Netflix subscribers may already be well aware of the new Kevin Hart comedy “72 Hours.” The film centers on a 40-year-old ad exec looking to get his mojo back. When he is accidentally invited to a bachelor party with a group of twenty-somethings, the exec decides to let his hair down, snag a luxurious Airbnb rental and study the drinking habits of young people to round out his next ad campaign. The vast majority of “72 Hours” takes place in and around Miami, Florida, where the bachelor party is held. While the city is instantly notable for its vibrant nightlife and visual aesthetic, not all scenes were captured on location. In fact, many of the scenes in “72 Hours” were shot in various parts of New Jersey.
Whether you’ve got a bachelor party of your own to plan, or you’re just a “72 Hours” super-fan, be sure to read ahead. We’ll outline all the key filming locations for the movie, and lay out some must-see tourist destinations, restaurants and activities along the way. Before long, you could be solidifying your bond with your best bros on a New Jersey boardwalk, or accidentally partying with a strange man twice your age in Miami.
New Jersey Poses As Florida In ’72 Hours’
Key Scenes: As stated, many scenes from “72 Hours” were captured in New Jersey, with the Garden State standing in for the hard-partying city of Miami. Specifically, scenes were shot in Jersey City and Hoboken, with additional units in Long Branch. According to a write-up in MovieWalks, Netflix production crews were spotted at Jersey City’s Liberty Landing Marina, where they utilized a massive boat to capture scenes from the film’s climactic yacht party. Crews were able to photograph the boat from specific angles over the water in order to block out the iconic New York skyline and convincingly dress up the area to resemble Magic City.
Best Time to Visit: Though New Jersey may not appear to have much in common with sunny Miami, the Garden State is a must-visit for fans of beaches, boardwalks and easy access to New York City. Since the winter weather is much harsher up north than it is in Florida, those looking to explore New Jersey are best advised to book a trip for the late spring. Months like May and June provide some of the best weather, access to a variety of outdoor events and plenty of opportunities to meet new people.
Transportation Options: Depending on what part of Jersey you explore, you’ll find a mixed bag of public transportation options. If you stay close to Jersey City and Hoboken, where most of “72 Hours” was captured, you should have no problem hopping on buses, trains and taxis throughout your journey. If you do decide to head south to Long Branch, you’ll find that these options become more sparse. Still, New Jersey is a thriving cultural hub with plenty of commuters, tourists and travelers, so you can always rely on rideshare apps if you don’t want to rent a car.
One portion of the film that didn’t need to be re-skinned as Miami was captured in and around some of Hoboken’s historic brownstone homes. These buildings, which dot Washington St and Hudson St in real life, appear in the movie’s first act, where Kevin Hart’s Joe laments his humdrum life and his inability to get a promotion at work. Eagle-eyed Jersey residents may also make note of local landmarks like Van Vorst Park, Battello Italian restaurant, and the Hudson River, which are each prominently used at different points in “72 Hours.”
Things to Do: Even if you have little interest in scouting filming locations for “72 Hours,” you’ll find that Jersey is loaded with a variety of fun activities. This is especially true of locales like Jersey City, which are just over the bridge from NYC. Helicopter tours of Manhattan are available for those interested in getting a bird’s eye view of the area, while local landmarks like the Ocean City Boardwalk and the Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre are ideal for first-time visitors. The American Dream Mall in East Rutherford is a major tourist draw, with over 3 million square feet of retail space and indoor entertainment infrastructure. Those traveling with the whole family, or with any major DreamWorks or Nickelodeon fans, should definitely put the mall at the top of their list. Others may be more interested in the Liberty Science Center or Lakota Wolf Preserve.
Where to Eat: One thing you won’t have trouble locating during your stay in Jersey is a quality meal. Highly recommended eateries with fancy views and well-curated menus include the RoofTop at the Exchange Place, Edward’s Steak House and Maddy Rose Jersey City, situated right on the Hudson River. The latter even has a prime view of the Statue of Liberty just across the water. Of course, you may not be interested in breaking the bank with an excessively expensive meal. If that’s the case, be sure to take advantage of one of Jersey’s many quaint diners, which are scattered all across the state. Carnegie Diner & Cafe and the Jane Doe diner are both highly favored establishments by locals and tourists alike.
