Fallout Real-World Locations: D.C., Mojave, Boston & West Virginia
The Ultimate Fallout Real-World Settings & References Guide (U.S. Edition)
About
The Fallout franchise reimagines post-apocalyptic America through fictionalized versions of real regions, cities, and landmarks. Fallout 3 is set in the Capital Wasteland around Washington, D.C.; Fallout: New Vegas takes place in the Mojave Wasteland around Las Vegas; Fallout 4 is set in the Commonwealth, a fictionalized version of the Boston area; and Fallout 76 is set in West Virginia.
Fallout grounds its retro-futuristic Wasteland in recognizable U.S. geography and cultural memory. While not 1:1 recreations, many real-world landmarks, place names, and regions are referenced, fictionalized, or visually echoed, making these locations rewarding for "Then & Now" and fan-pilgrimage style visits.
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 setting
Fallout 3 is set in a fictionalized Capital Wasteland around Washington, D.C. Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Capitol Building appear in the game as key locations, reimagined as ruins rather than 1:1 copies.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Cherry Blossoms) or Fall.
Access
Public National Mall.
Photography Tips
- • Walk the Mall for strong fictional-vs-real overlays.
- • Sunset for Wasteland-like mood lighting.
Las Vegas & Mojave Desert — Mojave Wasteland setting
Fallout: New Vegas setting. The Las Vegas Strip, Mojave Desert, and nearby towns such as Goodsprings and Primm are recognizable real-world names/regions fictionalized for the game. Goodsprings (Pioneer Saloon) is a major fan 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 setting
Fallout 4 setting. The Commonwealth is a fictionalized version of the greater Boston area. Fenway Park appears in-game as Diamond City; the Freedom Trail, Bunker Hill, and Faneuil Hall provide recognizable place-name and visual references.
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 setting
Fallout 76 setting. Appalachia in the game draws on real place names and regional character of West Virginia. The Greenbrier (Whitespring Resort reference), Mothman Museum, and New River Gorge Bridge are popular fan-visited spots.
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 Production Locations
The Fallout TV series used production locations including Namibia, Utah, and New York. Wendover Airfield (UT) was used for Brotherhood base scenes; Nyack (NY) was used for Red Rocket sequences.
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.
Spread the word to your friends and community.