Mystic Grill in Covington, Georgia

Mystic Grill in Covington, Georgia. Photo by Ralph Daniels

Georgia Film Road Trip

Georgia road trips inspire wonder — especially when top-notch films are involved. Why not embark on a Georgia film tour that offers a unique chance to relive those scenes firsthand? Take a cinematic road trip through unique filming locations in Atlanta, Covington, Senoia, and Conyers.

1. Atlanta: The Walking Dead

Jon Favreau, Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Holland in Atlanta, Georgia, in Columbia Pictures' Spider-Man: Homecoming
Jon Favreau, Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Holland in Atlanta, Georgia, in Columbia Pictures' Spider-Man: Homecoming. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick ©2017 CTMG, Inc.

Start your film journey in Atlanta, a hotbed for pop culture favorites like "The Walking Dead," along with blockbusters such as "Captain America: Civil War" and "Spider-man: Homecoming." The film locations are as diverse as Atlanta itself. From Clark Atlanta University, where Nick Cannon fought to be recognized as the best drummer on campus in "Drumline," to the Georgia Aquarium, where "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Road Chip" was filmed, the number of pit stops to make on your movie trek are plentiful.

Plane flying over Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, Georgia
Plane flying over Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Heather McCargo

Stop by the Porsche Experience Center in Hapeville, where Captain America and his Avenger allies had their epic showdown in "Captain America: Civil War." Then, stroll through Piedmont Park. Spend the day at Atlanta’s largest greenspace and check out where "What to Expect When You’re Expecting" and "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues" were filmed.

Consider taking time to explore locations from Donald Glover’s award-winning FX series, "Atlanta." Visit J.R. Crickets on North Avenue, where Paper Boi gets his "lemon pepper wet” or see Cobb Civic Center, where he plays a celebrity basketball game.

Hunger Games scene in the Atlanta Marriott Marquis elevator
Hunger Games scene in the Atlanta Marriott Marquis elevator. Photo by Andrea David

The Atlanta Marriott Marquis hosted Jennifer Lawrence and the Hunger Games cast during the popular sequel, "Catching Fire." Since its opening in 1985, the hotel's distinctive architecture by John Portman has caught the eye of many filmmakers. It served as the backdrop for the Victor's Capital Housing in "The Hunger Games" — remember the memorable scene where Johanna Mason undresses in the hotel elevator? And it's not just about Panem; Denzel Washington’s character had a drink in the hotel lobby in "Flight," and scenes from "Spider-Man: Homecoming" were also filmed on the premises.

Donald Sutherland as President Snow at the Swan House in Atlanta, Georgia, in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Donald Sutherland as President Snow at the Swan House in Atlanta, Georgia, in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Photo by Murray Close

The Swan House at the Atlanta History Center was another backdrop for "The Hunger Games." The former residence of the Inman Family, it was built in 1928 by architect Philip Trammell Shutze, and its majestic, stately design made it feel like home for President Snow’s mansion in "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay: Part 1."

With its timeless Beaux-Arts architecture, The Georgian Terrace has been an iconic landmark in Atlanta for decades. Beyond its historical allure, the hotel has also taken center stage in a variety of films, ranging from the 1974's "Cockfighter" to modern-day comedies such as "Identity Thief," "The Change-Up," and "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues."

2. Covington | Remember the Titans

For a cinematic journey, head to Covington, where classics like the Denzel Washington sports drama "Remember the Titans" and the more recent Netflix series "Sweet Magnolias" came alive.

The Vampire Diaries’ Ian Sommeralder on location in Covington, Georgia
The Vampire Diaries’ Ian Sommeralder on location in Covington, Georgia. Photo by Murray Close

Get your fill of both food and fantasy at the Mystic Grill, inspired by the tales of "The Vampire Diaries." From there, dive into the Mystic Falls Tours, which guides you through the haunts and hangouts featured on the show, including the exclusive Lockwood Mansion. Later, hop on the Main Street Trolley, which takes you to more than 40 iconic filming spots, including the yee-hawing roads found on "Dukes of Hazzard."

City Pharmacy in Covington, Georgia
City Pharmacy in Covington, Georgia. Photo by @citypharmacycov

Grab a bite at City Pharmacy, a former 1920s pharmacy, and try their chef-prepared dishes and cocktails. Top it all off by indulging your cravings with a scoop of vibrant blue Cookie Monster ice cream peppered with chocolate chips at Scoops. Rest at the Twelve Oaks Bed and Breakfast before road-tripping to your next stop.

3. Senoia | Driving Miss Daisy

Take a day-long film tour in Senoia, home to various filming locations of popular series. Kickstart your adventure at The Woodbury Shoppe. The why is simple – the owners include "The Walking Dead’s" executive producer, graphic novel creator and former studio co-owner, and you can grab memorabilia such as signed posters and officially licensed products.

Georgia Tour Company in Senoia, Georgia
Georgia Tour Company in Senoia, Georgia. Photo by @benjamingalland

While in town, an outing with the Georgia Tour Company is a must. The company offers guided film tours like A Marvelous Adventure, where you can drop by popular locations in Marvel films; Y’allyWood Tours, which include peeks at locations used in "The Walking Dead," "Fried Green Tomatoes," "The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It," "Pet Semetary II," and more; and the Southern Fried Films tour, which traces the paths of Southern film classics, like the locales where Morgan Freeman chauffeured Miss Daisy in "Driving Miss Daisy."

Burger and onion rings at Nic & Norman's in Senoia, Georgia
Burger and onion rings at Nic & Norman's in Senoia, Georgia. Photo by @nicandnormans_official_page

When your appetite takes center stage, fried chicken pot pies, gourmet burgers, and brisket nachos are all on the menu at Nic & Norman’s, owned by "The Walking Dead" actor Norman Reedus and special effects guru and executive producer Greg Nicotero. At Lisa's Crêperie, decadent and delectable crepes take the spotlight alongside a variety of specialty teas, coffees, wines, beer, and shakes.

4. Conyers | The Originals 

Filmed in the South Guided Tours in Conyers, Georgia
Filmed in the South Guided Tours in Conyers, Georgia. Photo by Solia Media Group

For film aficionados looking for the next destination to explore iconic filming locations, consider Conyers. Just a quick 10-mile day trip away, Conyers is teeming with TV and movie landmarks.

Join the Filmed in the South Guided Tours to familiarize yourself with cinematic spots such as Olde Town Conyers, recognizable from TV series like "In The Heat of The Night" and "The Originals." Check out Filmed in the South’s new location, which includes souvenirs, an interactive museum, and a content creation studio featuring real show props from "The Originals."

Enhance the experience by reserving a spot at The Celtic Tavern Irish Pub & Restaurant — known on-screen as Gillespie’s Pub in "The Originals" — for a taste of on-set dining either before or after your tour.

Published: October 2023
Written by: Jacinta Howard
Scroll To Top