The runaway success of Netflix’s Outer Banks has captured the imagination of millions. The show’s blend of sun-soaked adventure, treasure hunting, and teenage drama has viewers dreaming of summer on the coast.
Where is Netflix’s Outer Banks Series Location Filmed?
Despite its name, Netflix’s Outer Banks was not filmed in the actual Outer Banks of North Carolina. Instead, the show’s stunning scenery was brought to life in the Charleston, South Carolina area. This decision was made due to logistical advantages for filming, but the coastal charm and rich landscapes of Charleston successfully mimic the laid-back, beachy vibes of the Outer Banks. Iconic spots like Shem Creek, Hunting Island, and the Kiawah River play a major role in creating the show’s signature aesthetic. Although the locations differ, the series captures the adventurous spirit and allure of North Carolina’s iconic barrier islands, keeping fans coming back for more.
While the Pogues and Kooks have become household names, many fans are surprised to learn that the series is primarily filmed in South Carolina. However, the show’s soul—its history, atmosphere, and adventurous spirit—is pulled directly from the real Outer Banks of North Carolina.
This has sparked a wave of “set-jetting” as families travel to the OBX to experience the authentic culture that inspired the series. From legendary pirate lore to the laid-back beach towns, the real Outer Banks offers a chance to live out your own Pogue adventure. With a spacious, Outer Banks vacation home from Shoreline OBX as your base, you can explore the history, scenery, and activities that make this coastline so captivating.
Pogues and Kooks looking for treasure in the Real Outer Banks
Chasing Treasure: The Real Pirate History of the OBX
A central theme of Outer Banks is the hunt for long-lost treasure. While the Royal Merchant and its gold are fictional, the region’s connection to pirates is very real. The most famous of them all, Blackbeard, used the Outer Banks as his personal stomping ground in the early 18th century.
Blackbeard’s Legacy
Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, was the most feared pirate of his time. He commanded a fleet of ships, including his flagship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge. The shallow, shifting sandbars and hidden inlets of the Outer Banks provided the perfect hideout for him and his crew to evade naval authorities.
His story came to a dramatic end in 1718 in a channel near Ocracoke Island, now called Teach’s Hole. A surprise attack led to a fierce battle where Blackbeard was finally defeated. Today, your family can step directly into this history. Take a day trip to Ocracoke Island to visit Teach’s Hole and the Blackbeard museum, where artifacts and exhibits bring this legendary tale to life. It’s an immersive history lesson that feels just as thrilling as any adventure on the show.
Finding Your Crew’s Vibe: Pogue vs. Kook
The show masterfully portrays the social divide between the working-class Pogues and the wealthy Kooks. This dynamic reflects the diverse character of the different towns that stretch along the Outer Banks. Whether your family seeks a laid-back escape or a luxury experience, there’s a perfect spot for you.
Experience the Kook Lifestyle in Corolla and Duck
If your family appreciates the finer things, the northern towns of Duck and Corolla offer an upscale, “Kook-like” experience. These areas are known for their pristine, wide beaches, gourmet restaurants, and exclusive communities. You can spend your days browsing boutique shops in Duck or enjoying the amenities of a luxury resort community. Our spacious homes in these locations provide the comfort and elegance perfect for a relaxing family gathering, complete with private pools and gourmet kitchens.
The Waterfront Boardwalk in Duck
Embrace the Pogue Life in Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head
For those who connect with the adventurous, free-wheeling spirit of the Pogues, the classic beach towns of Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head are your destination. These areas embody the “work hard, play hard” mentality. You can spend your days surfing the waves, fishing from Jennette’s Pier, or exploring the massive sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park—the largest active sand dune on the East Coast. It’s a place where life revolves around the water, and every day brings a new opportunity for adventure.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Your OBX Adventure Checklist
Ready to plan your own treasure hunt? Here are a few must-do activities to get the full Outer Banks experience.
- Climb a Lighthouse: The Outer Banks is famous for its iconic lighthouses. A climb to the top of the Bodie Island Lighthouse or Cape Hatteras Lighthouse offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coast.
- Go on a Wild Horse Tour: Head north to Corolla to see the famous wild mustangs that have roamed the beaches for centuries. Several guided tours will take you through the dunes to find these magnificent creatures. Pro Tip : Visit The Corolla Wild Horse Museum
- Learn to Surf or Kiteboard: The OBX is a world-class destination for water sports. Numerous local shops offer lessons for all skill levels. It’s the ultimate Pogue activity.
- Explore Shipwreck History: The treacherous waters off the coast have earned the Outer Banks the nickname “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” Visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras to learn about the thousands of shipwrecks that lie beneath the waves.
Your Home Base for Adventure
Every great adventure requires a comfortable home base to return to. After a day of exploring pirate history, surfing the waves, or climbing lighthouses, your family needs a place to relax and reconnect. Shoreline OBX offers a selection of large, family-friendly rental homes across the most desirable Outer Banks towns, including Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head.
Our properties feature premium amenities like private pools, hot tubs, game rooms, and gourmet kitchens, ensuring your family has everything needed for a memorable and comfortable stay. With our commitment to being #1 in Guest Satisfaction, you can be confident that your vacation home will be clean, spacious, and ready for your arrival.
The best homes for peak season fill up quickly. Don’t wait to plan your family’s Outer Banks adventure.
Browse our Outer Banks Vacation Rentals and start planning your unforgettable getaway today.
Short-Term Stays – Can’t get away for a whole week? No worries! We offer partial week stays on select homes!
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