Outer Banks Film Locations Tour

If you’re a fan of Netflix’s “Outer Banks,” chances are you’ve already binge-watched the series more than once and wondered about the real places behind the story. This tour promises to take you on a private journey through Charleston’s streets and waters, revealing the filming locations that brought the story to life. We’ve looked into this experience to see if it’s worth your time and money — and from what we’ve found, it’s a well-curated, engaging outing especially suited for fans or those curious about local scenery used in film.

What we love about this tour is the personal touch — it’s private, up-close, and led by a guide who was actually involved in the series as a background actor. The second highlight is the chance to see Charleston’s beauty and architecture while uncovering the behind-the-scenes stories, making it both a sightseeing and a pop culture experience. The only potential downside? The tour’s duration is just three hours, which is enough to get a taste, but if you’re a superfan or want a deeper exploration, you might wish for a longer or more detailed experience. Still, for those who want a focused, intimate look with a local guide, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

If you’re visiting Charleston, love “Outer Banks,” or simply enjoy behind-the-scenes entertainment stories, this tour is likely to be a hit. It’s ideal for small groups seeking a private, relaxed pace with lots of photographic opportunities.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with up to 4 guests, making it more intimate and flexible.
• Led by a guide with on-set experience, adding authenticity and fun stories.
• Visits 13 filming locations across Charleston and Mount Pleasant.
• Provides scenic views of Charleston’s architecture, waterways, and iconic spots.
• Includes a drive over the Ravenel Bridge and a stroll at Shem Creek, offering natural beauty and wildlife.
• Cost-effective for a tailored experience with a mix of cultural and pop culture insights.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

Start at Charleston: Exploring the Film Hotspots

The adventure kicks off from 181 Church St., a centrally located point in Charleston’s historic district. From there, the tour spans approximately three hours, with two hours dedicated to driving and stops in a luxury sedan that seats up to four guests. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, allowing your guide to tailor the commentary and give plenty of opportunities for photos.

During this segment, you’ll visit 13 different film locations such as Gaillard Center, Wharfside, and Lowndes Grove. These sites are the backdrop of key scenes from “Outer Banks,” and you’ll get out at each stop to take photos, soak in the surroundings, and hear behind-the-scenes stories. One review highlights this component as being “a nice tour with a great amount of places shown,” emphasizing how well the stops are spaced and the flexibility to photograph without feeling rushed.

Mount Pleasant: Scenic Views and Waterway Insights

The second part of the tour takes you across the Ravenel Bridge, a highlight in itself for its stunning views and engineering marvel. Once in Mount Pleasant, your guide will lead you through Shem Creek and the Old Village—both popular local spots known for their charming waterfronts and frequent dolphin sightings. Here, you’ll find even more film locations used in the series, adding some natural beauty to the mix.

A walk out onto the deck at Shem Creek is often rewarded with dolphin sightings — a bonus for nature lovers. One guest raved about the “loads of film sites from the show” and appreciated the “stroll out of the deck of the creek.” This area showcases Charleston’s maritime charm and gives a relaxed, authentic feel that’s perfect for those wanting to combine pop culture with scenic beauty.

What’s Included and How It Works

The entire experience is a private tour, with all transportation in a luxury sedan. It’s a flexible, comfortable way to cover a lot of ground without the fatigue of walking long distances. The tour’s total duration is about three hours, making it a manageable addition to a day of sightseeing.

The tour’s price is $199 per person, which, considering it’s private and includes expert local narration, offers good value — especially if you’re a “Outer Banks” fan wanting a behind-the-scenes look. The reviews are glowing, with many praising the guide’s knowledge and friendliness, describing her as “phenomenal,” “the best,” and “so personable.”

Why This Tour Stands Out

Many reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guidance as a key element. One enthusiast said, “Jill was very knowledgeable about the filming sites,” which elevates the experience beyond just a sightseeing trip. Her personal involvement in the show as a background actor adds a layer of authenticity and insider information that typical tours can’t match.

