Giggster logo
Love, Simon movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Love, Simon filmed?

2018

City Locations

Atlanta, GA (USA)

Location Types

House, School, Cafe

Location Styles

School, Modern Building, Cape Cod, Craftsman, Rustic

About Love, Simon

Love, Simon is a mesmerizing American teen romantic comedy-drama film released in 2018. Showcasing the directorial prowess of Greg Berlanti, the movie features a star-studded cast, including Nick Robinson, Katherine Langford, Josh Duhamel, and Jennifer Garner. Adapted from Becky Albertalli's celebrated novel, "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda," the narrative follows Simon Spier, a high school student concealing his homosexuality.

Caught in a web of friendships, family ties, and a blackmailer's threats, Simon (Nick Robinson) must navigate the complexities of his life while trying to identify an anonymous classmate he's fallen for online. Premiered at the Mardi Gras Film Festival in 2018 and subsequently released in the United States in 2018, the film was a significant commercial success, grossing $66.3 million worldwide against a production budget of $10-17 million.

In addition to its commercial success, Love, Simon has been recognized for its impact and representation, garnering critical acclaim and a series of award nominations and wins. In 2018, the Human Rights Campaign honored the film with the Ally for Equality Award. Other notable accolades include nominations for the Golden Trailer Award for Best Romance Poster, MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Kiss, and nods at the Teen Choice Awards, People's Choice Awards, and GLAAD Media Awards.

Love, Simon is notably celebrated as a landmark film, boldly exploring the triumphs and trials of a gay teenage romance. Its authentic storytelling, relatable characters, and inspiring representation have earned it praise and paved the way for a spin-off television series, "Love, Victor" which premiered on Hulu in 2020.

Love, Simon Locations

Fans of the moving film Love, Simon may already know this little bit of trivia. Still, for those unaware, most of this brilliantly directed drama was shot in the colorful and diverse city of Atlanta, Georgia. With its iconic locations, this bustling metropolitan city was chosen as the perfect backdrop for the protagonist, Simon, and his friends.

The film showcases several notable spots in Atlanta, which include restaurants, coffee bars, schools, and parks. Much filming was done at the Waffle House located in Decatur, which is featured in the story as the place where Simon (Nick Robinson), Abby (Alexandra Shipp), and Martin (Logan Miller) enjoyed their breakfast while rehearsing for their school play. Another location of interest is the Dancing Goats Coffee Bar, which served as the preferred coffee spot for Simon and his friends on school days.

Simon's house, recognized as a significant location in the movie, sits at 2375 Havenridge Drive in Atlanta. It is, however, crucial to remember that this is a private residence, and tourists should respect the residents' privacy. On the other hand, the neighborhood around Simon's house is freely accessible, and viewers can enjoy the charming local environment.

The high school scenes in the movie, which play a crucial role in the storyline, were filmed at the Atlanta International School. The climactic Winter Festival scene was filmed at Lillian Webb Park in Norcross.

A trip to these locations would be worthwhile for die-hard fans who wish to relive their favorite scenes from the film. While at it, check out Lowry Hall at Oglethorpe University in Brookhaven, where the iconic dance number fantasy sequence took place. However, please respect private property and strictly adhere to any restrictions.

The coffee shop scene in Love, Simon

Dancing Goats Decatur, 419 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030, USA

There's an endearing routine that Simon (Nick Robinson) and his friends follow: a morning coffee run before heading to school. The scene unfolds at Dancing Goats Coffee Bar, a favorite local coffee shop in Atlanta, where Simon picks up his friends' favorite brews. The warmth of the place and the jovial interactions between Simon and his friends make this seemingly ordinary routine special.

Although depicted as a drive-thru in the film, Dancing Goats Coffee Bar doesn't have one. The production team creatively tweaked the setting by opening a window to simulate the drive-thru experience. This small detail adds a unique charm to the scene, making it memorable for the audience.

Still located at 419 W. Ponce de Leon in Decatur, Georgia, Dancing Goats Coffee Bar has been a part of Atlanta's vibrant culture for over 25 years. The spirit of the Northwest, with its rain, mountains, and trees, is infused in their coffee, as is the lively culture and people of Atlanta. The site looks precisely the same, so fans can absorb the atmosphere.

If you're in downtown Atlanta, you can take the MARTA train towards Decatur Station to get to this location. From there, it's an 11-minute walk to the coffee bar. Alternatively, if you prefer driving, you can take the I-20 E and US-278 E to W. Ponce de Leon Avenue Decatur. Dancing Goats Coffee Bar will be on your right.

Martin discovers the emails scene in Love, Simon

Atlanta International School, 2890 N Fulton Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA

In the school library, Simon inadvertently leaves his emails open on a public computer. Martin, Simon's eccentric and slightly annoying classmate, stumbles upon these emails, which hold Simon's closely guarded secret of being gay. Martin confronts Simon with the fact that he has taken screenshots of these emails and intends to leverage them to coerce Simon into playing matchmaker between him and Abby (Alexandra Shipp). Caught between his fear of being outed and the unfair demand, Simon reluctantly agrees to Martin's terms.

