OBX Filming Locations Near Charleston: A Complete Guide
Lighthouse
If you’ve binged Netflix’s Outer Banks and found yourself googling “is this a real place,” you’re not alone — and the answer is more interesting than you’d expect. Despite the name, the show isn’t filmed in North Carolina’s actual Outer Banks. It’s filmed in and around Charleston, South Carolina, with Folly Beach standing in for the fictional island of Kildare. Here’s where the Pogues actually roamed, and how to see it for yourself.
Why Charleston Plays “OBX” on TV
Charleston’s mix of marsh, maritime forest, and small-town charm made it a stand-in for the Outer Banks setting, and the production leaned heavily on Folly Beach and the surrounding waterways for exteriors. That means most of the iconic locations aren’t scattered across some far-off coastline — they’re clustered along the same creeks and marshes that locals use every day.
The Locations Fans Actually Want to See
- Morris Island Lighthouse — This crumbling, historic lighthouse sits just offshore from Folly Beach and shows up as one of the more recognizable backdrops in the series. It’s only reachable by boat or a long walk at low tide, which makes it feel appropriately remote on screen.
- The Boneyard Beach — A stretch of shoreline littered with sun-bleached, storm-fallen trees, used for some of the show’s moodier scenes. It’s as photogenic in person as it looks on TV.
- Poguelandia (JJ’s House) — Fans looking for JJ’s place will find it tucked along the water, recognizable the moment it comes into view.
- John B’s House — Another fan-favorite stop, and one of the locations that tends to get the most “wait, that’s really it?” reactions from visitors.
How to See Them (Without Trespassing)
Most of these locations sit on private property or are only accessible by water, so wandering around looking for them on foot isn’t really an option — and isn’t welcome, either. The most practical way to see them is from a boat, which is exactly how they were filmed in the first place.
The OBX filming locations boat tour departs from Folly Beach and cruises past Morris Island Lighthouse, the Boneyard Beach, Poguelandia, and John B’s house, with commentary on how and where each scene was shot. Along the way, there’s a good chance you’ll spot wild dolphins too, since the same creeks that make great filming backdrops also happen to be prime dolphin habitat.
Tours run as small private charters for up to six guests, or larger public trips on select days — both departing from Folly Beach, with a downtown Charleston option also available for a longer, combined route covering filming spots on both sides of the harbor.
Make It Part of a Bigger Trip
Not everyone in your group needs to be an OBX superfan to enjoy this one. The tour doubles as a scenic Lowcountry boat ride, so it works well alongside a Folly Beach dolphin tour or a sunset cruise if you want to see more of the area while you’re out on the water. Bachelorette groups looking to combine the fandom with a celebration can also add the OBX route onto a bachelorette party charter.
Planning Your Visit
Tours are weather- and tide-dependent, so booking a few days ahead is smart, especially during peak Outer Banks fan season in the summer. Bring sunglasses, wear clothes that can get wet, and — if you’re really committed — your favorite character’s face on a stick for photos.
Whether you’re there for John B, the dolphins, or both, seeing the real locations behind the show is a genuinely fun way to experience Charleston from a different angle. Check out all Flipper Finders tours to plan the rest of your trip.