Curious about seeing all the sites from your favorite movies and TV shows filmed all around Wilmington? There are no shortage of spots to see and film genres to explore. From David Lynch’s cult classic Blue Velvet to Nicholas Sparks’ chick flicks, and popular series like One Tree Hill, explore some of the most iconic scenes in a whole new way. Here is a self-guided Wilmington film tour that will take you to some of the most popular locations.
Could you do this all in one day? Yes, in the summer months with longer days. But we recommend splitting this tour over two days to really take in the sights. Take a day to explore Airlie Gardens and Wrightsville Beach before spending the rest of your day in Downtown Wilmington. Take another day to explore Ft. Fisher and take the ferry boat to Southport.
Wilmington Film Tour
Airlie Gardens
Start your tour in Airlie Gardens, a 67-acre public garden. You’ll recognize filming locations here from Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill and the Nicholas Sparks’ film The Choice. For a full walking film tour of Airlie Gardens, check out their film brochure here. Airlie Gardens offers up some great views of Bradley Creek, which is a tidal creek leading to the Intracoastal Waterway with picturesque docks and boats, and oak trees. If there really was a “Dawson’s Creek,” this would be it.
Wrightsville Beach
Make sure to drive from Airlie Gardens to Wrightsville Beach. You’ll need to drive specifically along Airlie Road — one of the most scenic roads in North Carolina. From Airlie Gardens to Dockside Restaurant (also a popular film spot) you’ll see homes and stables from movies like 28 Days starring Sandra Bullock and Tammy with Melissa McCarthy. You’ll recognize the views from Dockside restaurant in Dawson’s Creek, The Choice, and many more.
Downtown Wilmington
Start at Battleship Park across from downtown on Wilmington’s Eagle Island. One Tree Hill fans will immediately know this as the site for a temporary basketball court set up for some of the most iconic opening scenes in the show. From here, check out the Downtown Riverwalk. The famous Tree Hill scene where Nathan gives Haley a Cracker Jack bracelet took place along the riverwalk in front of the historic J.W. Brooks building. You’ll find plenty of signatures covering this spot and Tree Hill fans recreating the scene.
Next, walk around downtown to see all the many storefronts. This One Tree Hill tour and Dawson’s Creek tour have lists of all the coffee shops, restaurants and more that were in the show.
Fan of Blue Velvet? Here is a list of locations for the movie. Most notably Carolina Apartments, or Dorothy’s apartment building at 420 Market St.
Jamie Sullivan’s house in A Walk To Remember can be found at 1716 Chestnut St.
Ft. Fisher Recreation Area
Take in Ft. Fisher for scenes from Safe Haven and The Divine Secrets of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood. This public space and neighboring state park boast an iconic rock jetty and park with trees you will recognize immediately. Most recently, Ft. Fisher was the backdrop for some scenes in The Summer I Turned Pretty. From here, drive your car onto the Ft. Fisher Ferry to Southport for more movie magic. The ferry itself appeared in Dawson’s Creek, Safe Haven, and other popular films and series.
Southport
Once in Southport, stop by the Old Smithville Burying Ground for the iconic stargazing scene from A Walk To Remember. From there, check out Fishy Fishy Cafe and the waterfront area from Safe Haven. The Southport Museum offers up an exhibit on the city’s film history. You’ll recognize the scenic downtown waterfront city in The Secret Life of Bees, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Weekend At Bernie’s, and from episodes of Matlock.
Coming up: Here is a list of movies and series recently filmed in the area and their locations to check out. The list includes George & Tammy; The Summer I Turned Pretty; Welcome to Flatch, and others.
Looking for more?
If you are looking for more in-depth movie magic, add Screen Gems Studios to your Wilmington film tour.
