Movie Locations Segway Tour of Savannah

Lights, camera, Savannah. This 90-minute ride gives you a lively way to connect famous movie scenes with the real streets, squares, and buildings of the historic district. I especially like the mix of film trivia and local history, plus the small group size, which makes it easier to hear the guide and stop for photos. You also get a proper Segway lesson before setting off, a big help if this is your first ride.

The main drawback is that the tour moves at a steady pace, so it is better for a broad introduction than for lingering inside every location. The famous Forrest Gump bench is no longer at the bus stop site, for example, and admission to the Mercer Williams House Museum and Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is not included.

Key things to know before you book

• The tour begins with hands-on Segway training: Arrive 15 minutes early for paperwork, a short safety video, and practice with starting, stopping, and turning.
• You visit real movie backdrops: Stops include the Mercer Williams House Museum, Lafayette Square, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
• The bus stop from Forrest Gump is still easy to recognize: The bench itself is now in the Savannah History Museum, so you see the setting rather than the original prop.
• Groups are limited to 10 people: That keeps the ride more personal and makes it easier to follow the guide.
• The tour mixes cinema with Savannah history: The movie theme is the hook, but the commentary also covers the city itself.
• Comfort and weather matter: Closed-heel shoes are suggested, and the tour can be canceled for poor weather with a choice of another date or a full refund.

Starting at 502 East Broughton Street

The tour begins at a centrally located office in Savannah’s historic downtown district. The listed start time is 11 a.m., and you should arrive at least 15 minutes before that. This is not optional padding in the schedule. The early arrival covers paperwork, a short introductory video, and the practical part of learning to control the Segway.

You receive a helmet and use the company’s Segways. Training covers the basics, including starting, stopping, turning, and getting comfortable with the machine’s self-balancing movement. That training matters because the first few minutes can feel strange. You control the Segway with small shifts of your body, rather than with pedals or a steering wheel.

The instruction is designed for first-time riders. Several riders who had never used a Segway before found the machines easy to operate after the lesson, and one older couple described the experience as a successful bucket-list activity. Still, you should expect to concentrate at first. Controlling a Segway takes some physical effort, especially while making turns or riding along streets where you need to pay attention to traffic and other people.

The maximum group size is 10. That is a useful limit in a city tour because you are not trying to keep up with a large line of riders. Guides have time to check that beginners are comfortable before leaving, and you have a better chance of hearing the commentary.

Closed-heel shoes are suggested. You must be at least 16 years old to take this tour. Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can participate, but the experience still requires enough balance and control to use a Segway safely.

Rolling through Savannah’s film history

The tour’s appeal is not simply seeing a building and hearing that a movie was filmed there. The guide connects places to productions and performers associated with Savannah, including Forrest Gump, Something to Talk About, and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. You also hear about stars such as Robert Redford, Zac Efron, and Dwayne Johnson, known here as The Rock, who have worked or spent time in the city during filming.

That gives the ride two layers. If you are a movie fan, you get recognizable titles and filming stories. If you are less familiar with the films, you still receive a moving introduction to Savannah’s squares, streets, and notable buildings.

The guide provides the running commentary while you ride, with pauses for photographs. Some tours are hard to enjoy because you are forced to choose between listening and watching where you are going. Here, the company provides listening equipment so you can hear the guide while riding.

The audio setup has received mixed reactions. One rider found the listening device somewhat limited and wished they had brought their own wired headphones. Another found the one-way headphones extremely useful, since they could hear the guide from several dozen feet away. The practical takeaway is simple: bring wired headphones if you have a pair that works with the system, but expect the equipment to be supplied.

Guides are a major part of this experience. Jason is praised for combining movie information with a friendly manner and for helping with photographs. Gregg adds personal stories to the route, while Mark has been especially good at helping beginners feel safe. Mary is also noted for her strong grasp of Savannah’s history, efficient training, and useful lunch suggestions after the ride.

You should not assume every guide will tell the tour in exactly the same way. That is part of the charm of a small local operation, but it also means the personality of your guide will shape the experience. Across the available comments, safety, humor, clear explanations, and photo help are repeated strengths.

The Mercer Williams House and Monterey Square

One of the main stops is the Mercer Williams House Museum, where you have about 15 minutes. The house is closely associated with Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, and the surrounding square has been used for several productions.

This is an effective movie stop because the setting does not feel like a temporary film set. The architecture and square provide the visual character that filmmakers come to Savannah to capture. You can look at the building, listen to the guide explain its connection to the film, and take photographs without needing to spend the entire day at a museum.

Admission to the Mercer Williams House Museum is not included. The tour gives you an exterior visit and commentary, but you should not expect an interior tour as part of the $75 price. If you want to go inside, plan that as a separate activity.

The 15-minute stop is enough for a focused look, but not enough for a long visit or detailed architectural study. I see that as a fair trade on a movie-location ride. The point is to connect several places across the city rather than settle into one building.

Lafayette Square and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

The second named stop lasts about 15 minutes at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Lafayette Square, where the cathedral provides a striking backdrop, has appeared in many productions.

The square gives the guide room to explain how Savannah’s public spaces work on screen. A cathedral, tree-lined square, and historic streets can play several different roles depending on camera angle and story. You get a better sense of that when you are standing in the setting rather than seeing only a movie clip.

The cathedral itself is not included as an admission visit. The stop focuses on the exterior and its film connection. If you want to tour the interior, check separately for admission and opening details rather than counting on this excursion to provide it.

