Love TWD? Check out these Walking Dead film locations that you can visit.
Since Jacob is a big Walking Dead fan, and I’ve only watched half an episode peeking through my fingers, he will share about our Walking Dead Tour in Atlanta.
The Walking Dead is coming back from its mid-season break next week. Is anyone else as excited as I am? I’ve been following the show since day one and love that it’s shot in our hometown of Atlanta. I remember watching Season 1 and pointing at different scenes, saying, “HEY! I know where that is!”
SPOILER ALERT: If you’re not caught up on the show, you may not want to read through the guide yet.
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Last Updated: October 10, 2024
11 Best Walking Dead Locations (Self-Guided Walking Dead Tour)
Last year, we had the chance to go on a tour to visit a few of the shooting locations with Atlanta Movie Tours (unfortunately, they shut down during the pandemic), but for those of you who may want to go at your own pace, here’s our road trip guide to the best Walking Dead Locations.
Note: Most of these spots are from the first few seasons. As the show progressed, they shot more in studios and closed off areas that the public couldn’t access. If you know of any spots that we’re missing, let us know!
Esther had fun editing the photos to make them more Walking Dead-esque. We didn’t get a chance to shoot the photos closer to how they were shot for the show, so we’ll eventually have to go back and replace some of them
1. The Hospital
2353 Bolton Rd, 30318, map
First Appeared: Season 1, Episode 1, “Days Gone By”
What better way to start off your tour than at the place where Rick wakes up from a coma and realizes that something is off? It’s such an eerie feeling walking around. We kept thinking walkers would stroll around the corner at any time. At this location, you can view the courtyard that he exits out to, which was full of bodies, and you can see the parking lot that has abandoned helicopters and military vehicles.
The location is not a hospital but the admin offices of the Atlanta Mission, a local non-profit that serves the homeless.
Fun fact There was a Bruce Willis Dummy in one of the body bags.
See More: Stranger Things Filming Locations Guide
2. CDC (The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)
2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, 30339, map
First Appeared: Season 1, Episode 5, “Wildfire”
In hopes to find answers to all their questions, the group finds its way to the CDC, where they meet Dr. Edwin Jenner, the last remaining employee. Unfortunately, things don’t work out, and they escape just before the building self-destructs.
Although the real CDC is located in Atlanta, the location they used to shoot this is the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. We’ve been here to watch the Moulin Rouge ballet a while back! The exterior is the Cobb Arts Center, but the interiors of “CDC” were mostly shot at the Georgia World Congress Center.
See More: Most Instagrammable Places in Atlanta Georgia
3. The Quarry
Lois St NW, 30318, map
First Appeared: Season 1, Episode 2, “Guts”
The quarry and campsite nearby are where a different group of survivors had made their homes, but when walkers overran it, it led to a confrontation where Amy’s sister is killed, and Rick is reunited with Lori and Carl. You may also recognize it from Stranger Things.
This location is a 100 yr-old granite quarry being converted into a 300-acre park and reservoir. You can see it from above, but if you want to hike down to the bottom, you’ll need to check out an Atlanta Beltline bus tour.
4. Tank Intersection
Forsyth St NW & Walton St NW, 30303, map
First Appeared: Season 1, Episode 1, “Days Gone By”
Rick narrowly escapes a zombie horde inside an abandoned tank at this intersection and eventually escapes with Glenn’s help (YEA, GLENN!).
You could easily miss this spot as a shoot location if you’re not looking carefully. They have some amazing aerial shots, and having dressed the intersection to be more… zombified, they did a great job creating the Walking Dead world here.
See More: The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List
5. Bridge & Rooftop
327 Nelson Street SW, 30313, map
First Appeared: Season 1, Episode 1, “Days Gone By”
We started off by seeing the bridge from season 1 when Rick enters Atlanta for the first time. It’s also the same building where Merle was abandoned on the roof, and Merle’s hand (or lack thereof) scene took place. The building was precisely the same as seen in the show.
In the show, Rick heads to Atlanta searching for Lori and Carl and, after running out of options, decides to enter on horseback.
The address is to our friends over at Atlanta Movie Tours, who do an amazing guided tour of The Walking Dead sites! Just down the street from their offices, you’ll see the bridge.
6. Rick’s House
817 Cherokee Ave SE, 30315, map
First Appeared: Season 1, Episode 1, “Days Gone By”
After waking up from his coma, this is Rick’s first stop in hopes to find his family and answers.
In the show, this house was located in a rural town, but in actuality, it’s in the heart of Atlanta across Grant Park and The Atlanta Zoo.
