Stepping into Seaside, Florida, feels like walking onto a meticulously crafted movie set. The charm is undeniable, with each home boasting its unique take on the classic white picket fence. Pastel-colored houses, adorned with welcoming porches, nestle under the shade of twisted scrub oaks, while hidden white sand paths weave through this quaint coastal haven. It’s the quintessential image of small-town Americana, and it’s exactly what captivated the location scouts for a certain iconic film.
Indeed, director Peter Weir’s wife recognized this magic when she first scouted Seaside as the backdrop for what would become the critically acclaimed and beloved movie, The Truman Show. While some “movie magic” added certain buildings and created a bustling downtown area for the film, the heart of Seaside, the real Seahaven, remains wonderfully intact. You can still visit numerous locations that served as settings for memorable scenes from the Jim Carrey classic.
Map of Truman Show Filming Locations in Seaside, Florida
Here are some of the most recognizable spots where The Truman Show was filmed, allowing you to step directly into Truman Burbank’s world.
Discovering Seahaven: Real-Life Truman Show Locations in Seaside, Florida
The movie The Truman Show presented the world with Seahaven, an idyllic town where Truman Burbank unknowingly lived his entire life under the constant watch of television cameras. Seaside, Florida, brought Seahaven to life. This master-planned community, with its unique architectural style and pedestrian-friendly streets, provided the perfect setting for Truman’s seemingly perfect, yet ultimately artificial, world. Exploring Seaside today is like embarking on a Truman Show filming locations tour, with familiar sights around every corner.
Ruskin Place: Seahaven Life & Casualty and Artistic Hub
Ruskin Place, in The Truman Show, was home to Seahaven Life & Casualty, Truman’s workplace. In reality, this tranquil park is a haven for art and creativity. Surrounded by intimate boutiques and art galleries, Ruskin Place exudes a peaceful atmosphere. The former site of the Seahaven Life & Casualty building has transformed into gentle rolling hills, with a trail meandering through oak and pine trees. Remarkably, a Rubeo Architects sign, a prop from the movie, still graces one of the buildings surrounding the square. Visitors can enjoy the serene ambiance and hunt for this subtle movie memento.
Ruskin Place in Seaside Florida, filming location of Seahaven Life & Casualty in The Truman Show
The double doors prominently featured in scenes of Truman arriving at work, facing Ruskin Place, are still clearly visible today, offering a tangible connection to the movie.
Double doors at Ruskin Place, a recognizable Truman Show filming location
Modica Market: A Bustling Grocery and Truman Show Icon
Modica Market, the vibrant grocery store featured in The Truman Show, remains as lively as ever. This bustling marketplace was the setting for numerous scenes, and it retains its authentic charm. The leaning ladder, famously used by Charlie Modica, Jr. in the movie, is still present, as is Charlie Modica, Jr. himself, who you can often find behind the deli counter. Adding to the cinematic connection, you can even pose for a photo in front of an official Truman Show movie poster inside the market.
Exterior of Modica Market in Seaside Florida, a famous Truman Show filming location
Interior of Modica Market with Truman Show movie poster, a must-see for fans
Charlie Modica shares a laugh about his enduring association with the film. “I’m 20 years older, 30 pounds heavier and my hair’s turned gray on me. Otherwise, not much has changed,” Modica joked, reflecting on the passage of time since the movie’s release.
Charlie Modica Jr. in a scene from The Truman Show at Modica Market
Charlie Modica Jr. today at Modica Market in Seaside Florida
Inside Modica Market as depicted in The Truman Show
The interior of Modica Market today, still resembling its movie appearance
Coleman Tower: Seaside’s Iconic Landmark and Beach Access
The Coleman Tower, an iconic structure in Seaside, makes several appearances throughout The Truman Show. This distinctive obelisk serves as a recognizable landmark within Seahaven and, in reality, acts as a public beach access point for Seaside. During the holiday season, the tower is adorned with festive white lights, adding to Seaside’s charming atmosphere year-round. Spotting the Coleman Tower in the movie is a fun game for viewers familiar with Seaside.
