7 Filming Locations from Clayton’s Season of ‘The Bachelor’

Between too many I love you’s and fantasy suites gone awry, Clayton Echard’s season of The Bachelor was undoubtedly a whirlwind of emotions. To put it simply, the former NFL player’s ‘journey’ was anything but smooth leaving viewers uncertain if Echard could repair the damage done and somehow, against all odds, find love. But, in true fairy tale fashion, ABC unveiled an unexpected happily ever after when they announced that Echard and frontrunner Susie Evans were (and still are) going strong post-production.

What was perhaps the ‘most dramatic season yet’ also had some incredible backdrops as Echard and the ladies vying for his love traveled the world for the first time since early 2020.   

And lucky for you, we kept track of them all so that you can travel like a (reality-TV) star on your next vacation.

Episodes 1-3: The Bachelor Mansion

The Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon… the Bachelor Mansion? For reality-TV fans, this famed residence is as iconic as some of our nation’s most notable sites. Located in Agoura Hills, California, the Bachelor Mansion has played host to countless seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. It also happens to be where Echard and his contestants began their adventure on season 26.

Interestingly, the Mansion isn’t the property of ABC, instead, it’s a private residence referred to as “Villa De La Vina” by long-time owner Marshall Haraden. The story of how Villa De La Vina became the Bachelor Mansion dates to the early 2000s when Haraden and ABC struck a deal allowing the network to film at the home twice a year.

While the property isn’t available to tour, there are videos online that give a behind-the-scenes look at where the magic happens.

Episode 4: Houston/Galveston, TX

In episode four, Echard and the gals leave sunny California and make their way to Houston and Galveston, Texas. However, a new destination doesn’t shake lingering drama from the ‘house’ as the role of villain is handed from now-eliminated Cassidy Timbrooks to shrimp-hoarding Shanae Ankney. We spend way too much time focusing on Ankney’s strange obsession with fellow contestant Elizabeth Corrigan before diving into the one-on-one date at the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and a group date at NRG Stadium.

As for accommodations, the cast members spent the night at the stunning C. Baldwin Curio Collection by Hilton. The hotel is famous for its close proximity to the Allen Center and Heritage Plaza providing travelers with quick access to local sights such as The Hobby Center and the George R. Brown Convention Center and more via the hotel’s free downtown shuttle.

Episode 5: Toronto, Canada

Next, it was off to the Great White North. The fun began with an aerial view of Toronto as Echard and fan favorite, Gabby Windey, soared above the city during a romantic one-on-one date. After they had both feet on the ground, the pair visit Hotel Toronto for a sentimental dinner where Windey revealed fears of feeling undeserving and her struggles to receive love. 

Then, was the group date to the Distillery Historic District where Echard and 12 contestants spent the afternoon tearing each other to shreds during a roast-like comedy show. Don’t worry, it was all in good fun. Later, came the dreaded two-on-one date where Genevieve and Shanae faced off to determine who was the true source of the unsavory drama taking place in the house. The encounter took place at the famous Niagara Falls where the trio endured a wildly awkward Maid of the Mist cruise and a pitstop at the Dufferin Islands. Spoiler alert: Shanae went home.

Episode 6: Hvar, Croatia

Things got whimsical as the remaining cast and crew made a trip across the pond to historic Hvar, Croatia. Recognizable from movies and television shows such as Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Succession, Croatia is a popular destination amongst partygoers, outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs and thrill-seekers alike.

Things kicked off with a group date where the selected women acted as Croatian knights complete with hand-to-hand combat, suites of armor and speeches that sang praises of their honor. Of course, what is a knight without bravery? The producers then pulled a nasty trick and forced the lady knights to indulge in a feast of pig’s brains, cow’s stomach and fish heads, something they claimed was an assortment of traditional Croatian food. Although that was all exciting, the most memorable moment in Croatia was when blond bombshell Susie Evans invited Echard on a last-minute date atop the Hvar Town clock tower.

The picture-perfect hotel for this leg of the journey was the Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort, a four-star resort that’s just a ten-minute walk from Hvar Town. In addition to gorgeous views of the Adriatic Sea, the Amfora is also famous for its glamorous Hvar Premier Beach Resort where travelers can enjoy a fabulous cascading pool nestled within an intimate private bay.

