Outer Banks Filming Locations Charleston SC Revealed

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Living the Pogue life in Charleston, South Carolina is an absolute dream. My sisters and I have taken multiple trips to the Lowcountry, chasing adventures and discovering Outer Banks filming locations throughout the fictional town of Kildare. Some spots are easy to reach by land, while others require a boat, but every adventure has given us memories we will treasure forever.

Highlights

Living the Pogue Life in Charleston: Explore the real-life Charleston locations that bring Netflix’s Outer Banks and the fictional town of Kildare to life
Downtown Charleston Landmarks: Visit recognizable filming spots while exploring the historic heart of the city
Beyond Downtown Road Trips: Venture out to Outer Banks locations in Mount Pleasant, Bowens Island, James Island, Johns Island and Folly Beach
Eat, Drink and Explore: Discover our favorite stops for bites, drinks and classic Charleston experiences along the way
Guided Boat Cruises: Take a water tour to see private locations like John B.’s home, the Chateau and a sunken boat site

Editor’s note: The writer was partially hosted.

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Joe Riley Waterfront Park

Property: Joe Riley Waterfront Park | Address: Vendue Range and Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401 | Phone: (843) 724-7321 | Hours: Typically sunrise to sunset

This beautiful park along the Cooper River feels special and is featured in Season 3 during a tender moment between Pope and Cleo. Stroll beneath live oaks and palmettos and relax by the waterfront.

The Magic: Stepping into familiar scenery feels just like stepping right into the show
What We Loved Best: Simply wandering the paved sidewalks beneath the shade and enjoying the river breeze
Must-Try Recommendation: Visit early in the morning or evening in fall to beat crowds at the iconic Pineapple Fountain
French Quarter Walk: Take a quick walk through the French Quarter on your way to Ben Silver on King Street

SheBuysTravel Tip: Pop into Ben Silver at 149 King St., where Sarah and John B. shop during their Chapel Hill trip, as their romance begins, filmed right here in Charleston.

Circular Congregational Church and Historic Downtown

Circular Congregational Church and historic cemetery in downtown Charleston. — Circular Congregational Church shows up in Season 4. Photo credit: Emily Molina

Property: Circular Congregational Church | Address: 150 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401 | Phone: (843) 577-6400 | Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Fans can visit the historic church and graveyard from Season 4 when John B. discovers a distant family member’s gravesite. Nearby spots include Washington Square Park where John B. and Sarah stroll, and crypt and catacomb scenes featuring Pope and Sarah at the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon.

The Magic: Seeing real historic landmarks transformed into eerie set locations
What We Loved Best: The church’s distinctive circular front window that shines in key scenes
Must-Try Recommendation: Take the Old Provost Dungeon Tour. The 25-30 minute costumed docent tour is included
Search for El Dorado: Stop by The Charleston Museum where John B. and Big John search for an artifact linked to the legendary lost city
Tannyhill View: Drive to St. Margaret Street for photos of Lowndes Grove event venue, the Cameron family home

SheBuysTravel Tip: The Charleston City Market is an easy walk from the church and absolutely worth a stop. Also stroll southwest on Battery to White Point Garden and nearby Edmondston-Alston House which serves as Carla Limbrey’s home in the series.

Mount Pleasant and Shem Creek

Geechie Seafood and fishing boats and wooden docks along Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant. — Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant features several key filming locations along the water. Photo credit: Emily Molina

Property: Geechie Seafood | Address: 248 Magwood Ln, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 | Phone: (843) 893-8650 | Hours: Daily 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Cross the Ravenel Bridge to Mount Pleasant’s Old Village, which doubles as Kildare. Walk Pitt Street to spot JJ’s crash-out scene and the Kildare County Sheriff’s Office. Over on Shem Creek, visit Geechie Seafood, which plays Heyward’s Seafood in the show.

