Plus, find out the real reason why it wasn’t shot where it is actually set

TEEN drama Outer Banks has proved a MASSIVE hit on Netflix.

The coming of age series is set in an idyllic beach vacation destination — here we take a look at where it’s shot and which locations from the show you can actually visit.

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Outer Banks is set in North CarolinaCredit: Netflix

Where Outer Banks is set

The hit Netflix series is set in a fictional town and island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Although the town isn’t real, the Outer Banks do really exist — they are a string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina and Virginia.

There are seven islands found within the Outer Banks: Currituck Banks, Bodie Island, Roanoke Island, Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island, Core Banks and Bogue Banks.

They are a popular holiday hotspot thanks to the idyllic Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

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Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla, North CarolinaCredit: Getty

Outer Banks filming locations in Charleston

The series wasn’t shot in North Carolina, but was instead filmed in a number of locations, primarily South Carolina’s Charleston.

The city captures the essence of the coastal lifestyle depicted in the show.

Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant

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Geechie Seafood restaurant in Mount PleasantCredit: supplied
This scenic area features prominently in boating scenes.

It is also home to restaurants including Geechie Seafood, which appears in the series.

Lowndes Grove

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The skyline over the Ashley River, Lowndes GroveCredit: Getty – Contributor
Lowndes Grove is used as the setting for Sarah Cameron’s home.

The historic location offers stunning views along the Ashley River and is available for events.

The picturesque waterfront estate boasts breathtaking views, beautiful gardens and a romantic atmosphere.

Eternal Father of the Sea Chapel

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The Eternal Father of the Sea ChapelCredit: instagram/visitnorthcharleston
The Eternal Father of the Sea Chapel has a rich history dating back to World War II.

Originally constructed in 1942 on the southern part of the Navy Base, the City of North Charleston and the Charleston Naval Redevelopment Authority undertook an ambitious project to preserve this historic structure in 2006.

They carefully restored the chapel and moved it approximately one mile to its current location, nestled among the historic officer’s housing.

Despite the relocation, the chapel retains much of its original charm, including authentic doors, windows, light fixtures, and pews, maintaining a tangible link to its naval heritage.

Charleston Museum

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Charleston Museum is featured in the show when characters look for artefactsCredit: Getty
Charkeston Museum is the oldest in the United States and provides insight into local history.

Founded in 1773, the museum’s collections, exhibitions, educational programs and events are designed to inspire curiosity and conversation about the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Other notable locations

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The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene restaurant exteriorCredit: instagram/thewreckrcshemcreek/

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The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene interiorCredit: instagram/thewreckrcshemcreek/

Haddrell Point: This location represents Kildare Harbor, where pivotal scenes unfold.
Boneyard Beach: Known for its natural beauty, this site is used for various dramatic moments throughout the series.
The Wreck: The restaurant Kiara works at in the show is actually a real place in Mount Pleasant, known as the Wreck of the Richard and Charlene.
Scenes were also shot on Pitt Street, Hunting Island and the Hunting Island Lighthouse.

Outer Banks filming locations in Barbados

In its third season, Outer Banks shifts to Barbados to depict adventures in the Bahamas.

Port St Charles

Port St Charles Marina, St. Peter Barbados, KaribikCredit: Alamy
This luxurious marina serves as “Poguelandia” — where significant events occur, including a dramatic plane crash scene.

Cattlewash Beach

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The iconic limestone boulder rock on Bathsheba Village Cattlewash BeachCredit: Alamy
The site of one of the Cameron estates, this beach offers stunning views and is surrounded by lush landscapes.

Welchman Hall Gully

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A banyan tree at the Welchman Hall GullyCredit: Getty – Contributor
A tropical park that doubles as a jungle setting for key scenes involving treasure hunting.

Visiting Real-Life Locations

Fans of Outer Banks can visit many of these filming locations to experience the beauty and charm that inspired the series:

Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant: Enjoy waterfront dining and scenic boat rides.
Charleston Museum: Explore American history while visiting a key filming site.
Lowndes Grove: Surrounded by acres of live oak groves and grand river views, downtown Charleston’s last great waterfront estate has enchanted visitors for over four centuries.
Eternal Father of the Sea Chapel: A charming chapel that adds to the show’s romantic backdrop.
Port St Charles, Barbados: Experience luxury at this marina while enjoying Caribbean hospitality.
Cattlewash Beach: Relax on one of Barbados’ most beautiful beaches.

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Fishing boats on the beach in Port St Charles, Speightstown, BarbadosCredit: Alamy
Although the real Outer Banks in North Carolina are not used for filming, they remain a breathtaking destination well worth exploring.

The actual islands feature stunning landscapes and rich history, providing a perfect backdrop like the ones seen in the series.

While Outer Banks is set in North Carolina’s barrier islands, its filming locations span across South Carolina and Barbados.

Fans can visit many real-life sites that bring the show’s vibrant world to life, from scenic waterfronts to historic estates.

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Aerial view of Pamlico Sound, Outer BanksCredit: Getty

Why the show wasn’t shot in the real Outer Banks

Netflix chose not to film in the real-life Outer Banks area — Wilmington, North Carolina — due to the state’s House Bill 2 legislation.

It requires transgender people to use the bathroom belonging to the sex they were assigned at birth.

This discriminatory policy, known as the “bathroom law” deterred the team from filming in North Carolina, and so instead the series was shot in South Carolina.

Speaking to the Wilmington Star-News, co-creator Jonas Pate said: “When we wrote it, it was 100 per cent Wilmington in our heads.

“We wanted to film it here. But Netflix made the right decision to insist on inclusivity and we completely agree with them.”

How can I watch Outer Banks?

You can watch Outer Banks exclusively on Netflix, where all seasons are available for streaming.

As of October 2024, there are four seasons of the show.

The first five episodes of Season 4 are currently available, with the remaining five episodes set to drop on November 7, 2024