Welcome to On Location, a weekly feature spotlighting landmarks and establishments seen on screen that viewers can visit IRL. Whether you’re seeking a fun selfie, breathtaking vistas, or maybe a show-accurate treat, follow along for some bucket list destinations.
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Netflix’s Cobra Kai, the sequel series to the 1980s The Karate Kid trilogy starring Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, began on the YouTube Red/YouTube Premium platform in 2018. In 2021, the first two seasons transferred to Netflix. The series ran another four seasons in its new home. Concluding on February 13, 2025, the five-episode third act of its sixth season stuck the landing. As a series finale, it ranks as one of the best around.
Part of that heartwarming finale goodness was the physical return to The Valley, where Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and Daniel unite to train and prepare for Johnny’s improbable return to the ring to prove Cobra Kai never dies. A key moment, symbolizing Johnny and Daniel’s partnership and the local support for Sensei Lawrence, was filmed at The Encino Commons, The Valley’s Miracle Mile, a real-life retail and entertainment hub.
The Encino Commons of Netflix’s Cobra Kai
In 1984, the San Fernando Valley was the whole world to the karate-loving moviegoers. Daniel’s victory at the All-Valley Karate Championships, a miraculous comeback after Johnny’s devastating “sweep the leg” move, was every underdog’s dream climax. Decades later — even in Cobra Kai‘s premiere episode, in fact — the legality of Daniel’s crane kick finishing move is still debated as seen in the ESPN 30 For 30-style mockumentary piece YouTube made for Season 2.
Despite the combative tone of the second season setup, Johnny and Daniel’s relationship grows into a solid, positive friendship by the end of the series. And true to the name of the series, the Cobra Kai dojo emerges victorious because of it.
Over the six seasons, the characters travel, live, and learned in Japan, Korea, and Spain. However, it took coming home to The Valley to bring things full circle. Like any true Hero’s Journey, they must experience The Return, where they integrate their newfound knowledge and experiences into life moving forward. And in every great sports-themed finale, there has to be a meaningfully soundtracked training montage. The Cobra Kai series finale, “Ex-Degenerate,” meets both requirements as Johnny and Daniel train in various Valley locations to Joe “Bean” Esposito’s “You’re the Best.”
The Encino Commons formed in August 2000. The 63 commercial property owners representing over 300 businesses created a vibrant and thriving retail, dining, and entertainment destination in the heart of Encino.
The Valley’s Miracle Mile
Between White Oak Ave and Balboa Blvd, Ventura Blvd boasts over 20 restaurants rated four stars or higher on Yelp and Google Maps. Whatever cuisine you’re in the mood for, you can probably find it here. Thai. Italian. Cuban. Middle Eastern. Korean. That’s just a few of the options as well as multiple delicatessans. While it’s probably not on Johnny’s training diet, I’d be making a beeline for the Baklava Factory. Seriously.
Retail offerings include (but are not limited to) several malls like the Encino Courtyard, the Encino Marketplace, and the Plaza de Oro. Inside the Encino Town Center mall, the Laemmle Town Center 5 movie theater screens a diverse selection of art-house, indie, and foreign films. Encino Park is between Paso Robles and Genesta Avenues. In this little piece of green space, you can find public toilets, picnic tables, and tennis courts. A short walk off Ventura along Balboa brings you to the Encino Community Center, which lists cultural and athletic programs on its website.
For your commemorative Cobra Kai photo op, head to the gateway sign that spans Ventura Blvd from the Terrace Restaurant and Lounge at 17239 Ventura Blvd to the Encino Town Center mall parking lot. Sweatbands and tracksuits encouraged. Of course, there’s always merch available online if you’re planning ahead.
All six seasons of Cobra Kai stream on Netflix.
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