The 2000 film Coyote Ugly is a music-oriented drama centered around a young songwriter chasing her dreams in New York City. While much of the story takes place in Manhattan, several key scenes were filmed outside of the city to capture the transitional phases of the main character’s journey.
Notably, a series of tollbooth scenes — meant to suggest the character is crossing from New Jersey into New York — were actually filmed in Atlantic Beach, Long Island. This creative choice demonstrates how Long Island's versatile locales were used to stand in for other regions, thanks to its proximity and similar visual characteristics. Though not immediately recognizable to the average viewer, this filming choice embeds Long Island more deeply into the fabric of the film, illustrating how the region's diverse settings contribute quietly yet effectively to Hollywood storytelling.
Researched by Darren Paltrowitz on June 27, 2025.