The Magic: Spotting filming spots all along Pitt Street, Ravenel Bridge and the real docks of Shem Creek
What We Loved Best: Experiencing the real family-owned seafood market behind Pope’s family business Heyward’s
Must-Try Recommendation: Dine at The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene, the inspiration for Kiara’s family business
Sweet Bakery Stop: Grab coffee and a treat at Gala Café and Bakery in the Old Village

SheBuysTravel Tip: The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene is on Shem Creek and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Plus walk the docks where the scene showing Scooter’s body was filmed and nearby boats like the Pleasant Lady used as Neville’s houseboat.

Bowens Island, James Island and Johns Island

Captain navigating a boat tour through coastal Lowcountry marshes near Bowens Island — A boat tour with Charleston Outdoor Adventures offers views of hidden filming sites. Photo credit: Emily Molina

Property: Charleston Outdoor Adventures | Address: 1871 Bowens Island Rd, Charleston, SC 29412 | Phone: (843) 795-0330 | Hours: Daily 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Bowens Island features Bowens Island Restaurant and the adjacent fictional Rockfish Bar. Because John B.’s house, the Chateau, is a private residence, taking the Outer Banks boat cruise with Charleston Outdoor Adventures is the absolute best way to see the Chateau, Morris Island Lighthouse and Boneyard Beach from the water.

The Magic: Viewing the Chateau and learning show secrets like the filming location of the sunken Grady White boat
What We Loved Best: Spotting wild dolphins and seabirds during the 1.5-hour waterway cruise
Must-Try Recommendation: Drive 10 minutes to Johns Island to see the 400-year-old Angel Oak tree where the Pogues find treasure clues
Civil War History: Explore nearby James Island’s Secessionville Historic District and Fort Lamar Heritage Preserve near the Chateau

SheBuysTravel Tip: Buy boat tour tickets in advance, then grab lunch and drinks at Bowens Island Restaurant right after your cruise.

Folly Beach

Weathered driftwood on the sandy beach shoreline at Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve. — Driftwood shoreline at Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve overlooking the Morris Island Lighthouse. Photo credit: Emily Molina

Property: Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve | Address: W Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439 | Phone: (843) 795-4386 | Hours: Daily 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve offers one of the best views of Morris Island Lighthouse from the land. Its driftwood shoreline was featured in numerous cutaway shots and party scenes at the Boneyard. Walking along this beach feels like stepping right into a Pogue party, with dramatic natural backdrops for taking photos.

The Magic: Standing on the actual driftwood shoreline where the Pogues and Kooks party
What We Loved Best: Uncrowded beaches paired with dramatic distant views of Morris Island Lighthouse
Must-Try Recommendation: Enjoy a paved walk out to the preserve and use the self-serve pay kiosk
Local Eats in Town: Grab breakfast at Lost Dog Cafe, pizza at Woody’s or cocktails at The Bounty Bar

SheBuysTravel Tip: Check out Folly Beach Pier and public beaches in town after exploring the heritage preserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was Outer Banks filmed in South Carolina?

Netflix’s Outer Banks was primarily filmed in and around Charleston, South Carolina. Filming locations span downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Shem Creek, Bowens Island, James Island, Johns Island and Folly Beach.

Can you visit the Chateau from Outer Banks?

The Chateau is a private residence on James Island and cannot be seen from the road. You can view the house from the water by booking an Outer Banks boat tour with Charleston Outdoor Adventures.

How do you reach Shem Creek filming locations from downtown Charleston?

Take US-17 North from downtown Charleston across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge into Mount Pleasant. Shem Creek is a short drive from the bridge with parking available near Geechie Seafood.

Are Outer Banks filming locations in Charleston free to visit?

Many locations are free to visit including Joe Riley Waterfront Park, Washington Square Park, the Old Village in Mount Pleasant, Shem Creek and Angel Oak.

How does Charleston compare to the real Outer Banks of North Carolina?

While the show is set in fictional Kildare, North Carolina, Charleston offers historic architecture, accessible Lowcountry marshes and concentrated filming locations within a short drive.

SheBuysTravel writers have been where you’re going. We share our ground-truth experience to save you time, money and energy, making your trips easier. Been There. Bought That. Since 2006.