Where to Stay: When booking a hotel stay in New Jersey, it’s well worth checking out some of the inexpensive chains in the area before landing on your final choice. Sure, you could snag something overly fancy like The Holland Hotel or the Canopy at the Jersey City Arts District, but you may find that the thriving nightlife and myriad of tourist sites keep you out of the hotel for your entire trip. If you’re trying to save on cash, take a glance at local Holiday Inn Express, Marriott and DoubleTree locations. You can also stay close to the bridge if you’re looking to take the train into NYC for an excursion.
Kevin Hart Brings The Party To Miami
Key Scenes: Though New Jersey was used to capture much of “72 Hours,” a few major scenes were still shot on location in Miami proper. These include shots with notable landmarks like the imposing glass towers of the Brickell financial district, the waterfront nightclubs and the colorful architecture that dots the South Beach coastline.
Best Time to Visit: If you don’t mind some serious humidity, there’s nothing like Miami in the summertime. Those looking to hit the beach and never look back can enjoy a trip in the dead heat of July, but most travelers will probably enjoy Miami a bit more during the late spring months of May or June. That time of year offers clear skies, mild temps and slightly sparser crowds. Luckily, there’s really no wrong time to head to the Magic City, since you’ll find tons of bars, clubs, and adventures to be had even when the weather dips too low for surfing and snorkeling.
Transportation Options: Like many thriving cultural hubs, downtown Miami has access to plenty of public transit options, including Metrobuses, trolleys, taxis and rail lines. Even still, the city has developed a reputation for some pretty rough traffic in recent years, which will surely be exacerbated by the warm beach weather. To make the most out of your limited time in the city, consider booking a centrally located hotel and keeping your bar-hopping adventures relatively close. That way you won’t have to fight too much gridlock traffic.
The island of Virginia Key and the surrounding Biscayne Bay were also home to some production units, per The Cinemaholic. The unmistakable marinas and yacht-infested waters made for the ideal backdrop to place everything squarely in Miami-Dade County. Then, shots would transition onto the boat, which were captured back in Jersey City, without the average viewer being any the wiser.
Things to Do: Tours of the city are available via helicopter, bus, or even private yacht, so you can customize the experience to your taste and budget. Once you’ve dropped your bags at the hotel, gotten your bearings in the city and ventured forth for a full night of fun, it’s time to party “72 Hours” style. Check out some of the city’s vibrant nightlife in between trips to the Design District, the Wynwood Walls or the Museum of Sex. If you’d prefer to keep things PG, be sure to check out some family-friendly excursions like the Phillip And Patricia Frost Museum Of Science, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and the Miami Zoo.
Where to Eat: Even if you’re mostly hitting the town for a liquid diet, you’ll want to take advantage of some of Miami’s best restaurants. A few local favorites include Marabu Restaurant, Paperfish Sushi and the humorously named House of Food Porn. If you’re really looking to go all out, Café La Trova boasts a highly coveted Michelin star, so it promises to be an unforgettable dining experience with an excellent view. Even if you fail to lock in a reservation before you arrive, you’ll find that Miami is loaded with delicious dining options, so it should be no trouble finding something special, even at the last minute.
Where to Stay: If you’ve been referred to as a “hotel snob” amongst friends, you’ll find that Miami is your perfect escape. The city boasts a variety of exceptional resorts, as long as you don’t mind spending a pretty penny to lock them down. If that describes your situation, be sure to consider staying at The Shelborne By Proper, Fontainebleau Miami Beach or The Setai, Miami Beach. If you’re balling on a budget, you can likely still find suitable accommodations at local Hilton, Marriott, and Hampton Inn chains, especially if you utilize credit card miles and other rewards programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “72 Hours” based on a true story?
“72 Hours” is an entirely fictional tale, specifically developed for Netflix as an off-the-wall comedy of errors. None of the events or people shown in the film are meant to be based on anything specific, though the screenwriters likely based some of the jokes on their own experiences.
How tall is Kevin Hart?
One of Kevin Hart’s defining traits is his short stature. Many other comedians have called the movie star out for being short, and Hart has made his height an integral part of his comedic brand. He is estimated to stand at roughly 5’5″ with shoes on. Some fans have joked that Hart is truly 5’2″ or shorter.
