North Carolina’s cinematic coastline is stepping into the spotlight once again. As the latest series from “Dawson’s Creek” creator Kevin Williamson and the final season of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” debut this summer, travelers are flocking to the scenic towns of Wilmington, Southport, and the Brunswick Islands—not for fame, but for something far more rewarding: immersion in the very stories that once lived on-screen. This refined form of tourism, known as set-jetting, has turned these charming destinations into sophisticated escapes for film fans and luxury seekers alike.
Launching June 19 on Netflix, The Waterfront is the newest coastal drama from North Carolina native Kevin Williamson. Known for I Know What You Did Last Summer and Dawson’s Creek, Williamson’s latest unfolds in the fictional town of Havenport—a setting brought to life through the cobblestone streets of downtown Southport and the coastal charm of Wilmington.
In Southport, recognizable film locations include Fishy Fishy Café, Morningstar Marina, and Potter’s Seafood. Meanwhile, Wilmington’s Riverwalk and historic Cotton Exchange shops offer more than a visual backdrop; they shape the atmosphere of the show’s seafood-industry storyline. Both towns remain effortlessly cinematic and are ideal for a well-curated luxury itinerary. Stroll the same marina piers as the characters or dine at restaurants that have doubled as film sets.
Cousins Beach may live in fiction, but its real-world counterpart is firmly rooted in North Carolina. On July 16, Prime Video releases the third and final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, returning viewers to the sun-kissed shores of Wilmington and its surrounding barrier islands.
The show’s final chapter features locations like Wrightsville Beach’s Oceanic restaurant and Fort Fisher State Recreation Area’s lifeguard stand—perfect for those seeking a beach day with a cinematic twist. In Wilmington itself, a stay at the Arrive Hotel offers fans the chance to sleep where the cast did, while Circa 1922 restaurant and the New Hanover County Arboretum provide idyllic dining and strolling scenes. A detour inland to UNC Chapel Hill rounds out the set-jetting route, with campus landmarks like McCorkle Place providing yet another on-screen nod to North Carolina's layered visual legacy.
Set-jetting in North Carolina wouldn’t be complete without a tribute to Nicholas Sparks, the bestselling author whose tales of romance are almost inseparable from the state’s identity. From A Walk to Remember to Safe Haven, Sparks has embedded the coastal communities of Sunset Beach, Southport, Oak Island, and Caswell Beach into literary and cinematic lore.
Sunset Beach takes center stage in Every Breath, a novel inspired by the real-life Kindred Spirit Mailbox—an unassuming landmark nestled in the dunes of Bird Island, filled with anonymous letters from strangers near and far. This mailbox, central to the novel’s storyline, invites visitors to pause, reflect, and contribute their own message to the universe.
Southport, perhaps Sparks’ most iconic backdrop, is practically a character in Safe Haven and A Walk to Remember. Tourists can dine at Old American Fish Co., where Julianne Hough’s character worked in the film, or find the very gazebo where Jamie and Landon shared their first kiss. A visit to the Southport Museum and Visitor’s Center reveals memorabilia and even offers a self-guided map to film locations throughout town.
Oak Island and Caswell Beach round out the Sparks experience. Oak Island’s Wildlife Restaurant & Grill is where Sparks characters danced through the rain, while Caswell Beach served as the summer retreat in The Longest Ride, capturing the nostalgic charm of Southern beach towns.
The appeal of set-jetting lies not only in its cinematic draw, but in how it transforms a simple trip into a layered, narrative-rich experience. Luxury travelers can elevate their visit with curated stays at boutique hotels, waterside dinners at on-location restaurants, and personalized tours of filming sites. Add a touch of nostalgia with a visit to the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum or catch a live production in progress—the state’s popularity among filmmakers continues to rise.