Outer Banks Filming Locations: A Real-Life Guide to the Pogues’ World
If you’ve ever wished you could dive headfirst into the world of Outer Banks—cruising around in a beat-up van, chasing buried treasure, or just soaking in the salty air with the Pogues—you’re not alone. Ever since the Netflix series exploded in popularity, fans have been asking the same question:
Where was Outer Banks actually filmed?
Spoiler: It’s not the Outer Banks.
Despite the name, most of the show wasn’t shot in the actual Outer Banks of North Carolina. Instead, the series used the charming streets, creeks, and beaches of Charleston, South Carolina, and the surrounding Lowcountry as its backdrop — and it works beautifully. If you’ve ever wandered those parts of the South, you’ll recognize the Spanish moss, pastel houses, and marshy views that help bring the story to life.
Let’s break down some of the most iconic filming locations — and how you can visit them yourself.
Charleston: The Unsung Star of Outer Banks
The decision to move filming from North Carolina to South Carolina had a lot to do with politics and incentives. North Carolina’s controversial “bathroom bill” pushed many productions away from the state. South Carolina, meanwhile, rolled out the red carpet.
Charleston, with its mix of coastal charm and historic architecture, became the heart of the show’s fictional Kildare Island.
And honestly? It fits. There’s something timeless and rugged about Charleston’s coastline that perfectly mirrors the spirit of Outer Banks.
Must-Visit Outer Banks Filming Locations
1. Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant
Shem Creek is probably the easiest-to-spot location in the show. It’s where Kiara’s parents own The Wreck and where the Pogues often gather. It’s not just a set — it’s a real, working waterfront filled with shrimp boats and dockside restaurants. You can actually eat at The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene, the real-life restaurant used in the show.
Grab a plate of fried shrimp, sit outside by the water, and channel your inner John B.
2. Pitt Street Bridge
This one’s a fan favorite. The old bridge at the end of Pitt Street in Mount Pleasant makes several appearances — especially when the group is having one of their heart-to-hearts. With panoramic marsh views and a peaceful vibe, it’s the kind of place you can easily picture the Pogues watching the sunset.
Bonus: It’s a great photo op.
3. Lowndes Grove Estate
Remember Sarah Cameron’s jaw-dropping family mansion? That’s Lowndes Grove, a historic estate on the Ashley River in Charleston. The house has been used in several shows and movies, but Outer Banks gave it serious screentime. It’s private property and often used for weddings, but you can sometimes sneak a peek from the street.
4. Hunting Island Lighthouse
That tall, moody lighthouse from Season 1? That’s the real-life Hunting Island Lighthouse, located in a state park about two hours from Charleston. It served as the Redfield Lighthouse and became one of the key treasure hunt spots early in the series.
You can actually climb it, too—167 steps to the top for a stunning ocean view.
Seasons 2 & 3: Expanding the World
As the series progressed, the settings expanded — and so did the filming locations.
In Season 2, the crew stayed mostly in South Carolina but started using more locations like Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island for their beachy, upscale looks. They also filmed a few gritty scenes in more rural areas like John’s Island, where fields and forests added a new layer to the show’s visual palette.
By Season 3, they shook things up completely with scenes set in a tropical “Poguelandia.” Those were actually filmed in Barbados, giving the early episodes of the season a breezy, sun-soaked change of pace. You probably didn’t even notice the shift, because the production blended the exotic with the familiar so well.
Can You Visit These Places? Absolutely.
One of the best parts about Outer Banks is that so much of it was filmed in public or semi-public spaces. If you’re planning a trip to Charleston, you can put together your own filming locations tour with just a car, a map, and a little time.
Here’s a sample itinerary:
- Morning: Start with breakfast in downtown Charleston. Head over to Shem Creek for a stroll, and maybe spot some dolphins if you’re lucky.
- Afternoon: Visit Pitt Street Bridge for some photos, then swing by Lowndes Grove (from a respectful distance) to see where the Camerons lived.
- Evening: Drive out to Kiawah or Seabrook for a quiet beach walk. Bonus points if you rewatch an episode the night before and spot a scene filmed there.
Why Fans Love the Real Locations
There’s something incredibly fun about seeing the places where a show was filmed. It takes the magic off the screen and puts it in front of you. And in this case, Charleston and the Lowcountry have their own kind of magic — one that goes beyond the show.
Whether you’re a die-hard Pogue or just love the idea of salty air, sunsets, and Southern charm, these filming locations are worth a visit. They bring the fictional world of Outer Banks to life, and maybe, just maybe, inspire a little adventure of your own.
Final Thoughts
Outer Banks isn’t just a teen drama with treasure hunts and love triangles — it’s a love letter to coastal living, and that comes through in every frame. Even though the real Outer Banks weren’t used, the heart of the show lives in Charleston’s harbors, creeks, and cobblestone streets.
So pack your flip-flops, queue up your favorite episodes, and go explore the real-world Kildare Island. Who knows — you might just stumble on a little mystery of your own.
