Chippewa Square Savannah
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Chippewa Square Savannah

4.7
·5k reviews·Savannah, United States

Historic square famous for Forrest Gump filming, featuring the Savannah Theatre and beautiful oak trees.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Chippewa Square Savannah

Chippewa Square Savannah

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic square famous for Forrest Gump filming, featuring the Savannah Theatre and beautiful oak trees.

4.7
(5k reviews)

"A charming spot, easily recognizable for its connection to Forrest Gump."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bench Location Update

The iconic Forrest Gump bench is no longer here; it's at the Savannah History Museum. :camerawithflash:

Explore the Squares

Chippewa is just one of Savannah's beautiful squares. Explore others for unique vibes! :world_map:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Forrest Gump Bench Spot

Forrest Gump Bench Spot

Chippewa Square

Relive movie magic where Forrest Gump shared his famous box of chocolates. The bench is gone, but the spirit remains.

Instagram+1
Savannah Theatre

Savannah Theatre

Chippewa Square

One of the oldest continuously operating theaters in the US, with a rich history of performances and resilience.

Instagram+1
Historic Oaks and Scenery

Historic Oaks and Scenery

Chippewa Square

Shaded by beautiful, ancient oak trees, offering a serene escape and picturesque views for relaxation.

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Planning Your Visit

Forrest Gump Filming Location

Chippewa Square is famous as the filming location for Forrest Gump's iconic bus bench scenes. While the bench itself is now in the Savannah History Museum, the square's beauty and historical significance remain. Instagram+1

Savannah's Historic Squares

Chippewa Square is one of Savannah's 22 historic squares, each with its own unique charm and history. It's a great spot to relax under the oaks and soak in the city's atmosphere. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, near dining
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

They say Canadians are nice, but have you ever met the folks from Savannah, Georgia? 🍑 Here are a few facts about the city that you may not know: 1. It’s a small city of only 145,000 and there’s not a single skyscraper in sight! 2. It’s progressive and diverse, with a large LGBTQ+ community and annual #Pride festival. 3. The people of Savannah are well known for their southern charm and hospitalit...
@jasmine.lorimer
124.1K likes • 1.1M views

Bench Location Update

The iconic Forrest Gump bench is no longer here; it's at the Savannah History Museum. Instagram+1 :camerawithflash:

Explore the Squares

Chippewa is just one of Savannah's beautiful squares. Explore others for unique vibes! InstagramReddit :world_map:

#HavaianasLivreDeCliches Reply to @bunita0214 Savannah itinerary & guide #savannah #savannah #savannahga #USTravel #travelvlog #usatravel #travelblog #roadtrip #itinerary #savannahgeorgia
@heleneinbetween
43.3K likes • 1.4M views
The Savannah Theatre on Chippewa Square in Savannah, Georgia first opened in 1818
marcograpix
21 likes • 274 views

Relax Under the Oaks

Plenty of benches and shade make it perfect for a peaceful break. Instagram :park:

Near Dining & Shopping

Conveniently located near great restaurants and shops for a full day out. Instagram :shopping_bags:

You might not think you are familiar with Chippewa Square, but if you have ever seen Forrest Gump, it is the bench Forrest sat on. Savannah is not only beautiful with its architecture and history, but also where many films take place. What other movies have been filmed here? The Longest Yard, Baywatch, Glory, Magic Mike XXL, Something to Talk About, and many more. . #Savannah #VisitSavannah #Sav...
corabettthomasrentals
0 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bench Location Update

The iconic Forrest Gump bench is no longer here; it's at the Savannah History Museum. Instagram+1 :camerawithflash:

Explore the Squares

Chippewa is just one of Savannah's beautiful squares. Explore others for unique vibes! InstagramReddit :world_map:

Relax Under the Oaks

Plenty of benches and shade make it perfect for a peaceful break. Instagram :park:

Near Dining & Shopping

Conveniently located near great restaurants and shops for a full day out. Instagram :shopping_bags:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Chippewa Square is a charming and historically significant spot, most famous for its connection to the movie Forrest Gump. Visitors appreciate the beautiful oak trees and the presence of the historic Savannah Theatre. While the iconic bench is no longer on-site, the square remains a lovely place to relax and soak in Savannah's atmosphere.

