The Netflix series Outer Banks, set in the fictional town of Kildare in North Carolina, showcases many beautiful and adventurous scenes. What might surprise you is that much of the show was actually filmed in Charleston, South Carolina. This holds true for all three seasons currently available on Netflix, and with Season 4 expected to delve into the tale of Blackbeard, it seems that Charleston will continue to be a key filming location.
For locals in Charleston, some scenes may be strikingly familiar, albeit slightly jarring in their geographical transitions. One moment, you might see John B. and Big John on a jet ski at Thomson Park on Sullivan’s Island, only to find them shortly afterward near the Morris Island Lighthouse. Despite these rapid changes, the show remains engaging and offers a unique thrill for those who recognize their hometown on screen.
Outer Banks Filming Locations in Charleston from Seasons 1, 2, and 3
1. Bohicket Marina
The Camerons’ condo scenes in Season 3 are filmed at Bohicket Marina. This is where Sarah receives a call from her sister Wheezie. She goes to meet Wheezie but ultimately encounters her father. These scenes take place near the Ashley River.
Location: 1880 Andell Bluff Boulevard, Johns Island, SC
2. Bowen’s Island Restaurant
John B. and JJ meet Mike at Bowen’s Island Restaurant in Season 3 to request a plane ride to South America. Several key meetings happen here throughout the series.
Location: 1870 Bowen’s Island Road, Charleston, SC
3. Charleston Maritime Center
The Charleston Maritime Center serves as the ferry port when John B. and Sarah go to Chapel Hill in Season 1. The actual filming uses different spots around downtown Charleston for the trip scenes.
Location: 10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC
4. Creekside Lands Inn
In the first episode, John B. and JJ hide from the police at Creekside Lands Inn. Props were added to the real motel to create the set for the scene.
Location: 2545 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC
5. Edmondston-Alston House
The Edmondston-Alston House is portrayed as Carla Limbrey’s residence in several episodes. It’s where Big John hands Carla a fake shroud during their quest for El Dorado in Season 3.
Location: 21 East Battery, Charleston, SC
6. Gaillard Center
The Gaillard Center acts as the University of Chapel Hill law library in Season 1. Its grand exterior is prominently featured.
Location: 95 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC
7. Geechie Seafood
Geechie Seafood on Shem Creek is shown as the restaurant run by Pope’s parents in all three seasons. The restaurant is known for fresh, locally caught seafood.
Location: 248 Magwood Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC
8. Guerin’s Pharmacy in Summerville
Guerin’s Pharmacy in Summerville is used for scenes involving Pope’s great-grandmother’s former apartment in Season 2.
Location: 140 South Main Street, Summerville, SC
9. Lowndes Grove
Lowndes Grove acts as Tanneyhill, the Cameron family’s home, throughout the series. While the venue is mainly an event location, its exterior is shown frequently in the show.
Location: 266 St. Margaret Street, Charleston, SC
10. Morris Island Lighthouse
The Morris Island Lighthouse can be seen in the background of various Outer Banks scenes. Most notable is the lighthouse visit by Sarah and Topper after their night at The Boneyard in Season 3.
Location: 1750 East Ashley Avenue, Folly Beach, SC
11. Mount Pleasant’s Old Village Historic District
Mount Pleasant’s Old Village Historic District includes the building used as the police station seen in several episodes. Topper and his mother visit this location after filing charges against John B. in Season 3.
Location: 281 Venning Street, Mount Pleasant, SC
12. Palmetto Islands County Park
The observation tower in Palmetto Islands County Park is where John B. falls during a fight with Topper in Season 1. The park is shown as a more isolated area than it actually is.
Location: 444 Needlerush Parkway, Mount Pleasant, SC
13. Pitt Street Bridge
The Pitt Street Bridge is featured in multiple scenes with several establishing shots of Sullivan’s Island. It’s also where JJ rides his dirt bike in Season 3.
Location: Pitt Street, Mount Pleasant, SC
14. Ravenel Bridge
The Ravenel Bridge, a prominent Charleston landmark, appears in various scenes. JJ motors his boat under the bridge in Season 1, and John B. and Big John drive across it in Season 3.
Location: 99 Harry M. Hallman, Jr. Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC
15. Shem Creek
Shem Creek serves as the setting for restaurants owned by Pope’s and Kiara’s parents. It’s also used for many establishing shots, particularly scenes showing shrimp boats.
Location: 1402 Shrimp Boat Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC
16. The Ben Silver Collection
The high-end clothing store, The Ben Silver Collection, is featured in Season 1 when John B. and Sarah shop for clothes during their trip to Chapel Hill.
Location: 149 King Street, Charleston, SC
17. The Charleston Museum
The Charleston Museum is used as itself in Season 3 when John B. and Big John search for an artifact. The museum is a noteworthy place to visit beyond its appearance in the series.
Location: 360 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC
18. Thomson Park
Thomson Park, located at Breach Inlet, appears in several scenes in Season 3. It’s here that Sheriff Shoupe learns about John B.’s plans to leave for South America.
Location: 3217 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, SC
19. Washington Square
Washington Square is shown in Season 1 when John B. and Sarah take a walk in the park during their trip to Chapel Hill.
Location: 80 Broad Street, Charleston, SC
20. Wreck of the Richard & Charlene
This site is used as the dock where John B. and his friends hang out in multiple episodes. The wreck, now a popular local fishing spot, serves as a backdrop for conversations and planning.
Location: 106 Haddrell Street, Mount Pleasant, SC
Common Questions Answered
What specific spots in Charleston were used to film the Outer Banks series?
Charleston, South Carolina served as a picturesque location for many scenes in “Outer Banks.” You can visit spots like the Old Village of Mount Pleasant, which served as Kildare County Sheriff’s Station. Shem Creek represented the fictional Kildare County Harbor, used extensively for on-water scenes with the Pogues.
How do I locate a map showing the filming sites for Outer Banks?
For a detailed map of the “Outer Banks” filming locations, you can check out fansites and travel blogs dedicated to the series. These often include precise pins and detailed descriptions of each location used in Charleston and nearby areas.
Did Season 2 feature any new Charleston spots?
Yes, Season 2 introduced a few new locations. Although primarily set in the Bahamas, the actual filming took place in Barbados. Within Charleston, new, noteworthy spots around the city were used, adding fresh scenery to the show’s backdrop.
What’s the location of John B’s house in the series?
John B’s house is known for its rustic, coastal charm. It can be found in a quaint part of Charleston, with the exact address usually shared on fan tours and filming location guides online. This site has become a popular tourist destination due to its iconic role in the series.
Can you pinpoint where Sarah Cameron’s house is located in Charleston?
Sarah Cameron’s luxurious home is filmed in one of Charleston’s beautiful residential areas. The estate used for the exterior shots is a private property, but its location is often highlighted in tour guides that focus on filming spots from the series.
Is Folly Beach, SC, used in the Outer Banks filming, and which scenes were filmed there?
Folly Beach, SC, serves as a stunning backdrop in several episodes of “Outer Banks.” Some of the beach scenes portraying the adventurous exploits of the Pogues were shot here, leveraging the natural beauty of the area to enhance the show’s coastal vibe.
