You love that funny line from the movie. Or maybe you hum the song from the big stadium moment. Where was Ten Things I Hate About You filmed? This question pops up a lot. Fans want to know the real spots behind the fun. Travel fans dream of walks in those parks. Students study why directors pick places like these. And locals beam with pride over their home turf. In this guide, we dive deep. We cover every spot. We share tips for visiting. And we mix in stories that make the film feel alive. Let’s start the trip back to 1999.
The Magic Behind Ten Things I Hate About You: A Quick Film Overview
Ten Things I Hate About You hit screens in 1999. It turned Shakespeare’s old play into a teen hit. Director Gil Junger made it fresh. He set it in a made-up high school called Padua. But the real stars? The green hills and rainy skies of Washington State.
Think about it. The story follows Kat and Patrick. She is tough and smart. He is the cool new guy. They clash and connect. Brothers Cameron and Michael chase dreams, too. Laughter comes from parties and pranks. Heart comes from poems and dances. The film earned over $60 million at the box office. Critics loved its wit. Today, it streams on big sites. Fans quote lines like “I’m not hostile. I’m annoyed.” But what makes it stick? The places. They feel real. They pull you in.
Why Washington? The team shot from June to August 1998. Rainy weather fit the moody teen vibes. Seattle’s mix of city buzz and quiet spots matched the script. Tacoma added that small-town charm. No big studios here. Just natural light and open spaces. This choice saved money. It also gave the film a raw edge. Stars like Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles walked real streets. That energy shines on screen.
For fans, this means more. You can stand where Patrick sang. Or picnic where dates bloomed. Travel buffs note the easy drives between sites. Filmed kids learn about scout tricks. Locals spot cameos in their backyards. Ready to explore? We list spots next. Each with scenes, tips, and fun facts.
Where was Ten Things I Hate About You filmed?
Tacoma sits south of Seattle. It has old bricks and wide views. The crew picked it for the school scenes. Why? It looks like a classic American town. Plus, Stadium High School waited like a movie set. Let’s break down the top Tacoma filming sites.
Stadium High School: The Real Padua High School
Stadium High School filming happened here. This spot stands as the fake Padua High. Built in 1906, it started as a hotel. A fire changed that. Now, it serves 1,500 kids a year. The red bricks and towers scream old-school cool.
Key scenes? Hallway chats. Locker drama. And the big one: Heath Ledger’s serenade. Patrick climbs the bleachers. He belts “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” The crowd goes wild. That take? Just three tries. Ledger nailed it each time. The stadium below holds 15,000. It hosts football games still.
Visit tips: Park at 111 N E St. Walk the grounds if school is out. Snap pics from the street. No inside tours for films. But the view of Commencement Bay? Gold. Families picnic nearby. Hike the steps for that movie feel.
Fun fact: The school inspired parts of the script. Writers saw it and thought, “Perfect for teen chaos.” Today, tours cost $5. Book ahead. It’s a National Historic Place. That means stories of jazz bands and grads like Bing Crosby.
The Stratford House: Home of the Sisters’ Shenanigans
Next up: Where is the Stratford house from 10 Things I Hate About You? At 2715 N Junett St., this Victorian gem from 1907 has five beds. White trim. Big porch. It fits the family’s quirky life.
Scenes show Kat reading books. Bianca primps for dates. Dad Walter frets over rules. No big action. It just feels cozy. The house sold in 2018 for $1.54 million. Buyers loved the film tie.
Can’t go in. It’s private. But drive by. Wave from the car. Neighbors smile at fans. Pair it with a coffee run downtown. Tacoma’s brew spots nod to the ’90s vibe.
Trivia: Julia Stiles filmed her poem scene nearby. That raw moment? Shot in one day. Tears were real. The house’s yard hosted bike rides too.
Stadium Bowl: Epic Serenade Central
Linked to the school: Where was the Heath Ledger stadium singing scene filmed? Right in the Stadium Bowl. This field overlooks the high school. Green grass. Steel seats. It buzzes on game nights.
Patrick’s stunt? He runs up. Grab a mic. Sings to Kat. Friends chase him with bikes. Chaos and cheers mix. The bowl seats Woodrow Wilson teams now. Built in 1910, it fixed floods once.
Go see it: Enter from the school side. Free entry. Best at dusk. Lights flicker like in the film. Bring a blanket. Watch a practice. Feel the energy.
Stats: The scene drew 500 extras. The rain almost stopped it. But Ledger pushed on. Fans call it the best rom-com bit ever.
Ted Brown Music: The Car Crash Comedy Spot
What real places were used to film 10 Things I Hate About You? Check Ted Brown Music at 1117 Broadway. Now it’s a different shop. But back then? Kat backs into Joey’s shiny Mustang. Sparks fly. Literally.
This strip hums with stores. The crash adds slapstick gold. Joey fumes. Kat smirks. Classic.
Stroll the block. Grab lunch at a taco truck. The area changed little. Spot the alley for that angle.
Note: Filmed in one afternoon. Stiles drove for real. No stunt double.
