About
The Bethesda franchise reimagines post-apocalyptic America with hyper-accurate maps of real cities, deserts, and landmarks. Fallout 3 nukes D.C., New Vegas claims the Mojave, Fallout 4 ruins Boston, and Fallout 76 ravages West Virginia.
Fallout grounds its retro-futuristic Wasteland in U.S. geography—using LiDAR scans, satellite maps, and on-site refs for 1:1 accuracy. This makes these locations perfect for "Then & Now" comparisons.
Updates as of 2026: Fallout TV S2 (New Vegas/Mojave setting) boosts Vegas pilgrimages; National Atomic Testing Museum's "World of Fallout" exhibit draws crowds. Fan events in Goodsprings NV (Nov) and WV (May) are major gatherings.
Full Pilgrimage Guide
Curated videos and routes — click a card to watch and plan your trip.
Spotlight Location Guide
Washington, D.C. (Capital Wasteland)
Fallout 3 Inspiration. Game map mirrors the National Mall 1:1—ruined monuments as landmarks. Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Capitol are key faction bases.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Cherry Blossoms) or Fall.
Access
Public National Mall.
Photography Tips
- • Walk the Mall for "Then & Now" overlays.
- • Sunset for irradiated glow vibes.
Las Vegas & Mojave Desert (New Vegas)
New Vegas Setting. Strip casinos are game icons; desert towns are exact. Goodsprings (Pioneer Saloon) is a major pilgrimage site.
Best Time to Visit
Late Fall/Winter (avoid summer heat).
Access
Public/Private businesses.
Photography Tips
- • Visit Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings.
- • Walk the Strip at night.
- • Check out the National Atomic Testing Museum.
Boston, Massachusetts (The Commonwealth)
Fallout 4 Setting. Fenway Park becomes Diamond City; Freedom Trail inspires quests. Bunker Hill and Faneuil Hall are key spots.
Best Time to Visit
Spring through Fall.
Access
Public/Private landmarks.
Photography Tips
- • Tour Fenway Park.
- • Walk the Freedom Trail.
- • Visit the Old North Church.
West Virginia (Appalachia)
Fallout 76 Setting. Bethesda scanned WV for 1:1 map. The Greenbrier (Whitespring), Mothman Museum, and New River Gorge Bridge are icons.
Best Time to Visit
Fall for foliage.
Access
Public parks / Private resort.
Photography Tips
- • Visit the Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant.
- • Tour the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum.
Fallout TV Series Locations
Filmed in Namibia, Utah, and New York. Wendover Airfield (UT) for Brotherhood base; Nyack (NY) for Red Rocket.
Best Time to Visit
Varies by location.
Access
Public/Restricted.
Photography Tips
- • Wendover Airfield museum tours.
- • Red Rocket gas station in Nyack, NY.
Suggested Itineraries
Capital Wasteland Walk
EasyA walking tour of the National Mall in D.C., visiting the ruined monuments from Fallout 3.
Transportation
Walking / Metro
Locations
- • National Mall
- • Lincoln Memorial
- • Capitol
Mojave Wasteland Loop
ModerateDrive from Vegas to Goodsprings (Pioneer Saloon), Primm, and Hoover Dam. Essential for New Vegas fans.
Transportation
Car Rental
Locations
- • Las Vegas
- • Goodsprings
- • Hoover Dam
Appalachia Expedition
ModerateExplore the vast map of Fallout 76 in West Virginia. Visit the Mothman Museum and The Greenbrier bunker.
Transportation
Car Rental
Locations
- • The Greenbrier
- • Point Pleasant
- • New River Gorge
Tips & Etiquette
Timing
Spring/Fall. Avoid desert summer heat.
Photo Tip
Sunset/dusk for "nuked" glow.
Fan Events
Goodsprings (Nov), WV Mothman Festival (Sept).
Safety
Hydrate in deserts. Be bear-aware in WV.