Last updated: 2026 | By Sarah Marchwiany

If you’re visiting Southport, North Carolina and parts of the town feel strangely familiar — you’re not imagining it.

This beautiful little Cape Fear River town has served as the backdrop for dozens of movies and television shows over the past four decades. Safe Haven. A Walk to Remember. Dawson’s Creek. I Know What You Did Last Summer. Weekend at Bernie’s. Crimes of the Heart. The Waterfront. Dawson’s Creek. Southport’s historic architecture, oak-canopied streets, and picture-perfect waterfront have made it one of the most frequently filmed small towns in the entire Southeast — so often that locals have taken to calling it “the Hollywood of the South.”

What makes a Southport movie tour genuinely special is that almost nothing has changed. The streets, the storefronts, the waterfront, the churches, the cemetery — they look remarkably similar to how they appeared on screen. Walking through downtown Southport with Safe Haven or A Walk to Remember fresh in your mind is one of those rare travel experiences where the real place is as cinematic as the film.

Best of all, most filming locations are within comfortable walking distance of each other. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a camera, and plan 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

This guide pairs perfectly with our complete Family Trip to Southport NC guide — combine both for the ultimate Southport day.

Drive time from the Traid approximately 3.5 hours
Drive time from Charlotte: Approximately 3 hours
Drive time from WNC: Approximately 5.5 hours
Drive time from Triangle: Approximately 2.5 hours

Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Southport NC Self-Guided Walking Tour

Start Here: Southport Waterfront and Pier

Address: 146-176 E Bay St, Southport, NC 28461

Begin your tour at the Southport waterfront — the most recognizable location in the entire town and the visual heart of multiple productions. The scenic Cape Fear River views have appeared in Safe Haven, The Waterfront, Dawson’s Creek, and countless other productions, and they are every bit as beautiful in person as they appear on screen.

The waterfront pier stretches into the river and offers extraordinary views back toward the historic downtown skyline. The Riverwalk Gazebo along the waterfront is where Jamie and Landon shared one of A Walk to Remember’s most memorable moments — fans of the film will recognize it instantly.

From here you can also spot the container ships making their way to and from the Port of Wilmington — a surprisingly dramatic sight that reminds you this is a real, working waterfront that has barely changed in decades.

Tip: Start here before the morning crowds arrive. The light on the river in the early morning is extraordinary for photography.

Stop 1: Southport Coffee Co. — The Safe Haven Market

Address: 130 E. Moore St, Southport, NC 28461

Safe Haven fans will recognize Moore Street immediately. The building now housing Southport Coffee Co. served as the “Moore Street Market” in the film — the local gathering spot where Katie (Julianne Hough) and her friend grab coffee, and the location that was adapted as “Ryan’s Port Market” before one of the film’s most pivotal scenes when the building catches fire. The exterior of the building appears throughout the film and is one of the easiest Safe Haven locations to identify on a walking tour.

Grab a coffee from Southport Coffee Co. before continuing — you’ll want the caffeine and it adds a nice meta layer to standing in a spot that appeared in the movie you’re touring.

Stop 2: American Fish Company — Ivan’s Fish Shack from Safe Haven

Address: On the waterfront, Southport, NC

American Fish Company is one of the most sought-after Safe Haven filming locations and genuinely one of the most beautiful spots in Southport. This waterfront restaurant and bar doubled as “Ivan’s Fish Shack” in the film where Katie (Julianne Hough) worked. The waterfront setting looks virtually identical to how it appeared on screen.

Even if you’re not ready for a full meal, stop and have a drink on the dock. The views of the Cape Fear River from American Fish Company are some of the best in Southport, and the casual, salt-aired atmosphere perfectly captures the coastal charm that made filmmakers fall in love with this town in the first place. Beautiful around sunset — one of the most memorable stops on the entire tour.

Stop 3: Alex’s House — Safe Haven House Location

Address: 410 W. Brunswick St, Southport, NC 28461

One of the most photographed Safe Haven sites in Southport — the private home that served as Alex’s waterfront cottage in the film. The house is privately owned and still a family residence. Please view it respectfully from the public street only and do not approach the property.

Stop 4: Franklin Square Park — Dawson’s Creek and Summer Concerts

Address: Franklin Square Park, Southport, NC

Franklin Square Park is one of Southport’s most beloved public spaces and has appeared in multiple productions — most famously Dawson’s Creek, where the distinctive anchor in the park appeared in memorable scenes featuring Pacey standing on the anchor. The beautiful live oaks, open green space, and historic surroundings make it easy to understand why filmmakers are drawn to this location.

If you’re visiting on a Thursday evening between late May and early September, the park hosts the free Southport Summer Concerts from 6-8pm — one of the best free family experiences in Brunswick County. See our Family Trip to Southport NC guide for full details.

