North Carolina's Iconic Filming Locations for Movies and TV
Explore the real-world sites behind famous Hollywood productions filmed across North Carolina.
1Hollywood East Appeal
North Carolina serves as a premier destination for location scouts due to its diverse geography, ranging from misty mountain peaks to rugged Atlantic coastlines. Wilmington, frequently dubbed Wilmywood, acts as the state's primary production hub. This region has hosted numerous high-profile film and television projects, attracting fans eager to visit iconic sets.
2Summer I Turned Pretty
Amazon Prime Video’s hit series utilized Wilmington and surrounding beach towns to represent the fictional Cousins Beach. Key filming sites include Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. Fans can visit local establishments like Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria, while university scenes were captured at the University of North Carolina campus in Chapel Hill.
3One Tree Hill Legacy
The long-running teen drama One Tree Hill filmed extensively across Wilmington for nine seasons. Notable locations accessible to visitors include the New Hanover County Courthouse, Thalian Hall, and the Harry Forden Bridge. Several local eateries featured in the series, such as The Dixie Grill and Dough House Pizza Co., remain open to the public.
4Forrest Gump and Outer Banks
While primarily filmed elsewhere, North Carolina hosts specific scenes for major hits. The Forrest Gump Curve on Grandfather Mountain marks where the protagonist ran during his cross-country trip. Meanwhile, Netflix’s Outer Banks utilized Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and Copperhead Ranch for key action sequences, showcasing the state's unique barrier island landscape.
5Dawson’s Creek Wilmington Roots
Although set in a fictional Massachusetts town, the 90s classic Dawson’s Creek was filmed primarily in Wilmington. Visitors can follow self-guided tours to see sites like the Wilmington Riverwalk and Hell’s Kitchen, which stood in for Mollye’s Market. The Airlie Gardens and New Hanover County Arboretum are also popular stops for dedicated series fans.
6The Green Mile Setting
The film adaptation of Stephen King’s The Green Mile utilized the historic Moses Cone Manor in Blowing Rock for its Georgia Pines nursing home scenes. The 3,600-acre estate provides a dramatic backdrop for the narrative. Interested visitors can arrange free tours of the property by contacting the National Park Service in advance.
7Dirty Dancing at Lake Lure
Lake Lure served as the primary filming location for the 1980s classic Dirty Dancing, despite the story being set in New York. Iconic spots include the stairs where Baby carried a watermelon and the dance floor now housed at The Esmeralda Inn. Guests can even book themed rooms at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn.
8The Rise of Set-Jetting
The trend of set-jetting, where travelers visit filming locations, continues to boost tourism across North Carolina. By leveraging the state's natural beauty and production history, local tourism boards provide structured itineraries for fans. This intersection of entertainment and travel transforms static filming sites into active, engaging destinations for global pop culture enthusiasts.