15 Hidden Outer Banks Filming Locations You Can Actually Visit in 2025

The TV show “Outer Banks” holds a surprising secret – it wasn’t filmed in North Carolina’s Outer Banks at all.  Producers picked Charleston, South Carolina as their main filming location because of North Carolina’s controversial House Bill 2 legislation.

Fans can experience the show’s filming locations while learning about Charleston’s rich history.  The Charleston Museum, which dates back to 1773 and holds the title of America’s oldest museum, became the backdrop for Season 3’s heist scene.  The show’s filming locations spread way beyond South Carolina to Barbados, the Bahamas and Morocco.  A tour of the filming spots reveals amazing sights from the 161-foot Morris Island Lighthouse to the elegant Kiawah Island Golf Resort where they shot the Kook’s Midsummer party.

Many viewers wonder if they can visit these filming locations in real life – and they absolutely can.  Charleston’s filming spots include famous locations like Shem Creek, the Chateau and “Poguelandia 2.0.” The cast and crew built this special set after their characters found treasure worth over $1 million.

Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant, SC

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Shem Creek sits just eight miles east of Charleston and ranks as one of the most popular Outer Banks filming locations fans can visit.  This beautiful waterfront spot in Mount Pleasant draws crowds of enthusiasts who want to know where was Outer Banks filmed and experience the show’s memorable settings themselves.

Shem Creek in Outer Banks

The hit Netflix series captures numerous waterfront boat scenes along this charming creek.  Fans quickly recognize the marshes and boardwalks where the Pogues sail off on their adventures.  The creek appears in several key show locations including Geechie Seafood, a local fresh seafood market that serves as a filming backdrop.  The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene restaurant, which doubles as Kiara’s family business in the show, also stands proudly on Shem Creek’s banks.

Shem Creek’s Natural Charm

The creek’s rich history dates back to its original Sewee Indian inhabitants.  Its name comes from the Sewee word “shemee,” though experts still debate what it truly means.  The creek has played many roles through time – from a shipbuilding hub in the 1700s to becoming a major shrimping port after 1930 when Captain C. Magwood first brought ocean shrimp to Mount Pleasant.

The waterfront district now showcases stunning coastal views with sweeping vistas of Charleston Harbor and surrounding marshes.  Visitors searching for outer banks filming locations Charleston often talk about the creek’s natural beauty, especially during sunset when it offers some of the Lowcountry’s best views.

Things to Do at Shem Creek

Your outer banks filming locations tour can include these amazing activities:

• Water Adventures: Jump into kayaking, paddleboarding or boat tours – just like the Pogues
• Dining Options: Savor fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants with amazing views
• Boardwalk Stroll: Take in the sights on the 2,200-foot boardwalk from Coleman Boulevard to the creek’s mouth
• Wildlife Watching: Spot dolphins, pelicans, and coastal wildlife in their natural habitat

The park welcomes visitors daily from 5 a.m. to midnight with a convenient 35-space parking lot next to public restrooms.  You can also hop on the Charleston Water Taxi that runs hourly from downtown Charleston.

Pitt Street, Mount Pleasant, SC

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Pitt Street stands just minutes from Shem Creek and serves as another must-see stop for fans who want to discover Outer Banks filming locations in Charleston.  The historic street nestled in Mount Pleasant’s Old Village neighborhood sets the scene for several iconic moments throughout the Netflix series.

Pitt Street in Outer Banks

The Netflix series transformed a small building at 121 Pitt St., a former antiques store called The Green Shutter, into the fictional Kildare Island Surfboard Co..  A block of condos with black shutters became the Kildare County Sheriff’s Station where John B often tries to escape capture.  The show’s producers kept the real Pitt Street Pharmacy exactly as it was, letting it naturally fit into their fictional Kildare County.

Pitt Street Filming Highlights

JJ Maybank’s dirt bike ride down the historic Pitt Street Bridge in Season 3 ranks among the street’s most memorable scenes.  The location shows up in many establishing shots throughout the series and fans love to recreate their own moments here during their Outer Banks filming locations tour.  St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at 604 Pitt Street makes a brief appearance as the church where Lana gives her statement to Sheriff Peterkin.