Another point that makes this tour appealing is the flexibility — it’s private, so your group can move at your pace, ask questions, and enjoy the stops without feeling rushed. Plus, the focus on local culture, architecture, and natural scenery makes for a well-rounded experience that isn’t only about “spotting” filming locations but also appreciating Charleston’s charm.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

Transport and Duration: The luxury sedan, small group setting, and 3-hour length create a relaxed, enjoyable environment. It’s long enough to see multiple locations but short enough to keep energy levels high.

Stops and Locations: With 13 filming sites, you’ll visit recognizable landmarks and hidden gems—the ones that made it onto camera and those used for background shots. You can take photos freely, which is important for especially dedicated fans wanting to document their journey.

Storytelling and Insights: The guide shares stories about cast and crew, production details, and fun anecdotes. One reviewer mentioned, “I love seeing the city sites,” emphasizing how the tour combines scenic touring with cultural storytelling.

Waterfront Experience: Crossing the Ravenel Bridge and strolling at Shem Creek provides a welcome natural contrast to the urban scenes. The chance to see dolphins or simply soak in Charleston’s waterfront atmosphere offers a relaxing break from the more structured stops.

Additional Details: Snacks and drinks are provided, a small touch that enhances comfort. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility considerations, as it involves short stops and a vehicle.

The Value and Who Should Consider This Tour

At $199 per person, this experience offers a personalized, story-rich way to explore Charleston’s on-screen history. For fans of “Outer Banks,” the chance to see the actual locations can deepen affection for the series and provide memorable photo ops. For those interested in Charleston’s architecture and waterways, it frames the city in a new, pop-culture context.

The focus on a small group, guided by someone who was involved in the filming, creates an authentic and engaging experience that doesn’t feel commercialized. The reviews affirm the guide’s knack for making the tour fun and informative, often calling her “phenomenal” or “the best.”

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a mix of pop culture, scenic views, and local lore, and who value a private, flexible outing rather than a large, crowded bus tour. It’s perfect for couples, small families, or friends who want a tailored experience with plenty of photo opportunities and behind-the-scenes insights.

FAQs

How long is the Outer Banks Film Locations Tour?
The tour lasts about 3 hours, with approximately two hours spent driving and visiting various film sites.

What is the group size?
It’s a private tour, limited to up to 4 guests, ensuring a personalized experience and plenty of interaction with the guide.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at 181 Church St., in Charleston’s historic district, a convenient location for most travelers staying in town.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers transportation in a luxury sedan, the guide’s commentary, and the stops at all film locations. Snacks and drinks are also provided.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely. Guests are encouraged to take as many photos and videos as they like at each stop.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the small stops make it accessible, but it’s best for those who can handle short outdoor walks and car rides.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Outer Banks Film Locations Tour in Charleston offers a unique blend of pop culture, scenic beauty, and local storytelling. It’s an excellent choice for fans eager to see the real spots behind their favorite series, and for anyone interested in Charleston’s waterfront and architecture. Led by a guide with on-set experience, it enriches the typical sightseeing outing with authentic stories and insider tidbits.

While it’s a shorter, more intimate experience than some larger tours, that’s part of its charm. With a small group, flexibility, and a focus on meaningful stops, you’ll likely leave with memorable photos and stories to tell.

If you’re looking for a fun, tailored way to explore Charleston through the lens of “Outer Banks,” this tour deserves strong consideration. It’s especially suitable for those who value authentic insights, scenic views, and a relaxed pace.

To sum it up, this tour balances entertainment and education, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at a popular series while showcasing Charleston’s natural and architectural beauty. It’s a great pick for small groups, pop culture enthusiasts, and curious travelers who prefer quality over quantity. With rave reviews praising the guide’s knowledge and friendliness, you’re in good hands for a memorable, fun-filled outing.