Exploring “The Walking Dead” in Atlanta, Georgia: Filming Sites, Tours, and Local Tips

Atlanta, Georgia is one of the true homes of “The Walking Dead.” If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or just want to understand how the show connects to the city, there are many real-world places you can actually see, walk through, and plan a day trip around.

This guide covers the key “Walking Dead” locations in and around Atlanta, how to visit them, what tours are available, and practical tips for planning your own “Walking Dead” themed experience.

Why Atlanta Is Central to “The Walking Dead”

From the very first episode, Atlanta is almost a character itself. The show’s early seasons were filmed heavily in and around the city and throughout nearby Georgia towns.

For someone in Atlanta, this means:

• Many iconic scenes were filmed in places you can still stand today
• Locations are spread across the city core, metro suburbs, and small towns within a reasonable drive
• You can combine “Walking Dead” sightseeing with other Atlanta attractions in the same day

Most filming moved outside the city in later seasons, but Atlanta remains the starting point and base for many fan experiences.

Key “Walking Dead” Filming Locations in Atlanta Proper

Below are some of the most recognizable Atlanta-area spots tied to “The Walking Dead.” Access can change over time, so it’s wise to double-check hours, parking rules, and private property markings before you go.

1. Downtown Atlanta Skyline & Highway Shots

What it is: The famous scene where Rick rides a horse into Atlanta on a deserted highway with cars piled on the opposite side.

• This was filmed on sections of Freedom Parkway facing the downtown Atlanta skyline.
• You can’t safely walk on the roadway where it was filmed, but you can get similar views from nearby overpasses and overlooks, especially around the Jackson Street Bridge and Freedom Parkway area.

Local tip:
For residents and visitors, planning an early morning or late-afternoon visit gives you better light for skyline photos and usually lighter traffic.

2. The Hospital Where Rick Wakes Up (Exterior)

What it is: The hospital Rick wakes up in during the first episode.

• Exterior scenes used portions of downtown Atlanta medical buildings near the central city.
• The exact interiors are not a typical public sightseeing spot, but fans often walk nearby streets to compare angles seen on screen.

Because these are working medical facilities, it’s important to stay on public sidewalks, respect signage, and avoid disrupting operations.

3. The Tank and Department Store Area

What it is: The early scenes in downtown Atlanta where Rick is trapped in a tank and meets Glenn via radio.

• These scenes were filmed in downtown Atlanta near the Fairlie-Poplar Historic District.
• Streets used in the show have since returned to normal traffic and business use, but the overall look of the blocks and alleys remains recognizable.

If you’re walking downtown, you can explore Broad Street, Forsyth Street, and surrounding blocks to get a feel for the area where Rick and the group first connect.

4. The CDC Location (Season 1)

What it is: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention complex where the group goes at the end of Season 1.

• The show uses the look of a large, secured campus to represent the CDC.

• In reality, CDC headquarters is located at:

  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  1600 Clifton Road NE
  Atlanta, GA 30329

This is a secure federal facility, not a tourist attraction. You can drive by on Clifton Road NE, but access is restricted, and there are no “Walking Dead” displays at the real CDC.

Good to know:
If you want to pair a TV-inspired outing with something educational and open to the public, Atlantans often combine a drive past the CDC area with a visit to nearby Emory University or nearby museums, but these are separate from the show.

5. King County Sheriff’s Office (Nearby, but not in Downtown)

Rick’s “King County” is fictional, but some sheriff-related scenes used metro Atlanta area locations. For fans in the city, most of these are easier to enjoy via organized tours, which provide addresses, background, and access guidance.

Major “Walking Dead” Locations near Atlanta (Easy Day Trips)

Many of the most recognizable locations are outside downtown but still within driving distance from Atlanta. These spots can turn into full-day or weekend trips.

1. Senoia, Georgia – The Town Behind Alexandria

Distance from Atlanta: About 45 minutes to 1 hour by car (south of the city)

Senoia is one of the best-known “Walking Dead” towns. The downtown area and surrounding neighborhood served as:

• Woodbury (The Governor’s town)
• Alexandria Safe-Zone neighborhood, surrounded by a steel wall during filming

While the walled set itself is on private property, you can:

• Walk Senoia’s Main Street, which doubles as Woodbury
• See recognizable storefronts, intersections, and street layouts from the show
• Enjoy local restaurants and shops that lean into the show’s history without being overly commercial

This is one of the most popular stops for Atlanta-based fans, especially on weekends.

2. Grantville, Georgia – The “Clear” Episode

Distance from Atlanta: About 1 hour southwest by car

Grantville was the setting for the emotional Season 3 episode “Clear,” where Rick reunites with Morgan.

Walking around downtown Grantville, fans can often identify:

• Streets and alleys used in the episode
• Buildings that were boarded up or dressed for the show
• Murals and decorations inspired by the series

Because this is an active small town, visitors from Atlanta are encouraged to be respectful of homes, churches, and private business entrances while taking photos.

