South Carolina in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
Charleston’s historic district, about two hours south of Columbia, has long been a magnet for filmmakers seeking the charm of Southern architecture and cobblestone streets. Walking along East Bay Street, visitors can spot iconic locations from movies like “The Notebook” and “Dear John,” where antebellum mansions and wrought-iron balconies provide the perfect backdrop for sweeping romantic scenes. The blend of well-preserved colonial buildings and the nearby waterfront, especially Battery Park with its views of Fort Sumter, offers a distinctive atmosphere that transports visitors to a bygone era. Visiting in the spring or fall makes for a comfortable stroll under mild skies, with azaleas blooming or colorful leaves adding seasonal magic to the historic landscape.
Moving inland, the rural town of Beaufort, located about 90 minutes south of Savannah, Georgia, has served as a setting for several films, including Steven Spielberg’s “The Last Song.” Its Lowcountry charm unfolds along the waterfront and historic downtown, where moss-draped oaks frame antebellum homes. Visitors can explore the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, a scenic spot alongside the Port Royal Sound that captures the tranquil essence filmmakers seek. Beaufort’s blend of history and natural beauty creates a mood that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in the state. Early mornings here often reveal mist hovering over the marshes, perfect for photography or quiet contemplation.
Heading west from Columbia, the Sumter National Forest offers a completely different cinematic backdrop with its rugged terrain and dense hardwood forests. This forest, about an hour southeast of Greenville, has been a popular filming spot for movies like “The Patriot,” starring Mel Gibson, which needed a setting reminiscent of Revolutionary War battles. Hiking the Forks Trail at the Enoree Ranger District offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the same untamed environment captured on film. This moderate 3.5-mile trail weaves through hardwood groves and alongside rushing streams, revealing how the natural landscape contributes to South Carolina’s diverse filming appeal. Late fall, with its crisp air and vibrant foliage, enhances the forest’s atmospheric qualities.
Up north near Greenville, the quaint town of Travelers Rest has become a magnet for filmmakers wanting to tap into the small-town Americana vibe. Situated about a 25-minute drive north of downtown Greenville, the town’s Main Street features locally owned shops and cafes that evoke a timeless, cozy feel seen in productions like “The Last Song’s” coastal scenes. Visitors can enjoy the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile multi-use path connecting Travelers Rest to Greenville, perfect for biking or walking through scenic countryside and urban hubs. Springtime, with wildflowers blooming alongside the trail, offers a particularly picturesque experience that echoes the cinematic landscapes.
On the coast near Hilton Head Island, the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge serves as a stunning natural set, often used for nature documentaries and scenes requiring pristine salt marshes and maritime forests. Just a 15-minute drive from Hilton Head’s main town, the refuge offers several walking trails like the 4.6-mile Wildlife Trail Loop, where visitors can spot egrets, alligators, and even wild horses in their natural habitat. This expansive refuge’s ability to preserve untouched coastal habitats makes it a favorite for filmmakers needing authentic Lowcountry nature. Early mornings in late summer bring the best wildlife activity and soft light, ideal for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Charleston’s Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island, located about 25 minutes southwest of downtown, is another natural wonder that draws film crews and visitors alike. This sprawling Southern live oak, estimated to be over 400 years old, has appeared in various films and commercials due to its massive, twisting limbs and striking form. The tree stands within a park where visitors can stroll under its canopy and marvel at its intricate branches, offering a serene spot unlike any other in the region. Visiting during the late afternoon allows one to catch the golden hour light filtering through the leaves, enhancing its mystical aura and making it a perfect moment for reflection or photos.
Further inland, the city of Columbia has quietly emerged as a filming hub, with sites like the South Carolina State House and the nearby Congaree National Park offering diverse backdrops. These locations have hosted everything from political dramas to action films. Congaree National Park, about 30 minutes southeast of Columbia, features one of the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the U.S. Hiking the Boardwalk Loop Trail—a 2.4-mile flat path through towering trees—immerses visitors in a cinematic wilderness filled with vibrant wildlife and cypress knees rising from swampy waters. Visiting in spring or early summer when the park’s biodiversity is at its peak brings the forest’s colors and sounds alive, creating an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Finally, the coastal town of Myrtle Beach, roughly 90 minutes northeast of Charleston, offers a different type of filming allure with its bustling boardwalk and ocean vistas. Movies like “Dolphin Tale” have taken advantage of the area’s bright beach scenes and lively seaside culture. Visitors can enjoy a walk along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, where amusement rides, arcades, and ocean views capture the vibrant spirit of this region. Summer evenings, as the sun sets over the Atlantic, transform the boardwalk into a colorful spectacle of lights and music, providing a lively contrast to the more serene Lowcountry film locations. This dynamic coastal setting highlights the state’s range as a filming destination, from quiet historic enclaves to energetic seaside towns.