“Outer Banks” is an exciting American teen drama series filled with action and mystery. It first aired on Netflix on April 15, 2020. The show was created by Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke. The story is set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and revolves around two groups of teenagers looking for a lost treasure.
The show became very popular, and Netflix renewed it for a third season, which premiered on February 23, 2023. Even before the third season aired, Netflix announced a fourth season in February 2023.
Where was “Outer Banks Season 1” Filmed?
Originally, the creators wanted to film in Wilmington, North Carolina, but due to certain state laws, Netflix decided against it. Instead, the first season was shot mainly in Charleston, South Carolina. Filming began on May 1, 2019, and included various picturesque locations like James Island, Johns Island, Kiawah Island, and both the Morris Island and Hunting Island Lighthouses.
Key Filming Locations of “Outer Banks”
Kildare Island: In the series, the story unfolds on a fictional island called Kildare. This island, also known as the “Outer Banks,” is a beach town divided into two parts: Figure 8, where the rich Kooks live, and the Cut, where the poorer Pogues reside. While Kildare Island does not exist, it represents the real Outer Banks in North Carolina, which has beautiful coastal areas like Dare County and Kill Devil Hills. However, the actual filming took place in Charleston, South Carolina. Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant served as the backdrop for the Pogues’ boat scenes.
Heyward’s Seafood: A must-visit spot on Kildare Island is Heyward’s Seafood, owned by Pope’s dad, Heyward. Known for its fresh shrimp, this place plays a significant role in the show. Pope helps his father at the restaurant when he’s not out searching for treasure with his friends. Geechie Seafood in Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant is the real-life market where these scenes were filmed.
Tannyhill Plantation: In the show, the wealthy Sarah Cameron and her family live in the grand Tannyhill Plantation, located in Figure 8. This mansion has white columns, a large green lawn, and a spiral staircase perfect for dramatic scenes. The property once belonged to Denmark Tanny, a formerly enslaved man who survived a shipwreck and whose treasure is central to the plot. The real-life mansion used is Lowndes Grove, a beautiful 14-acre estate on the Ashley River in Charleston, built in 1786.
The Chateau: John B lives in a place called the Chateau, even after his father, Big John, disappeared. The Chateau is charming and also serves as a meeting place for John B and his friends. It has a backyard with fairy lights, a boat dock, and even a chicken coop used to hide from bounty hunters. The scenes at the Chateau were filmed in the Secessionville Historic District in Charleston.
The Boneyard: The Boneyard is where the Pogues, Kooks, and tourists come together to party, though it often leads to conflicts. In the first episode, John B and Topper have a fight here. The Boneyard scenes were filmed at Hunting Island, a state park east of Beaufort, South Carolina, known for its sandy beaches and driftwood.
Redfield Lighthouse: John B and Kiara visit the Redfield Lighthouse to find clues about Big John and the shipwreck. However, their visit goes wrong when the lighthouse keeper calls the police on them. The Hunting Island Lighthouse in South Carolina was used for these scenes. It is a historic lighthouse open to the public.
Lighthouse Creek near Morris Island: The marshy region where the group discovers the wrecked boat on the HMS Pogue was filmed in Lighthouse Creek near Morris Island. The historic red and white 19th-century lighthouse, which is positioned on the southern side of the entrance to Charleston Harbor, may be seen in the background of various sequences in season three episodes one and six.
Hunting Island Lighthouse, CGI’d into Fort Johnson: Season one ends with a police encampment beneath the Hunting Island Lighthouse, which is digitally merged into Fort Johnson on James Island’s northern side. The region contains the buildings of the Hollings Marine Laboratory complex.
The Wreck: Kiara’s family owns a restaurant called the Wreck, where the Pogues often hang out. Kiara works here but sometimes leaves to help her friends. The real restaurant is The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene, located on Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant. The name comes from a boat wrecked during Hurricane Hugo in 1989.
Surfrider Cleanup: The Kooks also care about the environment. In the third episode, Sarah and her pals help clean up Masonboro Beach. The beach cleanup sequences took place at Hunting Island State Park.
Ben Silver: During their search for additional clues, John B and Sarah stop by Ben Silver for a makeover. Ben Silver is an actual clothes store on King Street in Charleston.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Law Library: John B and Sarah search through ancient records at the UNC Law Library for information regarding Denmark Tanny. The scenes were shot in the Charleston Gaillard Center in downtown Charleston.
Ferry Dock: After returning from UNC Chapel Hill, John B and Sarah kiss for the first time on a ferry dock in the rain. This romantic scene was shot on the pier at Charleston Maritime Center, using the Carolina Belle boat provided by Charleston Harbor Tours.
Kildare County High School: The Pogues occasionally attend school. John B goes to his teacher, Mr. Sunn, for help translating a letter. The high school sequences were shot in a local middle school in Charleston.
Island Club: The Kooks host a grand Midsummers party at the Island Club, where they dress up and dance, while the Pogues work as servers. Kiawah Island Golf Resort was used for these scenes. It is a luxury beach resort with golf and five-star amenities.
Hawk’s Nest Tower: Topper pushes John B off the Hawk’s Nest tower in a fit of jealousy after seeing him with Sarah. The Palmetto Park Islands Observation Tower in Mount Pleasant offers great views and was used for this dramatic scene.
Crain House: The Pogues investigate a frightening old house owned by the Crain family, hoping to discover hidden wealth in the basement. The house is located in Charleston’s Cannonborough Elliotborough neighborhood.
John B’s Bell Tower: John B takes Sarah to an old bell tower, a secret spot he frequents. It becomes a romantic place until Rafe burns it down. The Old Bethel AME Church, an abandoned Civil War-era church in McClellanville, South Carolina, served as the filming location for these sequences.
“Outer Banks” offers a thrilling adventure with its intriguing storyline and beautiful filming locations. From the historical mansions and lighthouses to cozy seafood restaurants and scenic beaches, each place adds to the charm of the series. The show’s creators have effectively used these stunning locations to bring the fictional world of Kildare Island to life, making the series a visual treat for the audience.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Outer Banks Season 1
Q: Where was “Outer Banks” Season 1 filmed?
A: “Outer Banks” Season 1 was primarily filmed in and around Charleston, South Carolina. Key filming locations included Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, Lowndes Grove on the Ashley River, and the Secessionville Historic District. Although the show is set in the fictional Kildare Island in North Carolina, Charleston provided the scenic and versatile backdrop needed for the series.
Q: Why was “Outer Banks” not filmed in the actual Outer Banks of North Carolina?
A: The creators initially considered filming in the real Outer Banks in North Carolina. However, due to the state’s House Bill 2 legislation at the time, Netflix opted to shoot the series in Charleston, South Carolina instead. This location offered similar coastal scenery and allowed for a flexible filming schedule.
Q: When did filming for “Outer Banks” Season 1 take place?
A: Filming for “Outer Banks” Season 1 began on May 1, 2019, and continued throughout the summer. The production team utilized various locations around Charleston, including James Island, Johns Island, Kiawah Island, and both the Morris Island and Hunting Island Lighthouses, to create the show’s vibrant setting.
Q: Were any actual locations used to portray areas in “Outer Banks”?
A: Yes, various real locations in Charleston, South Carolina were used to depict scenes from “Outer Banks.” For example, Geechie Seafood in Shem Creek functioned as Heyward’s Seafood, Lowndes Grove Estate as Tannyhill Plantation, and The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene as Kiara’s family restaurant. Hunting Island State Park served as the series’ Boneyard, a frequent hangout.
Q: When was “Outer Banks” Season 1 released?
A: “Outer Banks” Season 1 premiered on Netflix on April 15, 2020.
