10 Destinations Every Star Wars Fan Should Visit

May the 4th, now known as Star Wars Day, has arrived. Inspired by the iconic quote, “May the Force Be With You,” this day invites fans to celebrate everything about the galaxy far, far away.

Indeed, many will have a Star Wars marathon, dress up in costumes or outfits, have a meal inspired by the films, or visit a Star Wars-themed destination.

Even if you can’t get to one today, May the 4th is the perfect time for die-hard fans to create a bucket list of Star Wars places. Unfortunately, Skywalker Ranch, the top destination, is open only by special invitation. Instead, fans can watch Fanboys and live through those characters, or see lucky invitees on YouTube.

Everyone else will find no shortage of incredible destinations to live out their Star Wars dreams. From theme parks to filming locations and museums, these places will inspire as much wonder as the films themselves.

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at the Disneyland Resort has become one of the ultimate destinations for casual and passionate Star Wars fans alike. To create a truly unique and immersive experience, Disney Imagineers created a brand-new fictional location for the land. Batuu is a spaceport reminiscent of places like Mos Eisley from Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope.

Galaxy’s Edge features two exceptional attractions. Rise of the Resistance takes guests on a thrilling, immersive adventure as you escape from a Star Destroyer. On Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, live out your fantasies of flying the famous ship in this exciting simulator ride. The land also features great eateries, including Oga’s Cantina, as well as opportunities to build a droid or lightsaber. The latter includes a special experience, making you feel like a true Jedi.

Of course, the land has not been without its share of criticism. But Galaxy’s Edge has recently rectified many of those critiques by adding John Williams music and the original characters Luke, Leia, Han, and Darth Vader to Batuu’s landscape.

Lastly, don’t forget to visit Tomorrowland for Disneyland’s original Star Wars attraction, Star Tours. Debuting in 1987, the simulator has had updates and changes, but remains a beloved classic.

For the Star Wars aficionados who prefer to visit Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, they will find Galaxy’s Edge and Star Tours in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Of the four parks, some find it to be the weakest, with the least amount to do. However, for the Star Wars lover, it’s a must-visit.

For now, this version of Galaxy’s Edge will not be implementing the changes that California has made. This will make fans of Kylo Ren and the ambient soundscapes happy. It also gives the land a much different vibe.

Hollywood Studios also stands out with its version of Star Tours. The attraction itself is not different, but the queue area is much grander and awe-inspiring than its Anaheim counterpart. Outside, guests will see an AT-AT Walker as well as trees and dwellings meant to evoke Endor and the Ewoks’ village.

In 1983’s Star Wars: Episode VI– Return of the Jedi, audiences were introduced to the beautiful and lush forest moon of Endor. Much of the film took place here, including a climactic battle between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance, with the help of the Ewoks. Naturally, George Lucas chose a place of rich, natural beauty, namely the Redwoods National Park in California.

Fans who would love to see the location of Luke and Leia’s speeder chase scene and other key moments should head to Cheatham Grove at the Grizzly Redwoods, just outside of Carlotta. Stepping into these woods will transport you straight to Endor and get you in touch with the wonders of nature. The tall majestic trees are especially awe-inspiring.

Check out this walking tour from The Time Scales on YouTube. A word of caution: the Redwoods are home to black and grizzly bears, so visitors are encouraged to wear a “bear bell” and to periodically be loud to deter them from approaching, or worse, attacking.

For the Star Wars fans who loved the Prequel trilogy, the most stunning filming location is, without a doubt, Lake Como in Northern Italy. Indeed, some of the prettiest scenes from Star Wars: Episode II- Attack of the Clones were filmed at the Villa del Balbianello.

In the film, this exquisite setting was Naboo, the home planet of Padmé Amidala. For her protection, Anakin Skywalker accompanied her there, and the two shared several moments there, including their first kiss, otherwise known as the infamous “I don’t like sand” moment. The film also ends with a sunset wedding at this same spot overlooking the lake.

In reality, this destination is just as beautiful as it appears on screen, from the villa’s architecture to the pristine blue color of the lake and surrounding mountains. When visiting, it may be crowded, so be prepared. Cosplayers, particularly couples, will love the location for creating stunning recreation photos as lovely as Anakin and Padmé’s theme “Across the Stars.” This video from Down Under Land Adventures highlights the location, with shot-by-shot comparisons, while Haden Lee offers helpful info and tips on getting to and navigating the Villa.

For the desert planet, Tatooine, George Lucas chose the vast arid regions of Tunisia to capture the necessary desolate landscape. For Star Wars fans, many of the buildings constructed or utilized still stand today for movie fans to visit.

