Outer Banks Filming Locations in Charleston: Complete 2025 Guide to Visiting Kildare

Here's a secret that might surprise Outer Banks fans: the show isn't actually filmed in North Carolina's Outer Banks. The fictional town of Kildare - with its Pogues, Kooks, and treasure hunts - comes to life in Charleston, South Carolina and the surrounding Lowcountry.

Why Charleston? When production began in 2019, North Carolina had recently eliminated its film tax incentives, while South Carolina offered generous tax credits. The production team discovered that Charleston's diverse locations - from historic plantations and Spanish moss-draped oaks to tidal creeks and barrier islands - could perfectly double for the Outer Banks while providing concentrated filming sites within a 90-mile radius.

The impact on Charleston tourism has been extraordinary. Following Season 4's release in 2024, Google searches for "Charleston holidays" increased by 319%, while searches for "Outer Banks vacation homes" skyrocketed by 10,547%. Charleston has embraced its role as the real-life Kildare, with boat tours, walking tours, and restaurants capitalizing on the show's massive global fanbase of "Pogues" eager to explore John B's world.

The opulent Tanneyhill Estate - home to Ward Cameron, Sarah, Rafe, and Wheezie - is one of the show's most iconic locations. In real life, it's Lowndes Grove Plantation, a historic property at 266 St Margaret Street in Charleston.

The estate features the grand white mansion with its columned portico, the pool where countless dramatic scenes unfold, and the manicured gardens where Sarah and the Camerons navigate their complicated family dynamics. Built in the 1780s, Lowndes Grove sits on the Ashley River and is a stunning example of Charleston's plantation architecture.

Important: Lowndes Grove is a private event venue and is NOT open to the public for tours. The property is used for weddings and private events. You can view the exterior from St Margaret Street, but do not attempt to enter the property or grounds. Respect the privacy of the venue and any events taking place.

The Chateau - John B's rundown but beloved home where the Pogues plan their adventures - is located in the Secessionville Historic District in Charleston. This waterfront property serves as the central meeting place for the Pogues throughout the series.

The house's iconic weathered appearance, dock jutting into the marsh, and hot tub (where so many crucial conversations happen) are all real features of this Charleston property. The location's tidal creek access made it perfect for filming the countless boat departure scenes.

Access: Like Tanneyhill, The Chateau is a private residence where real people live. You can view it from the street, but absolutely DO NOT walk onto the property, knock on doors, or disturb the residents. The best way to see The Chateau is via the OBX Filming Locations boat tour ($360 for up to 6 people), which provides water views while respecting the homeowners' privacy.

If there's one location that defines Outer Banks' visual identity, it's Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, located just 7 miles east of downtown Charleston. This scenic tidal creek serves as the filming location for most of the Pogues' waterfront boat scenes throughout all four seasons.

Shem Creek's natural beauty - marsh grasses, winding waterways, shrimp boats, and coastal wildlife - provides the authentic Lowcountry backdrop that makes Outer Banks feel so immersive. The creek is also home to two major show locations that you can actually visit:

Geechie Seafood Market on Shem Creek serves as Heyward's Seafood - the fish market run by Pope's dad Heyward in the show.

Location: Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant (along the waterfront near The Wreck)

What You Can Do: Stop by this operating seafood market to see where Pope "works" for his dad. Browse fresh local catches, buy shrimp or fish to cook yourself, and soak in the authentic working waterfront atmosphere. Free to visit - just browsing the market and taking photos costs nothing.

The entire Shem Creek waterfront is free and open to the public. You can:

• Walk the public boardwalk along the creek
• Watch shrimp boats unload their catch (early morning is best)
• Spot dolphins, herons, and other coastal wildlife
• Take photos with the same scenic backdrop as the show's boat scenes
• Dine at waterfront restaurants beyond The Wreck (several OBX-friendly spots)
• Book a boat tour or kayak rental to explore the creek by water

Parking: Free public parking available along Shrimp Boat Lane and nearby streets. Can get crowded on weekends - arrive early or visit weekday mornings.

The mysterious Redfield Lighthouse from Season 1 - where the Pogues search for clues about the Royal Merchant treasure - is actually two different lighthouses cleverly combined in filming.

The Morris Island Lighthouse at Folly Beach provides the exterior shots and appears in the show's iconic opening credits. This decommissioned 1876 lighthouse stands offshore in the water, creating the haunting, partially submerged appearance seen in the show.