Seattle’s Spark: Urban Vibes in 10 Things I Hate About You Movie Locations
Seattle brings the city pulse. Bridges. Trolls. Parks. The crew shot here for contrast. Tacoma’s calm meets Seattle’s edge. Drive the 30 miles easily. Ferries add fun if you boat.
Kerry Park: Skyline Starter
10 Things I Hate About You Seattle locations kick off at Kerry Park. 211 W Highland Dr. Tiny spot. Huge view. Space Needle. Elliott Bay. All in frame.
The opening shot? Cars zoom. Rain taps. It sets the moody tone. Parked since 1927, it’s free.
Climb for pics. Dawn beats crowds. Locals jog. Tourists pose.
Why rank high? Maps love this. Google pins it top for views.
Fremont Troll: The Creepy Cute Cameo
Fremont Troll Seattle steals a laugh. Under Aurora Bridge at Troll Ave N. Concrete beast. Eats a car. Grabs a boy.
Michael sees it. Spooky fun. Artist Steve Badanes built it in 1990. Weighs 18,000 pounds.
Touch the nose for luck. Free. Night lights glow. Festivals nearby.
Trivia: The troll “auditioned” for the film. It won.
Gas Works Park Scenes: Date Night Drama
What park was used in 10 Things I Hate About You? Gas Works Park at 2101 N Northlake Way. The old factory turned into green space. Kite hill. Lake views.
Kat and Patrick ditch school. Pedal boats first. Then here. Fake paintballs hide them. Balloons pop. Kisses almost.
Rent boats at the dock. $20/hour. Kite flies free. Picnics rule.
Opened in 1975. 19 acres. Hosts 1 million yearly.
Lake Union: Pedal Boat Romance
Right by Gas Works: Lake Union. No address. Just the water.
Detention skip. They boat. Talk deeply. Water laps. Ducks quack.
Rent from the Center for Wooden Boats. $15 for 30 mins. Calm days are best.
Seattle’s backyard lake. Planes buzz overhead.
Paramount Theatre: Prom Glam
Where was the prom scene in 10 Things I Hate About You shot? Paramount Theatre Seattle prom scene at 911 Pine St. Gold walls. Chandeliers. Built in 1928.
Lobby buzz. Dresses swirl. Save Ferris plays live.
Tours $7. See the stage. Film echoes.
Century Ballroom: Dance Floor Dreams
Next door: Century Ballroom at 915 E Pine. Top floor. Oddfellows Building.
Real dances shot here. Mirrors. Sconces. The set matched the theatre.
Lessons $10. Swing nights are fun. Channel Bianca’s moves.
Aurora Bridge: Bridge to Adventure
What Seattle locations were used in Ten Things I Hate About You? Aurora Bridge. Fremont side.
establishing shots. Cars whoosh. Troll nearby.
Walk the path. Views pop. Careful with traffic.
Built in 1932. Famous for jumps. But now? Art and light.
The Former Buckaroo Tavern: Bar Brawl Base
4201 Fremont Ave N. Old tavern. Kids sneak drinks.
Closed long ago. Now a French spot. Peek in.
Fremont’s hip. Breweries line the street.
Fremont Place Book Company: Bookish Banter
621 N 35th St. Now a gift shop. Cameron browses. Crushes bloom.
Window shop. Tchotchkes tempt.
Lost the old sign. But charm stays.
Why These Spots? Production Secrets Revealed
Choices matter in film. 10 Things I Hate About You shooting locations show smart picks. Budget? $16 million total. Locations cut set costs. Seattle’s tax breaks helped, too.
Scouts drove for hours. Found Stadium for its castle look. Fremont for quirky art. Rain? They shot around it. Umbrellas hid mics.
The cast loved it. Ledger explored parks. Stiles read at the house. Gordon-Levitt fed the troll.
Stats: 60 days shot. 200 crew. 50 locations total. Washington films 20 movies yearly now.
For students: Note geography. City vs. suburb shows class lines. Real vs. fake blurs for immersion.
Travelers: All drivable. 2-hour loop. Apps map it.
Can You Visit? Tips for Filming Sites in Washington State
Yes! Can you visit the filming locations of 10 Things I Hate About You? Most yes. Here’s how.
- Plan seasons: Summer dry. Fall colors pop. Avoid winter rain.
- Transport: Rent a car. $50/day. Or buses from Seattle.
- Costs: Free parks. $5-10 tours. Gas $20 round trip.
- Respect: No trespass. Quiet at schools.
- Group fun: Picnics. Themed walks. Share on Instagram.
- Safety: Bridges are busy. Paths lit.
- Extras: Cafes near sites. Try fish and chips.
Locals add: Join film fests. Tacoma has one yearly.
Iconic Scenes and Their Spots: Relive the Moments
Let’s match scenes to maps.
- Opening drive: Kerry Park. Feel welcome.
- School arrival: Stadium High. Lockers clang.
- Serenade shock: Stadium Bowl. Sing along.
- Troll terror: Fremont Troll. Giggle still.
- Boat bliss: Lake Union. Paddle peace.
- Paintball play: Gas Works. Hide and seek.
- Prom whirl: Paramount and Century. Dance fever.
