10 'Outer Banks' Filming Locations You Can Visit in Real Life

Ready to live the Pogue life? Look no further than Charleston, South Carolina. Netflix's Outer Banks, which is technically set in the real Outer Banks in North Carolina, isn't actually filmed there.

The show's production decided to move their filming locations to South Carolina in response to North Carolina's 2017 House Bill 2 legislation, which required transgender people to use the bathroom according to the sex they were assigned at birth. Though parts of it expired in 2020, LGBTQ+ organizations throughout the state continue to fight for equal rights.

Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful, beachy places to film just a little south. Outer Banks highlights some of the best locations in Charleston and Mount Pleasant so you can live out your teen mystery drama fantasies in one of the most charming and historical cities in the U.S.

Here are just a few of the amazing places that were used as film locations for the show. Outer Banks premiered Season 2 of the show in July 2021 — Season 3 is expected to be released in December 2022 — and all episodes are currently streaming on Netflix.

Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

There are plenty of sun-soaked scenes on the water for this show, and most of them were filmed in Mount Pleasant's Shem Creek. The waterfront area is a big tourist destination in the area where you can find beautiful views, creek-side dining, and plenty of water activities.

Pitt Street, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Many scenes from the show are filmed along Pitt Street in Mount Pleasant. This small stretch in the Old Village includes several locations shown in the show, including the St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Pitt Street Pharmacy. The street continues to the Pitt Street Bridge, which is an ideal place to catch blue crabs.

The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

The Wreck is featured on the show as being Kiara's (a Kook who hangs out with the Pogues) place of work. The show simplified the name, but you'll be happy to know that The Wreck is also The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene, a local restaurant in Mount Pleasant, which serves fresh seafood.

Hunting Island Lighthouse, Saint Helena Island, South Carolina

The Hunting Island Lighthouse is the only publicly accessible lighthouse in South Carolina, and was featured in the show. The Hunting Island Lighthouse was built in 1859 and unfortunately destroyed over the course of the Civil War. It was rebuilt in 1875 and currently stands as a popular tourist attraction. Check the website to see if it's open before you go — due to ongoing repairs, you may not be able to enter but can still approach and learn about it from docents outside the structure.

Geechie Seafood, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Heyward's Seafood (Pope Heyward's dad's seafood business) in the show is actually Geechie Seafood in Mount Pleasant. This seafood shack is the perfect place to find fresh shrimp straight from Shem Creek. In fact, the whole area is a seafood lover's paradise.

The Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island, South Carolina

The fanciest of all the fancy Kook locations in the show must be the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, which was a stand-in for the country club that hosted the Midsummer Night's party in Season 1. The resort has a golf course as well as tennis courts, beachside activities, and tons of luxurious rooms and villas.

Washington Square, Charleston, South Carolina

John B and Sarah visited this gorgeous park, located in downtown Charleston, as part of their day trip to UNC Chapel Hill, and it's the perfect place for you and your partner to take a romantic stroll. Not only is Washington Square an excellent spot to see some gorgeous azaleas, Spanish moss, and ancient oak trees, it's also right in the middle of the city's historic district.

Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston, South Carolina

Another UNC Chapel Hill day trip stop for John B and Sarah, the so-called exterior of UNC Chapel Hill's Law Library — which is actually in North Carolina — was actually the exterior of the Charleston Gaillard Center in downtown Charleston. The stately building is actually a concert hall and performance venue, where anyone can see Broadway touring shows, the Charleston Symphony, and more.

Morris Island Lighthouse, Folly Beach, South Carolina

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located just off the coast of Folly Beach, the Morris Island Lighthouse doubled as Redfield Lighthouse in the Netflix series and is considered to be a major highlight of a trip to South Carolina's Lowcountry. Constructed in 1872, its tower has leaned a little northeast ever since an earthquake struck in 1886. At 161 feet, it also happens to be the tallest lighthouse in the state.

The Ben Silver Collection, Charleston, South Carolina

If you want to be a Kook, you should dress like one. And there's no better way to cop some rich-kid style than at The Ben Silver Collection flagship store in Charleston. Another stop on John B and Sarah's day trip, this colorful fashion brand is known for its dressed-up beachy fashions for men and women.