Outer Banks to begin filming the fifth and final season in Beaufort County starting in May, 2025

BY: ANNA CLAIRE MILLER

The Lowcountry of South Carolina is more than just picturesque coastal towns with stunning views — it’s a cinematic treasure trove that’s attracted some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters.

With its charming antebellum homes, towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to see why filmmakers continue to flock here.

For 2025, another popular show is set to make its return to the picturesque backdrops and open landscapes of Beaufort.

What’s coming in 2025?

According to Dan Rogers, representative for the South Carolina Film Commission, the fifth and final season of the Netflix show, “Outer Banks,” will begin filming in Beaufort County starting in May.

The cast and crew of Outer Banks have traveled across the coast from Charleston and even down to Morocco for filming. The first time they set foot in Beaufort County was for season one back in 2019. They also briefly revisited for season four last year.

What is the show about?

Set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, this show brings together a group of teenagers, divided into the haves and have-nots, known in the show’s universe as “Kooks” and “Pogues.”

John B, one of the main characters, is on a hunt for the treasure that may link him to his missing father.

He enlists the help of his friends to help him track it down, but drama and romance unfold along the way.

Where in Beaufort County will they be filming?

Back in season one, Hunting Island was the primary spot for the show’s filming.

Located just over 15 miles east of Beaufort, its sandy beaches, natural driftwood and landmark Hunting Island lighthouse made it a pristine location for one of the sets of the show.

Other neighboring Lowcountry locations that were used for filming in previous seasons include:

• Kiawah Island Golf Resort
• Charleston and North Charleston
• McClellanville

While Outer Banks is the only project on the horizon for now, Rogers confirmed that several additional projects are also coming to the Lowcountry, potentially as soon as the fall and winter of 2025. Details about these potential projects are still under wraps.

Why is the Lowcountry a popular spot for filming?

It’s no surprise that the Lowcountry has become a hotspot for filmmakers due to its natural beauty and strategic location.

Charlie Clark, vice president of communications for the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, noted that the region is surrounded by Georgia and North Carolina, both of which offer attractive tax credits and incentives that draw productions to the area.

Clark also shared that the area’s distinctive charm has made it a popular setting for a wide variety of projects and that the Chamber offices often collaborate with film crews from the “Today Show,” “Food Network” and “HGTV” productions, as well as commercial shoots for brands like adidas and Mercedes-Benz.

Popular films in the past

Beaufort’s captivating beauty and timeless charm have made it a go-to backdrop for some truly unforgettable films, including but not limited to:

• “Forrest Gump” (1994)

This Academy Award-winning film starring Tom Hanks is perhaps the most famous movie filmed in Beaufort. The landscapes of Fripp Island, Hunting Island and Beaufort’s rural roads were featured in many memorable scenes, making it a standout in both cinematic history and Beaufort’s film legacy.

• “The Great Santini” (1979)

This drama starring Robert Duvall and Blythe Danner is another standout. It was filmed at the historic Tidalholm Mansion, which has since become one of Beaufort’s most recognizable landmarks. Based on Pat Conroy’s novel, it highlights Beaufort’s timeless charm and Southern elegance.

• “G.I. Jane” (1997)

A classic and unforgettable film starring Demi Moore, G.I. Jane was shot on Parris Island, where it filmed key military training scenes. The film’s military setting makes this an important project for showcasing the region’s connection to the U.S. Marine Corps.

• “The Prince of Tides” (1991)

This film, based on Pat Conroy’s novel, stars Barbra Streisand and Nick Nolte. It was shot in Beaufort and the surrounding Lowcountry. The stunning natural beauty of the region is highlighted in this film.

• “A Perfect World” (1993)

Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Kevin Costner, this crime drama used Beaufort’s atmospheric streets and marshlands to tell the story. This film is a common standout for Beaufort due to its creative use of the natural landscape.

These films are all significant for their iconic status, representation of the region and contribution to the cinematic history of Beaufort County.

Learn more about the Lowcountry film industry

If you’re interested in exploring the history and filming locations of other movies and shows in the Lowcountry, Beaufort, SC Tours offers guided excursions that take you to some of the town’s most iconic filming spots.

Beginning at the downtown marina, these tours share behind-the-scenes stories and offer a richer understanding of Beaufort’s cinematic heritage.

You can choose between a walking or golf cart tour and tickets start at $30.

For film enthusiasts, Beaufort is also home to the Beaufort International Film Festival, which takes place every February.

Although this year’s festival has just ended, it continues to draw filmmakers and cinema lovers from across the globe, celebrating the art of storytelling in one of the South’s most iconic and memorable film locations.

Source: The State

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