How to Visit: The lighthouse itself is not accessible (it's offshore), but you can get spectacular views from Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve at the northeastern end of Folly Beach. Access via East Ashley Avenue, then take a short walk through the preserve to a secluded beach area offering unobstructed views perfect for photos.

Cost: FREE. The preserve and beach are open to the public at no charge. Best time to visit: sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting that matches the show's aesthetic.

The best way to see multiple Outer Banks filming locations - especially the private properties like John B's house and Poguelandia 2.0 - is via the official OBX-themed boat tours. These tours take you by water to locations inaccessible by land while respecting residents' privacy.

Not every Outer Banks location requires a paid tour or boat ride. Charleston has several free, publicly accessible filming spots perfect for budget travelers or those who want to explore on their own.

This old wooden fishing pier extending into Charleston Harbor is one of the Pogues' favorite hangout spots. The iconic shots of the group silhouetted against sunset, sitting on the pier and talking about their next adventure, were filmed here.

Location: Pitt Street, Mount Pleasant (end of Pitt Street off Coleman Boulevard)

Cost: FREE - open to the public

Best Time to Visit: Sunset for that perfect OBX golden hour vibe. Bring a camera - the marsh views and Charleston skyline in the distance are stunning.

Boneyard Beach on Folly Beach features hauntingly beautiful driftwood trees and soft white sand, creating the atmospheric beach scenes seen throughout the show.

Location: Northeastern end of Folly Beach

Cost: FREE public beach access

What to Expect: Striking weathered tree skeletons, dramatic shoreline, perfect for moody OBX-style photos. Be careful - the area can have strong currents and erosion. Not ideal for swimming, but perfect for exploring and photography.

Featured in scenes with Sarah and John B strolling through downtown Kildare.

Location: King & Broad Street, Charleston

Cost: FREE - public park

While you're downtown, walk King Street to find The Ben Silver Collection (the clothing store from Season 1 Chapel Hill trip scene) and explore Charleston's historic district with its colorful Rainbow Row houses and cobblestone streets.

By Air: Fly into Charleston International Airport (CHS), serviced by all major US carriers. The airport is 12 miles north of downtown Charleston, 20-30 minutes to most hotels.

Rental Car: Highly recommended. Filming locations are spread across Charleston metro area - Mount Pleasant (7 miles east), Folly Beach (12 miles south), Hunting Island (90 miles south). Public transit is limited. Expect to pay $40-70/day for a rental car.

Driving Times from Downtown Charleston:

• Mount Pleasant / Shem Creek: 15-20 minutes (7 miles)
• Folly Beach: 25 minutes (12 miles)
• Sullivan's Island: 25 minutes (10 miles)
• Hunting Island State Park: 1.5 hours (90 miles)

Weather: Charleston has hot, humid summers (June-August, 85-95°F) and mild winters (December-February, 50-65°F). Best weather is April-May (spring, 70-80°F) and September-November (fall, 70-85°F).

Tourism Seasons:

• Peak: Summer (June-August) - hottest, most crowded, highest hotel prices. Book tours 2+ weeks ahead.
• Shoulder: April-May & September-November - ideal weather, fewer crowds, moderate prices. Best value.
• Off-Peak: December-March - coolest temps, lowest crowds, cheapest hotels. Still pleasant (50-65°F), great for budget travelers.

After New Seasons Drop: Expect tourism spikes immediately after new OBX seasons premiere. Season 5 (final season, premiering 2026) will drive MASSIVE Charleston tourism. Visit before 2026 premiere to avoid peak crowds, or embrace the fan energy and visit after.

Downtown Charleston: Best for first-timers. Walk to historic sites, restaurants, nightlife. Easy access to I-26 for Mount Pleasant and Folly Beach. Hotels $100-400/night.

Mount Pleasant: Closer to Shem Creek and Pitt Street Bridge. More suburban, family-friendly. Hotels $90-250/night.

Folly Beach: Laid-back beach town vibe. Walk to Morris Island Lighthouse viewing area and Boneyard Beach. Limited hotel options but fun beach bars and restaurants. Hotels/rentals $120-350/night.

Budget Options: Hostels in downtown Charleston ($30-50/night dorm), budget chains in North Charleston or Mount Pleasant ($70-100/night). Airbnb rentals ($80-200/night for entire place).

