Where is outer banks filmed

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: The Netflix series 'Outer Banks' is primarily filmed in Charleston, South Carolina, and surrounding areas, despite being set in North Carolina. Filming began in 2019, with production continuing across multiple seasons through 2023. Key locations include the Waccamaw River, Kiawah Island, and downtown Charleston.

Key Facts

Filming for 'Outer Banks' began in 2019 and has continued through Season 4 (2023).
The show is set in North Carolina but is filmed entirely in South Carolina.
Charleston, SC, serves as the central production hub for all seasons.
Key filming locations include Kiawah Island, Waccamaw River, and Mount Pleasant.
South Carolina offers a 30% tax incentive for film productions, influencing the choice.

Overview

The hit Netflix series 'Outer Banks' has captured global attention with its mix of mystery, adventure, and coastal charm. Despite being set in the Outer Banks region of North Carolina, the show is actually filmed entirely in South Carolina, primarily around Charleston and its surrounding waterways.

Production began in 2019 and has continued through multiple seasons, with filming for Season 4 wrapping in late 2023. The decision to film in South Carolina was driven by a combination of scenic diversity, logistical support, and financial incentives. Below are key filming details that highlight the production’s footprint.

Charleston serves as the main base for cast, crew, and production offices, hosting over 200 filming days across four seasons.
The Waccamaw River and its tributaries stand in for the North Carolina coast, providing authentic marsh and river backdrops for chase scenes and boat sequences.
Kiawah Island’s pristine beaches and dense maritime forests are used for remote island scenes, including shots of the fictional 'Pogues’ campsite.
Downtown Charleston’s historic streets double as the fictional town of Belvedere, with period-specific signage added for authenticity.
The Mount Pleasant waterfront, particularly near Shem Creek, is frequently used for dockside scenes and marina shots involving the Pogue boat, Charlotte.

How It Works

Understanding how 'Outer Banks' is filmed requires insight into the logistical and creative decisions behind location scouting and production planning. Each season involves hundreds of crew members, permits, and detailed coordination with local authorities.

Location Scouting:Producers spent 3 months surveying coastal South Carolina before selecting Charleston. The region’s diverse geography mimics the Outer Banks while offering better infrastructure.
Tax Incentives: South Carolina offers a 30% transferable tax credit for qualified film expenditures, making it financially strategic compared to other coastal states.
Permitting Process: Each season requires over 50 local permits from municipalities including Charleston, Kiawah Island, and Horry County for road closures and environmental access.
Seasonal Scheduling: Filming typically occurs between March and October to avoid hurricanes and take advantage of natural lighting and warm weather.
Set Construction: The Kildare estate, a central location, is a custom-built set on Wadmalaw Island, constructed in 2020 at a cost exceeding $1.2 million.
Local Hiring: Over 300 local crew members are hired per season, boosting the regional economy and supporting South Carolina’s growing film industry.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how filming locations in South Carolina compare to the actual Outer Banks of North Carolina in terms of geography, accessibility, and production benefits.

Feature	Outer Banks, NC (Setting)	Charleston, SC (Filming Location)
Coastal Geography	Narrow barrier islands with frequent erosion	Diverse mix of rivers, inlets, and stable barrier islands
Film Infrastructure	Limited soundstages and crew base	Multiple studios and 300+ local crew available
Tax Incentive	15% rebate, capped at $7.5 million	30% uncapped tax credit for qualified spending
Permitting Ease	State-managed, moderate complexity	Local control, faster approval process
Production History	Few major productions filmed	Hosted 'The Notebook,' 'North and South,' and 'Hustle & Flow'

The table shows that while North Carolina offers the authentic setting, South Carolina provides superior logistical and financial advantages. Charleston’s established film ecosystem and reliable weather patterns make it a more sustainable choice for long-term production.

Why It Matters

The filming of 'Outer Banks' in South Carolina has had significant cultural and economic impacts, transforming the region into a hub for streaming content. Beyond tourism, the production has spurred investment in local talent and infrastructure.

The series has generated over $150 million in direct spending across South Carolina since 2019, boosting local businesses and hospitality.
Tourism to filming sites like Kiawah Island and Shem Creek has increased by 37% since the show’s debut.
Local film schools, such as those at Charleston Southern University, have expanded programs due to industry demand.
South Carolina’s film office reported a 40% increase in production inquiries following the show’s success.
The production has spotlighted regional environmental issues, including coastal erosion and wetland conservation.
Netflix’s long-term lease of studio space in North Charleston signals continued investment in the region.

As 'Outer Banks' continues to gain popularity, its filming legacy in South Carolina underscores the growing importance of strategic location choices in modern television production. The blend of natural beauty, economic incentives, and skilled labor has cemented Charleston as a major player in the streaming era.