As with the Mercer Williams House, 15 minutes is a quick stop. That works well if you want photos and context, but it may feel brief if you hoped to explore the cathedral in depth. The route favors variety and movement over long indoor visits.

The Forrest Gump bus stop site

The Forrest Gump connection is one of the most recognizable parts of the ride. You visit the Savannah location associated with Forrest sharing a box of chocolates while sitting at a bus stop.

There is an important detail here. The original park bench is now in the Savannah History Museum, not at the filming location. The bus stop setting remains unmistakable, so you can still understand the scene and take in the place that appeared on screen. Just do not book this expecting to sit on the actual bench from the movie.

That distinction is useful because movie-location tours can sometimes blur the line between a real setting and a preserved prop. Here, the value comes from seeing the location and hearing how the scene fits into Savannah, not from viewing the bench itself.

If Forrest Gump is the main reason you are interested, this tour gives you the location but not the museum bench. You would need to visit the Savannah History Museum separately to see that object.

Why the Segway works well in Savannah

Savannah’s historic district contains many squares and notable buildings spread across several blocks. Walking is pleasant, but a Segway lets you cover more ground without committing to a long walking route. You can move from one movie setting to another while still spending time in the streets rather than looking through a vehicle window.

That middle ground is the best reason to choose this format. A bus keeps you seated and covers more distance, but it can make the city feel remote. A walking tour gives you close contact with the streets, but you cover less ground. The Segway offers movement, fresh air, and a little novelty.

The machine itself is part of the fun. First-time riders often need a few minutes to stop thinking about balance, after which the controls feel fairly natural. It is not completely effortless. One rider compared it to a workout, especially while learning to control the machine, so do not mistake the short duration for a purely passive activity.

Safety is taken seriously during the introduction and on the route. Guides make sure beginners are comfortable before leaving, and the commentary includes reminders when riding through areas where care is needed. You should still pay attention, keep your movements controlled, and follow the guide’s instructions.

Price, value, and what you receive

The price is $75 per person. That is more than a simple self-guided walk, but it covers the Segway, helmet, bottled water, training, a professional guide, and roughly 90 minutes of guided sightseeing.

I think the value depends on what you want from Savannah. If you only want to see a few movie exteriors, you could walk to some locations yourself. You would not get the ride, the training, the route planning, or the stories connecting films to the city.

The price makes more sense if you want a compact introduction early in your stay. You can use the tour to get your bearings, note places you want to revisit, and pick up ideas for lunch afterward. One guide even provided a restaurant recommendation that worked well for the rider, though the tour itself does not include a meal.

The small group also helps justify the cost. With a maximum of 10 people, you are not part of a huge procession. You can ask questions, hear the guide, and get help with photographs. The exact experience will depend on the guide and group, but the format is more personal than a large sightseeing vehicle.

Who will enjoy this tour most

This excursion is a strong match for:

• Movie fans who want to see the real settings behind familiar scenes.
• First-time visitors who want a quick overview of Savannah’s historic district.
• Couples looking for a playful activity with photo opportunities.
• Families with participants age 16 or older.
• People who prefer covering more ground than they can on foot.
• Anyone curious about trying a Segway with instruction included.

It may be less suitable if you want long interior visits, a slow architectural tour, or a route focused only on films you already know. The commentary includes history, which adds value, but this is not a full city history tour or a museum tour.

You should also consider comfort and weather. The tour requires good weather and may be canceled if conditions are poor. If that happens, you are offered another date or a full refund. For a normal cancellation, you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Useful tips for a smoother ride

Arrive early. The 15-minute pre-tour window is used for paperwork and training, so arriving at the start time could leave you rushing or unprepared.

Wear closed-heel shoes. They are specifically suggested and give you a more secure feeling while controlling the Segway.

Bring a camera or phone with enough battery for photographs. The route includes pauses, and guides may help take pictures.

If you have compatible wired headphones, bring them. The tour provides listening equipment, but the fit and sound may work better with your own pair.

Keep your expectations clear about the movie sites. You will see exteriors and real settings, not a collection of preserved film sets. The Forrest Gump bench is at the Savannah History Museum, while the bus stop location remains part of the route.

Finally, treat the tour as an introduction. Once you know which squares, buildings, and film connections interest you, you can return on foot for a slower look.

Should you book the Movie Locations Segway Tour?

I would book this if you want movie trivia, local stories, and a fun way to cover Savannah’s historic district in a small group. The strongest features are the patient training, personable guides, photo stops, and the mix of film locations with broader city information.

I would skip it if you dislike balancing on a moving device, need a fully indoor activity, or want to spend serious time inside the Mercer Williams House or Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The tour offers exterior visits, not admission to either site.

At $75, it is best value for first-time Savannah visitors, movie fans, and anyone who wants a lively orientation before exploring on foot. Just arrive early, wear secure shoes, and remember that the Forrest Gump bench is now in the museum. With those expectations in place, this is a good-natured, well-paced way to see a film-friendly city from a different angle.

FAQ

How long is the Movie Locations Segway Tour of Savannah?

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at 502 East Broughton Street in Savannah and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 11 a.m. You should arrive 15 minutes early for paperwork and Segway training.

Is Segway training included?

Yes. Training includes a short instructional video and hands-on practice with starting, stopping, and turning. Helmets are also provided.

What movie locations are included?

The route includes the Forrest Gump bus stop location, the Mercer Williams House Museum area, Lafayette Square, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. It also includes information about films such as Something to Talk About and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Is admission to the Mercer Williams House Museum or Cathedral included?

No. Admission tickets to those sites are not included in the tour.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather causes the tour operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.