Where Was Forrest Gump Filmed? Filming Locations Of The Greatest Hollywood Film!

If you’re a 90s kid, I bet you’ve heard of Forrest Gump (1994). It’s been 28 years (Damn, time flies fast) since the movie was first released, and even today, it enjoys just as much popularity as it did earlier. I’ve heard that people are still curious about the filming location of the movie. So, I’ve taken it upon myself to tell people where was Forrest Gump filmed. If you want to satisfy your curiosity as well, then it’s better that you keep reading! 

Ahh, well, Gen-Z people may not have heard of Forrest Gump, and that’s why they may not understand what all the hype is about. Forrest Gump is the movie adaptation of a 1986 novel of the same name written by Winston Groom. Those who have watched the movie call it one of the greatest rom-com in Hollywood. Everything about the movie, from the storyline to the actors (Tom Hanks plays the lead, you know) to the filming locations, is just phenomenal, for the lack of a better word. 

You might be wondering what is so great about the filming locations. You see, Forrest Gump was filmed in various locations across the United States. For example, that popular bus stop scene was filmed in Georgia’s Chippewa Square. Apart from that, the movie was also filmed in Beaufort, Fripp Island, Hunting Island, and Yemassee. 

Oh, but this is such a short and clipped answer. How can it ever satisfy anyone?! It is definitely not going to be enough for a movie buff like you! But don’t you worry. I’m kind enough to explain things in detail. If you keep reading, you’ll find that every location has been explained with great precision and care. So, keep scrolling!

The Plot Of Forrest Gump | What Is Forrest Gump About?

Forrest Gump follows the story of a sweet and kind-hearted man called Forrest Gump. He’s had a hard childhood so far. He had to bear leg braces and a low IQ. He was bullied for both. However, Gump found solace in the company of his mother and his best friend, Jenny. She was the only friend he had. 

Despite whatever life threw at him, Gump never gave up his childlike optimism and chased his dreams relentlessly. When his leg braces were removed, he discovered that he could actually run faster than most people! This helped him escape his bullies numerous times. 

Gump went ahead and accomplished several great things in life. He became a football star in his college, fought in the Vietnam war, and even captained a shrimp boat! Gump always inspired people to do better in their lives as well!

One thing Gump could never do was to get over his childhood sweetheart Jenny. While growing up, the two friends grew apart. But, Gump still cared for his sweet but troubled friend. Regardless of how many people he helped, saving Jenny might be the most difficult of all. 

Here are some more details about the film:

Now, without further ado, let’s see where was  Forrest Gump filmed! 

Here’s Where Was Forrest Gump Filmed | Explore All Filming Locations Below!

Oh, and even though the film is set in Alabama, you’ll be surprised to know that the shooting didn’t take place there. Yes, the filming locations of the movie are different. This is your “WAIT, WHAT?!” moment, right?! Anyways, once you get over the initial shock, keep reading, and I’ll tell you exactly where was Forrest Gump filmed. 

Also, because filming locations are a subject of interest to you, check out where were Floribama Shore, The Proposal, and Love Under The Lemon Tree were filmed. I’m so sure that you’ll like those too! 

South Carolina

Most of the film has been filmed in Beaufort, a small town in South Carolina. For example, the fictional town called Greenbow, Alabama is actually Beaufort. Scenes involving Gump’s school and Bus scenes were shot at Hampton Street Elementary School located in Beaufort.

Oh, and if you were thinking that the Vietnamese Army scenes, the ones where Gump meets his friends, were filmed in Vietnam, you are wrong. Because all of those scenes were actually shot in Beaufort!! To be more precise, those scenes were filmed on Fripp Island and Hunting Island State Park off Beaufort coast. 

Yemassee

Yemassee is where Gump’s boarding school and Jenny’s farmhouse are located. To be more specific, scenes featuring Jenny’s farmhouse were filmed in Bluff Plantation, located on Twickenham road. 

Oh, and if you want any more help finding Yemasse, here’s a short and sweet tip: Yemassee is located between Beaufort and Varnville. But, if and when you go there, don’t expect to find Jenny’s farmhouse standing. Because it was torn down shortly after filming.

Los Angeles, California 

So, we know that after Gump’s leg braces were removed, he became a fast runner. His running capabilities also got him into the ‘University of Alabama.’ The only thing is that the university scenes were actually filmed in California. The football stadium scenes were filmed in Weingart Stadium, located in California as well. 

And, do you remember the Saigon hospital scenes? Yeah, those were filmed in Los Angeles too. I’m amazed how the filmmakers convinced everyone that it was actually Vietnam! 

Final Words

Okay, romcom lovers! In this article, we looked at the filming locations of one of the greatest Hollywood films ever! So, I hope you know where was Forrest Gump filmed! If you found this article helpful, stay tuned with Viebly for more such articles on filming locations!