Atlanta International School, 2890 N Fulton Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA, was the site of the exterior shots of the school when this crucial scene occurred. Nevertheless, a separate site was used to film the interiors of the school. Initially housed in a modest wooden structure owned by Atlanta's Sardis United Methodist Church, Atlanta International School opened its doors to students in 1984. Contacting the administration for permission is a must for fans who want to see the inside of the institution.

Driving north on I-75 N/I-85 N will bring you to Atlanta International School from downtown Atlanta. Taking a car for this trip should take about 20 minutes. Thanks to the school's proximity to Simon's house, viewers of Love, Simon, may easily see both landmarks on a single outing.

Simon meets with Abby and Martin at a Waffle House scene in Love, Simon

Waffle House, 4300 Covington Hwy, Decatur, GA 30035, USA

Simon, Abby, and Martin meet at a nearby Waffle House to rehearse their lines for the school musical that is coming up. Instead of being a mundane rehearsal, this serves as a catalyst for growth, a chance for Simon to gain perspective on his relationships, and a pivotal juncture in the story. This crucial scenario is set against the appropriate backdrop of the Waffle House, with its inviting booths and warm lighting.

The Waffle House featured in the movie is located at 4300 Covington Hwy in Decatur. It's a part of the Waffle House chain, which was started by two Georgia neighbors, Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner, in 1955. They envisioned a 24-hour, sit-down restaurant serving their community and focusing on people on both sides of the counter. Today, the Waffle House brand has grown tremendously, yet it retains its original charm and commitment to community service.

If you're coming from Atlanta, you can reach this location in about 20 minutes by taking the I-20 E. For those in downtown Decatur, a 15-minute drive via US-278 E/Covington Rd will get you there. Moreover, public buses also service these routes from both cities.

The preparation for the Halloween party scene in Love, Simon

2375 Havenridge Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA

Simon and his friends meet for a costume party at his place. With each character sporting a distinct costume—Simon as John Lennon, Leah (Katherine Langford) as Yoko Ono, Nick (Jorge Lendeborg Jr.) as Cristiano Ronaldo, and Abby as Wonder Woman—the characters' friendship and interactions are uniquely brought to life. Then, to his friend's horror, Simon pulls a fast one and invites Martin.

The filming location for this scene is Simon's home, situated at 2375 Havenridge Drive in Atlanta, Georgia. Both the interior and exterior of this charming suburban house were used for shooting, adding authenticity to the setting. It's important to note that this is a private residence, so if you plan to visit, please be respectful and stay on the sidewalk.

If you're coming from downtown Atlanta, you can reach this location by driving north on I-75 N/I-85 N, which should take approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, public transportation is also available. You can take bus #110 from the Arts Center MARTA Station and get off at the Peachtree Rd NE stop. From there, it's a 20-minute walk to the destination.

The carnival scene in Love, Simon

Lillian Webb Park Norcross, 5 College St NW, Norcross, GA 30071, United States

In a climactic scene, we find our protagonist, Simon, using all his amassed tickets to ride the Ferris Wheel at the Winter Festival, hoping that Blue will show up. As time passes and hope begins to fade, Martin arrives, attempting to make amends with Simon.

He initially pretends to be Blue but soon admits the truth, bribing the ride operator to keep the wheel spinning. Just as things seem hopeless, Blue finally shows up, revealing himself to be none other than Bram (Keiynan Lonsdale). Simon and Bram share their truths, and as they reach the top of the Ferris Wheel, they share a kiss, much to the delight of the cheering crowd below.

This memorable scene was filmed at Lillian Webb Park, an open grass area at 5 College St. NW in Norcross, GA. While it may be challenging to recognize the park without the carnival rides, the stone staircase remains a recognizable feature from the movie.

Nestled in Downtown Historic Norcross, Lillian Webb Park is just a short walk from various shops and restaurants. This beautifully landscaped park, perfect for playing in the splash pad, relaxing on the large open green space, or as a picturesque backdrop for photoshoots, is open to the public.

If you're traveling to Lillian Webb Park from downtown Atlanta, start on I-85 N from Courtland St NE and Freedom Pkwy NE. This journey should take around 35 minutes. For those coming from Decatur, the park is a 30-minute drive away via I-285 N.

Conclusion

When it comes to teen romance comedies, Love, Simon is a new twist. It has introduced a fresh and much-needed viewpoint to Hollywood with its endearing story and innovative take on the classic romantic comedy format.

Though all the actors gave strong performances, Nick Robinson's Simon Spier stood out. With an endearing mix of genuineness and relatability, he portrays the spirit of a high school student struggling with his own identity and finding his way around campus.

Simply put, the concept of Love, Simon, is ground-breaking. It broke new ground in popular cinema and promoted inclusive storytelling by depicting the tale of a gay kid through the lens of a typical teen rom-com.

This captivating story takes place against the lively backdrop of Atlanta, Georgia. The city's many settings, from its busy cafes and restaurants to its active parks and schools, give the picture its distinct flavor. It is worthwhile to visit these places to experience the vibe that influenced Simon's journey.

Without a doubt, Love, Simon has left an indelible mark on teenage movies. It has proven that LGBTQ+ storylines can be told in an engaging, amusing, and widely appealing way while simultaneously challenging preconceptions. Furthermore, seeing the filming sites in person will enhance the viewing experience and bring this extraordinary story to life.