Released in 1994, “Forrest Gump” is a Hollywood classic. Its exploration of history and celebration of simple values continue to charm audiences everywhere. If you’re a fan and want to celebrate the film on the anniversary of its July 6 premiere date, consider visiting the filming locations. Though primarily set in Alabama, the movie was primarily filmed in South Carolina. With Visit Beaufort, discover “Forrest Gump” filming locations in SC and experience this American favorite firsthand

Forrest Growing Up

Fans of the film will recognize “Greenbow, Alabama” as the name of Forrest Gump’s hometown. The name is fictional, of course. These scenes were filmed in Varnville, a SC town on Route 86 and just 35 miles northwest of Beaufort. Many of the main street shops have retained their movie set dressing, so you can experience the town exactly as it was in the film.

Young Forrest’s elementary school is also a SC feature. In the movie, this is where the principal uses a diagram to explain Forrest’s intelligence to his mother. In real life, this was once Hampton Street Elementary School and is now the Colleton Center in Walterboro.

Unfortunately, you can’t tour the Gump family home. The set was built alongside the Combahee River near Yemassee, SC, and only existed for the duration of the movie. Because it was cheaply constructed and not up to code, it was torn down once filming was complete. You can still visit the site, however, and make movie memories.

Bubba Gump Shrimp

ust like Forrest’s childhood, most Bubba Gump Shrimp scenes were filmed in SC. Here are some movie locations to watch out for:

  • Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is a dock and boathouse on Coosaw Island.
  • Shrimp boat scenes were shot on Lady’s Island, along Lucy Creek.
  • The hurricane scene was filmed at the Port Royal SC Ports Authority Terminal, using a jet engine to simulate strong winds.
  • All shrimp shown in the movie were sourced from Gay Fish Company, a family-owned shrimp company based on St. Helena Island.

You can also celebrate the premiere by enjoying a shrimp dinner. Beaufort and Port Royal offer dozens of seafood and soul food restaurants where you can order a Bubba Gump-inspired meal. This close to the coast, you can be certain that your meal will always be fresh.

The Running Scenes

Forrest Gump’s three-and-a-half-year marathon is among the movie’s most inspiring chapters. Driven by heartbreak, Forrest decides to start running “for no particular reason”. His progress carried him across the country and inspired hundreds of people along the way.

Many running scenes were filmed in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. The bridge where Forrest is interviewed by the press is Woods Memorial Bridge, which connects downtown Beaufort with Lady’s Island and the outer Sea Islands. A “Mississippi River” sign was added. Other scenes were filmed on Sea Island Parkway, which is the road to Hunting Island. Again, a “Mississippi Welcomes You” sign was added to create the impression of a different location.

Other Locations to Visit

“Forrest Gump” filming locations don’t end there. If your tour doesn’t feel complete, here are a few other locations to explore:

  • The live oak featured in the film is in Beaufort, near the Carolina Shores subdivision entrance.
  • The box of chocolates was provided by The Chocolate Tree, a shop in Beaufort. You can still purchase chocolates there as a delicious homage. 
  • Scenes of Forrest cutting grass were filmed at a baseball field in the Basil Green Complex. It was transformed into a football field using CGI.
  • The University of South Carolina-Beaufort campus was transformed through CGI to create the Gump Medical Center.
  • The scene of Forrest running under fire in Vietnam was filmed partly on Hunting Island, and partly on Fripp Island. He dropped wounded soldiers near the lagoon on Hunting Island.

Discover More "Forrest Gump" Filming Locations in SC

Reliving your favorite scenes on-site is the perfect way to celebrate your favorite film’s anniversary. To learn more about “Forrest Gump” filming locations in SC, or to visit them yourself, plan your trip with Visit Beaufort. We are your travel and tourism guide to Beaufort, Port Royal, and beyond.