7. Woodbury
1 Main St, Senoia, GA 30276, map
First Appeared: Season 3, Episode 3, “Walk With Me”
So much happens in the small town of Woodbury. Andrea and Michonne are brought here after being captured by Merle. Maggie and Glenn are tortured, and we learn how creepy the Governor is.
The actual town is Senoia, and they still run even during filming. There is a gift shop in town, a gun store in case you want to prepare for the actual zombie apocalypse, and a quick chat with any of the townsfolk and you’ll get to hear some amazing stories!
See More: 15 Best Weekend Trips from Atlanta GA
8. Hershel’s Farm & The Prison
600 Chestlehurst Rd, Senoia, GA 30276, map
First Appeared: Season 2, Episode 2, “Bloodletting” and Season 2, Episode 3, “Seed”
These iconic locations are a huge part of the story in Season 2. Both become temporary homes for the group, and new characters are introduced at each location.
Unfortunately, it’s pretty challenging to get a glimpse of either. Hershel’s Farm is just outside the town of Senoia on an unmarked road. The prison, as opposed to random internet rumors claiming it was filmed at an actual prison, is located at Raleigh Studios Atlanta. And because they want to keep everything under wraps, access is prohibited. We had a chance to chat with Scott Tigchelaar, President of RSA, while we visited Woodbury and got to hear how filming has affected Senoia and the surrounding area.
9. The Silo
Railroad Street, Haralson, GA 30229, map
First Appeared: Season 3, Episode 13, “Arrow on the Doorpost”
This is the location of Rick and the Governor’s meeting in hopes to ease tensions, and a lot is going on outside with Andrea, Daryl, and Martinez.
The interior was shot around the corner, but all exteriors were shot here at the old ESCO Feed Mill.
10. Post-Farm Campsite
1739 Elders Mill Rd, Senoia, GA 30276, map
First Appeared: Season 2, Episode 13, “Beside the Dying Fire”
After leaving the overrun farm, the group camps by this waterfall, and Rick gives an epic speech to end the season.
Shot at Elders Mill Road Waterfall and Campsite, you can check out the stone remnants of the old grist mills for $10. Otherwise, you get a glimpse of it from the road.
11. The Pharmacy & Bar
58-98 Main St, Sharpsburg, GA 30277, map
First Appeared: Season 2, Episode 4 “Cherokee Rose
Steve’s Pharmacy is where Glenn and Maggie get it on while running for medical supplies (YEA, GLENN AGAIN)! The Carriage Bar is where Hershel goes for a drink after Shane destroys all the walkers in his barn.
You can find both of these locations in the small town of Sharpsburg. The pharmacy was an unused storefront during production, and the bar is the Old Sharpsburg Auction Building.
The Official Walking Dead Tour (Permanently Closed)
We had a chance to tour Walking Dead Filming sites with The AV Club and the Fiesta Movement. We’d never done any of these tours before, and this was a unique experience since it was a private tour while they were filming. On day one, we saw on our tour included the bridge, the hospital, CDC, and the tank scene in downtown Atlanta.
The next morning, we drove to Senoia, GA, or better known as Woodbury in the show. It’s wild to stroll around and see the town as it really is. As we visited shops, we quickly learned that Senoia had a great relationship with the cast and crew. Everyone really loved the show, and it didn’t hinder their businesses. Apparently, while they are shooting, stores stay open, and people just enter through the back. We also found some interesting items at the Woodbury souvenir shop.
Raleigh Studios Atlanta (RSA), which is just a couple of miles away, is home to the show while filming. It is also the location of the prison set. We didn’t get a chance to visit since it was a closed set. We got to speak with Scott Tigchelaar, President of RSA, and hear about how filming has affected Senoia. Josh and I will make an appearance on The A.V. Club’s Pop Pilgrims, where they show more footage of our trip, so check it out!
Map of the Best Walking Dead Filming Locations
Essential Tips
- If you’re renting a car and plan on doing the whole tour, get something fuel-efficient to save money since you’ll be covering some long distances.
- Be respectful if you visit any of these spots. Especially the ones that are private.
- It’s hot and humid during the summer in Atlanta, so keep hydrated.
- Atlanta traffic is bad, so avoid peak hours (6-9 AM and 3:30-7:30 PM).
- Don’t forget to load up on road trip snacks!
- Bring water with you to stay hydrated – here are our favorite bottles.
Best Places to Stay in Atlanta
Planning Checklist
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Download these helpful language apps.
- Find a great deal on Atlanta hotels.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Book a tour for your visit.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Buy a Georgia travel guide.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
- Save money on attractions with CityPASS.
Are you all caught up on The Walking Dead? What TV or movie filming location would you like to visit someday?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
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