Looking for Smokey and the Bandit filming locations? I’ve got you covered. This 1977 classic starring Burt Reynolds and Sally Field became the second highest-grossing movie of that year.
The film captured the spirit of CB radio culture and southern charm.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly where they filmed those iconic car chases. You’ll learn about locations in Georgia and California.
I’ll share the current conditions of each site, how to plan your road trip, and practical tips for visiting. Most scenes were shot around Atlanta and Jonesboro.
Some spots have changed, but many remain recognizable.
Let’s find these memorable places together.
Why Visit Smokey and the Bandit Filming Locations?
Relive the iconic car chases in their actual settings. The Trans Am jumps and high-speed pursuits happened on real Georgia roads.
These locations offer small-town charm that defined the movie, and the 1970s atmosphere still lingers in many spots.
You can take photos that match original scenes. Many fans recreate famous shots at these sites, which makes for great social media content.
Nostalgic road trips bring the film back to life as you drive through these areas and connect with movie history.
Fans who’ve visited share personal stories about their experiences, and the projection booth memories and location visits create lasting connections to the film.
Planning Your Filming Location Road Trip
Start in Atlanta and work your way through the key sites. The route flows naturally through Georgia, taking you from Atlanta to Jonesboro to McDonough to Lithonia.
Add Helen in North Georgia if you have extra time. Travel times are manageable, and you can see the main Jonesboro locations in one afternoon.
Best visiting times are spring and fall when the weather is mild. Summer gets hot in Georgia. Parking is available at most locations, though some sites are on public roads, so pull off safely.
Accessibility varies by location. Some spots require walking while others offer roadside viewing. Watch for traffic on Highway 54 and don’t trespass on private property.
Key Filming Locations in Georgia
Here are the main spots where the iconic scenes were filmed across Georgia.
Lakewood Fairgrounds, Atlanta, GA
This is where Big and Little Enos Burdett made their famous $80,000 bet with Bandit. They challenged him to haul Coors beer from Texas to Georgia. The fairgrounds now belong to Screen Gems studios, and the Spanish colonial-style building still stands.
You can see it from outside the studio grounds. The area has changed significantly since 1977, but the building’s architecture remains recognizable to fans.
Flint River Bridge, Jonesboro, GA
The most iconic jump in the movie happened here. The black and gold Trans Am soared through the air in this scene.
Fun fact: The movie showed this as Texarkana, but they filmed it entirely in Georgia.
Only the bridge pilings remain, as the actual bridge is gone. You can still take photos near the site, and the area offers good views for recreating that famous moment.
Mundy’s Mill Road, Jonesboro, GA
High-speed chase scenes with Sheriff Branford happened on this road. Deputies tried to catch Bandit as he sped through. The area has seen development over the years, with new buildings and changes that have altered the landscape.
Some features still look familiar to eagle-eyed fans. Drive carefully if you visit, as this is an active road with regular traffic.
Highway 54 / Fayetteville Road, Georgia
Bandit handled chaotic road sequences here. One memorable scene involved a funeral procession. Then-and-now comparisons show how much has changed, with decades of development that have modified the roadside.
Trees have grown and buildings have appeared. The road itself still follows the same path, so fans can drive the route and imagine those wild chases.
Macon Street & Highway 81, McDonough, GA
During the initial car chase, Bandit hid behind a small brick building. This clever move helped him escape the police. The brick building is gone, but other structures in the area remain mostly intact.
The intersection still exists in recognizable form, and you can visit the spot and see how it has changed since filming.
Fig Tree Cafe (Former Wayne’s Place), Jonesboro, GA
Bandit and Snowman arrived here to collect the Coors beer. This was a key stop in their illegal run. The depot building remains recognizable today, as Wayne’s Place became Fig Tree Cafe.
The structure maintained its character. You can visit the cafe and see where this important scene took place. It’s a working business, so be respectful.
North Georgia Mountains / Helen, GA
Several scenes happened in the mountain regions. River crossings and police roadblocks added drama to the chase. The mountains provided spectacular backdrops for stunts, and natural beauty made the action sequences more exciting.
Access points remain available for visitors. You can seek the areas and take photos, as the scenery hasn’t changed much since 1977.
Filming Locations Outside Georgia
Ventura, California served as a Georgia stand-in. Casitas Vista Road and Santa Ana Road hosted the climactic chase scenes.
California locations added dramatic effect to the final pursuit. The landscape looked similar enough to pass as Georgia.
These California roads remain accessible. West Coast fans can visit without traveling to Georgia.
Fun Facts & Behind-the-Scenes Stories
The production ran on a low budget, yet it became a massive hit and the second highest-grossing film of 1977. They never filmed in Texarkana, Texas, as every scene happened in Georgia or California.
The script was mostly improvised, with actors creating dialogue on the spot. This gave the film its natural, fun feel that audiences loved.
CB radio culture heavily influenced the story during the late 1970s when CB radios were at peak popularity. Jerry Reed’s music became inseparable from the film, and his songs added to the southern atmosphere.
Fans share projection booth memories from theaters, and some have visited filming locations decades later. These personal connections keep the movie alive for new generations.
Tips for Fans Visiting Filming Locations
Make your visit safe, fun, and respectful with these practical tips for exploring the filming locations.
- Recreate scenes safely and don’t speed or break traffic laws. Remember it’s a movie, not an invitation to drive recklessly.
- Photography works best in early morning or late afternoon light. Match original camera angles and compare shots to movie stills for accuracy.
- Use Google Maps to plan your route and mark each location before starting. This helps with timing and organizing your trip efficiently.
- Respect private property since some filming sites are on private land. Only visit public areas and avoid trespassing or blocking traffic.
- Bring movie stills for comparison to help identify exact spots and angles. Consider guided tours if you want expert knowledge about the locations.
Conclusion
I’ve driven through some of these Georgia locations myself. Standing where Bandit made that famous jump gave me chills. The charm of these small towns hasn’t faded.
Smokey and the Bandit filming locations offer real connections to movie history. You’ll see how 1970s action-comedy came alive in these settings. Burt Reynolds’ legacy lives on in these spots.
Plan your Georgia road trip and see these iconic sites. Share your photos with other fans. Drop a comment below about which location you’re most excited to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was most of Smokey and the Bandit filmed?
Most filming happened around Jonesboro and Atlanta, Georgia. Despite showing Texarkana in the story, all Georgia scenes were shot locally. California served as a stand-in for some final chase sequences.
Can you still visit the Flint River Bridge jump location?
Only the bridge pilings remain at the site today. The actual bridge is gone, but you can visit the area. Fans still take photos near where the famous Trans Am jump happened.
Is the Fig Tree Cafe the original Wayne’s Place from the movie?
The building is the same, but the business changed names. Wayne’s Place became Fig Tree Cafe over the years. The depot structure remains recognizable from the film.
How long does it take to visit all the Jonesboro filming locations?
You can see the main Jonesboro sites in one afternoon. Plan three to four hours for proper exploration. Add more time if you want photos at each location.
Did they really film any scenes in Texarkana, Texas?
No, despite the story’s Texas connection, they never filmed there. Budget constraints kept production in Georgia. The Flint River Bridge stood in for Texarkana in the movie.
