The Shocking Truth: 7 Places Where 'Outer Banks' Is ACTUALLY Filmed (It's Not North Carolina)

Since its explosive debut in 2020, the Netflix sensation Outer Banks has captivated millions with its high-stakes treasure hunt, sun-drenched coastal drama, and the perpetual class war between the 'Pogues' and the 'Kooks.' The show’s entire identity is wrapped up in the mystique of its setting: the Outer Banks of North Carolina, specifically the fictional "Kildare Island." However, as of today, December 12, 2025, the biggest secret of the series isn't the location of the Royal Merchant gold, but the surprising real-life location where the majority of the show is brought to life.

The widespread assumption that the series is shot in the actual North Carolina Outer Banks is completely false. The show's creators made a crucial decision to film elsewhere, turning a beloved South Carolina city into the backdrop for the Pogues' adventures. This deep dive will break down the fictional world, the surprising primary filming location, and the exotic international spots used to bring the show's global treasure hunts to life in the most recent seasons.

The Fictional World of Kildare Island: North Carolina's Treasure Coast

The world of Outer Banks is meticulously constructed around the geography and lore of the real North Carolina coast. The show is set in the fictional town of Kildare, which is presented as a barrier island in the Outer Banks (often abbreviated as OBX). This setting is central to the show's narrative, establishing the stark division between the wealthy 'Kooks' of Figure Eight and the working-class 'Pogues' who live on the Cut.

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• Kildare Island: This is the main setting, a fictional composite of several real OBX towns, embodying the laid-back, surf-centric culture.
• The Cut: The Pogue side of the island, characterized by smaller, older houses and docks, representing the struggle of the working class.
• Figure Eight: The Kook side, featuring sprawling mansions, private beaches, and expensive yachts, a clear symbol of generational wealth and privilege.
• The Geographical Conflict: The entire premise is built on the area's rich maritime history, including tales of shipwrecks, pirates, and lost treasure—all elements drawn from the actual history of the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" off the North Carolina coast.

The show's creators, the Pate brothers, are North Carolina natives, which is why the dialogue, landmarks, and overall atmosphere feel so authentic to the region, despite the actual filming location being hundreds of miles away. The intention was always to capture the spirit of the OBX, even if the physical production had to take place elsewhere.

The True Primary Filming Location: Charleston, South Carolina

The biggest revelation for most fans is that the bulk of the series, from Season 1 through the most recent Season 4, is filmed in and around Charleston, South Carolina. The production chose South Carolina after a disagreement with North Carolina over the controversial "House Bill 2" (HB2) legislation, prompting a move to a more film-friendly state.

Charleston’s historic charm, lush low-country landscape, and expansive waterways provided the perfect double for the fictional Kildare Island. The city and its surrounding areas—particularly Mount Pleasant—are essentially the true home of the Pogues and Kooks.

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7 Real-Life Locations That Became Kildare Island

These specific locations in South Carolina are instantly recognizable to fans and serve as the most iconic spots in the series:

1. The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene (The Wreck): Kiara’s family restaurant, a key Pogue hangout, is a real-life seafood joint called The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene in Mount Pleasant, SC. Its rustic, waterfront charm made it a perfect fit for the show.
2. Shem Creek: Many of the show's iconic boat chase scenes and waterfront shots are filmed along Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant. This popular spot is known for its shrimp boats, marinas, and lively atmosphere.
3. The Pogue's Shack: John B's iconic home, the hub for all the Pogues' planning, is a set built on James Island, SC, designed to look exactly like a classic, weathered Outer Banks fishing shack.
4. The Kook Mansions (Figure Eight): The opulent homes of the Cameron and Thornton families are primarily filmed in the wealthy, historic neighborhoods of Mount Pleasant's Old Village and on Daniel Island, showcasing classic Southern architecture.
5. Morris Island Lighthouse: This famous, isolated lighthouse, often seen in establishing shots and as a backdrop for dramatic scenes, is a true Charleston landmark, located near the entrance to the harbor.
6. Hunting Island State Park: Recent news indicates that parts of the upcoming season (potentially Season 5) were filmed at Hunting Island State Park near Beaufort, SC, suggesting the production is continuing to use the beautiful Lowcountry landscape.
7. Myrtle Beach Area: Production for Season 4 was also reported in the Myrtle Beach, SC area, including the Socastee Swing Bridge, demonstrating the show's continued commitment to filming in the Palmetto State.

Global Adventures: The International Filming Locations

As the treasure hunt expanded beyond the confines of Kildare Island in later seasons, the production had to travel to much more exotic locales. This added a layer of topical authority to the series, showcasing that the scope of the adventure is truly global.

Barbados: The Caribbean Connection

In Season 3, the Pogues find themselves shipwrecked on a mysterious island, which is later revealed to be an uncharted part of the Caribbean. The filming for these lush, tropical scenes was actually done in Barbados. This location provided the necessary white-sand beaches, dense jungle, and remote feel that couldn't be replicated in South Carolina.

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• The Chase for El Dorado: The hunt for the legendary city of gold in Season 3 took the cast and crew to various stunning spots across the island nation of Barbados, including rugged coastlines and dense inland areas.
• Topical Entity: The use of Barbados highlights the show's commitment to high production value, transforming the series from a local drama into a global adventure series.

Morocco and Beyond: The Search Continues

The search for the next big treasure, which has driven the plot of the show since the beginning, has led the characters to mention and briefly visit several other international destinations. While not all scenes are filmed in the actual country, the series has used locations to represent:

• Morocco: Mentioned as a key location in the hunt for the Royal Merchant gold.
• Venezuela: The location of El Dorado in the show's lore.
• The Bahamas: Briefly featured as a key transit point for the treasure.

The introduction of these international entities significantly broadened the show's scope, moving it past a simple local rivalry and cementing its status as a high-octane, globe-trotting young adult drama. The contrast between the familiar, low-country setting of Charleston and the exoticism of Barbados is a major factor in the show's appeal.

The Real Outer Banks vs. The Show's Kildare: A Comparison

For those who have visited the real Outer Banks of North Carolina, the fictional world of Kildare Island feels both familiar and deeply inaccurate. The decision to film in South Carolina led to several geographical and cultural differences that are often noted by locals:

While the show's setting is a fictionalized paradise, the use of Charleston, SC, provided a stunning, warm, and visually similar alternative. Charleston's historic downtown, beautiful barrier islands, and intricate waterways offered the perfect blend of coastal beauty and Southern Gothic atmosphere needed to tell the story of John B, Sarah Cameron, Pope, JJ, and Kiara. The fact that the show is not filmed in North Carolina is now one of its most fascinating pieces of trivia, adding another layer to the mystery and intrigue of the Outer Banks universe.