The edifice used for Lawrence house is on the back lot known as the "Columbia Ranch". Gidget's home is situated next door to the principal residence on Bewitched, which was in production at the same time. In select episodes, Samantha and Darrin Stephens' house is visible in exterior shots from Gidget's front yard.
The title character was based on the author's daughter, Kathy Kohner-Zuckerman, and her adventures growing up in the surf culture on the beach at Malibu in the 1950s.