The Best Places to Travel According to Your Favorite Shondaland Character

Planning travel can be a daunting task, especially if you’re overwhelmed by all the places you could potentially go. To help, we’ve put together a guide on where to travel in 2025 based on your favorite Shondaland show character, whether it’s Penelope Bridgerton or Anna Sorokin. How you choose might depend on how much time you have free from work, how far you want to go, your budget, and of course, what you want to see and do. From Morocco to Bath to Seattle, these destinations all boast top-notch hotels, a plethora of attractions and activities, and a sense of history. So, as you set aside your vacation days, why not follow in the footsteps of your favorite Shondaland character?

Penelope Bridgerton

Where to go

Although Penelope and Colin Bridgerton live in Regency-era England, much of Bridgerton itself has been filmed in Bath, England, a picturesque city with an important Roman history. Fans of Penelope will find a lot to love in the Somerset-set destination, where you can don your best dress and parade around the iconic Royal Crescent. It’s also not far from Stonehenge and many other English Heritage sites.

Where to stay

A bedroom at The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is fit for indulgence, while the Gainsborough Bath Spa pairs luxury with an ideal location.

What to do

The front of the Holburne Museum.

The Roman Baths, which date back to 43 A.D., are the top attraction in town, but readers like Penelope might prefer to tour Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein or the Jane Austen Centre. Bridgerton lovers can follow in the characters’ footsteps at the Holburne Museum, used as the exterior of Lady Danbury’s home, and the Abbey Deli, originally used as the modiste’s dress shop before an interior set was built on the show’s soundstage. You can even embark on a Bridgerton walking tour.

Meredith Grey

Ellen Pompeo

Where to go

If you’ve been accompanying Meredith Grey on her tumultuous journey over Grey Anatomy’s 21 seasons, you know where we’re going to send you: Seattle. Although the city can be rainy and gray at certain times of year, it’s got ferryboats (we miss you, Derek!), a great cultural scene, and lots of nearby outdoor areas for hiking and exploring. She may live in Boston now, but Meredith’s heart will always be in Seattle.

Where to stay

A room at The Four Seasons

Settle in with Puget Sound water views at the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, or embrace a hip, contemporary vibe at the Kimpton Palladian Hotel, both of which are within walking distance from downtown.

What to do

The front of the Museum of Pop Culture

While ascending the Space Needle is an obvious choice, Seattle is also known for its many museums, including the Museum of Pop Culture, the Seattle Art Museum, and the Chihuly Garden and Glass. Pike Place Market is fun to explore, although Meredith would more likely hang out away from tourists in a cool neighborhood like Fremont or Capitol Hill. Although Grey’s Anatomy is filmed in Los Angeles, you can seek out a few locations that have appeared on the show, like Kerry Park and the Bainbridge Island Ferry.

Olivia Pope

Where to go

Scandal’s political drama was rooted in Washington, D.C., with much of the action taking place in iconic locales like the White House and the National Mall. If you remain a die-hard Olivia Pope fan, head to her city to enjoy its museums, culinary scene, and vast history.

Where to stay

The front of the Hay-Adams Hotel

Olivia’s fictional apartment was located near Georgetown (intrepid fans have even located her actual address), but you should stay closer to the main attractions. The Watergate Hotel is, of course, a piece of American history, while the Hay-Adams situates you right next to the president’s address.

What to do

The front of the International Spy Museum

There are plenty of great (and free) museums along the National Mall, a favorite place for Olivia and Fitz to meet up, as well as numerous monuments. However, Olivia might prefer the International Spy Museum or a tour of the White House, which can be booked ahead of time. Georgetown, her home turf, is filled with shops, restaurants, and bars that are ideal for an afternoon out. Like Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal was filmed in Los Angeles (except for one episode that was filmed in the heart of D.C. Do you all remember which one?), using movie magic to fake several real-world locations. That doesn’t mean you can’t stroll the D.C. streets with Olivia’s confidence, though.

Annalise Keating

Where to go

Annalise Keating, our favorite law professor, worked in Philadelphia, which some consider the sixth borough of New York City. Needless to say, it’s great for a weekend getaway or even a full week. While we hope you won’t find yourself in a murder plot like Annalise, Philly has plenty to see and do, from historical sites to cheesesteaks.

Where to stay

A room at the Rittenhouse Hotel

Enjoy the upscale vibe and city views at the Rittenhouse Hotel, or revel in the full-on luxury at the Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, located adjacent to the well-known city hall.

What to do

Inside the Reading Market Terminal

Annalise may be busy defending clients and investigating murders, but you can explore Philly’s many beloved attractions and spaces, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Independence Hall, and Rittenhouse Square. Foodies will love Reading Terminal Market, which features more than 80 food stalls, while history buffs can embark on a Delaware River tour. You can also explore the Eastern State Penitentiary, a famous prison ruin that will remind you to avoid getting caught for your crimes.

Anna Sorokin

Julia Garner and Katie Lowes in Marrakech

Where to go

While we could recommend that you head to New York City, Anna Sorokin’s adopted hometown, instead we think you should jet off to Morocco, a key location in Inventing Anna. In the series’ sixth episode, Anna cons her pals into footing the bill of this elaborate vacation in Marrakech at the hotel La Mamounia.

Where to stay

A room at the La Mamounia hotel

Follow in Anna’s footsteps by booking a room at La Mamounia, a luxury hotel with a spa and numerous restaurants. If you prefer to set your own path, Riad Jardin Secret is a favorite for those looking for a more boutique-style stay.

What to do

Jardin Majorelle

Instead of lingering in your hotel and racking up an unpayable hotel bill like Anna did, get out into the city and experience popular sites like Bahia Palace, Jardin Majorelle (which Anna visited), the Saadian tombs, and the Maison de la Photographie. The medina, Marrakech’s maze-like walled town in the city center, attracts shoppers and diners, although it’s recommended to hire a guide if you want to see the best stuff. Although Anna goes in hard on the luxury angle, Marrakech is great on a budget, particularly if you enjoy street food. Outside of the city, embark on a desert tour via camel or ATV.

Queen Charlotte

Ria Amarteifio

Where to go

While Queen Charlotte was born in Germany, she spent most of her life ruling over England from her several castles, located in both London and Windsor. Fans of the imposing, influential royal, who married King George III, can pair London and Windsor in a single trip, making the most of all the historic places in both cities.

Where to stay

The lobby of the Hotel Café Royal

In London, gaze out over Piccadilly Circus from your room in Hotel Café Royal, famous for its beautiful afternoon tea salon. In Windsor, prioritize location at the Castle Hotel Windsor, which has been open since before Queen Charlotte was born.

What to do

A overhead view of Windsor Castle

Of course, your first stops will be all the royal palaces where Charlotte lived, including Buckingham Palace, Frogmore House, and Kew Palace, located in Kew Gardens. You can also pay a visit to Blenheim Palace, which doubles as Buckingham House in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, as well as such shooting locations as Hampton Court Palace and Hatfield House. And of course, Windsor Castle is a great place to visit. Other don’t-miss royal attractions in London include Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and Kensington Palace. In the series, Queen Charlotte visits an opera house. While that was a fictional location, you can head to Hackney Empire, the theater where the scenes were filmed.

Emily Zemler is a freelance writer and journalist based in London. She regularly contributes to the Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone, and Observer, and is the author of five books. Follow her on Twitter @emilyzemler.

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