Where Was Outer Banks Filmed? Visit the Real Islands Behind the Hit Show
If you’ve been pulled into the sun-drenched, adrenaline-fueled world of Outer Banks, you're far from alone. The Netflix series has captivated global audiences with its irresistible blend of treasure hunts, summer romance, and high-stakes drama. But while the story unfolds in the fictional Kildare County of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, the real-world locations used in the show are equally stunning — and waiting to be explored.
Outer Banks brings island energy to every frame. It’s not just about the gold — it’s about freedom, escape, and belonging. And the landscapes that shape those themes, from moss-draped marshes to tropical Caribbean beaches, are as much a part of the story as the Pogues themselves.
The Story and Its Stars
At the heart of Outer Banks is a modern-day pirate saga. John B (Chase Stokes), Sarah Cameron (Madelyn Cline), JJ (Rudy Pankow), Kiara (Madison Bailey), and Pope (Jonathan Daviss) are the Pogues — misfit teens from the wrong side of the island who stumble upon a mystery that spans generations: a sunken ship, lost treasure, and deep family secrets. Set against a backdrop of sun, surf, and Southern Gothic charm, the show pits them against the elite “Kooks” in a wild ride that’s equal parts thriller and coming-of-age tale.
As their journey crosses borders and oceans, so too does the production — taking viewers from the Lowcountry of South Carolina to the crystal shores of Barbados. Let’s explore the island locations where this fan-favorite series came to life.
Why South Carolina and Barbados Were Chosen
While Outer Banks is set in North Carolina’s famed barrier islands, it wasn’t filmed there. Due to the state’s controversial House Bill 2, Netflix relocated production to more inclusive locations — and found visual gold in the sea islands of South Carolina and the tropical beauty of Barbados.
The result is a seamless blending of real island settings that mirror the emotional journey of the characters — from the mystery-filled marshes of Charleston to the electric energy of a fictional Caribbean underworld.
Charleston and Its Surrounding Sea Islands – The True Kildare
Though not technically an island, Charleston, South Carolina — and the surrounding barrier islands like Johns Island, Folly Island, and Kiawah Island — became the beating heart of Outer Banks’ visual identity. These islands embody the series’ themes of class divide, natural beauty, and youthful rebellion.
Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant – The Pogues’ Playground
The creeks and docks of Mount Pleasant are central to the show’s boating scenes, where the Pogues often escape danger or scheme their next move. This area’s low-hanging oaks, shrimp boats, and golden marshes give the show its unmistakable Southern aesthetic.
Morris Island – The Lighthouse of Legends
Morris Island’s iconic offshore lighthouse appears in Season 1, evoking mystery and nostalgia. Accessible by boat or kayak, the lighthouse is both a literal and symbolic beacon in the Pogues’ treasure hunt.
Hunting Island State Park – Paradise with a Dark Edge
This remote barrier island an hour from Charleston was transformed into the wild, untouched beach hideaway where John B and Sarah hide out. Its windswept dunes and empty shores set the stage for romance, survival, and the quiet in-between moments of chaos.
Barbados – From the Bahamas to the Big Reveal
Season 2 takes the story to the “Bahamas” — but in reality, these scenes were filmed on the vibrant Caribbean island of Barbados. Its laid-back vibe, turquoise waters, and colonial charm added new texture to the series.
Speightstown – The Market Mayhem
This historic fishing town stood in for Nassau’s chaotic markets. Its brightly colored buildings and lively streets were perfect for high-stakes chase scenes and clandestine meetings.
Carlisle Bay – Where Calm Meets Conflict
With its gentle waves and glassy waters, this bay hosted several scenes where characters regrouped and schemed. It’s also a great place to snorkel among shipwrecks — fitting for a show centered on sunken treasure.
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Bathsheba Beach – Raw and Untamed
This rugged eastern coastline brought visual drama to the series. With massive boulders and crashing surf, Bathsheba was the perfect backdrop for tense moments and emotional turns.
The Island Settings as Emotional Metaphors
Just like the volcanic valleys in La Palma, the island locations in Outer Banks carry deeper meaning. The tangled marshes reflect the complexity of friendship and betrayal. The barrier islands’ shifting sands mirror unstable alliances and the characters' elusive search for truth. And the Caribbean’s dazzling clarity acts as a foil to the secrets everyone tries to hide.
For the Pogues, the island is freedom — but also exile. It’s where they come of age, get hurt, fall in love, and fight to be seen.
Filming Anecdotes from the Islands
The Marsh Chase That Was Almost Too Real
While filming a high-speed boat chase in Shem Creek, a pod of dolphins unexpectedly appeared. The crew paused the scene, allowing the moment to unfold naturally — later working the footage into the final edit. It became a quiet yet powerful reminder of the natural world that defines the Pogues’ reality.
Madelyn Cline's Hidden Cove Discovery
During a break in shooting on Barbados’ east coast, Madelyn Cline stumbled upon a secluded cove while hiking. She spent the afternoon swimming and watching the sunset alone — later describing it as one of the most peaceful moments of her life. That same cove inspired a location used in Season 3.
Local Flavor: The Real 'Wreck'
“The Wreck” — Kiara’s family seafood shack — is actually The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene, a real restaurant in Mount Pleasant. The cast and crew reportedly ate there regularly, enjoying shrimp baskets and hushpuppies after long days of filming. Locals still recall late-night run-ins with the actors.
Explore the Outer Banks Vibe for Yourself
Even if you can’t track down lost treasure, you can retrace the Pogues’ footsteps on these real-world islands.
Paddle Through Shem Creek
Rent a kayak and cruise through the marshes where the Pogues plotted their biggest moves. Dolphins, egrets, and ancient oaks line the way.
Catch the Sunset at Folly Island
Known for its surf and sunsets, Folly Beach captures the laid-back vibe that defines Pogue life. Bring a beach blanket, a cold drink, and watch the sky turn pink.
Dive Into Carlisle Bay, Barbados
If you’re lucky enough to make it to Barbados, snorkel among shipwrecks in the same waters where John B and Sarah fled danger. It’s real-life adventure — minus the chase scenes.
A Final Word: From Screen to Sand
The beauty of Outer Banks goes beyond its plot twists and cliffhangers. It’s in the salt air, the way the light hits the marsh at golden hour, the tension of the tide — and the thrill of running toward something bigger than yourself.
The islands behind Outer Banks aren’t just backdrops — they’re portals into a world where youth, adventure, and raw emotion collide. Whether you’re a Pogue at heart or simply craving a slice of sun-drenched escapism, these filming locations offer the perfect place to start your next real-life story.
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