Explore the real-world places that appear in Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. Each location on the map shows what happens there in the novel, the real history of the place, and what's there today. Featured locations include Camp Half-Blood, Empire State Building / Mount Olympus, Underworld Entrance, Gateway Arch, Medusa's Lair and 5 more.
Training camp for demigods
Percy arrives half-conscious after the Minotaur attack, carried by Grover. He recovers in the Big House, meets Chiron and Mr. D, and learns he is a demigod. He is claimed by Poseidon after a duel with Clarisse at the creek, and later captures the flag with Annabeth.
Long Island's North Shore was long home to Algonquian peoples such as the Setauket and later to farms and estates. The area's strawberry fields and Sound-side coastline are well known.
The area has farms, beaches, and preserved parkland, though no actual camp exists. Fans visit Long Island's North Fork for strawberry picking and Sound views.
600th floor home of the gods
Percy, Annabeth, and Grover return to deliver the stolen master bolt. Percy rides the secret elevator to the 600th floor and faces Zeus and Poseidon. He returns the bolt and the gods end the brewing war.
Completed in 1931, the Empire State Building was the world's tallest building for nearly 40 years. It became an icon of New York and American ambition.
It is an open observation-deck attraction with Art Deco lobby and 86th and 102nd floor views. Millions visit annually.
DOA Recording Studios, Hollywood
Percy, Annabeth, and Grover enter through the studio and descend to Charon's ferry. They face Cerberus and Hades's judgment hall. Percy confronts Hades and discovers the bolt in his backpack.
Hollywood grew in the early 1900s as the center of American film. Recording studios along its streets shaped the music industry.
Hollywood is crowded with studios, theaters, and tourist sites. Fans visit Hollywood Boulevard and the nearby Walk of Fame.
Where Ares sets a trap
The trio travel to St. Louis and ride to the top of the Arch, where they find Ares's cursed pit. Percy and Annabeth look out over the Mississippi River and are tempted by the view. They stand at the edge before taking the monster-filled ride in the Arch's trams.
Designed by Eero Saarinen, the Arch was completed in 1965 to commemorate westward expansion. It stands 630 feet tall.
It is part of Gateway Arch National Park, with a museum and tram rides to the top. It overlooks the Mississippi River.
Aunty Em's Garden Gnome Emporium
The group stops at Aunty Em's Garden Gnome Emporium and meets Medusa. Percy uses a reflective shield and Annabeth's cap to avoid her gaze. They defeat her and take her head, which Percy later uses as a gift.
Newark is one of America's oldest cities, founded in 1666. It has long been a transport and industrial hub.
Newark is a diverse city with museums, parks, and a major airport. The Newark Museum of Art is a major cultural site.
Hotel where time stops
The trio enter the Lotus Hotel and Casino and are lured by endless games and food. Time passes unnoticed as they forget their mission. Percy realizes the danger and drags his friends out, discovering days have passed.
Las Vegas was founded in 1905 and grew with casinos starting in the 1930s. It became the entertainment capital of the world.
The Las Vegas Strip has resorts, shows, and casinos. It draws tens of millions of visitors each year.
Home with Sally and Gabe
Percy lives with his mother Sally and her smelly husband Gabe Ugliano. Sally takes him to Montauk before the Minotaur attack. Later Percy returns and learns his mother was kept by Hades.
The Upper East Side developed in the late 1800s as a wealthy residential area. It has many landmark townhouses.
It is home to museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Streets and parks remain residential.
Boarding school for troubled kids
Percy attends Yancy Academy and goes on a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum. Mrs. Dodds attacks, revealing herself as a Fury. Percy kills her with Chiron's pen sword.
Westchester County has long hosted boarding schools and estates. It sits north of New York City along the Hudson.
The area has parks, historic sites, and private academies. Hudson Valley towns are popular day trips.
Stop where the Furies attack
The group stops in Denver after the casino. They continue west toward Los Angeles with limited money. The stop marks a pause in the journey west.
Denver was founded in 1858 during the Gold Rush. Union Station opened in 1881.
Union Station is a restored hub with restaurants, a hotel, and train service. It is a popular downtown landmark.
End of the road at the Pacific
After leaving the Underworld, Percy and his friends reach the Santa Monica Pier. They decide to head back east. Percy considers the cost of his journey and the strength of his friendships.
The pier opened in 1909 and is home to Pacific Park. It marks the end of historic Route 66.
It features an amusement park, Ferris wheel, restaurants, and beach access. It is one of Southern California's main attractions.
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