DISCOVER

This town is just too cute, so warm and gentle in its size and setting. It almost feels like you have been there before. There’s a reason that Southport, North Carolina, feels so familiar-even if you’ve never set foot on its live oak-shaded streets or strolled along its breezy waterfront. For decades, this historic fishing village on the Cape Fear River has been a favorite backdrop for filmmakers, its charm and atmosphere shining in everything from blockbuster movies to recent TV series.

Why Hollywood Loves Southport

Southport’s allure is more than just its postcard-perfect scenery. The town’s blend of ornate Victorian homes, historic churches, and the storied Fort Johnston-overlooking the river’s mouth-creates a timeless setting. Add in friendly faces and a walkable downtown, and it’s no wonder directors keep coming back. Hollywood insiders call Southport “one of its favorite filming locations,” and the list of productions that have called it home is nothing short of remarkable.

Southport’s film and TV credits read like a who’s-who of pop culture. Here are some highlights:

Romantic Dramas: A Walk to Remember and Safe Haven both transformed Southport into the heart of their love stories, with scenes filmed at the Cape Fear Restaurant, Trinity United Methodist Church, and the iconic Southport Marina.
Thrillers & Cult Classics: The suspenseful I Know What You Did Last Summer and the comedic Weekend at Bernie’s both used the town’s waterfront and historic sites to memorable effect.
TV Favorites: Fans of Dawson’s Creek and Under the Dome will recognize Bay Street, City Pier, and the Old Yacht Basin. Even the pilot episode of Hart of Dixie captured the magic of Franklin Square and Moore Street.
Recent Hits: Amazon’s The Summer I Turned Pretty, and the acclaimed miniseries George and Tammy have brought a new generation of viewers to Southport’s scenic streets. Enjoy The Waterfront? That was set in Southport.

And that’s just the beginning. From Matlock to Revenge, The Secret Life of Bees to Nights in Rodanthe, Southport’s resume is as diverse as it is impressive. Even TV movies and indie projects-like One Summer, Mary and Martha, and Echoes-have found inspiration in its coastal beauty.

Find all of the movies and shows

Walk in the Footsteps of the Stars

For visitors and locals alike, Southport’s film legacy is woven into the fabric of daily life. You can sip coffee where Mandy Moore’s character did in A Walk to Remember, or catch a sunset at the marina featured in Safe Haven. The Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors’ Center has exhibits that highlight these productions, so add that to your list of must sees.

Experience Southport’s Star Power

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a place where every day feels a bit like a movie, Southport is ready for its next close-up. Come for the history, enjoy the shops and eateries, stay for the community, and discover why Hollywood-and so many visitors-can’t get enough of this remarkable small town.

Source: https://cityofsouthport.com/community-relations-department/#southport-on-film

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