Stop 5: Fishy Fishy Café Area — The Waterfront and I Know What You Did Last Summer

Address: 106 Yacht Basin Dr, Southport, NC 28461

The waterfront area around Fishy Fishy Café has appeared in several productions. The restaurant’s exterior served as the family restaurant in Netflix’s The Waterfront, and the same area appeared in I Know What You Did Last Summer as “Southport Muscle” gym. The combination of marina views and waterfront character makes this area one of the most film-friendly blocks in downtown.

Fishy Fishy Café is also one of the best lunch spots in Southport — colorful, casual, family-friendly, and serving excellent fresh seafood with Cape Fear River views. An ideal mid-tour dining stop. See our Family Trip to Southport NC guide for the full restaurant recommendation.

Stop 6: Morningstar Marinas — The Waterfront (Netflix)

Address: Morningstar Marinas, Southport waterfront

Fans of Netflix’s The Waterfront will want to include the Morningstar Marinas in their tour. This marina served as one of the primary filming locations for the drama series, which filmed extensively throughout Southport’s downtown and waterfront areas. The docks, boats, and Cape Fear River views created the coastal backdrop featured throughout the series.

Even without knowing the show, Morningstar Marinas offers beautiful waterfront views and a glimpse of Southport as the working coastal town it has always been. The combination of historic character and active marina activity is part of what makes the Southport waterfront so consistently appealing to filmmakers.

Stop 7: The Historic Amuzu Theatre

Photo Credit. VisitNC
Photo Credit. VisitNC

Address: Downtown Southport, NC (on Moore Street)

The Amuzu Theatre is one of Southport’s most iconic landmarks and one of its most prolific filming locations. Originally built in 1913, the theater’s vintage marquee and classic small-town architecture have made it an irresistible set piece for multiple productions:

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) Crimes of the Heart (1986) The Secret Life of Bees (2008) Monster Summer (2024)

The theater still operates and hosts community events and performances. Even when no show is playing, the exterior is one of the most photogenic spots in downtown Southport — the vintage marquee looks like it belongs in a movie, which it often has.

Fun fact: Film buffs often call the Amuzu Theatre the single most frequently recognized Southport landmark among movie fans, due to the variety of films it has appeared in across multiple decades and genres.

Stop 8: Trinity United Methodist Church — A Walk to Remember

Address: Downtown Southport, NC

Fans of A Walk to Remember will absolutely want to find Trinity United Methodist Church — the beautiful historic church that served as one of the most memorable filming locations in the Nicholas Sparks adaptation starring Mandy Moore and Shane West. The church’s classic architecture and picturesque setting made it the perfect backdrop for several of the film’s most emotional scenes.

Please remember that Trinity United Methodist is an active church with regular services and community activities. Visit respectfully, stay on public areas, and be mindful of any services or events in progress.

Stop 9: Old Smithville Burying Ground — A Walk to Remember

Address: Short walk from downtown Southport

Just a short walk from the main downtown area, the historic Old Smithville Burying Ground is another A Walk to Remember filming location and one of Southport’s most historically significant sites. Dating back to the late 1700s, this cemetery is one of the oldest in North Carolina and adds a quietly profound dimension to the walking tour.

Beyond its film connection, the cemetery is genuinely fascinating — the headstones trace the families who built Southport from its earliest days as a colonial river settlement, and the moss-covered markers and towering live oaks create an atmosphere that feels completely removed from the modern world. A surprisingly moving stop.

Stop 10: Fort Johnston and Waterfront — Historic Filming Area

Address: 211 E Bay St, Southport, NC 28461

The area around Fort Johnston offers some of the most scenic waterfront views in Southport and has appeared as a backdrop in multiple productions. The historic setting — America’s oldest active military installation, established in 1745 — provides a visual character that is simultaneously beautiful and historically significant.

While you’re here, step inside the Fort Johnston Museum and Visitors Center. Beyond the military history exhibits, the museum maintains Safe Haven memorabilia and film location brochures that are invaluable for movie fans exploring the town. The free kids’ scavenger hunt also makes it an excellent stop for families. See our Family Trip to Southport NC guide for the full museum description.

Stop 11: Old Brunswick County Jail

Address: Downtown Southport, NC

The historic Brunswick County Jail has appeared in several Southport productions and is one of downtown’s most recognizable historic structures. Even without a specific film connection in mind, the architecture is worth a stop — the building’s weathered brick and historic character make it one of the most visually interesting structures on the walking tour.

Bonus Stop: NC Maritime Museum at Southport

Address: 116 N Howe St, Southport, NC 28461

While not a major filming location itself, the Maritime Museum makes a wonderful bookend to the walking tour — both as a free indoor stop when the sun gets hot and as a place to put Southport’s extraordinary history into context. Understanding the town’s history as a colonial river settlement, a Civil War naval flashpoint, and a working fishing community gives the filming locations you’ve visited a richer backdrop. The museum also keeps film location brochures and additional Safe Haven materials. Free admission. See our Family Trip to Southport NC guide for the full museum review.