After a 45-minute drive from the nearest city, Tozeur, you’ll reach the fictional Mos Espa. This filming location for Star Wars: Episode I- The Phantom Menace includes Anakin’s home and the nearby market.  At Matmata-Al-Qadimal, visitors will find Luke’s homestead from the original film, Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope, where he lived with his Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen. These repurposed homes are now a restored hotel and bar, named Hotel Siri Idriss.

Another location for Luke’s home became one of the most iconic moments of the entire series. In Chott El Jarid, you find the dwelling Luke ascends from and looks out onto Tatooine’s Binary Sunset. For a detailed look at these locations, check out The Traveling Wizard and Run the Atlas on YouTube.

The lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, Death Valley, served as another stand-in for Luke Skywalker’s home planet, Tatooine. Although most was filmed in Tunisia, some scenes and pick-ups from A New Hope and Return of the Jedi were shot in this National Park.

Thanks to the magic of movie-making, the two locations are seen interchangeably and seamlessly. Some of the moments include C-3PO and R2-D2 walking across the Tatooine desert, Jawas spying on R2, Luke’s first meeting with Obi-Wan Kenobi, Tusken Raiders riding Banthas, and R2 and C-3PO walking towards Jabba the Hutt’s palace.

As shown in this video from Justin Scarred on his Live Fast Die Poor Channel, the specific locations to visit are Artist Palette, Desolation Canyon, and Golden Canyon. Dante’s View was also the overlooking view of Mos Eisley Space Port.

Few individuals can legitimately claim to be the biggest Star Wars fan in the world. The one who can undoubtedly be hailed as the greatest collector is Steve Sansweet, the owner of Rancho Obi-Wan. The museum is home to Sansweet’s collection of nearly 500,000 pieces of Star Wars merchandise, memorabilia, and props that he’s amassed for over 40 years.

Located in Sonoma County, West of Petaluma, the 9,000-square-foot museum puts the Star Wars museum in the Guinness Book of World Records, and it’s a joy and wonder to behold for any diehard Star Wars fan. Though open to the public, guests can only visit by purchasing a ticket for a tour. These sell out fast and cost $80 for adults and $40 for children.

More info is on the official website. Also, check out Guinness World Records or Adam Savage on YouTube for a look inside this incredible museum.

Madame Tussaud’s Museums are some of the most remarkable and fun places for movie and pop culture fans. With wax figures of actors, celebrities, and characters, sometimes in elaborate sets, guests can get up close and personal and take photos to their heart’s content.

In London, England, Madame Tussaud’s, Star Wars fans can find the “Star Wars Experience,” an incredibly immersive collection of 11 sets and over 16 characters from all of the Star Wars films. Everything was constructed and sculpted, and in collaboration with Skywalker Ranch and Archives, creating the most accurate figures possible. Indeed, everything had to be approved by Lucasfilm, so the screen accuracy of each detail is as close to being inside the movie as you can get.

The experience features Luke and Darth Vader’s confrontation from Star Wars: Episode V- The Empire Strikes Back and lightsaber duel from Return of the Jedi, Han Solo in the Cantina, Princess Leia as prisoner to Jabba the Hutt, and the “Duel of the Fates” battle with Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, and Darth Maul. You can also pose with Anakin, Yoda, C-3PO, R2-D2, and Chewbacca. In the latter, you sit in the pilot’s seat of the Millennium Falcon.

While guests are allowed to get close to the figures and even dress in costumes, they should remain respectful. For more information, visit the official site.

The sequel trilogy films, Star Wars: Episode VII- The Force Awakens, Episode VIII- The Last Jedi, and Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker has its lovers and haters. However, even those who fall into the latter category can agree that these films featured some stunning filming locations.

One of the most beautiful and evocative locations is Skellig Michael, a rugged but lush island located in Kerry, Ireland. These locations served as the planet Ahch-To, the reclusive home to Luke Skywalker, and where Rey begins her training.

With its winding pathways, views of the ocean, and hilltops of green and rocky terrain, including stone steps that lead to an authentic Christian Monastery, the Irish coastal destination gave moments in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi the proper scope and atmosphere. Those looking to visit Skellig Michael must take a boat ride there, but only in the months of May to September.

Although not entirely connected to the Star Wars universe, the Skywalker Retreats are for the fans who desire a taste of luxury, under the direction of George Lucas and Mellody Hobson. In these premium retreats, guests can soak up resplendent art and architecture, indulge in the finest food and wine, and experience the lap of luxury.

There are three estates worldwide: Summit Skywalker Ranch in Northern California, Viadante del Cielo in Umbria, Italy, and Château Magüi in Provence, France.

Each destination offers something unique and lovely. However, make no mistake, these retreats will come with a hefty price tag and are not for the average fan. Rather, they are typically reserved for corporate getaways or private events. For specific pricing information, contact Skywalker Retreats directly via the official website.