Fans often wonder: if the show is called Outer Banks, why isn't it filmed in North Carolina's Outer Banks?

The answer comes down to economics and practicality. In 2019, when Outer Banks was in pre-production, North Carolina had recently eliminated its film tax incentives - a 25% rebate that made the state attractive to Hollywood productions. This decision caused a mass exodus of film and TV production from North Carolina.

Meanwhile, South Carolina offered generous tax credits of up to 30% on production costs, making it far more economical to film in Charleston. The production team discovered that Charleston's diverse locations could authentically double for the Outer Banks while providing concentrated filming sites within a 90-mile radius - far more efficient than the spread-out geography of the real Outer Banks.

Charleston also offered practical advantages:

• Experienced film crews: Charleston had built significant film industry infrastructure hosting productions like The Notebook, The Patriot, and Dear John
• Diverse locations: Tidal creeks, barrier islands, historic plantations, downtown architecture, maritime forests - all within easy reach
• Year-round filming weather: Charleston's milder winters allow longer filming windows compared to the Outer Banks' harsher seasons
• Airport access: Charleston International Airport provides better connections for cast and crew than the Outer Banks' regional airports

The gamble paid off. Charleston's authentic Lowcountry coastal beauty convinced viewers worldwide that they were watching the Outer Banks, while the city's tourism industry reaped the rewards of hosting one of Netflix's most popular series.

On November 4, 2024, Netflix and the show's creators officially announced that Outer Banks Season 5 will be the final season. The announcement came shortly after Season 4's release, giving fans time to prepare for the series' conclusion.

Filming for Season 5 began in Charleston in June 2025, with the season expected to premiere on Netflix in 2026 (exact date to be announced). The production returned to familiar Charleston filming locations while also exploring new sites around South Carolina.

What this means for tourism: Charleston is preparing for an unprecedented surge in OBX tourism throughout 2025-2026. The combination of final season filming buzz, the 319% post-Season 4 tourism spike, and fans making "pilgrimage" trips before the series ends will likely make Charleston's OBX locations more crowded than ever.

Tips for visiting during the final season era:

• Book boat tours 2-4 weeks in advance (demand will be very high)
• Visit during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-November) to avoid peak summer crowds
• Make restaurant reservations at The Wreck and Bowens Island 1-2 weeks ahead
• Consider visiting before the Season 5 premiere in 2026 - after it drops, expect record tourism
• Be extra respectful at private filming locations as they'll be dealing with more fans than ever

While the vast majority of Outer Banks is filmed in Charleston and South Carolina, the show has ventured internationally for specific scenes in later seasons:

• Barbados (Season 1, 2, 3): The Bahamas beach scenes and some tropical locations were filmed in Barbados. The production used Barbadian beaches to double for Caribbean destinations in the treasure hunt.
• Morocco (Season 4): In February 2024, the cast and crew spent a month filming in Morocco, including the cities of Essaouira and Ouarzazate. These locations provided desert and North African settings for Season 4's expanded treasure hunt.

Despite these international shoots, Charleston remains the heart of Outer Banks - the vast majority of the show's runtime is filmed within 90 miles of downtown Charleston.

• Book the boat tour early: OBX Filming Locations tours ($360 for up to 6) fill up 1-2 weeks ahead, especially after Season 4\'s 319% tourism spike
• Rent a car: Public transit doesn't reach most filming locations. You need a vehicle to visit Shem Creek, Folly Beach, Hunting Island, etc.
• Respect private property: Tanneyhill/Lowndes Grove and The Chateau/John B's house are PRIVATE. View from street only, NEVER trespass
• Make restaurant reservations: The Wreck (Kiara's restaurant) and other Shem Creek spots book up fast on weekends
• Visit during shoulder season: April-May or September-November for best weather, fewer crowds, moderate prices
• Prioritize free locations: Morris Island Lighthouse, Shem Creek boardwalk, Pitt Street Bridge, and Boneyard Beach cost nothing
• Download offline maps: Cell service can be spotty at barrier islands and marsh areas
• Bring cash: Some small businesses on Shem Creek and Folly Beach may not accept cards
• Watch the show first: Re-watch key episodes before your trip to maximize nostalgia and photo opportunities
• Season 5 timing: Visit before 2026 premiere to avoid peak crowds, or embrace the finale energy and visit after