If you’ve been following my adventures, you know I’m completely obsessed with The Vampire Diaries. Like, it’s genuinely part of my life at this point. So, when I discovered that you could explore all the filming locations by golf cart? Absolute perfection.
I get genuinely excited talking about Mystic Falls because this fictional town comes to life most beautifully through its real-world filming locations. And trust me, seeing these places in person hits different.
The real town that became Mystic Falls is Covington, Georgia, one of the many reasons I’m obsessed with this state. There’s something magical about walking (or, in this case, riding) through actual filming locations from shows you’ve watched a hundred times.
Quick Details Before You Go
• Book with Cov Carts starting at $89/hour. Full-day rentals recommended for a complete Mystic Falls experience.
• Best Route: Self-guided tours cover all major Vampire Diaries filming locations in downtown Covington, including the town square and iconic spots from The Originals and Legacies.
• Plan Ahead: Reserve your golf cart in advance and grab a map to maximize your time visiting every filming location without backtracking.
Covington has earned its nickname as the “Hollywood of the South” for good reason. With so many productions filming here, the town has become a haven for pop culture fans and location hunters like me.
Packed with so many recognizable spots, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Covington, including the new Salvatore Mansion living room replica, making a self-guided golf cart tour the perfect way to experience them all.
And yes, I’m about to show you exactly how to do it.
How to Rent a Golf Cart in Covington
When planning your Covington trip, put the golf cart tour at the top of your list. It’s hands down the most fun way to explore the town and hit all the TVD filming locations without wearing yourself out.
Plus, the second you arrive in this charming Southern town, you’ll understand why so many productions choose it as their backdrop.
Ready to start planning?
1. Make your golf cart reservation with Cov Carts
Cov Carts is a family-run business that makes renting golf carts incredibly easy. They provide maps for self-guided tours and offer solid deals on multi-day rentals. Hourly rates start at $89, but here’s my honest recommendation: spring for the full-day rental.
2. Grab a map for your tour of Mystic Falls
Without a map, you’ll spend half your time backtracking and circling. Not that the views aren’t worth it, but when you’ve got limited time, having a solid plan makes all the difference.
You can grab your filming locations map at the Covington Welcome Center. Plus, I’ve mapped out all the essential stops for your self-guided Mystic Falls tour below, so you can make the most of every minute.
And don’t skip the town square! It’s the heart of Covington and absolutely worth exploring beyond just the filming locations.
You’ll find spots from The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and Legacies all within this charming historic district.
Throughout the year, the town square hosts special events for fans like episode screenings, cast meet-and-greets, and fan conventions. Check their event calendar before your visit to see if anything special is happening.
Filming Locations to See
1. Courthouse and Clock Tower
2. The Mystic Grill and The Alley
3. Dr. Gilbert’s Office – 1105 Washington St, SW, Covington, GA
4. Caroline’s Accident [Season 1] – Elm Street, South of College Ave., Covington, GA
5. Elena’s House – 2104 Floyd St NE, Covington, GA
6. Sheriff Forbes’ Funeral – 1113 Conyers St SW, Covington, GA
7. Caroline Forbes’ House – 2118 Floyd St NE, Covington, GA
8. Lockwood Mansion – 2129 East St, Covington, GA
9. Isobel’s House – 2146 Conyers St SW, Covington, GA
10. Gram’s House – 2136 Conyers St SE, Covington, GA
11. Mystic Falls Cemetery – 2151 Davis St., Covington, GA
12. Damon/Elena kiss – Academy Springs Park, 3120 Conyers St SE, Covington, GA
13. Witches Mansion – 3190 Conyers St., Covington, GA
14. Conyers Street Gym [50’s Dance] – 1146 E Conyers St, Covington, GA
15. Old Lockwood Mansion – 2176 Monticello St SW, Covington, GA
16. Rebekah’s House – 3115 Pennington St, Covington, GA
Would you enjoy this self-guided golf cart tour of the real Mystic Falls? Let me know in the comments!
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Hey, I’m Yanitza 👋 Adventure Travel & U.S. Destination Specialist, travel writer, and hidden-gem hunter with over 8 years of experience helping travelers explore deeper and travel slower. I specialize in crafting authentic, stress-free adventures from small towns to scenic hikes and scuba dives. I’m a firm believer that the best stories happen when you venture beyond tourist hotspots. When I’m not planning getaways or writing travel guides, I’ll probably be home rewatching The Vampire Diaries like it’s my job and daydreaming about future adventures in Spain.
Do you know where the Damon and Elena last dance in season 6 filming location is? Thank you
This was actually filmed on the studio property grounds.
Hi, I would like to know where the Mausoleum or Grave of the Salvatore is.
Hi! Unfortunately, the Salvatore Mausoleum was filmed in sound stage and is not an actual location. However, you can visit the Southview Cemetery (walking distance from the Covington Square) where the iconic “Damon Walk” scene in the cemetery.