SAVANNAH & TYBEE ISLAND With its attractive riverfront, picturesque parks, and historical architecture, Savannah is one of Georgia’s most popular filming locations. The coastal city provides backdrops for recent movies as well as classic blockbusters. See the dignified statuary and moss-draped oaks of Bonaventure Cemetery , the setting for late-night drinks and other scenes from “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” starring John Cusack and Jude Law. The crime drama was also filmed at the elegant Mercer Williams House Museum , with its soaring ceilings, ornate plasterwork, and period furnishings, as was the war film “Glory” with Morgan Freeman. While you’re at it, don’t miss the original “Forrest Gump” bench, where Tom Hanks’ character waited for the bus to see Jenny. The famous “life is like a box of chocolates” scene was filmed in the oak-shaded Chippewa Square , and the bench was moved to the Savannah History Museum – alongside other memorabilia from the movie – to preserve it. While in Savannah, check out Plant Riverside District , a 1912 power plant-turned-entertainment district, for art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park . You can even stay right on the water at the cozy River Street Inn , trendy Thompson Savannah , or – across the Savannah River – the family-friendly Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa , the location of a few scenes from “The Do-Over” with Adam Sandler. Grab bananas Foster French toast, biscuits and gravy, or shakshouka for brunch at The Collins Quarter , a filming site for the live-action “Lady and the Tramp,” voiced by Tessa Thompson and Justin Theroux. There’s also a location in Forsyth Park , home to a Parisian-style fountain framed by moss draping from the oaks, that is one of Savannah’s most photographed locations. Or, dine at The Grey , a converted Greyhound bus terminal serving local favorites like oysters, pimento cheese, and the catch of the day. Then, visit Savannah’s beach and stroll the popular Tybee Island Pier , where parts of “Fly Me to the Moon,” featuring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, and “The Last Song,” starring Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth, were filmed. It’s a prime location for fishing, listening to live music under the pavilion, or feeling the sea breeze as you watch the sunset change colors. Before heading back to the mainland, stop by the Tybee Island location of Zunzibar for live music and beachy cocktails like the frozen Mango Tango with tequila and a Tajín rim. “FLY ME TO THE MOON” SET | DAN MCFADDEN, COURTESY OF APPLE STUDIOS TAKE A PIECE OF GEORGIA HOME WITH YOU Visit the flagship Savannah Bee Company store on Broughton Street for honey with add-ins from lavender to bourbon as well as body care like honey-almond beeswax hand cream. Then, hit River Street Sweets ’ original location on the cobblestones of River Street for pralines, fudge, and more. 86 #EXPLOREGEORGIA
Official State Travel Guide 2026 Georgia Official State Travel Guide: Page 86