Nearby Attractions

Pitt Street offers more than just its TV fame:

• Pitt Street Bridge Park – This historic structure used to be the only way to cross Charleston harbor from Mount Pleasant to Sullivan’s Island.  Now it’s a favorite spot for fishing and scenic walks.  Note: The bridge will close for mobility improvements from January 13, 2025, until May 2025.
• Sunset Views – Locals call this one of Charleston’s best sunset-watching spots, with stunning views of the harbor, marsh and city skyline.
• Post House Inn – Dating back to 1896, this newly renovated charming spot features seven guest rooms and a popular restaurant.  It’s perfect for anyone wanting to extend their outer banks filming locations Charleston adventure.

Fans who ask “can you visit outer banks filming locations” will find Pitt Street one of the most rewarding and easy-to-reach spots on any Outer Banks filming locations map.

The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene

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The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene stands out as one of the most authentic Outer Banks filming locations fans can visit.  This working seafood restaurant doubles as Kiara’s family business in the hit Netflix series.

The Wreck in Outer Banks

The Shem Creek establishment keeps its real-life name in the show, which makes it special.  The Wreck becomes the Carrera family restaurant where Kiara works as a server but often sneaks away to join her Pogue friends on adventures.  The Pogues use it as their favorite spot and sometimes get free meals that would otherwise go to waste.  The place played a key role when John B and Sarah escaped to Mexico.  Kiara and JJ put together a care package of bread, cheese, and other foods from The Wreck, which led to a heated moment between Kiara and her concerned parents.

Seafood and Ambiance

The story behind this Outer Banks filming locations Charleston spot is the sort of thing I love.  The restaurant got its name from a trawler that Hurricane Hugo slammed into this spot in 1989.  The place used to be a cinder block shrimp refrigeration facility and now offers a stripped-down dining experience that locals love.  Guests can enjoy fresh Lowcountry-style seafood straight from the dock, served on paper plates with plastic utensils.  The menu is packed with fried shrimp, scallops, oysters, hush puppies and fried squares of spiced grits.  You can choose from three sizes: “Richard-sized” (huge), “Lil Richard-sized” (pretty big) or “Charlene-sized” (normal).

Visiting Tips

The Wreck sits at 106 Haddrell Street in Mount Pleasant and makes a perfect stop on any Outer Banks filming locations tour.  Just remember – there’s no sign outside, which adds to its hidden charm.  The place opens Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM and stays closed on Mondays.  The deck offers beautiful views of docked shrimp trawlers and you might even spot The Playboy boat that shows up in several scenes.  The bare-bones setting doesn’t matter when you’ve got these creek views and authentic seafood to enjoy.

Hunting Island Lighthouse, SC

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The historic Hunting Island Lighthouse stands as one of the most notable Outer Banks filming locations.  This iconic structure serves as the interior setting for the show’s fictional Redfield Lighthouse, making it a must-see stop on any Outer Banks filming locations tour.

Lighthouse Scenes in Outer Banks

John B and Kiara’s visit to Redfield Lighthouse marks a crucial Season 1 moment.  They searched for answers about Big John and the Royal Merchant shipwreck.  Their investigation took an unexpected turn when the lighthouse keeper got suspicious and called the police.  Morris Island Lighthouse provided the exterior shots of the fictional Redfield, while Hunting Island Lighthouse became the setting for all interior scenes.  The lighthouse became a familiar sight throughout the series.  Production crews came back to film near the lighthouse for the latest season in 2023, which led to a two-day closure of the north-beach parking lot.

