
Mara Brock Akil’s Real Locations Vision
The show’s creator, Mara Brock Akil, strategically shot in various neighborhoods to accurately reflect LA’s culture. She aimed to capture the city’s visual and emotional feel. Lovie Simone, who portrays the role of Keisha, revealed that falling in love with LA’s genuine side was part of her acting process.
There were plenty of widescreen skyline vistas and nighttime shots of boulevards to make the setting feel legitimately urban. It was also the ideal location because it’s the entertainment capital of the world and the backdrop for the major studios, such as Warner Bros. and Universal.
A Whirlwind Visit to Martha’s Vineyard in Episode 5
Episode 5 moves away from California and travels to Massachusetts. The series’ emotional climax occurs on Martha’s Vineyard, which is celebrated for its vibrant Black history and breathtaking coastline.
Akil and Blume, who summer on the island, said filming here was an intimate experience. They wanted to help showcase the island’s importance to Black culture and give characters room to grow in a fresh environment.
The Historical Places Around Martha’s Vineyard
The production crew shot in several popular Vineyard locations. Charming and cinematic shots were also captured in Oak Bluffs, Circuit Avenue, and East Chop. Niantic Park, Back Door Donuts, and the Flying Horses Carousel. It goes there when I think the episode can’t get any dreamier, more nostalgic, and magic-soaked.
Tisbury, which includes Vineyard Haven, was also a significant location in addition to the Steamship Authority terminal and businesses like C.B. Stark Jewelers, which were used for essential outdoor scenes. Aquinnah town offered more coastal sights at the Gay Head Cliffs and Aquinnah Overlook.
Squibnocket Beach: A Tranquil Closing Scene
Some scenes were also shot at Squibnocket Beach in Chilmark. The beach is perfect for the series’ quieter moments with its natural beauty and privacy. The show, which takes place amidst the Atlantic Ocean, provided serene, sentimental moments when compared to the sunshine and bluster of Los Angeles. Akil also highlighted their respect for the island’s peace, reflecting a short production period.
What’s Fiction in Forever: Why Location Matters
Bustling Los Angeles sat side by side with peaceful Martha’s Vineyard, illustrating the development of Keisha and Justin. Their travels take them from busy urban life to contemplative quiet.
These settings allow audiences to sense all the highs and lows of their relationship. Shooting on real locations also helps to tell his story. Using neighborhoods, beaches, and parks helps ensure Forever has a more palpable and close-to-home quality for its audience.
FAQs
Where was Forever filmed?
Most of the series was shot in Los Angeles, California, while Episode 5 was shot in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.
Which LA neighborhoods were used?
Among the filming locations were Crenshaw, Park-Windsor Hills, the Fairfax District, and West Slauson Avenue.
Why Martha’s Vineyard?
The island holds cultural significance for the producers, and its Black history is on display. Its serene landscapes provided emotional relief after a season of LA city life.
Is Forever based on a book?
Forever is adapted from Judy Blume’s 1975 novel Forever. …, addressing teen love and sex.
Can you visit where it was filmed?
Indeed, many sites, like the Fairfax District and landmarks in Martha’s Vineyard, are open to the public and ready for exploration.
Final Words
The new Netflix show Forever is not just a love story — it’s a travelogue, too. Real-world settings — Crenshaw, Oak Bluffs, and Squibnocket Beach — give depth and veracity to Keisha and Justin’s relationship.
By capturing the beauty and diversity of these areas, the show connects viewers to the characters in a visceral and enduring manner. Whether you’re in it for the plot or the view, Forever has you covered.
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