Charleston: Outer Banks Film Locations Private Tour

Summary

Walk the sets of Outer Banks in Charleston with insider stories, stops for photos and snacks along the way

You’ll step into real Outer Banks filming locations across Charleston with a background actor as your guide—expect behind-the-scenes stories, photo stops at iconic scenes, snacks and bottled water along the way. There’s plenty of laughter and local history mixed in too. You’ll leave with more than just photos—maybe even a new favorite memory from Shem Creek.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s actually where John B. jumped off the dock,” our guide grinned, pointing past a sleepy pelican at Shem Creek. I’d seen that scene a dozen times but standing there — salty air, boats clinking — it felt different. The tour started fast; barely got my seatbelt on in the SUV before we were off to our first Outer Banks film location. Our guide (he was an extra on the show — he had stories) kept tossing out little bits about cast quirks and crew mishaps. I tried to imagine the set filled with cameras and cables instead of just quiet Charleston streets.

We stopped at thirteen different filming spots all around Charleston, hopping out every time for photos or just to squint at a doorway (“You remember this from season two?”). Sometimes we’d linger longer than planned because someone would notice a detail — like how the paint on Lowndes Grove looked totally different in person. At one point, our guide handed out snacks and water from a cooler in the backseat. It sounds small but after an hour of bouncing between locations, that granola bar hit just right.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much — or to learn anything about Charleston itself. Turns out our guide is also a licensed city guide, so between Outer Banks trivia he’d slip in little bits about local history (like why Gaillard Center’s windows are shaped that way). Crossing the Ravenel Bridge felt cinematic even without cameras rolling; wind whipping through open windows, everyone craning for dolphin sightings near The Wreck. Someone tried to quote JJ’s lines and butchered it — cue more laughter.

By the end, my phone was full of pictures but it’s weird — what stuck most was that feeling of being let in on something secret. Like you’re seeing both TV magic and real life at once. I still think about that view over Shem Creek sometimes, honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Outer Banks film locations in Charleston

• Drive 2 hours in luxury sedan
• Visit 13 film locations in Charleston
• Stop and take photos at each location
• Cross Ravenel Bridge to Shem Creek
• Explore Old Village in Mount Pleasant
• Stroll on deck at The Wreck
• Watch for dolphins at creek

Top questions

How long is the Outer Banks film locations tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

How many people can join this private tour?

The tour is for 2 to 4 guests per group; solo travelers aren’t accepted.

Are snacks included during the tour?

Yes, snacks and bottled water are provided during the tour.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup isn’t mentioned as part of this tour.

Do we get out at each filming location?

Yes, you’ll get out at every stop for photos and exploring.

Which areas does the tour cover?

The tour visits 13 filming sites around Charleston plus Shem Creek and Old Village in Mount Pleasant.

Is this suitable for travelers with health issues?

The tour isn’t recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Can service animals join the tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes private transport in a fully insured luxury SUV with city certification, guided by a background actor from Outer Banks who shares behind-the-scenes stories while taking you to 13 filming locations across Charleston and Mount Pleasant—with snacks and bottled water along for every stop and stroll by Shem Creek’s deck before returning after three hours together.