Wilmington and Beaches in North Carolina are known as "Hollywood East" thanks to their large number of film and TV credits. Since the early 1980s, a variety of iconic teen dramas, blockbuster hits, and indie films have been filmed here. Whether you're a film buff, a TV superfan, or just want to explore the area, discovering the top filming locations is a great way to glimpse behind the scenes of the film industry.
Filming Locations in Wilmington, NC
Dawson's Creek
Dawson's Creek is a teen cult classic from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. Capeside comes to life with dozens of filming locations in Wilmington and the surrounding beaches.
Key filming spots include Dockside Restaurant, which served as the Icehouse restaurant where Joey worked, and Airlie Gardens, a stunning botanical garden that appeared in various romantic scenes. The Wilmington Riverwalk was home to multiple scenes, while Hell’s Kitchen, a real bar in downtown Wilmington, was used as a set for Mollye's Market.
One Tree Hill
One Tree Hill, the hit teen drama that aired from 2003 to 2012, was filmed entirely in Wilmington, North Carolina. The city’s charming streets, scenic riverfront, and beautiful beaches provide the perfect backdrop for the fictional town of Tree Hill.
Iconic filming locations include Karen’s Café, which was shot at a real building in downtown Wilmington (now a fan-favorite shop), and Blue Post Billards, the pool hall frequently featured in the show. Riverwalk Park along the Cape Fear River was a popular spot for emotional scenes, like when Nathan (James Lafferty) gave Haley (Bethany Joy Lenz) a Crackerjack bracelet. You can also visit Greenfield Park, where Lucas and Peyton got married in Season 6.
The Summer I Turned Pretty
The Summer I Turned Pretty is an Amazon Prime Video series based on Jenny Han's novels. Seasons One and Two were filmed in and around Wilmington, North Carolina, and its nearby beaches, including Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach.
The production featured various local locations to represent the fictional Cousins Beach. For example, Belly and Conrad are seen in Season 2 walking along the Basin Trail at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area in Kure Beach. Additionally, the Cape Fear Country Club in Wilmington was used for exterior shots of the Courins Beach Country Club. Lastly, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk was featured in Season 2 when Belly, Jeremiah, Conrad, and everyone else played games. Wilmington's scenic coastal charm provided an ideal backdrop for the show's setting.
Sleepy Hollow
The Sleepy Hollow TV show, which aired on Fox from 2013 to 2017, was primarily filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina. The city’s historic architecture, lush forests, and coastal charm provided the perfect eerie and atmospheric backdrop for the supernatural drama.
Filming locations included downtown Wilmington, Brunswick Town, and Greenfield Lake, which helped create the show's colonial and modern-day settings. When filming in Wilmington, they used Cape Fear Community College Downtown Campus, Graystone, and KenanFountain/Carolina Beach apartments for exterior shots. Wilmington’s diverse locations made it an ideal stand-in for the fictional town of Sleepy Hollow.
The Longest Ride
The Longest Ride (2015), based on Nicholas Sparks' novel, had some scenes filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina. The city's historic district adds to the rustic romantic feel of the film.
Notable filming locations in Wilmington include Graystone Inn, Cameron Art Museum, and more. The Graystone Inn was featured in the scene where the main characters attend a 1940s-themed party. The Cameron Art Museum was used in the film as the main characters converse and admire the James Grashow exhibit.
Iron Man 3
Iron Man 3 (2013) was largely filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina, transforming the city into a key location for the Marvel blockbuster. Cinespace Studios.
Notable Wilmington-area filming spots included the Cape Fear Club, which doubled as a restaurant where Tony Stark meets with Maya Hansen, and the Wilmington Convention Center, which was used for some action stunts. At the time of filming, Actors could be seen flying on cables from the convention center to Isabel Holmes Bride. Wilmington’s versatility made it a prime location for the superhero film’s thrilling action and dramatic moments.
Book your Carolina Coast Vacation Rental
This film-friendly city has so much to discover from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. After a day of sightseeing, unwind in a comfortable vacation rental at Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, or Kure Beach—just a short drive away from Wilmington’s vibrant film history. Book your stay today and enjoy the perfect blend of Hollywood magic and coastal relaxation! Who knows, you might run into someone famous while you're here.