History of Hunting Island

The lighthouse has quite a story to tell:

• 1859: Builders completed the original brick lighthouse
• 1862: Confederate troops destroyed it during the Civil War to stop Union forces from navigating
• 1875: A new lighthouse emerged with innovative features
• 1889: Severe beach erosion forced its relocation 1.3 miles inland

The lighthouse’s cast-iron sections made it unique.  These interchangeable parts allowed the structure to be taken apart and moved if needed.  This smart design proved to be a great way to get the lighthouse to safety when coastal erosion became a threat.  The lighthouse kept its light burning until 1933, when an offshore buoy took over its duties.  The National Register of Historic Places added it to their list in 1977.

Visitor Information

The Hunting Island Lighthouse is closed for repairs as construction continues through 2025.  Visitors can’t climb inside right now, but the lighthouse complex and grounds welcome tourists for interpretation tours.  Park docents help out by sharing stories about the lighthouse’s history and importance. Volunteers say the lighthouse should open its doors again in 2025, complete with fixed-up steps and a brand new observation deck.

South Carolina’s only lighthouse that lets the public climb all 167 steps sits right here.  Before the closure, visitors could reach the top for amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding maritime forest.

Geechie Seafood, Mount Pleasant, SC

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Geechie Seafood brings Netflix’s treasure-hunting teens to life as one of the most important outer banks filming locations.  This small seafood market sits along Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, just seven miles from downtown Charleston.

Heyward’s Seafood in the Show

Heyward’s Seafood, the family business owned by Pope Heyward’s father Bobby Heyward, comes to life at Geechie Seafood.  The store plays a vital role in Pope’s character development.  Pope helps his father at the store and delivers fresh seafood to wealthy Kooks on Figure 8.  He shows off his oyster-shucking skills at upscale events like the Midsummers party.  The business shows the Pogues’ working-class roots and creates a stark contrast with the privileged Kook lifestyle.  Many fans hypothesize that Heyward’s was Big John’s favorite spot before his mysterious disappearance.

Fresh Catch and Local Flavor

Geechie Seafood stands as a beloved Mount Pleasant institution that sells freshly caught shrimp straight from Shem Creek.  This simple shack captures the authentic seafood culture of the Lowcountry region.  The market specializes in blue crab, shrimp, and other seafood that local fishermen harvest daily from Shem Creek, Bulls Bay and Charleston Harbor.  Charleston locals keep coming back to buy their fresh seafood, which makes it more than just another tourist spot.  The name “Geechie” pays tribute to the area’s Gullah-Geechee heritage and reflects recipes and traditions passed down through generations.

How to Visit

You’ll find Geechie Seafood at 248 Magwood Lane in Mount Pleasant, open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.  Here’s what you need to know for your Outer Banks filming locations tour:

• The market stays open seven days a week, so you can visit any time
• The store operates as a seafood market, not a restaurant, but you can take photos of the show’s exterior
• Dolphins often swim in the nearby creek

A visit to Geechie gives Outer Banks filming locations fans and seafood enthusiasts a real taste of Charleston culture that inspired the fictional world of Kildare County.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort

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Kiawah Island Golf Resort represents the luxurious Kook lifestyle that stands in sharp contrast to the Pogues’ world in the Netflix series.  This upscale beach destination sits just 21 miles from Charleston and gives visitors a taste of the elite world shown on screen.

Kooks’ Midsummers Party

The resort became the fictional “Island Club” on Figure 8 during Season 1, Episode 5’s extravagant Midsummer party.  The event perfectly highlighted the show’s class divide with wealthy Kooks enjoying their evening in fancy clothes while Pogues worked their shifts.  The Ocean Course Clubhouse served as the perfect backdrop with its stunning Atlantic views that captured the essence of coastal high society.

Luxury Resort Features

The resort’s exceptional amenities match the upscale world of the show’s Kook characters:

• Five-star accommodations: The Sanctuary hotel has 255 elegant guestrooms and suites
• Championship golf: Five remarkable courses grace the property, with The Ocean Course leading the pack as a multiple PGA Championship venue
• Exclusive pool complexes: Two interactive pools come complete with outdoor cafés and spacious decks
• Fine dining: Several restaurants serve regional cuisine in sophisticated settings

The Sanctuary’s achievement stands out among luxury hotels.  It earned a triple Forbes Five-Star rating for its accommodations, dining and spa—making it one of only five hotels in the nation and fourteen worldwide with this recognition.

