The Last Song Film Tour
See what made Miley Cyrus fall in love with the Georgia coast.
In "The Last Song," based on the Nicholas Sparks novel, a restless teenager and her brother are sent to stay with their estranged father for the summer in his Southern beach town home. She soon falls for a local boy, despite their different upbringings. But it’s her time with her family that changes her. Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth, Greg Kinnear and Kelly Preston star in the film that is set and filmed on the Georgia coast. In fact, Cyrus cared so much for the area that she donated money to the Tybee Marine Science Center Sea Turtle Project.
Fall in love with the Georgia coast
North Beach Bar & Grill
Set between Tybee Island’s lighthouse and beach, this dockside eatery serves lunch and dinner featuring fresh local seafood. The North Beach Bar & Grill menu includes Caribbean influences in dishes like fish tacos, sandwiches, salads and burgers that are a hit with the whole family. It’s also a popular spot for live music on weekends. In "The Last Song," the two young loves run into each other while dining at this restaurant.
Tybee Island Beach
The closest beach to downtown Savannah, Tybee Island Beach is a favorite day trip or weekend getaway for visitors to the Georgia coast. Visitors of all ages can find something to entertain them, whether it’s the historic forts, museums, scenic beaches or the iconic lighthouse. Between the restaurants, shops and art galleries, it’s no surprise that it’s been called one of the “best beaches for families” by Parents Magazine and the “perfect little beach town” by Southern Living.
Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion
The pier at Tybee Island Beach is an icon in the community. Locals go fishing off the pier, and visitors enjoy the snack bar and people watching. The original pavilion was destroyed by fire in 1967, but the second Tybrisa pavilion has welcomed beachgoers since 1996 when it was rebuilt for the Olympics. In "The Last Song," the pier can be seen in the background during the carnival and volleyball tournament scenes.
Wormsloe State Historic Site
The majestic oak alley of Wormsloe State Historic Site is one of Savannah’s most photographed locations, and upon visiting, you’ll see why. Built by English settler Noble Jones, the tabby structure is the oldest standing structure in Savannah. While Jones was little more than a farmer, he went on to become a doctor, constable and defender of the Georgia coast from the Spanish. The property passed on to his descendants until the state took over ownership in 1973. Today, the state historic site has exhibits on colonial life and walking trails. It was featured in "The Last Song" as the character Will’s family home.
Georgia Aquarium
The world’s largest aquarium by water volume is located in none other than downtown Atlanta. Among the creatures that call it home are beluga whales, whale sharks, manta rays, penguins and sea otters. Each of its seven interactive galleries focuses on a different type of ecosystem, including rivers, coldwater and tropical ocean. The Georgia Aquarium also has special events and animal encounters like scuba diving. It’s been a location for a number of film and television projects, including "The Last Song." In the scene, Will takes Ronnie to the aquarium, where she can see her favorite animals up close.
Tybee Island Lighthouse/Museum
The Tybee Island Lighthouse/Museum has been protecting ships in the Savannah River since its creation in 1732 under the guidance of General James Oglethorpe. Few American lighthouses are as intact as this one, currently with 178 stairs. It’s also the tallest and oldest active lighthouse in the state with a museum that teaches visitors about the island’s history from pre-European arrival to Civil War damage to the modern day.
