Outer Banks Season 4 drives tourism boom in Charleston
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The hit Netflix series Outer Banks is not only captivating audiences but also inspiring travel trends.
The release of Season 4 has led to a remarkable 319% increase in Google searches for “Charleston holidays,” according to travel experts at Travelbag. Although the show is set in the fictional town of Kildare, much of its filming takes place in Charleston, South Carolina, attracting fans eager to explore the real-life locations featured in the series.
Even more surprising, searches for “Outer Banks vacation homes” have skyrocketed by 10,547%, suggesting a growing interest in experiencing the area beyond a brief visit. Charleston’s mix of historic landmarks, scenic backdrops, and ties to the Outer Banks storyline make it an ideal destination for fans of the show.
Season 4 prominently features a number of Charleston-area landmarks. Here’s a detailed guide to the filming locations fans can visit. *Contains spoilers!*
Major Filming Locations in Charleston:
Olde Village, Mt. Pleasant: JJ’s dramatic “crashout” scene, where he smashes windows of beloved local stores, including Pitt Street Pharmacy, was filmed here. The pharmacy is also the site where Sarah secretly takes a pregnancy test.
Bowens Island Restaurant: Known as Rockfish Bar in the series, this Charleston restaurant is a must-visit.
Circular Congregational Church and its cemetery: Pope and the Pogues follow clues to this historic church, where John B discovers the grave of his ancestor. However, the interior shots of this church were filmed at Unitarian Church in Charleston.
Old Exchange Building (Provost): The crypt-like catacombs where Sarah and Pope search for Blackbeard’s treasure were filmed in this historic building.
Admiral’s House (Quarter G): The real-life stand-in for Blackstone Manor on Goat Island.
Crosby’s Fish & Shrimp Company: The ATM scene where the Pogues realize their jackpot winnings.
The “Maybank Property” is located in Charleston and serves as the site of Poguelandia 2.0, the Pogues’ home base and business.
Hospital Scenes: The hyperbaric chambers and other hospital interiors were filmed at May Forest State Park, Charleston.
Additional Charleston Locations:
- Shem Creek: Many boating scenes take place along this picturesque waterway.
- Fort Johnson: The Shoals, where the Pogues regroup and are confronted by Sheriff Shoupe.
- Zeasy Realty Co.: JJ’s vandalism scene was shot at the Gatekeepers Inn in Quarters F, North Charleston.
- Toler’s Cove Marina, Mt. Pleasant: Hollis’ boat scenes.
- Groff’s Boathouse: This Goat Island boathouse is part of Richmond Plantation, SC.
- Military Recruiter’s Office: Pope’s Marine Corps meeting was filmed at Quarters J in North Charleston.
- Islamic Center: Located in North Charleston.
- Character Homes:
- Sophia, Rafe’s girlfriend: Located in Charleston.
- Mr. Sunn: Located on John’s Island.
- Rafe Cameron, Uncle Roger Heyward, Hollis Robinson: Located in Mount Pleasant.
A Last Chance for Fans to Visit
Fans of Outer Banks will want to act quickly, as the show’s creators have confirmed that Season 5, set to begin filming in Charleston in spring 2025, will be its last. The final season promises to tie up loose ends and deliver a thrilling conclusion to the Pogues’ treasure-hunting adventures.
For film buffs and Outer Banks devotees, now is the time to visit Charleston and explore the show’s iconic filming locations. Who knows? You might even catch a glimpse of the cast filming their farewell season.
Other Screen-Inspired Travel Trends for 2025
While Charleston leads the pack with its Outer Banks fame, other destinations are also set to see a surge in popularity thanks to film and TV releases in 2025.
Searches for “package holidays to Peru” have risen by 125%, inspired by Paddington 3, while Yellowstone season 5 has fueled a 60% increase in interest for Montana getaways. Meanwhile, White Lotus season 3 is spotlighting Thailand with a 23% boost, and Gladiator II is rekindling interest in Rome, driving a 22% rise in holiday searches.
As audiences turn their screen dreams into travel plans, these cinematic destinations are primed for a wave of eager visitors.