Booking and Access

Fans who want to tour outer banks filming locations can book their stay at this exclusive yet available resort.  Reservations are possible through phone (800-654-2924) or email (sanctuary_reservations@kiawahresort.com).  Room rates begin at $710 per night as of 2025.  The resort’s private status means guests need to book either accommodations or tee times to visit this filming location.

Unlike other Outer Banks filming locations Charleston spots, guests at Kiawah receive special perks.  These benefits include preferred dining and golf reservations, free on-island transportation and access to various recreational activities.

Washington Square Park, Charleston

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Washington Square Park sits right in Charleston’s historic district, giving Outer Banks fans a peaceful look into John B and Sarah’s world.  This beautiful green space behind City Hall at Meeting and Broad Streets is a must-see spot on any Outer Banks filming locations trip.

John B and Sarah’s Day Trip

The park plays host to a sweet moment when John B and Sarah walk its quiet paths after getting off a ferry they claim was headed to Chapel Hill.  North Carolina locals got quite a laugh from this scene, since Chapel Hill is famously landlocked and you can’t reach it by boat.  Their romantic walk stands out as one of the show’s calmer scenes during their wild treasure hunt.  Fans who look up where was Outer Banks filmed often smile at this mix-up – something the producers later called an “unfortunate editing mistake”.

Park Features and History

This 205-year-old park holds the title of Charleston’s oldest public space.  The park got its current name on October 19, 1881, during the Yorktown surrender centennial, after being known as City Hall Park.  Beautiful live oaks covered in Spanish moss have managed to keep their elegant look through the years.

A 42-foot Carolina gray granite obelisk stands proud in the middle – looking like a mini Washington Monument – built in 1891 to honor the Washington Light Infantry.  George Washington’s life-size statue, added in 1999, stands next to it.  The east wall features a monument to Confederate General Pierre Beauregard.

Nearby Filming Spots

Fans checking out the Outer Banks filming locations map will find the Charleston Gaillard Center just a short walk away – it shows up as the UNC Law Library in the series.  Every scene shot here shows off Charleston’s cobblestone streets and old architecture that looks just like North Carolina’s real Outer Banks.

The Mills House Hotel and Chalmers Street (one of Charleston’s few real cobblestone streets still around) are close by, making the park a great starting point to explore Outer Banks filming locations Charleston on your own.  The peaceful square lets fans walk the same paths as their favorite characters.

Charleston Gaillard Center

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The elegant Charleston Gaillard Center stands as one of the most beautiful Outer Banks filming locations in downtown Charleston.  This 1,800-seat theater at 95 Calhoun Street became a key setting in the Netflix series, though its screen time was brief.

UNC Law Library Scenes

Ward Cameron’s donation of Denmark Tanny’s diary and almanac to the UNC Law Library in Chapel Hill led John B and Sarah to search the archives for treasure clues.  The Charleston Gaillard Center’s interior and exterior shots doubled as the fictional university library.  Fans can spot the building’s unique architecture throughout Season 1 as it stands in for the academic setting.  The show took some creative freedom with North Carolina’s geography here.  Characters supposedly reached Chapel Hill by ferry, which doesn’t make sense since the actual town sits nowhere near water.

Cultural Events and Architecture

The Gaillard Center has grown into a vital cultural hub in Charleston.  A three-year construction project in 2015 replaced the old 1968 auditorium.  World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma performed at the opening and the venue has hosted many more music, dance, comedy and theater shows since then.  The building’s classical design makes it perfect for filming, but its main goal remains to showcase year-round arts programming.  People now see it as “a beating heart of art and politics in Charleston,” serving the community in ways beyond what anyone could foresee.

How to Attend a Show

Outer Banks filming locations tour fans will find visiting the Gaillard Center easy:

• Buy tickets online, call (843) 242-3099, or visit the Ticket Office
• Show up 30 minutes before the performance
• Wear what feels right—no dress code rules here
• Remember to bring cards or mobile payment—the venue doesn’t take cash

The center lets visitors take photos in lobby areas where scenes were filmed.  This makes it perfect for Outer Banks filming locations Charleston fans to capture memories.

