The Vampire Diaries Filming Locations
Your Guide to the Real Mystic Falls - Covington, Georgia
For wanderers chasing a little magic, Covington, Georgia — the real-life Mystic Falls — is the perfect place to relive your favorite Vampire Diaries moments. This filming location guide will help you find the homes, squares, and hidden corners that made Mystic Falls unforgettable — and maybe even inspire a few storylines of your own.
Core Mystic Falls Locations
Covington Welcome Center - 1143 Oak St SE, Covington, GA 30014
Start your visit here. You’ll find the famous “Welcome to Mystic Falls” sign, props and costumes, and a free filming-locations map.
Covington Square (aka Mystic Falls Town Square) - Historic Downtown Covington, GA
The heart of The Vampire Diaries - home to the Founder’s Day Festival, street scenes, and countless iconic moments. Wander the square, pop into shops, and grab a photo with the Clock Tower.
The Clock Tower / Newton County Courthouse 1124 Clark St SW, Covington, GA 30014
Visible in nearly every establishing shot of Mystic Falls and a must-see stop for fans.
The Mystic Grill & Alleyway Shop - 1116 Clark St SW, Covington, GA 30014
Yes, it’s real and the food’s good! Visit the bar stools reserved for Damon & Alaric, then head upstairs to the hall of fame before exiting to the alleyway gift shop (On Location Gifts) for official Vampire Diaries merch.
Southview Cemetery - 2298 East St SE, Covington, GA 30014-3194
Recently, this cemetery that was made popular by The Vampire Diaries became the topic of conversation in Covington, GA. Specifically, to have it removed from commercial tours due to vandalism. SO, if you choose to visit it, please be respectful!
Residential & Character Homes
The Lockwood Mansion - 2129 East St SE, Covington, GA 30014
You can admire this private residence from afar through the gate or get behind the gates by booking an overnight visit on Airbnb.
The Gilbert House - 2101 Floyd St NE, Covington, GA 30014
Elena’s home and one of the show’s most recognizable exteriors. Please be respectful of the owners and only opt for quick photos from the sidewalk.
Sweet Magnolia’s Bonus Stop
Since you’re already there, you may as well look across the street and peep Maddie’s house from Sweet Magnolias. *The Mystic Grill is also used for Sullivan’s in Sweet Magnolias.
Caroline Forbes’s House - 2118 Floyd St NE, Covington, GA 30014
Caroline and Elena really were neighbors! You can even book a stay through Airbnb for the full Mystic Falls experience (just be prepared for some potential Millennial visitors peeping from the sidewalk).
Bonnie’s Gram’s House - 2136 Conyers St SE, Covington, GA 30014
A charming, lesser-known stop that’s fun to add if you have extra time.
Isobel’s House -2146 Conyers St SE, Covington, GA 30014
For the true fans who want to explore the villainous side of Mystic Falls.
Rebecca’s House - 3115 Pennington St, Covington, GA 30014
The real vibe of The Originals is in New Orleans, LA, but it doesn’t hurt to have a little peek at their time in Mystic Falls pre-spinoff.
Matt Donovan’s House - 1133 Conyers St, Covington, GA 30014
After all that Matt Donovan survived, it’d be sad if his house didn’t make it.
Filming Sites & Special Stops
Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast - 2176 Monticello St SW, Covington, GA 30014
Used as the “Lockwood Mansion of the past,” the inn also hosted cast members during filming. Consider booking an overnight stay for the full filming location experience.
The Depot (“Bree’s Bar”) - 4130 Emory St, Covington, GA 30014
The setting for Elena and Damon’s day trip to Atlanta, GA, in the Bloodlines episode. However, it’s located in Covington, making it a fun way to end your day without needing to go far.
Scoops Ice Cream - 1131 Church St, Covington, GA 30014
More off-screen than on, but beloved by cast & crew, this classic ice-cream-parlor will give you a softer side of Mystic Falls.
Wickery Bridge - 5098 Klondike Rd, Lithonia, GA 30038
Although it’s one of the show’s most famous backdrops, the real-life bridge isn’t all that glamorous in person. However, if you are going for full filming location vibes and have time, it’s a pretty drive. There is a small pull-off right before you cross the bridge where you can park your car and get the full view of the bridge (and of course, some photos). Make sure to bring your bug spray! And, be mindful - it’s on a busy road!
Colleges & Beyond Mystic Falls
Emory University at Oxford (Whitmore College) - 801 Emory St, Oxford, GA 30054
Used for Whitmore College exterior shots. A short drive from Covington, if you want to extend your day. In all honesty, there’s not one spot that you can point to for an immediate filming location from The Vampire Diaries, so you may need to get out and walk around for the full effect.
Salvatore Boarding House / Foxglove Farm - 6471 224 St, Langley, British Columbia
Sadly, the filming location that people probably want to see most is not in Covington, GA. It’s not even in the United States. However, if you find yourself in British Columbia in the future, you can drive by to see the exterior of the building that was used in the pilot episode, before filming started in Georgia. Some older resources will reference a similar structure that was built in Covington for filming, but it was demolished after the series ended.
Notes for Visitors
Many filming locations — especially homes — are private residences, so please admire them respectfully from the sidewalk.
Parking near Covington Square is free and easy to navigate on foot, making it simple to explore the town without rushing.
Start your visit at the Covington Welcome Center for the most up-to-date maps, tour information, and insider tips from locals.
If you want the full Mystic Falls experience, consider booking the Vampire Stalkers Tour — it’s a fan favorite and often includes behind-the-scenes stories from the cast and crew. Just be sure to reserve in advance, as tours sell out quickly.
Explore More Southern Millennial Moments
Covington, Georgia, has truly embraced its identity as Mystic Falls — blending small-town charm with a touch of TV magic. It’s the perfect destination for fans who want to step inside their favorite world while still experiencing the warmth of a real Southern community. Be sure to explore beyond the mysticism of Mystic Falls and visit a few of Covington’s local favorites — including the cozy coffee shop I share in A Millennial Day in Covington, GA.
If you’re ready to keep your Millennial Moments going, plan a Southern road trip to two more iconic filming destinations: Wilmington, North Carolina, where Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill were brought to life, and Charleston, South Carolina, home to the timeless romance of The Notebook. Each stop offers its own nostalgic magic — and a chance to wander, breathe, and rediscover who you’re becoming along the way.