"this truly was an unexpected find. we had a afternoon to hold us till dinner time so the wife got tickets for this play at this old theater which really was unique. add the park just across the street which was incredibly beautiful even on a 90° day."

AG Lopez

"Chippewa Square is a charming spot in Savannah, easily recognizable for its connection to Forrest Gump. While the iconic bench from the movie isn't here (it's housed in the Savannah History Museum), the square itself is lovely and worth a visit. It's a perfect place to sit, relax under the oaks, and soak in the Savannah atmosphere, imagining Forrest waiting for his bus. A cute piece of cinematic history in a beautiful setting."

Julie ZL

"Beautiful trees, plenty of seats to relax and enjoy the view. The major attraction here is that Forrest Gump bus stop scene was filmed here. The bench was a prop and no longer in place but at the Savannah History Museum."

Guy Green Jr

What People Like

Beautiful oak trees
Forrest Gump filming location
Historic Savannah Theatre

What People Dislike

Bench is no longer there

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Chippewa Square is located in the heart of Savannah's historic district. It's easily accessible by foot if you're staying downtown, or you can use ride-sharing services. Many visitors also opt for trolley tours which often stop here. TikTok+1

Street parking can be challenging in Savannah's historic district. Several parking garages are available nearby, such as the Whitaker Street Parking Garage or the Bryan Street Parking Garage. TikTok

Yes, Chippewa Square is a pleasant walk from River Street, typically taking about 10-15 minutes through the charming historic streets. Instagram

While Savannah doesn't have extensive public transit, the Old Town Trolley Tours and other hop-on-hop-off services frequently include Chippewa Square as a stop. TikTok+1

The square itself is generally accessible with paved pathways. However, some of the older sidewalks in Savannah can be uneven. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Chippewa Square is a public park and is free to enter and explore at any time. Instagram

Chippewa Square is open 24/7, though it's best visited during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Instagram

There is no admission fee to visit Chippewa Square. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy. Instagram

The original bench used in Forrest Gump is now housed at the Savannah History Museum. Instagram+1

Yes, many Savannah walking tours and trolley tours include Chippewa Square as a stop, often highlighting its connection to Forrest Gump and the Savannah Theatre. TikTok+1

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the historic Savannah Theatre, the beautiful oak trees, and the general ambiance of the square. The area where the bench was is also popular for photos. Instagram+1

While accessible at night, photography is best during daylight hours for clear shots of the architecture and greenery. The square is well-lit, but nighttime photos might be more atmospheric than detailed. Instagram

Photography policies inside the Savannah Theatre may vary. It's best to check with the theater directly or respect any posted signage regarding photography during performances or tours. Instagram+1

Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light, while mornings provide softer light and fewer crowds for unobstructed shots. Instagram

Drone usage in Savannah's historic district is generally restricted due to its urban nature and proximity to buildings. It's advisable to check local ordinances before flying a drone. TikTok

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

You can relax under the oak trees, admire the historic Savannah Theatre, and imagine the scenes from Forrest Gump. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll and people-watching. InstagramReddit

It can get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons or weekends. Weekday mornings tend to be the least crowded. TikTok

It's famous for being the filming location of the Forrest Gump bus bench scenes and is home to the historic Savannah Theatre. It's also one of Savannah's original 22 squares. Instagram+1

Public restrooms are not typically located directly within the square itself. You may find facilities in nearby businesses or public buildings. TikTok

It's a charming and historic atmosphere, with beautiful old trees providing shade and a sense of tranquility amidst the city bustle. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Chippewa Square itself doesn't have restaurants, it's surrounded by many dining options in Savannah's historic district, from casual cafes to upscale eateries. TikTokInstagram