Morris Island Lighthouse, Folly Beach

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The Morris Island Lighthouse rises majestically from the Atlantic Ocean off Folly Beach.  This striking silhouette served as the exterior filming location for the fictional Redfield Lighthouse in Netflix’s hit series.  Water now completely surrounds this iconic structure, making it one of the most photogenic Outer Banks filming locations for fans to visit.

Redfield Lighthouse Exterior

The Morris Island Lighthouse appears throughout the series as the fictional Redfield Lighthouse.  Fans will recognize it from scenes where John B and Kiara search for answers about Big John and the Royal Merchant shipwreck.  Their investigation hits a snag when the lighthouse keeper gets suspicious and alerts the authorities.  The show creators took an interesting approach to filming these scenes.  Morris Island provided the stunning exterior shots, while Hunting Island Lighthouse became the setting for all interior lighthouse sequences.  The distinctive outline of Morris Island Light has become a must-see stop on any Outer Banks filming locations map.

Historic Significance

The Morris Island Lighthouse has quite a story to tell since its construction in 1876.  It proudly stands as the tallest lighthouse in South Carolina at 161 feet.  The lighthouse stood about 1,200 feet from the shoreline when built, but nature had other plans.  The 1889 construction of jetties to protect Charleston Harbor’s shipping lanes changed ocean currents and sped up shoreline erosion.  The lighthouse went dark in 1962 and faced demolition until Save the Light, Inc. stepped in.  The organization bought it for $75,000 in 1999.  They later transferred ownership to South Carolina but kept a 99-year lease to continue restoration work.  The lighthouse earned its spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Best Viewing Spots

Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve on Folly Beach’s northeastern tip offers the perfect spot to see this iconic landmark.  Here’s what you need to know:

• The preserve welcomes visitors daily from sunrise to sunset through the East Ashley Street entrance
• A short walk down the old road leads to the beach viewing area
• Low tide gives you the best views from just a few hundred yards away
• The lighthouse looks deceptively close, but never attempt to wade across – dangerous currents and quick tidal changes make this a serious risk

This preserved sentinel gives fans asking “can you visit outer banks filming locations” one of the best photo opportunities on any Outer Banks filming locations Charleston tour.

The Ben Silver Collection, Charleston

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The Ben Silver Collection gives Outer Banks fans a perfect chance to dress like their favorite Kooks.  This upscale Charleston fashion house played a memorable part in John B and Sarah’s story, making it a must-see stop on any Outer Banks filming locations tour.

Kook Fashion Inspiration

The Ben Silver Collection brings the Kook esthetic from the series to life.  Sarah took John B to this high-end store during their secret day trip to give him a rich-kid makeover.  The store captures the preppy Southern style that sets the show’s wealthy characters apart from the Pogues.  You’ll find a huge selection of striped and crested ties next to custom and ready-made executive clothing.  Ben Silver represents the exact look fans picture when they think of Kook fashion.  Their unique blend of classic American and European heritage creates that timeless, preppy style you see in Topper and Rafe’s wardrobes.

Shopping Experience

The moment you step inside this “epitome of the elegant fine haberdasher,” you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to London’s Savile Row.  Men’s clothing dominates the store, though you can find select women’s pieces in the back.  The selection here is impressive with more than 1,000 ties, 500 suit fabrics, and 250 shirt fabrics.  The store’s collection goes beyond clothes – you’ll find leather goods, watches, eyewear and accessories to complete your Kook look.  Customers love the store’s knowledgeable and helpful staff who provide the kind of service you’d expect from a high-end boutique.

Store Location

The Ben Silver Collection sits at 149 King Street in downtown Charleston’s historic shopping district.  Fans can easily reach the store while planning their Outer Banks filming locations Charleston tour.  Its spot on King Street puts it close to other filming locations, so you can check out multiple Outer Banks filming locations in one day.  The store has been at this address since May 2020.