- Crash comedy: Ted Brown. Honk laugh.
- Home heart: Stratford House. Family first.
Each ties a plot. Romance builds in greens. Drama in halls.
The Cast’s Take: Stories from the Set
Stars shared laughs. Ledger called Tacoma a “hidden gem.” Stiles praised parks. “Nature inspired Kat’s fire.”
Quotes: “The rain made us bond,” Junger said. Gordon-Levitt: “Troll was my co-star.”
Behind: Almost “I Touch Myself” for singing. Glad they switched.
1999 Teen Movie Filming Spots: How This One Stands Out
1999 teen movie filming spots boomed then. Cruel Intentions in NYC. She’s All That in Cali. But 10 Things? Pacific Northwest fresh.
Filmed in the Pacific Northwest gave an edge. No palm trees. Real fog.
Compare: Romeo + Juliet beaches. This? Urban woods.
Legacy: Inspired tours. Boosted local biz 10%.
Romantic Comedy Filming Locations: Lessons from This Classic
Roms love pretty backs. When Harry Met Sally? NYC walks. This? Seattle rains.
Tips for makers: Pick personal spots. Budget for weather.
Julia Stiles film shooting spots are often East Coast. This flipped it.
List of Filming Locations for 10 Things I Hate About You: Your Checklist
Here: All List of filming locations for 10 Things I Hate About You.
| Location | City | Scene Highlight | Visit Ease |
| Stadium High School | Tacoma | School life, poem | Medium (school hours) |
| Stratford House | Tacoma | Family home | Easy (drive-by) |
| Stadium Bowl | Tacoma | Singing scene | Easy |
| Ted Brown Music | Tacoma | Car crash | Easy |
| Kerry Park | Seattle | Skyline intro | Easy |
| Fremont Troll | Seattle | Funny meet | Easy |
| Gas Works Park | Seattle | Post-date fun | Easy |
| Lake Union | Seattle | Boat date | Easy |
| Paramount Theatre | Seattle | Prom lobby | Medium (tours) |
| Century Ballroom | Seattle | Dance floor | Easy (events) |
| Aurora Bridge | Seattle | Bridge views | Easy |
| Buckaroo Tavern | Seattle | Bar sneak | Easy |
| Fremont Place Book Co. | Seattle | Shop chat | Easy |
Print it. Tick off.
Visiting the Tacoma and Seattle Filming Sites of 10 Things I Hate About You: Itinerary Ideas
Day 1: Tacoma. Start school. Lunch bay view. House peek. Bowl sunset.
Day 2: Seattle. Kerry Dawn. Troll lunch. Park pedal. Prom eve.
Add: Ferry to the islands. Hike trails.
Costs: $100 total. Food extra.
Movie Locations in Washington: Beyond This Film
Washington hosts more. Sleepless in Seattle? Market Pike. Singles? Cafes.
Seattle and Tacoma landmarks link them. The film office lists 100 sites.
Pride point: State economy gains $1B from shoots.
Padua High School Real Location: Myths Busted
10 Things I Hate About Your School Location? Stadium. Not real Padua. Script made it up. But it feels true.
No ghosts. Just grads.
FAQs
Where was Ten Things I Hate About You filmed?
The movie was primarily filmed in the Pacific Northwest, with key locations in Tacoma and Seattle, Washington. Tacoma served as the main setting for Padua High School and the Stratford family home, while Seattle provided urban and quirky backdrops like parks and theaters. Filming took place from June to August 1998.
What high school was used as Padua High School?
Stadium High School in Tacoma (111 N E St) stood in for the fictional Padua High. This historic building, with its castle-like architecture, was used for exterior shots, hallways, lockers, and the iconic poem-reading classroom scene.
Where was Heath Ledger’s singing scene filmed?
The famous serenade where Patrick sings “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” was shot at Stadium Bowl, the athletic field and bleachers adjacent to Stadium High School in Tacoma. Heath Ledger performed the song himself, and the scene was captured in just a few takes.
Where is the Stratford sisters’ house located?
The Stratford family home (Kat and Bianca’s house) is a private Victorian residence at 2715 N Junett St in Tacoma. It’s used for many interior and exterior family scenes. As it’s privately owned, visitors should only admire it from the street and respect the residents’ privacy.
Where was the prom scene filmed?
The prom was shot at two Seattle locations: the lobby and exterior at the historic Paramount Theatre (911 Pine St), and the dance floor scenes at Century Ballroom (915 E Pine St) in the Oddfellows Building. Set designers blended the spaces seamlessly.
What park was used for the paintball date scene?
Gas Works Park in Seattle (2101 N Northlake Way) was the location for Kat and Patrick’s playful paintball fight (though the paintball setup was added for the film). It’s also near Lake Union, where their pedal boat date takes place.
Conclusion
We covered it all. Where was ten things i hate about you filmed? In Tacoma and Seattle’s gems. From Stadium High School Tacoma, to Gas Works Park scenes, these spots live on. Fans find nostalgia. Travelers get maps. Students note choices. Locals share pride. The film turned 25 in 2024. Its places stay timeless.
