Forrest Gump Filming Locations in South Carolina: Where Iconic Scenes Came to Life

Forrest Gump is loved by many people, and its filming locations have become popular spots for fans to visit. While the story is set in Alabama, the real locations are mostly found in South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

I know many iconic scenes from Forrest Gump were filmed around the towns and scenic areas near Beaufort, South Carolina. The area’s unique look helped bring the movie’s world to life and still draws visitors who want to see these places in person.

Forrest Gump Filming Locations in South Carolina

1) Fripp Island

I can visit Fripp Island to see one of the real filming spots from Forrest Gump. This place is a developed barrier island in South Carolina. Parts of the movie featuring beautiful beaches and ocean views were actually filmed right here.

Fripp Island is not just a movie location. It has golf courses, resorts, and restaurants that I could enjoy on my visit. The scenery is natural and peaceful, which makes it a popular spot for tourists.

The island is known for its wildlife and easy-going atmosphere. While walking around, I might recognize places from the film. It is a great place for me to explore both movie history and South Carolina’s coast.

2) Hunting Island

I found that Hunting Island is one of South Carolina’s most popular state parks. This island features sandy beaches, coastal forests, and peaceful marshes. The area looks much like it did decades ago, which helped filmmakers capture the look they needed for Forrest Gump.

Much of the Vietnam War scenes from Forrest Gump were filmed on Hunting Island. Its palm trees, lush vegetation, and quiet shoreline created the perfect background for these important parts of the movie.

The island also has a tall lighthouse and easy walking trails for visitors. Camping is available for those who want to stay overnight and explore more of the park.

3) Bluff Plantation

I visited Bluff Plantation, which is one of the filming spots used in “Forrest Gump.” The plantation is located in Yemassee, South Carolina. In the movie, it appears during scenes meant to represent Forrest’s Alabama home.

The quiet, open fields and the rustic atmosphere made it easy for the filmmakers to set up classic Southern scenes. When walking around the property, I could see why they chose this place—the landscape looks just like what you see in the movie.

Bluff Plantation is actually a working farm, not just a film set. This gives it a natural, lived-in feel. The surrounding area is peaceful and less crowded, which makes it different from busier filming locations.

4) Beaufort

I visited Beaufort to see some of the famous filming locations for Forrest Gump. The city’s historic downtown and oak-lined streets were used in several scenes. Some of the most memorable shots—like Forrest running through town—were filmed in these parts of Beaufort.

This area gave the movie its Southern charm and classic look. I noticed many old buildings and peaceful parks. These features helped make the scenes feel real and true to life.

During my visit, I learned that other movies have also been filmed in Beaufort. The city often hosts events and meetings, and it’s easy to find places where scenes were shot by walking around the downtown area.

5) Frampton Plantation House

I visited the Frampton Plantation House, which stands out as a preserved piece of South Carolina’s Lowcountry history. The original house was burned during the Civil War in 1865 by General Sherman’s troops. It was rebuilt just a few years later, in 1868, by John Frampton.

The house has seen many updates over the years. In the 1930s, it got indoor plumbing and electric wiring for the first time. Today, it serves as a Lowcountry Visitor’s Center and Museum, and I noticed the ground floor is staged to look like a historic plantation parlor with antiques.

Displays give a look into local museums from the surrounding counties, and there are exhibits on films made in the area, including those that might interest Forrest Gump fans. The grounds also have Civil War earthworks built by Confederate soldiers, adding depth to its story.

The center is just off the interstate, making it easy for me to stop by. There’s also a gift shop with items from South Carolina.

Historical Context of Forrest Gump in South Carolina

When I look at the filming of Forrest Gump, it’s clear that South Carolina played a key role. Several important scenes used real-life locations in towns like Beaufort and Walterboro, giving the film its distinctive look and feel.

Why South Carolina Was Chosen for Iconic Scenes

I learned that most of Forrest Gump was set in Alabama, but the filmmakers picked South Carolina for many of its most memorable moments. The small-town atmosphere, historical buildings, and natural scenery found here matched the movie’s needs perfectly.