The Charleston Museum

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Founded in 1773, The Charleston Museum stands as America’s first museum and plays a vital role as a filming location in the Netflix series.  This historic landmark in downtown Charleston gives Outer Banks filming locations fans a chance to walk through the same halls where John B and Big John’s dramatic treasure hunt takes place.

Heist Scene in Season 3

Season 3 puts The Charleston Museum at the heart of the action when Big John and John B show up pretending to be a paleogenetics professor and his assistant.  They want to look at artifacts dug up from the fictional Trinity Church.  The museum denies their request, so they sneak back later to find a missing piece of the Gnomon of Solana—a made-up artifact that leads to El Dorado.  The suspenseful break-in scene adds excitement as the characters try to find their treasure.

Museum Exhibits

Beyond its TV spotlight, the museum showcases remarkable permanent collections that tell the story of Lowcountry’s natural and cultural heritage:

• Lowcountry History Hall: Shows Native American artifacts, colonial-era items and materials that tell the story of enslaved people who shaped the region
• Armory: Features historic weaponry from 1750 through the twentieth century
• Bunting Natural History Gallery: Shows amazing fossils, including the world’s largest known flying bird and a 13-foot tall giant ground sloth
• Historic Textiles Gallery: Houses one of the Southeast’s best textile collections

The museum also features several other galleries, ranging from Charleston Silver to the hands-on Kidstory area built for young visitors.

Visitor Tips

The museum welcomes Outer Banks filming locations tourists Monday through Saturday (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) and Sundays (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM).  Adult tickets cost $15, youth ages 13-17 pay $12, and children 3-12 enter for $6.  Combo tickets that include historic houses give you better value—$22 for two sites or $30 for three.

You can take photos for personal use without flash during your visit and the museum provides coat check services for large items.  Families can bring compact strollers into galleries and enjoy the Kidstory exhibit where children can learn through interactive displays.

The Chateau (Secessionville Historic District)

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The Chateau in Secessionville Historic District stands out as one of the most iconic Outer Banks filming locations fans recognize instantly.  This simple white house showcases chipped paint and serves as the heart of the Pogues’ adventure throughout the series.  The location creates a genuine backdrop that brings the treasure-hunting teens’ exploits to life.

John B’s Home Base

The Chateau became John B’s main home after his father disappeared and turned into the favorite hangout spot for the Pogues.  This welcoming waterfront property stands out with its unique backyard decorated with fairy lights.  A boat dock provides water access, and the property even features a chicken coop that characters used to hide from smugglers.  The home’s weathered charm captures the Pogue lifestyle perfectly.  Front steps lead to the entrance door with windows on each side.  Characters often gather in the backyard to fish, party and plan their next adventure against Charleston’s typical marsh landscapes.

Filming Location Details

The production team shot all Chateau scenes in Charleston’s Secessionville Historic District on James Island.  This historically rich area dates back to pre-Civil War times when wealthy James Island planters used it as their summer retreat.  Secessionville evolved after the Civil War and became home to leading James Island agriculturalists.  Elias Lynch Rivers, who pioneered Sea Island cotton improvement, made this area his home.  The district stretches along the Secessionville peninsula and covers the 1862 Battle of Secessionville site, Fort Lamar remains and several antebellum Greek Revival homes.

Nearby Attractions

Fans creating their own Outer Banks filming locations tour can explore nearby spots like Folly Beach Graffiti Boat, Morris Island and Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park.  The show’s popularity has created issues for property owners, so the exact address of The Chateau remains private to prevent trespassing.  Visitors exploring Outer Banks filming locations Charleston should respect private properties in the area.  The Secessionville Historic District features many historical markers and monuments that highlight the region’s Civil War history, giving tourists more to explore beyond the show’s filming sites.

Palmetto Islands County Park (Hawk’s Nest Tower)

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Palmetto Islands County Park sits nestled in Mount Pleasant, where a wooden observation deck became the stage for one of Netflix series’ most emotional moments.  This 943-acre nature park gives outer banks filming locations fans a chance to experience the stunning Lowcountry scenery that brings the show to life.