You'll find a variety of restaurants nearby, including Southern cuisine, seafood, and international options. The Drayton Hotel on the square has dining options. TikTok+1

Picnicking is generally allowed in Savannah's squares, but it's good practice to be tidy and respectful of the space. Instagram

Yes, several coffee shops are within walking distance, offering a great spot to grab a coffee before or after visiting the square. TikTok

Savannah is known for its Southern comfort food, fresh seafood, and unique culinary twists. TikTok+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Chippewa Square offers a pleasant, open space for families to relax and let kids stretch their legs. While the Forrest Gump bench is no longer there, the story behind it can spark imagination. Instagram+1 The shade from the large oak trees provides a nice break on warm days. Consider combining a visit with a ride on the Old Town Trolley Tours, which often stops here and provides a fun overview of the city for all ages. TikTok+1

🎬 Movie Buffs

For fans of Forrest Gump, Chippewa Square is a pilgrimage site. While the bench is now in a museum, standing in the square where those iconic scenes were filmed is a powerful experience. Instagram+1 Take photos, imagine Forrest waiting for his bus, and soak in the atmosphere. You can also visit the Savannah History Museum to see the actual bench. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

Chippewa Square is a perfect spot for solo travelers to pause and people-watch. It's safe, centrally located, and offers a peaceful environment to reflect or read a book under the shade of the oak trees. InstagramReddit Its proximity to other attractions and dining options makes it an easy addition to any solo itinerary. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Forrest Gump Connection

Chippewa Square gained international fame as the backdrop for iconic scenes in the 1994 film Forrest Gump. It was here that Tom Hanks, as Forrest, sat on a bench sharing his life story and wisdom, famously stating, 'Life is like a box of chocolates.' Instagram+1 While the bench itself was a prop and has since been moved to the Savannah History Museum, the square's association with the beloved movie draws many visitors hoping to recreate a piece of that cinematic magic. Instagram+1 The presence of the historic Savannah Theatre on the square further adds to its cultural significance and visual appeal. Instagram+1

Many visitors come specifically to see the spot where the bench once sat, even though it's no longer there. This enduring connection highlights how film locations can become significant tourist attractions, drawing fans from around the world. Instagram+1 The square's enduring charm, combined with its movie fame, makes it a must-visit for cinephiles and anyone looking to experience a piece of Savannah's unique cultural tapestry. Instagram

Savannah's Historic Squares

Chippewa Square is one of Savannah's 22 historic squares, each meticulously planned and laid out by founder James Oglethorpe in the 18th century. These squares were designed as central gathering places and defensive outposts, contributing to Savannah's distinctive urban design. InstagramReddit Each square has its own character, often featuring monuments, fountains, and beautiful landscaping. Chippewa Square, in particular, is known for its stately oak trees draped with Spanish moss, creating a picturesque and serene environment. Instagram

These squares are not just historical relics; they are vibrant community spaces where locals and tourists alike can relax, socialize, and enjoy the city's beauty. They offer a welcome respite from the urban hustle and are central to the Savannah experience. InstagramReddit Exploring these squares is a fundamental part of understanding Savannah's charm and its commitment to preserving its rich history and architectural heritage. TikTok

The Savannah Theatre

Located on the north side of Chippewa Square, the Savannah Theatre is a historic landmark with a storied past. First opening its doors in 1818, it is one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in the United States. Instagram+1 Over its long history, the theater has survived numerous challenges, including hurricanes and fires, undergoing rebuilds and renovations to maintain its grandeur. Instagram

Today, the Savannah Theatre continues to host a variety of performances, from musicals to comedies, offering entertainment to locals and visitors. Its presence on Chippewa Square adds another layer of cultural depth to the area, making the square a destination for both cinematic history and live performing arts. TikTokInstagram Attending a show here offers a unique glimpse into Savannah's vibrant arts scene and its enduring historical legacy. TikTok

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