Coleman Tower in Seaside Florida, a prominent feature in The Truman Show
Seaside Post Office: Mailing Postcards from Seahaven
While the Seaside Post Office has relocated within the town since The Truman Show was filmed, the building itself remains largely unchanged. It’s celebrated as one of the most photographed post offices, not just in Florida, but perhaps globally, due to its movie fame. When visiting, embrace the Seahaven connection and mail a postcard to someone special, sending greetings directly from Truman’s world.
Seaside Post Office, a frequently photographed location and Truman Show site
Tupelo Street Gazebo: Truman’s Roundabout and a Romantic Spot
The gazebo on Tupelo Street gained notoriety in The Truman Show during a pivotal scene where Truman, realizing the artificiality of his world, drives frantically around it. Visitors can recreate this (less frantic!) experience by cycling around the gazebo themselves. Interestingly, this charming gazebo also holds local significance as the wedding location for Seaside’s Town Founders, Robert and Daryl Davis, adding a touch of romance to this movie landmark.
The Tupelo Street Gazebo as seen in The Truman Show
The Tupelo Street Gazebo in Seaside Florida today
Tupelo Beach access in Seaside, another Truman Show filming spot
Tupelo Beach Pavilion area in Seaside as it appears now
The Truman House: “Good morning, and in case I don’t see ya…”
The Truman House, instantly recognizable to fans, is located at 31 Natchez Street, despite the movie address suggesting otherwise. The homeowners have thoughtfully preserved the house number “36” above the door, as seen in the film. This iconic residence is the perfect spot to deliver Truman’s famous line: “Good morning! And in case I don’t see ya — good afternoon, good evening and good night!”
Jim Carrey at The Truman House in a classic scene
The Truman House in Seaside Florida as it looks today
Truman's street in Seahaven as depicted in the movie
Truman's street in Seaside Florida in the present day
Beyond the Famous Spots: Seaside and Point Washington Cameos
For dedicated fans, many other locations in and around Seaside will spark recognition. Even aerial views of Seaside were used to establish the fictional town of Seahaven, creating the illusion of a self-contained world. While not actually an island, Seaside’s unique and somewhat isolated feel contributes to this “bubble” effect. Additionally, nearby Point Washington’s Boat Ramp was transformed into the Harbor Island Ferry Terminal for the movie, and Seaside’s Central Square Amphitheater also makes appearances.
Drone view of Seaside Florida, highlighting its unique planned community layout
Seaside Inn as it appeared in The Truman Show
Seaside Inn in Seaside Florida today
Point Washington Boat Ramp staged as Harbor Island Ferry Terminal in The Truman Show
Point Washington Boat Ramp as it currently appears
Seaside Central Square Amphitheater featured in The Truman Show
Seaside Amphitheater in Seaside Florida today
Seaside Locals: Part of The Truman Show Magic
The filming of The Truman Show remains a cherished memory for many Seaside residents. Numerous locals have fond recollections of interacting with the cast and crew during the production. Dave Rauschkolb, owner of Bud & Alley’s restaurant in Seaside, even had a small speaking role in the film, persuaded by Wendy Weir. He humorously recounts Jim Carrey teasing his acting abilities and still receives occasional residual checks. Charlie Modica, Jr. and his family continue to operate Modica Market, remaining a fixture in the Seaside community.
Dave Rauschkolb, owner of Bud and Alley's restaurant in Seaside, had a cameo in The Truman Show
Mr. and Mrs. Modica in a scene from The Truman Show
Seaside town founders Robert and Daryl Davis on the set of The Truman Show
Visiting Seaside is more than just seeing movie locations; it’s experiencing the real-life charm that made it the perfect Seahaven. The town’s unique atmosphere continues to captivate visitors, offering a chance to step into the world of The Truman Show and discover the magic of this special corner of Florida. Explore these locations and you’ll understand exactly where the Truman Show was filmed and why Seaside was the ideal choice to bring Seahaven to life.