JJ and John B’s Dramatic Scene

The park’s Hawk’s Nest Tower, a 50-foot high wooden observation platform, became the setting for a powerful confrontation between JJ and John B in Season 1.  The story unfolds when JJ takes his abusive father’s drug money to replace John B’s destroyed boat.  Their emotional reconciliation at the tower’s peak creates one of the series’ most moving scenes as JJ breaks down and John B comforts him.  Fans who follow the Outer Banks filming locations map often make this tower their first stop to relive this touching display of friendship.

Park Features

The park offers much more than its TV connection:

• A paved 1.2-mile trail that’s perfect for walks and bike rides
• Scattered picnic spots with grills
• A long fishing pier stretching 200 feet into the marsh
• “Splash Island” water park that operates seasonally with multiple slides
• Big Toy playground built for kids between 5-12 years

Natural salt marsh habitats and tidal creeks create a Lowcountry environment that matches what viewers see in the series.  The tower rewards climbers with sweeping views of Hamlin Creek’s marshes and the Intracoastal Waterway beyond.

How to Visit

The park opens daily from 8:00 AM until sunset at 444 Seven Farms Drive in Mount Pleasant.  Entry costs $2 per person.  Downtown Charleston lies just 20 minutes away, making this spot easily reachable for fans planning their Outer Banks filming locations Charleston tour.  Remember to wear good walking shoes for the tower climb and pack sunscreen during summer visits.

Summer Winds Motel (Creekside Lands Inn)

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The Summer Winds Motel stands in sharp contrast to its hurricane-ravaged version shown in the series.  Fans on an Outer Banks filming locations journey will find a comfortable place to stay here.  The motel made its debut in the first episode when John B found a motel room key in the hurricane’s shipwreck debris.

Room 229 Mystery

Room 229 means a lot to die-hard fans – it’s where John B and Pope broke in during Season 1.  They found the key in the shipwreck, which took them to this seemingly empty motel.  Here they found important clues about John B’s missing father.  The room also set the stage for some tense moments where John B and JJ ducked behind windows to dodge the police.  The best part? Guests can ask for this exact room number and sleep where these key scenes took place.

Real-life Motel Experience

The actual motel runs as Creekside Lands Inn (now called Charleston Creekside Inn) and it’s far from the run-down place shown on TV.  The property has earned almost 4-star reviews and comes with several perks you won’t see in the show.  Guests can enjoy a seasonal outdoor pool, free continental breakfast, WiFi in rooms and laundry services.  The dock offers beautiful views of Long Branch Creek.  The filming crew made temporary changes to the property, so visitors will find it much nicer than its on-screen version.

Booking Info

You’ll find the inn at 2545 Savannah Highway, close to Charleston’s main attractions.  Fans planning an Outer Banks filming locations Charleston visit will love that it’s just 15 minutes from the Historic District.  The South Carolina Aquarium, local plantations and Fort Sumter National Monument are also nearby.  Room rates for 2025 range from $123 to $216.  The inn welcomes both families and pets, offers free parking and serves as a perfect home base to check out the many where was Outer Banks filmed spots around Charleston.

Lowndes Grove Estate (Tanneyhill Plantation)

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Lowndes Grove Estate majestically lines the Ashley River in Charleston.  This magnificent 14-acre property serves as the fictional Tanneyhill Plantation in the hit Netflix series.  The estate stands as one of the most recognizable Outer Banks filming locations that captures the lavish Kook lifestyle shown throughout the show.

Cameron Family Estate

The series transforms Lowndes Grove into Tanneyhill Plantation, which becomes Sarah Cameron’s family’s opulent home in the fictional Figure 8 neighborhood.  The estate plays a vital role in the narrative as Denmark Tanney’s previous home.  Tanney, a formerly enslaved man, ended up finding gold while captaining the Royal Merchant shipwreck.  The show features dramatic family scenes on the property’s spiral staircase and intense confrontations on its spacious green lawn.  The waterfront setting serves as a backdrop that highlights the stark differences between the Pogues’ modest lifestyle and the Camerons’ excessive wealth.

