How long does it take to walk the film locations in Savannah?

This self-guided walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. The distance is roughly 1.5 miles through the flat Historic District.

Can I see the fountain from the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil?

Yes, the famous fountain is located in Forsyth Park. It appears in the opening of the film and is one of the most photographed spots in the city.

What is the best walking tour Savannah has for movie buffs?

A self-guided film location walk is ideal as it allows you to visit spots like Chippewa Square and Six Pence Pub at your own pace without a group.

Is Savannah walkable for seniors?

Yes, Savannah is very flat and easy to walk. Most film locations are clustered within the Historic District, though visitors should watch for uneven historic pavers.

What movies were filmed at Six Pence Pub?

The most famous movie filmed here is 'Something to Talk About' (1995). The pub's exterior and the iconic red phone booth are prominently featured.

Are there public restrooms along the Savannah film route?

Yes, public restrooms are located at Forsyth Park near the halfway point of the walk. There are also many cafes and restaurants along Bull Street.

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Q: Is the Mercer Williams House from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil real?

Yes, it is a real historic home located on Monterey Square. It was the actual home of Jim Williams and served as a primary filming location for the movie.

About This Tour

Savannah’s Historic District is more than just a collection of squares; it is a living movie set. Often called the "Hollywood of the South," this city has provided the backdrop for some of cinema’s most iconic moments. This self-guided walk invites you to step into the frames of your favorite films while wandering through Spanish moss and historic architecture. Starting in the heart of the city, you’ll discover the exact spots where legends like Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts once stood. The route focuses on the cinematic history of the Historic District, highlighting how the city's unique aesthetic has captured the imagination of directors for decades. From the whimsical charm of Chippewa Square to the moody atmosphere surrounding the Mercer Williams House, this neighborhood stroll offers a deep dive into pop culture history. You’ll explore the settings of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Something to Talk About, and even the culinary fame of the Food Network. This walking route Savannah provides is perfect for photography enthusiasts and film buffs alike, allowing you to linger at each location as long as you like. Whether you’re looking for the spot where Forrest Gump shared his box of chocolates or the majestic fountain that has graced countless postcards and film posters, this experience brings the screen to life. Discover the stories behind the scenes and the real-life history of the buildings that played a starring role. This walking tour Savannah enthusiasts recommend allows you to bypass the crowds of a traditional group and enjoy a private, immersive journey through cinematic history.

Highlights

The iconic Forrest Gump bench location in Chippewa Square

The charming Six Pence Pub from 'Something to Talk About'

The atmospheric Mercer Williams House from 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil'

The sprawling Forsyth Park Fountain, featured in 'Cape Fear'

The historic Alex Raskin Antiques, a favorite for film scouts

The culinary landmarks of West Congress Street

Tour Stops (6)

Chippewa Square

Welcome to Chippewa Square, perhaps the most famous filming location in the South. While the square honors General James Oglethorpe, it gained international fame in 1994 as the spot where Forrest Gump waited for the bus. Though the actual fiberglass bench used in the film was a movie prop and now sits safely in the Savannah History Museum, you can stand on the exact north-side location where Tom Hanks sat with his box of chocolates. The traffic flow in the square was actually reversed by the film crew to ensure the bus door opened onto the square side. Beyond Gump, this square also appeared in the 1915 silent film 'Under Southern Skies.'

Six Pence Pub

Take a look at the bright red telephone booth outside the Six Pence Pub. This cozy establishment served as a central location for the 1995 film 'Something to Talk About,' starring Julia Roberts and Dennis Quaid. In one of the movie's most memorable scenes, Roberts’ character walks down Bull Street in her pajamas, and the pub's authentic British exterior provided the perfect backdrop for the film's fictional town. Originally established in the 1970s, the pub has become a local landmark that perfectly blends Savannah’s Southern hospitality with a bit of United Kingdom charm, making it a favorite for location scouts seeking an 'anywhere' feel.

Mercer Williams House Museum

Standing before you is the Mercer Williams House, the architectural star of John Berendt’s best-seller and the subsequent Clint Eastwood film, 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.' This Italianate mansion was the home of Jim Williams, the antique dealer at the center of the city’s most famous murder trial. The movie was filmed extensively on location here, including scenes in the very room where the shooting occurred. The house itself has a long history, originally designed for General Hugh Mercer. Its presence on Monterey Square provides a moody, Gothic atmosphere that has come to define Savannah’s 'Lowcountry Noir' aesthetic in modern cinema.

Alex Raskin Antiques

Look up at the faded grandeur of the Noble Hardee Mansion, which houses Alex Raskin Antiques. This building is often described as the 'most photographed' in Savannah due to its stunning, untouched patina. Its crumbling elegance has made it a go-to for filmmakers looking for authentic Southern decay. It appeared in 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil' and served as a backdrop for various fashion shoots and independent films. Unlike many restored mansions in the city, this one remains in a state of 'museum quality' neglect, offering a glimpse into the raw history that makes Savannah so visually compelling for the silver screen.

Fountain at Forsyth Park

The Forsyth Park Fountain is Savannah's crown jewel and a staple of cinematic establishing shots. Erected in 1858, it was actually ordered from a catalog and has 'twins' in France and Peru. You might recognize it from the opening credits of 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil' or the 1962 version of 'Cape Fear.' Its dramatic white spray and surrounding live oaks draped in moss create an image so perfectly 'Savannah' that directors find it irresistible. It is the heart of the city's public life and a must-stop for anyone looking to capture the quintessential Savannah movie moment.

Lady & Sons

Our final stop brings us to the intersection of film and food. While not a movie set in the traditional sense, Lady & Sons is the cornerstone of Savannah’s rise in pop culture through the Food Network. This is the restaurant that launched Paula Deen to stardom, turning the city into a culinary destination. The building itself is a restored 18th-century structure in the Old Cotton Warehouse district. The long lines that often form here are a testament to how television and media can transform a local business into a national landmark. It’s the perfect place to reflect on how Savannah’s image has been shaped by the screens—both big and small.

Frequently Asked Questions

The original filming location is the north side of Chippewa Square. However, the bench itself was a movie prop and is now located in the Savannah History Museum.