Episode 7: Vienna, Austria

Famous for its parks, vineyards and classical composers, episode seven was hosted in dreamy Vienna. This episode started with a bang as contestants Sarah Hamrick and Mara Agrait butted heads, ultimately resulting in Agrait going home at the opening rose ceremony. After all that drama, it was time for the one-on-one date where it appeared that Evan’s clock tower shenanigans paid off as she was picked for the coveted shopping outing. Echard and Evans hopped in a vintage car and made their way to Austrian Designer Eva Poleschinski’s private showroom where Evans was treated to a custom-made gown.

Later, five ladies embarked on the group date where the producers took the term ‘trauma bonding’ to a new level as they embraced Sigmund Freud’s hometown spirit with group therapy sessions. Finally, there was a second one-on-one date where Echard and frontrunner Serene Russell took a horse-drawn carriage to Hofburg Palace, making stops to eat chestnuts and dance to accordion music along the way.

Episode 8: Various Locations

By week eight, Echard narrowed his search for a future fiancée down to four women—Susie Evans, Gabby Windey, Rachel Recchia and Serene Russell—which could only mean one thing, it was time for hometowns.

Poquoson, VA

The first hometown date took place in Poquoson, VA. Here, Echard and Evans took a stroll through a local park, tried their hand at jujitsu and enjoyed a quick stop at the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier  before meeting Evans’ family.

Denver, CO

Next up, Windey showed Echard the ropes when they visited her hometown of Denver, CO. The pair kicked things off with a fabulous mountain hike to a spot inconspicuously named ‘Proposal Rock’ as they discussed bear-repelling strategies and took a dip in a conveniently placed hot tub nearby.

Oklahoma City, OK

In Oklahoma City, Russell tested Echard's nerves as they make their way across an aerial obstacle course at Riversports Adventures. It becomes clear that Echard is not a fan of heights, as the two stood atop a bungee jumping platform, something Echard reportedly freaked out about before free-falling to safety.

Clermont, FL

Last, but not least, it’s Recchia’s turn to show Echard her stomping grounds. The two met at King’s Landing canoe rental and paddle away on a wild adventure, alligators and terrifyingly large spiders in tow. Of course, the spooky vibes don’t last long and soon the two find themselves at the ‘Kissing Tree’. I’m sure you can guess what happened from there.

Episode 9-11: Iceland

The final stop in Iceland is where all three of Echard’s remaining relationships begin to unravel. In fact, after all the drama that ensued, I wouldn’t be surprised if he never steps foot in Reykjavík or the surrounding area ever again. However, before things crashed and burned, plenty of fun was had with cave, ATV and helicopter dates in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Unfortunately, ABC seems to be keeping the locations of each overnight date under lock and key, as I’m having a hard time digging them up anywhere online. However, there are three other notable spots featured throughout the last episodes of the season—Sky Lagoon, Harpa Concert Hall and Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant. Of the three locations, you might recognize Sky Lagoon from social media as the Icelandic spa’s stunning blue waters and idyllic backdrop are heavily featured all over Insta. It was here that Echard and Evans kicked off their fantasy suite date dipping between ice-cold waters and the resort’s naturally toasty geothermal hot pools.

Harpa Concert Hall got a lot of screen time, too, as it was the dreaded spot where Echard revealed that we had fallen in love with (and been intimate with) all of the remaining women, thus sending Windey and Recchia into a spiral. When it’s not the source of reality-TV drama, Harpa Concert Hall is a great spot for concerts, musicals, exhibits and other performances featuring Icelandic culture.

Lastly, you’ll recognize Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant as the place where Evans broke things off with Echard near the end of the season. The restaurant is a gorgeous spot that pays homage to Icelandic heritage by serving food that is acquired in the same way as the Vikings—freshly caught and hunted by the Ingólfsskáli family. From the landscape and the decor to the cozy atmosphere and the mouthwatering dishes, this unique eatery definitely deserves a spot on your Icelandic wish list.