Historic Architecture

Built in 1786, Lowndes Grove’s impressive architectural features made it perfect to showcase old Southern aristocracy.  The property earned its place on the National Register for Historic Places and features authentic period furnishings inside.  The estate showcases distinctive elements like an oversized piazza, bluestone terraces, brick pathways, and oyster tabby features that define traditional Lowcountry design.  The production team chose Lowndes Grove because it captured the “wealthy historic vibe” they wanted, while mature maritime oak trees added that classic Southern charm.

Event Venue Details

Lowndes Grove now serves as Charleston’s premier wedding and events venue.  The property features stunning waterfront views from a 700-foot dock that stretches into the Ashley River.  The venue offers several spaces including the Main House with its glass-enclosed portico, a grand lawn and formal dining rooms perfect for smaller gatherings.  The rental costs change with seasons, ranging from $3,000 to $14,000 based on the day and time of year.  Fans planning an Outer Banks filming locations tour should know that they can sometimes take special access tours inside the Cameron house when events aren’t scheduled.

Comparison Table

Enjoy the Outer Banks Filming Locations

Netflix may have set its story in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, but Charleston, South Carolina steals the spotlight as the real filming location.  Fans can visit many spots that bring the Pogues’ adventures to life.  Each location shows the distinct worlds of Pogues and Kooks – from the modest Chateau in Secessionville to the magnificent Lowndes Grove Estate.

Charleston proves to be the perfect stand-in with its waterfront districts, historic buildings and coastal views that create the authentic Outer Banks feel viewers love.  This piece highlights locations that welcome visitors throughout the year.  Some spots like Lowndes Grove Estate (Tanneyhill Plantation) limit access during events, while others like The Chateau are private homes that deserve space and respect.

The show expanded beyond Charleston in later seasons.  Exotic locations in Barbados, the Bahamas, and Morocco turned a local treasure hunt into a worldwide adventure.  But Charleston’s unique Lowcountry settings remain the show’s true heart.

Fans can climb Hunting Island Lighthouse, shop for Kook-inspired fashion at The Ben Silver Collection, or enjoy fresh seafood at The Wreck.  These fifteen filming spots let fans step into their favorite scenes while exploring Charleston’s rich history and natural beauty.  The treasure here might not be gold from the Royal Merchant, but walking where John B, Sarah, JJ, Pope and Kiara once stood will create memories just as precious.

FAQs

Q1. Can fans visit actual Outer Banks filming locations?
Yes, many filming locations in Charleston, South Carolina are open to the public.  Popular spots include Shem Creek, The Wreck restaurant and the Charleston Museum. Some locations like the Kiawah Island Golf Resort require reservations or admission fees.

Q2. Is John B’s house from the show accessible to visitors?
The exterior of John B’s house, known as “The Chateau,” is located in the Secessionville Historic District.  However, it’s a private residence and not open for tours.  Fans can view it from a distance but should respect the property owners’ privacy.

Q3. Where can I find the lighthouse featured in Outer Banks?
The Morris Island Lighthouse, which serves as the exterior of the fictional Redfield Lighthouse, can be viewed from Folly Beach.  For interior lighthouse scenes, visit Hunting Island Lighthouse, though it’s currently closed for repairs as of 2025.

Q4. Are there guided tours available for Outer Banks filming locations?
While there’s no official studio tour, several local companies offer boat tours that showcase waterfront filming locations.  These typically include views of Morris Island Lighthouse, Shem Creek and other coastal areas featured in the show.

Q5. What’s the most luxurious Outer Banks filming location fans can visit?
The Kiawah Island Golf Resort, which appears as the venue for the Kooks’ Midsummer party, offers the most upscale experience.  Visitors can book a stay at this five-star resort to immerse themselves in the lavish Kook lifestyle depicted in the show.