Where the McCallister Family Goes in Home Alone 2: Exploring the Film’s Iconic Holiday Destinations

By Michael ChenLast Updated June 26, 2025

Introduction: The McCallister Family’s Holiday Plans

In the beloved holiday film
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
, the McCallister family embarks on a Christmas vacation that takes an unexpected turn. While many remember the adventures of young Kevin McCallister in New York City, a lesser-asked but essential question is, where does the rest of the family go during the events of the film? Understanding the family’s intended destination-and how it shapes the story-offers insight into the film’s unique blend of humor, chaos, and heartwarming holiday spirit.

The Family’s Intended Destination: Miami, Florida

After the hijinks of the first film, the McCallisters decide to spend Christmas away from their Chicago home. In
Home Alone 2
, the family plans a trip to Miami, Florida . This change of scenery is significant: Kevin, the youngest son, is notably disappointed with the choice, lamenting that Miami lacks the classic winter ambiance of snow, Christmas trees, and festive cheer. This sets up the film’s central comedic conflict and underscores the contrast between Kevin’s accidental adventure in bustling, wintery New York and his family’s intended, sunny getaway [4] .

Why Miami?

Within the narrative, Miami is portrayed as a warm but less-than-ideal Christmas location. The family’s decision is motivated by a desire for change after the previous year’s chaos. However, this tropical destination becomes the backdrop for the family’s worry and regret as they discover Kevin is missing. The choice of Miami serves as a comedic device, emphasizing the mismatch between holiday expectations and reality-a theme many viewers can relate to [4] .

What Happens When the Family Arrives?

Upon arrival in Miami, the McCallisters are immediately confronted by the realities of a nontraditional Christmas. The hotel is shown as hot, rainy, and lacking in holiday decorations-much to the family’s dismay. The film uses these scenes to highlight the contrast with Kevin’s New York adventure, where he experiences classic Christmas moments among snow-covered landmarks [4] . The family spends much of their screen time in Miami frantically searching for Kevin, contacting the authorities, and navigating the stress of holiday travel gone wrong.

Filming Locations: The Real “Miami Hotel”

While the story sets the McCallisters in Miami, the scenes depicting their hotel were actually shot far from Florida. The production used the now-demolished Rochelle’s Motel at 3333 Lakewood Boulevard in Long Beach, California, to represent the family’s Miami accommodations. This information has been pieced together by film historians and confirmed through location research, adding a layer of Hollywood magic to the film’s setting [3] .

Kevin’s Accidental Adventure in New York

While his family heads to Miami, Kevin is accidentally separated during the airport rush and boards a flight to New York City. He finds himself alone with his father’s bag (containing a credit card and cash) and quickly adapts to the excitement of the city. Kevin’s escapades include staying at the Plaza Hotel, visiting iconic sites like Central Park and Rockefeller Center, and-of course-outsmarting the returning Wet Bandits [2] .

Exploring the Film’s Iconic New York Locations

Kevin’s journey through New York includes several real-world landmarks, such as:

The Plaza Hotel : Where Kevin famously checks in alone and enjoys room service.
Central Park : A key location for Kevin’s encounters and character growth.
Rockefeller Center : Featured during a pivotal Christmas scene.
The Empire State Building and Radio City Music Hall : Other notable stops on Kevin’s whirlwind tour [2] .

For fans looking to recreate the experience, several travel companies and hotels offer “Home Alone 2”-themed packages, including limo tours of filming locations. If you are interested, you can find such experiences by searching for “Home Alone 2 tours New York” or contacting luxury travel advisors specializing in film tourism [1] .

How to Experience the Magic Yourself

If you wish to relive the McCallister family’s holiday journey or Kevin’s iconic solo adventure, there are several ways to do so:

Visit New York City : Explore the real filming locations, from the Plaza Hotel to Central Park. Many sites remain accessible and offer opportunities for photos and sightseeing.
Book Themed Experiences : Some hotels and travel agencies offer packages inspired by the film, including guided tours and limo rides. When searching for these packages, use terms like “Home Alone 2 experience NYC” or “film location tours New York.” Always verify the credentials and reviews of travel providers before booking.
Learn More About the Locations : For detailed information on filming sites, consult reputable film tourism guides or resources such as Curbed NY for maps and background on each location [2] .
Understand Film Magic : Remember, some “Miami” scenes were filmed in California, underscoring the creativity of movie production. If you are interested in film history, consider searching for “movie filming locations research” or visiting local film museums.

Actionable Steps to Plan Your Own Trip

Decide which locations from the film you wish to visit-New York City is ideal for most sites, but note the Miami hotel no longer exists as it was demolished.
Search for guided tours or themed hotel packages using official travel platforms and review sites. Examples of search terms include “Home Alone 2 New York tour” or “Plaza Hotel film package.” Confirm all offerings through established travel advisors or directly with the venues.
For general travel, book hotels and flights through reputable travel agencies or directly with the official websites of hotels like The Plaza in New York.
For families, consider combining sightseeing with educational opportunities by exploring the city’s history, holiday events, and museums.

If you prefer not to use online booking, you can contact travel agencies by phone or visit their official offices. For New York City tourism, you may visit the official NYC tourism website or call their information hotline for the latest updates on events and tours.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Some challenges in planning a “Home Alone 2”-inspired trip include the seasonality of holiday events, availability of themed packages, and the fact that certain filming locations (like the Miami hotel) no longer exist. To address these challenges:

Plan visits during the winter for the most authentic holiday atmosphere.
Always verify the legitimacy and reviews of travel packages before booking.
For unavailable locations, substitute with similar experiences or explore the history through film tourism resources.
When in doubt, use search engines to find up-to-date information from official tourism boards, film location databases, and reputable travel advisors.

Alternative Approaches to Experiencing the Film’s Magic

Even if travel is not possible, fans can enjoy the spirit of the film by:

Hosting a “Home Alone 2”-themed movie night with friends and family, recreating iconic scenes and foods from the film.
Researching the film’s production and behind-the-scenes stories through books, documentaries, or official movie resources.
Engaging in virtual tours of New York City holiday landmarks, many of which are available through official city tourism portals and cultural websites.

Key Takeaways

The McCallister family, in
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
, travels to Miami, Florida for Christmas, while Kevin accidentally finds himself alone in New York City. The contrast between their experiences drives the film’s humor and heart. For those wishing to recreate the magic, many of the film’s New York locations are open for exploration, and themed travel packages may be available. Always use verified channels and official resources to plan your adventure, and remember that the magic of the film can be enjoyed in many creative ways, whether in person or at home.