For example, the University of South Carolina-Beaufort was used for the “Gump Medical Center,” thanks to its classic Southern appearance. Even some of Forrest’s grass-cutting scenes were shot at local parks and complexes in Beaufort. These spots made it easy to create the feeling of another era. The filmmakers could find streets, schools, and landscapes that looked both timeless and real.

Savannah, Georgia, provided the famous bench scene, but the core of the movie’s world came from South Carolina. Using this state allowed for creative filming and saved money on production costs.

Impact of Filming on Local Communities

Filming Forrest Gump had a direct impact on people living in Beaufort and nearby towns. I saw how locals were hired as extras and even helped behind the scenes. Businesses in the area also benefitted from the crew needing food, lodging, and supplies.

Since the movie’s release, many visitors have come to see filming locations like the old Hampton Street Elementary School in Walterboro and Beaufort’s historic streets. This boosted tourism, and some sites offer special tours just for Forrest Gump fans.

Residents sometimes share stories about their experiences, and some local landmarks are now part of movie history. The filmmakers left lasting memories in these South Carolina communities, and some places use this to celebrate their connection with the film.

Preservation and Accessibility Today

Many famous filming locations from Forrest Gump are still standing. Some are open to visitors, while others have changed or are on private land. Efforts continue to protect and share these spots for both fans and the community.

Visiting Remaining Filming Sites

I can visit several Forrest Gump filming locations in South Carolina, especially in the Lowcountry area. Popular stops include the town of Beaufort, where many scenes were shot. The marina and nearby woods, seen in the Vietnam sequences, are open to the public. The University of South Carolina Beaufort campus served as the hospital in the movie.

However, not every location is accessible. Some sets, such as the Gump house and Jenny’s farmhouse, were built just for the film and removed afterward. Private properties may restrict visitors, and some areas have changed due to development or nature. It is always best to check hours, rules, and whether tours are offered before planning a visit.

Conservation Efforts for Film Landmarks

I have noticed several preservation efforts to maintain the legacy of Forrest Gump filming sites. Local tourism offices in Beaufort and surrounding areas promote self-guided tours. Some locations put up plaques or signs explaining the site’s history.

Community groups work to protect the landscapes and buildings used in the film. When possible, renovations preserve the look from the 1990s, so visitors can recognize familiar scenes. In some cases, local laws prevent development in key areas to keep their historic character.

Most conservation depends on partnerships between local government, property owners, and film fans. Support from visitors helps fund maintenance. Educational events and guided tours also raise awareness for ongoing preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some visitors want to know how to find places they saw in “Forrest Gump.” Several key filming locations in South Carolina, such as Fripp Island and Beaufort, are open to the public or easy to spot.

Where is the Forrest Gump house located in Beaufort, SC?

The Forrest Gump house was built on Bluff Plantation on the Combahee River near Beaufort, SC. The house itself was just a movie set—not a real home—and was taken down after filming.

Can you visit the tree from the Forrest Gump film in South Carolina?

The tree where Forrest and Jenny sat is on private land at Bluff Plantation. I cannot visit this tree, as it is not open to the public. It is not part of a park or organized tour.

How can I find the Forrest Gump house on Google Maps?

Since the house was removed after the movie, I cannot find the actual building on Google Maps today. Bluff Plantation’s general location is near Yemassee, close to Beaufort, but I will only see the land, not the house.

Has the Forrest Gump house been featured in other movies?

No, the Forrest Gump house was built just for this film. Since it was destroyed after shooting, it did not appear in any other movies.

Where is the driveway seen in Forrest Gump located?

The long driveway shown in the film was also built just for filming at Bluff Plantation. After filming, the driveway was removed, and the plantation returned to private use.

What is the address of the bridge in Beaufort that appears in Forrest Gump?

The bridge seen in the movie is Woods Memorial Bridge in downtown Beaufort, South Carolina. The address is: Woods Memorial Bridge, Beaufort, SC 29902.
This bridge is open to vehicles and pedestrians.