3. Other Notable Georgia Towns Used Over the Seasons

Within driving distance from Atlanta, various episodes and seasons also filmed in:

• Newnan – Several street scenes and town backdrops
• Sharpsburg and Peachtree City areas – Used for scattered scenes over time
• Rural spots and woods across the metro area – Some are private property, others are general wooded areas no longer easily recognizable

If you live in Atlanta and want a deeper dive, joining a specialized tour (see below) can help you find lesser-known but still accessible locations.

“Walking Dead” Tours Based in the Atlanta Area

For many people, especially visitors, a guided tour is the easiest way to see multiple locations in a single day without worrying about directions or property boundaries.

Types of Tours You’ll Find

Tours change over time, but around Atlanta you’ll commonly find:

• Atlanta city filming tours
  Focus on downtown and midtown locations: highway shots, city streets, and early-season settings. These typically depart from central Atlanta areas, often near major tourist hubs.

• Senoia / South of Atlanta tours
  Designed to showcase Senoia (Alexandria/Woodbury) and nearby filming towns, sometimes with stops in multiple communities south of Atlanta.

• Full-day “combo” tours
  Some operators combine Atlanta city and Senoia in one itinerary, appealing to travelers staying only a day or two in the region.

When comparing tours, Atlantans often look at:

• Departure point – Is it easy to reach from where you live or your hotel (e.g., Downtown, Midtown, near the airport)?
• Group size – Smaller groups can feel more personal.
• Accessibility – Check walking requirements, vehicle access, and weather policies.

Because operators can change, it’s best to search current listings, read recent descriptions, and contact the company directly with any questions before booking.

Self-Guided “Walking Dead” Day from Atlanta

If you prefer to explore independently, you can create your own Atlanta + Senoia day trip. Below is a simple example plan.

Sample One-Day Itinerary

🛈 Driving tip:
Traffic leaving and re-entering Atlanta can be heavy, especially during weekday rush hours. Locals typically plan southbound departures after morning rush and return before or after evening rush when possible.

Practical Tips for Visiting “Walking Dead” Locations Around Atlanta

Whether you live in the metro area or are flying in, a few practical guidelines will make the experience smoother.

1. Respect Private Property and Active Businesses

Many filming spots are:

• Private homes
• Operating businesses
• Restricted industrial or government sites

To avoid problems:

• Stay on public sidewalks and designated areas
• Do not climb fences, gates, or posted barriers for “better photos”
• Avoid blocking driveways or entrances with cars or large groups

Atlanta-area communities are generally welcoming to fans, but appreciation is much higher when visitors are polite and low impact.

2. Plan for Weather and Walking

Metro Atlanta has hot, humid summers, mild winters, and variable rain.

• In summer, pack water, sunscreen, and light clothing.
• Many locations involve walking on sidewalks, uneven pavement, or small-town streets, so comfortable shoes help.
• If storms are forecast, have a backup indoor activity in Atlanta itself.

3. Combine “Walking Dead” Sightseeing with Other Atlanta Highlights

If you’re visiting from out of town, it’s easy to pair fan locations with general Atlanta attractions in the same trip. Popular combinations include:

• Downtown Atlanta filming sites + Centennial Olympic Park area
• CDC area drive-by + nearby attractions around Emory and Druid Hills
• Senoia day trip + one evening in Midtown or the BeltLine

Locals often treat a Senoia or Grantville visit as a weekend outing, returning to Atlanta for dinner and nightlife.

4. Transportation Basics for Visitors

If you’re not an Atlanta resident:

• Rental car or rideshare is typically the most practical way to reach Senoia, Grantville, and other outlying towns.
• Within Atlanta city limits, you can mix MARTA rail/bus, rideshare, and walking for downtown-related sites.
• When using a navigation app, search the town name or landmark, then adjust from there using fan maps, guides, or tour directions.

5. Safety and Courtesy

While most areas used for filming are ordinary, safe neighborhoods and business districts, common-sense precautions help:

• Visit during daylight when scouting locations.
• Stay aware of traffic when taking photos in or near streets.
• Keep valuables out of sight in cars, especially at trailheads or less-busy lots.

If You’re New to Atlanta and a “Walking Dead” Fan

For newcomers, “Walking Dead” locations can be a surprisingly effective way to learn the geography of Atlanta and surrounding Georgia towns:

• Downtown scenes help you understand the city core layout
• Senoia and Grantville introduce you to smaller Georgia towns with historic main streets
• The spread of locations gives a feel for how rural and urban environments meet around the metro area

Starting with a guided tour, then going back later on your own, is a common approach among both new residents and repeat visitors.

Atlanta, Georgia remains one of the most important real-world centers of “The Walking Dead.” Whether you’re walking downtown streets used in Season 1, taking a weekend drive to Senoia, or booking a dedicated tour, the city gives you multiple ways to step into the show’s world while still enjoying the food, culture, and neighborhoods that make Atlanta unique.