Explore the real-world places that appear in The Vision by Dean Koontz. 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 Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Department Headquarters, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills Hotel and 5 more.
2800 E Observatory Rd — Mary's first major vision location
Mary Bergen experiences one of her most intense psychic visions here while visiting with her husband. The observatory's cosmic setting amplifies her abilities as she sees flashes of a brutal murder that will happen in downtown LA. The vision is so powerful it leaves her physically drained and terrified, marking the beginning of her realization that something darker is hunting her.
Griffith Observatory opened in 1935 as a public observatory and planetarium, built with funds donated by Griffith J. Griffith. It became an iconic symbol of Los Angeles, featured in countless films including 'Rebel Without a Cause.'
The observatory remains one of LA's most popular attractions, offering free admission to its exhibits and telescope viewing. After a major renovation completed in 2006, it continues to serve both tourists and astronomy enthusiasts.
Visit: Griffith Observatory (museum)
Near Grauman's Chinese Theatre — Second murder scene
Mary's vision of the second murder leads police to this stretch of Hollywood Boulevard. The killer strikes near the famous theater, using the crowds and chaos of the tourist area as cover. Mary arrives with Detective Lou Pasternak to find the scene exactly as she foresaw it, down to the positioning of the victim and the murder weapon.
Hollywood Boulevard became the heart of the film industry in the 1920s. Grauman's Chinese Theatre opened in 1927 and became famous for its celebrity handprint ceremonies and movie premieres.
The area remains a major tourist destination, featuring the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman's), and numerous souvenir shops and street performers.
Visit: TCL Chinese Theatre (theater)
100 W 1st St — Detective Pasternak's base of operations
Detective Lou Pasternak works from this downtown headquarters, coordinating the investigation into the serial murders that Mary Bergen predicts. He struggles with his skepticism about psychic phenomena while relying on Mary's visions to stay ahead of the killer. The building becomes a refuge for Mary as the supernatural force pursuing her grows stronger.
The Parker Center served as LAPD headquarters from 1955 to 2009, named after former police chief William H. Parker. It was the nerve center for policing one of America's largest cities during turbulent decades.
The building was demolished in 2019 after the LAPD moved to a new headquarters. The site is now part of ongoing downtown LA development projects.
Ocean Front Walk — Mary's childhood trauma location
Mary returns to Venice Beach where her psychic abilities first manifested during a traumatic childhood experience. The boardwalk triggers powerful flashbacks and visions that help her understand the source of her powers. Here she realizes that the malevolent force has been connected to her since childhood, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Venice was developed in 1905 by Abbot Kinney as 'Venice of America,' complete with canals and gondolas. By the 1960s-70s, it had become a bohemian enclave known for its counterculture and artistic community.
Venice Beach remains famous for its eclectic boardwalk culture, street performers, Muscle Beach outdoor gym, and vibrant arts scene. It's one of LA's most visited tourist destinations.
Visit: Venice Beach Boardwalk (park)
9641 Sunset Blvd — The killer's upscale hunting ground
Mary's visions reveal that the killer stalks victims in and around this luxury hotel, using its wealthy clientele as targets. The opulent setting contrasts sharply with the brutal violence Mary foresees. She and Pasternak stake out the hotel, trying to prevent the murder she's seen, but the supernatural entity interfering with her abilities makes their efforts nearly futile.
The Beverly Hills Hotel opened in 1912 and became known as 'The Pink Palace' for its distinctive salmon-colored exterior. It quickly became a favorite of Hollywood stars and celebrities.
The Beverly Hills Hotel remains one of the world's most exclusive luxury hotels, still painted in its signature pink and frequented by celebrities and wealthy travelers.
Visit: Beverly Hills Hotel (restaurant)
2230 W 6th St — Mary's psychic breakdown location
Mary suffers a severe psychic episode in MacArthur Park when the malevolent force attempts to take complete control of her mind. She collapses near the lake, experiencing violent visions while her husband desperately tries to help her. The park's serene setting becomes a battleground between Mary's consciousness and the entity trying to possess her.
MacArthur Park was created in the 1880s as Westlake Park and renamed in 1942. The artificial lake was a centerpiece of the design, and the park became a popular recreation spot for Los Angeles residents.
MacArthur Park has undergone various phases of decline and renewal. Recent revitalization efforts have improved safety and amenities, though it remains a working-class neighborhood park.
Visit: MacArthur Park (park)
2051 Marengo St — Where Mary seeks medical help
After a particularly violent psychic attack, Mary is brought to this hospital where doctors struggle to understand her condition. The clinical environment provides no refuge from her visions, and she continues to receive flashes of future murders while being examined. The hospital scenes highlight the conflict between medical science and supernatural phenomena.
Los Angeles County Hospital, later renamed LAC+USC Medical Center, opened in 1933 as one of the largest public hospitals in the United States, serving the area's indigent population.
The hospital continues to operate as a major public medical center, though the original 1933 building was replaced with modern facilities. It remains a crucial part of LA's healthcare system.
Above Hollywood Hills — The final confrontation site
Mary's final vision leads her to this winding mountain road where she must confront both the serial killer and the supernatural entity that has been manipulating events. The isolated location high above Los Angeles provides the perfect setting for the climactic battle between Mary's psychic abilities and the malevolent force that has been hunting her throughout the story.
Mulholland Drive was built in the 1920s along the ridgeline of the Santa Monica Mountains, named after civil engineer William Mulholland who designed LA's water system. It became famous for its scenic views and celebrity homes.
Mulholland Drive remains one of LA's most scenic routes, offering panoramic views of both the San Fernando Valley and the Los Angeles basin. It's popular with tourists and has been featured in countless films and TV shows.
Visit: Mulholland Drive Scenic Overlook (landmark)
Sunset Blvd between Crescent Heights & Doheny — Nightclub murder scene
One of Mary's most disturbing visions occurs here, showing a murder that will take place outside one of the Strip's famous nightclubs. The killer uses the area's reputation for late-night revelry and celebrity sightings to blend into the crowd. Mary and Detective Pasternak patrol the area, but the entity's interference with her abilities makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact location and timing.
The Sunset Strip developed in the 1920s as an unincorporated area between Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, allowing it to operate with fewer restrictions. It became famous for its nightclubs, restaurants, and music venues.
The Sunset Strip remains a legendary entertainment district, home to iconic venues like the Whisky a Go Go, The Roxy, and numerous upscale restaurants and hotels.
Visit: Whisky a Go Go (theater)
630 W 5th St — Mary researches psychic phenomena
Mary comes to the library's research sections to find information about psychic abilities and supernatural entities, hoping to understand what's happening to her. The quiet, scholarly environment contrasts with the violence of her visions, but even here she cannot escape them. She discovers historical accounts of similar psychic experiences that help her prepare for her final confrontation.
The Central Library opened in 1926 and survived two major fires in the 1980s before being restored and expanded. It's considered one of the finest examples of public library architecture in the United States.
The Los Angeles Central Library remains the flagship of the LA Public Library system, serving over 1.5 million visitors annually with its vast collections and cultural programs.
Visit: Los Angeles Central Library (library)
More by Dean Koontz: All Dean Koontz books
More novels set in Los Angeles: Browse all Los Angeles books on Map A Story
Other nearby maps: The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman locations map · The Guncle by Steven Rowley locations map