Practical Tips for Your Southport Movie Walking Tour

Allow 2-3 hours for a comfortable self-guided tour hitting all the major stops. Add 30-60 minutes if you plan to eat at Fishy Fishy Café or stop at American Fish Company for a drink.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Southport’s streets include cobblestone sections and uneven historic pavement — sandals are less than ideal for a full tour day.
Bring water and sunscreen. Most of the tour is outdoors and some sections offer limited shade in summer.
Respect private property. Several filming locations — particularly Alex’s House at 410 W. Brunswick St — are private residences. View from the public street only and do not approach the property.
Trinity United Methodist Church is an active church. Visit respectfully and be aware of any services in progress.
Pick up the film location brochure. Fort Johnston Museum keeps updated filming location maps and brochures — grab one when you stop there and use it alongside this guide.
Morning visits are best for photography. The light on the Cape Fear River and the waterfront is exceptional in the early morning before crowds arrive.
Thursday evenings in summer are magical. If your visit falls on a Thursday between late May and early September, stay for the free Summer Concerts at Franklin Square Park from 6-8pm — it’s genuinely one of the best free experiences in Brunswick County.

Full Movie Tour Map — At a Glance

Start: Southport Waterfront and Pier (E Bay St) Stop 1: Southport Coffee Co. — Safe Haven market (130 E. Moore St) Stop 2: American Fish Company — Safe Haven “Ivan’s Fish Shack” (waterfront) Stop 3: Alex’s House — Safe Haven cottage (410 W. Brunswick St) Stop 4: Franklin Square Park — Dawson’s Creek anchor (downtown) Stop 5: Fishy Fishy Café area — The Waterfront, I Know What You Did Last Summer Stop 6: Morningstar Marinas — The Waterfront (waterfront) Stop 7: Amuzu Theatre — I Know What You Did Last Summer, Crimes of the Heart, more (Moore St) Stop 8: Trinity United Methodist Church — A Walk to Remember (downtown) Stop 9: Old Smithville Burying Ground — A Walk to Remember (short walk) Stop 10: Fort Johnston — historic filming area + museum (211 E Bay St) Stop 11: Old Brunswick County Jail (downtown) Bonus: NC Maritime Museum at Southport (116 N Howe St)

FAQs About Southport NC Movie Locations

What movies were filmed in Southport NC?

Southport has appeared in Safe Haven (2013), A Walk to Remember (2002), Dawson’s Creek (1998-2003), I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997), Weekend at Bernie’s (1989), Crimes of the Heart (1986), The Secret Life of Bees (2008), Netflix’s The Waterfront, Revenge, Under the Dome, Domestic Disturbance, and Monster Summer (2024), among others.

Can you visit the Safe Haven filming locations in Southport?

Yes — most Safe Haven filming locations are on public streets and open to visitors. The Moore Street Market (now Southport Coffee Co.), American Fish Company (“Ivan’s Fish Shack”), and the waterfront are all easily accessible. Alex’s house at 410 W. Brunswick St is a private residence and should be viewed from the public street only.

Where was A Walk to Remember filmed in Southport?

Trinity United Methodist Church served as a primary A Walk to Remember filming location. The Old Smithville Burying Ground was also used. The waterfront Riverwalk Gazebo is associated with one of the film’s most memorable scenes.

Was Dawson’s Creek filmed in Southport?

Yes — while Dawson’s Creek filmed primarily in Wilmington, several scenes were filmed in Southport, most famously at Franklin Square Park where Pacey’s anchor scene was shot.

Where was I Know What You Did Last Summer filmed?

Several Southport locations were used including the Amuzu Theatre and the waterfront area around what is now Fishy Fishy Café (which appeared as “Southport Muscle” gym in the film).

How long does the Southport movie walking tour take?

Most visitors complete the tour in 2-3 hours. Allow additional time if you plan to stop at American Fish Company for a drink, have lunch at Fishy Fishy Café, visit both free museums, or browse the downtown shops.

Is Southport worth visiting if you haven’t seen any of the movies?

Absolutely — Southport is one of the most charming small towns on the NC coast regardless of its film history. The free museums, summer concerts, Bald Head Island ferry, waterfront dining, and historic character make it an outstanding destination. See our Family Trip to Southport NC guide for the complete family guide.

What is the best Safe Haven filming location to visit in Southport?

American Fish Company (“Ivan’s Fish Shack”) is the most immersive — you can sit on the dock with a drink and the setting looks virtually identical to the film. The Moore Street Market building (Southport Coffee Co.) is the most easily recognized from the movie.

Visiting Southport with your family? Don’t miss our complete Family Trip to Southport NC guide — free museums, the Bald Head Island ferry, Thursday summer concerts, restaurants, and everything you need for a perfect Southport family day.

More Brunswick Islands guides: Brunswick Islands NC Family Guide Family Trip to Oak Island NC Family Trip to Holden Beach NC Family Trip to Ocean Isle Beach NC Family Trip to Sunset Beach NC NC Bucket List: 40 Unique Things to Do in NC

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