This South Carolina Main Street Feels Like A Movie Set

There is something so cinematic about a rural southern town. Maybe it is the moss-draped oak trees, many of which grow to outlive the town’s very residents. Or perhaps it is the warm, muggy days you can almost feel through a computer screen while looking at photos. And, of course, there are the Antebellum and Victorian-era homes that remain just as they were the day they were built. One town in South Carolina captures this imagery especially well: Beaufort.

This charming little town sits in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry and the Sea Islands. Its movie-like qualities have not gone unnoticed, with films like "Forrest Gump" and "The Prince of Tides" filming scenes around town. Historic arsenals and scenic waterfront parks near Main Street additionally help tie the whole setting together. For a taste of life in a town that looks like it belongs on film, Beaufort will leave you breathless.

'Forrest Gump' Filming Locations

If the moss-draped oak streets of Beaufort feel strangely familiar, it may be because several scenes from the iconic movie "Forrest Gump" were filmed here. In fact, many of the movie’s famous running scenes were filmed in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. For example, the town’s Woods Memorial Bridge, which links downtown Beaufort to Lady’s Island, appears in the scene where Forrest is interviewed by the press.

The fictional Bubba Gump Shrimp Company in "Forrest Gump" was inspired by the Lowcountry shrimping industry, and several restaurants in Beaufort offer Bubba Gump-themed dishes for fans visiting the area. Although not directly downtown, you can also drive out to the live oak tree featured in the film, located near the entrance of the Carolina Shores subdivision. A five-minute drive north of Main Street, you’ll find the Basil Green Complex as well, which is where Forrest was filmed cutting grass. This field was transformed into a football field with the help of computer-generated imagery (CGI).

Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park

After exploring the "Forrest Gump" filming spots, stroll over to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, where the scenery likewise feels like it belongs on the big screen. Situated right off of Bay Street, this public park overlooks the bay, serving as both a marina and a place to simply relax and watch the boats pass. The park has been around since the 1970s, composed of seven acres along the waterfront, and was named after the city’s mayor at the time: Henry C. Chambers.

Before the park was built, the area was cluttered with trash and crumbling docks, making its transformation a major upgrade for the downtown district. Today, the space features amenities like a playground, swings, and on-site restrooms. As you stroll along paths shaded by live oaks and palmettos, you will almost certainly feel like a character in a classic Southern film.

Several festivals take place annually here as well. The Beaufort Shrimp Festival, for example, takes place each fall, filling the park with unique shrimp dishes from some of the area’s most talented chefs. Other festivals to watch for throughout the year include the Original Gullah Festival in May, honoring the Gullah people and their culture, and the Beaufort Water Festival in July, which showcases the Lowcountry with crafts, live music, races, and more.

Bay Street Architecture

Much of the architecture along Bay Street has been wonderfully preserved, creating somewhat of a time capsule effect. The Verdier House is one such example, a home dating back to 1804 that showcases antebellum architecture, built by a cotton and indigo trader and later used as a Union Army headquarters from 1861 to 1865. Check out the Cuthbert House as well, a federal style home from 1810 that underwent renovations in 1938. This home also has Victorian-style details like a southern porch extension and gingerbread trim.

At 601 Bay Street, you’ll find the Lewis Reeve Sams House, a massive, three-story Beaufort-Style home that has gorgeous Doric and Ionic columns and double verandas. The house is believed to have been saved by a fire thanks to a group of Waterhouse cotton gin workers who used wet blankets and formed bucket brigades. Interestingly enough, it was also featured in the film "The Prince of Tides."

The Beaufort History Museum

The trip back in time continues at the Beaufort History Museum. This museum displays the city’s artifacts, photos, and documents, tracing its history from the arrival of Native Americans through European exploration, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and Reconstruction, the Spanish-American War, and beyond. Its calendar of events includes lectures and educational programs as well, so take a look at the museum’s schedule before your visit.

You should also be sure to explore The Arsenal, a historic property that is part of the Beaufort History Museum on Craven Street. Built in 1798, this arsenal served as the home and training site for the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery, a local militia, shortly after the Revolutionary War. The old, faded yellow building has hosted many groups over the centuries, before undergoing renovations in the 1930s. Today, it is one of the only buildings in the state to date back to the 18th century.

A Town Inspiring The Movie Industry

It is no surprise that major film productions have found inspiration in the town of Beaufort. Between its centuries-old oak trees, sprawling waterfront parks, and Victorian and Antebellum-era homes, there is so much beauty to find in this small town. Depending on the time of your visit, you also might get to see the town come to life during a festival, too. Who knows what other gems you might discover?