Most movie fans have seen the iconic film “Forrest Gump.” The movie follows the unlikely journey of a kindhearted man born in Alabama whose life intertwines with some of the biggest cultural moments of the 20th century. Played by Tom Hanks, Forrest narrates his experiences from a Savannah bus stop bench, recalling stories about his childhood, college football stardom, Vietnam service, shrimp business success, and his undying love for Jenny. The movie balances comedy and drama while delivering an emotional tale about destiny, perseverance and simple wisdom.
Although Forrest’s story jumps across decades and settings, filmmakers shot the movie mostly in a few locations. Production built Forrest’s house in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, staged Washington, D.C. rallies, and created the iconic bench scene in Savannah, Georgia. These spots, along with others used throughout the movie, make for an unforgettable travel itinerary. Fans can enjoy historic architecture, Southern charm, breathtaking landscapes, and even famous national monuments.
Is Bubba Gump Shrimp Real?
One of the movie’s most famous elements is Bubba Gump Shrimp. After the war, Forrest fulfills his friend Bubba’s dream of running a shrimping business. While the company started as a fictional idea, its popularity inspired a real chain of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurants.
You can visit restaurants in tourist hot spots, like New York City’s Times Square, Orlando and even Tokyo. The menus feature seafood boils, shrimp platters and Southern-style favorites. These restaurants aren’t filming locations, but they deliver a fun, immersive dining experience. Each is decorated with memorabilia, including Forrest’s running shoes, Jenny references and trivia cards at every table. It’s a playful way to keep the movie’s spirit alive while you explore real filming sites nearby.
Does The ‘Forrest Gump’ House Still Exist?
The iconic Gump family home might look timeless, but it wasn’t a real, permanent house. Paramount built the white plantation-style residence on a Bluff Plantation property in Yemassee, South Carolina, specifically for the film. The design included a large wraparound porch and wide lawns that perfectly fit the Southern aesthetic.
Sadly, the house was dismantled after filming because it wasn’t built to last. Even the interiors, like Forrest’s bedroom and living room, were soundstage sets. Visitors today won’t find the house standing, but they can tour the surrounding Lowcountry landscapes that framed many of the film’s scenes. The location remains private land, so you can’t walk up to the exact spot. However, exploring nearby Beaufort and Yemassee offers the same moss-draped oaks and Southern charm seen on screen.
Can You Visit Where ‘Forrest Gump’ Was Filmed?
Key Scenes: Several key scenes from “Forrest Gump” took place in recognizable locations. Filmmakers shot the Washington, D.C. reflecting pool scene at the Lincoln Memorial, where Forrest reunites with Jenny. Filmmakers shot the bench scenes in Savannah’s Chippewa Square, capturing sweeping views of the live oaks and historic buildings. Vietnam scenes came alive at Hunting Island State Park’s dense forests. The shrimping business unfolded on Lucy Creek, while the football field sequences used the University of Southern California’s stadium. Together, these locations built a vivid American journey. Fans visiting today can walk through many of these areas and relive the movie’s greatest moments.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to explore “Forrest Gump” filming locations depends on your travel style. Spring (March – May) and fall (September – November) bring pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds in Savannah and Beaufort. These seasons are ideal for walking tours, photography and outdoor dining. Summer delivers lively festivals, but also heat and humidity. That can make exploring more tiring. Winter is the quietest season, great for avoiding tourists but with fewer events. Consider timing your trip with Beaufort’s Shrimp Festival in the fall for extra local flavor. No matter when you go, the charm of the Lowcountry ensures a memorable journey through Forrest’s world.
Transportation Options: To visit all the major filming locations, a rental car offers the most flexibility. Driving between Savannah, Beaufort, and the coastal islands allows you to move at your own pace. Rural areas offer limited public transportation, though Savannah provides a walkable downtown and trolley tours. Uber and Lyft work well within city limits but not for longer trips. Travelers who enjoy road trips will love the scenic drives through moss-draped oak alleys and coastal marshlands. If you prefer a guided experience, Beaufort offers movie tour companies that highlight exact filming spots.
Yes, you can. Many of the movie’s filming locations are open to the public. Beaufort, South Carolina, served as the production’s main base. The town’s Spanish moss, antebellum homes and coastal beauty made it the perfect backdrop. The shrimp boat scenes were shot on Lucy Point Creek near Port Royal. The Vietnam battle sequences used Fripp Island and Hunting Island State Park, where the lush landscapes doubled as Southeast Asia.
Things to Do: Beyond the movie sites, the region offers endless activities. In Savannah, join a walking tour through the historic district, browse River Street shops, or enjoy rooftop bars overlooking the city. Beaufort is perfect for kayaking in tidal creeks, visiting art galleries, or exploring historic homes. Hunting Island State Park provides beaches, hiking trails, and a lighthouse climb with sweeping ocean views. Fans of film history can book guided “Forrest Gump” location tours. Pair these with local festivals, live music and Southern food tastings. Your trip becomes both a cinematic pilgrimage and a classic Lowcountry vacation with cultural and natural highlights.
Where to Eat: When hunger strikes, you’ll find great options near the filming locations. In Savannah, The Collins Quarter offers modern Australian-style brunch, while The Olde Pink House delivers elegant Southern dining in a historic mansion. For casual eats, Treylor Park serves creative twists on comfort food. In Beaufort, Blackstone’s Café is a beloved breakfast spot, and Saltus River Grill provides fresh seafood with waterfront views. Shrimp lovers should try local catches that echo Forrest’s shrimping business. While Bubba Gump Shrimp is fun for fans, the authentic flavors of Lowcountry seafood restaurants give you the real taste of the movie’s backdrop.
Where to Stay: Savannah offers charming boutique hotels like The Marshall House, a historic inn in the city center, or the trendy Perry Lane Hotel with rooftop views. Beaufort provides cozy options such as The Beaufort Inn, with Southern porches and gardens, and City Loft Hotel, which mixes modern style with walkable convenience. For nature lovers, Hunting Island State Park allows camping near the beach where filmmakers shot the Vietnam scenes. Vacation rentals in the Lowcountry also immerse visitors in scenic landscapes. Staying in both Savannah and Beaufort is the best way to experience all the filming sites while enjoying each city’s unique charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Forrest Gump” based on a true story?
No. The story comes from Winston Groom’s 1986 novel. Forrest is a fictional character, though his journey intersects with real historical events and figures.
Where is the real “Forrest Gump” bench?
Filmmakers shot the bench scenes in Savannah’s Chippewa Square, capturing sweeping views of the live oaks and historic buildings. Today, it resides in the Savannah History Museum. Visitors to the square can still sit where Forrest once waited for his bus.
Why was “Forrest Gump 2” cancelled?
A sequel was in early development, but cancelled after 9/11. The studio felt the storyline, which involved tragic and sensitive events, no longer fit the cultural moment.
