Where Is Vampire Diaries Filmed?

Want to know where is Vampire Diaries filmed? Then keep reading.

The Vampire Diaries, a supernatural drama series, captivated viewers with its blend of romance, mystery, and the allure of the supernatural.

The setting for the series is the fictional town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, but the actual filming locations are not in Virginia at all.

Instead, the magic of Mystic Falls came to life in various locations across Georgia, offering a real-world journey for fans looking to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters.

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the haunts of Elena, Damon, Stefan and the rest of the supernatural crew, you’re in luck.

The town of Covington, Georgia, served as the primary backdrop for the series.

This charming locale transformed into Mystic Falls and you can visit many of the iconic sites, from the Mystic Grill to the Lockwood Mansion.

Each visit to these sites offers a sense of familiarity and nostalgia, as if stepping into the show itself.

Where Is Vampire Diaries Filmed?

The Vampire Diaries brings the supernatural charm of Mystic Falls to life, largely thanks to its filming locations in Covington, Georgia.

Let’s take a closer look at the iconic spots you’ve seen on screen.

Mystic Falls Town Square

At the heart of Mystic Falls lies the town square, a central point for many of the show’s events.

When you visit Covington, you’ll recognize the town square immediately, as it’s the real-life stand-in for many outdoor scenes in The Vampire Diaries.

The Salvatore Boarding House

The Salvatore Boarding House, the residence of Stefan and Damon, is another key location.

This grand estate is represented by the Glenridge Hall Mansion in Sandy Springs, which sadly was demolished in 2015.

However, the exterior shots from the show allow the boarding house facade to live on in the memories of fans.

Mystic Grill

Finally, there’s the Mystic Grill, a favorite hangout for the characters in the show.

In reality, you can dine at the Mystic Grill in Covington, as it’s a functioning restaurant that was established thanks to the show’s popularity.

While the interiors were filmed on a set, the exteriors are as authentic as you remember from the series.

Secondary Filming Locations

As you explore the world of “The Vampire Diaries,” you’ll discover that the supernatural drama extended its filming locations beyond the quaint streets of Covington.

The lush forests and mystical sites around Georgia played a pivotal role in setting the scene for the show’s more secretive moments.

Woods and Nature Scenes

The dense woods surrounding Mystic Falls serve as a backdrop for many of the pivotal scenes in “The Vampire Diaries.”

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is one such location where you can feel the mystery of the show come alive.

It was often utilized for shots involving outdoor supernatural events or characters in hiding.

Witch Burial Ground

The lore of “The Vampire Diaries” frequently revolves around the witches and their sacred places.

Although the specifics of the witch burial ground location are not widely publicized to protect the sites, it’s known that such scenes were carefully chosen in areas rich with natural beauty and a sense of seclusion, akin to what Georgia’s landscapes offer.

These solemn and powerful moments were captured in serene environments that look untouched by time.

Tertiary Filming Locations

While the primary and secondary filming locations of The Vampire Diaries often steal the spotlight, your visit wouldn’t be complete without exploring the lesser-known, yet equally captivating tertiary sites.

These locations provided the backdrop for many pivotal scenes throughout the series.

Atlanta Outskirts

Deep in the outskirts of Atlanta, you’ll find pockets of filming sites that brought to life various scenes in The Vampire Diaries.

Atlanta serves as a hub for many filming projects and, occasionally, the city’s surrounding areas were utilised to capture the perfect mood for the supernatural drama.

• Woods and Remote Areas: Used for many of the outdoor supernatural encounters.
• Local Establishments: Occasionally doubled for Mystic Falls diners or other small-town settings.

Covington, Georgia

Covington is famously known as the real-life Mystic Falls and is the heart of The Vampire Diaries filming locations.

While this is a primary filming location, some areas within it are less frequented yet charming and essential for the series’ authenticity.

• Historic Homes: Served as residences for various characters on the show.
• Town Square & Streets: Often seen in the series during community events or character strolls.

Filming Studios Used

While you dive into the world of The Vampire Diaries, it’s fascinating to note where the magic was brought to life.

The indoor scenes and many key moments were filmed at dedicated studios, ensuring the perfect setting for this supernatural drama.

Bonanza Creek Ranch

Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
If you’re keen on the Wild West setting from certain flashbacks or period segments, you’ve seen the work of Bonanza Creek Ranch.

This location has a history of hosting productions, providing an authentic backdrop for the show’s historical scenes.

EUE/Screen Gems Studios

Location: Atlanta, Georgia
EUE/Screen Gems Studios served as a primary production house for the show.

This facility houses soundstages where intricate interior settings were crafted, allowing for controlled environments and detailed set designs crucial for the intricate plotlines you cherished on-screen.

Season-Specific Locations

The magic of “The Vampire Diaries” filming locations comes alive as you explore where pivotal scenes from various seasons took place.

Let’s take a peek at where some of the notable moments of Season 1 and Season 4 unfolded.

Season 1 Particulars

In the first season, Covington, Georgia doubles up as the fictional town of Mystic Falls, Virginia.

You’ll recognize the Mystic Grill, whose exterior was regularly shown as the local hangout spot, even though interior scenes were shot on a soundstage.

• Falls Park on the Reedy was used in the pilot episode to depict the Mystic Falls cemetery.
• Gilbert House, while filmed on a soundstage later, initially included exterior shots of an actual residence in Covington.

Season 4 Additions

By Season 4, new locations were introduced as the narrative expanded.

• Lockwood Mansion became a key set for significant events such as the masquerade ball and other gatherings.
• The Whitmore College campus was actually Oxford College of Emory University.
• Mystic Falls High School continued to be Covington High School, maintaining continuity with earlier seasons.

Key Takeaways

• Mystic Grill Reality: When you visit Covington, you’ll find the actual Mystic Grill restaurant. Only the exterior is the same as you saw on TV.
  • Interiors were shot on a soundstage.

• Covington, Georgia: The town served as the primary filming location, standing in for the fictional Mystic Falls.
  • Many key outdoor scenes were filmed here.

• Cemetery Visits: A key location on the show, the cemetery in the town is as real as it gets.
  • It’s a place you can actually walk through.

• Soundstage Interiors: The interior scenes were often shot on a soundstage.
  • So, you won’t recognize indoor locations from visiting the town.

Remember to explore these spots with respect for privacy and property, as some are privately owned.