• Search Please fill out this field.
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Newsletters
  • Sweepstakes
  • South Carolina

How to Take 'The Notebook' Tour of Charleston

Trace the steps of Noah and Allie's iconic love story by visiting these 7 Charleston landmarks.

Maggie Burch is a digital media professional with a decade of experience creating, editing, and managing multimedia content for national brands, including Glamour, Southern Living, House Beautiful, and The Everygirl. A homes enthusiast, Maggie writes about decor and real estate trends, designer-approved tips and tricks, and even her own DIY projects. Follow her on Instagram.

the notebook tour charleston sc

American Theater

Boone hall plantation, williams mansion, college of charleston, high cotton, william aiken house, cypress gardens.

Thanks to its charming historic downtown, antebellum homes, and idyllic waterfront vistas , it's no surprise that Charleston is a popular location for TV shows and movies to film. But one of the most iconic films to use Charleston as its backdrop is undoubtedly The Notebook . While Nicholas Sparks originally set the book in New Bern, North Carolina, the movie places Noah and Allie in Seabrook, South Carolina, a small town about an hour south of Charleston. Most of the movie was filmed in Charleston, however, with Mount Pleasant's Old Village and parts of King Street serving as downtown Seabrook and several private and public homes in the area setting the historically accurate backdrop.

If you're a fan of The Notebook , taking a tour of the film locations in and around Charleston is a fun way to experience the romantic story in a new way—and maybe see parts of one of our favorite Southern cities you haven't seen before. Here are 7 Charleston landmarks you'll recognize from the movie:

The setting for Noah and Allie's first date—followed by lying down and dancing in the middle of the street—is the American Theater , a 1940s movie theater on King Street in downtown Charleston. The theater is now a private event space and no longer shows movies, but you can have a custom message written on the marquee for your own sweetheart.

Scenes of the exterior of Allie's family's summer house were filmed at Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant. The plantation, which has been a working farm for more than 300 years, is open to the public for tours of its home, grounds, and the cabins of its enslaved laborers. You'll recognize it instantly upon turning onto the mossy oak-lined driveway and seeing the iron gate in front of the house that Noah rams his truck into.

However, the interiors of the Hamiltons' summer home—a.k.a. the site of most of the fights Allie has with her parents—were actually filmed in the Williams Mansion , formerly known as the Calhoun Mansion, a grand and gilded circa-1876 private mansion near the battery in Charleston.

In the movie, Allie leaves South Carolina behind to attend Sarah Lawrence College in New York. However, those scenes were in fact filmed on the College of Charleston's picturesque downtown campus, which is too beautiful not to wander through if you never have.

After years apart, Noah goes into town (actually meant to be Charleston this time) and spots Allie on the street. He follows her until she walks into a restaurant where she is greeted by her fiancé Lon, setting off Noah's obsession with renovating the old house and winning Allie back. The restaurant Allie and Lon are dining in is High Cotton , an actual restaurant serving classic Lowcountry fare in an upscale space that isn't much different from what you see in the movie.

Right next door to the American Theater on King Street is the historic William Aiken House , where Allie is trying on her wedding dress when she sees the picture in the paper of Noah standing in front of the house he fixed up. The bright yellow house was built in 1810 and epitomizes the best of Charleston architecture. Unsurprisingly, the home is now primarily used for events and is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the city .

Noah and Allie's eventual reunion begins with Noah taking Allie out in a rowboat to see the hundreds of geese on the lake behind his house. The beautiful scenery was also filmed near Charleston, at Cypress Gardens in the town of Moncks Corner. You can take a tour of the swamp in your own rowboat, but you won't witness the great migration of geese—they were trained and brought in especially for the movie.

Related Articles

The Keys to Travel | Because Memories Matter

Self-Guided Tour of The Notebook Film Locations in Charleston

The Notebook –  do you love it or hate it? For me, a great love story with Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams is definitely a win. When I started planning our trip to Charleston, South Carolina, seeing some of The Notebook film locations was at the top of my to-do list. There are four main filming locations around Charleston, South Carolina that you can visit (aka not private property). It took me a full day to see them all, so make sure to budget enough time!

Self-Guided Tour of The Notebook Film Locations in Charleston

Here are The Notebook film locations that can be seen around Charleston:

Allie’s summer home.

Allie’s summer home was filmed at Boone Hall Plantation . You can take a tour of the inside of the mansion as well as the entire Boone Hall Plantation grounds. There is a lot of historical significance here, so much sure you set aside enough time to look around. The original slave cabins dating back to 1790 are still on-site to tour and learn from. A large garden in front of the mansion is alive and well. The Cotton Gin house built in the 1850s, a brick smokehouse built-in 1750, the beautiful Avenue of Oaks planted in 1743, and more can be seen while visiting the Boone Hall Plantation. 

Boone Hall Plantation is about a 30-minute drive from Charleston and costs $26/adult to visit.

Boon Hall plantation mansion one of the notebook film locations

Inside Allie’s Summer Home – The Notebook Film Locations

The inside of Allie’s summer home was filmed at Williams Mansion , which used to be known as  Calhoun Mansion. Williams Mansion is located at 16 Meeting Street in Charleston. As well as seeing the inside of Allie’s Summer Home, the tour will show you what being part of the wealthiest class in Charleston would have felt like. Admission is $17/person and tours are on the hour and half-hour.

Williams Mansion in Charleston, South Carolina

Rowboat Scene with the Swans

The rowboat scene in The Notebook was located at Cypress Gardens . This was my favorite spot to tour, and I would definitely visit again. You have the opportunity to take a self-guided boat tour, which goes through the same area that Noah and Allie explored. Unfortunately, you won’t see the swans.

Fun Fact: Swans are not native to this area. In order to train the swans to follow the boat, they brought them in a month prior to shooting.

Cypress Gardens is a 45-minute drive from Charleston and has a $10/person admission.

Cypress Gardens one of the notebook film locations

Allie and Noah’s First Date – The Notebook Film Locations

Head down King Street in Charleston to see the location of Allie and Noah’s first date, The American Theater . It is located at 446 King Street. The American Theater purpose when it opened in 1942 was as Charleston’s premier movie house. Its main use now is as an event venue.

The American Theater in Charleston South Carolina at Sunset

Are you a big Notebook fan? Which locations do you want to see when you visit Charleston?

Head over to my blog post for tips on things to do and where to eat for an anniversary weekend in Charleston.

For help planning your trip to Charleston, South Carolina, email me at [email protected] .

The form you have selected does not exist.

Self-Guided Tour of The Notebook Film Locations in Charleston

I plan on moving to myrtle beach area but I definitely want to go to Charleston to do the Notebook tour. Sounds fantastic 👌

Leave a Reply

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Keys to Travel

The Keys to Travel is an independent affiliate of Gifted Travel Network - a Virtuoso Member & Forbes Travel Guide endorsed agency.

Follow Us On Social

Instagram

Subscribe to our Newsletter!

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Disclaimers
  • Disclosures

Everything You Need to Know About Staying at Sandals Grande Antigua

  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

This Is My South

A travel guide to the Southern USA

The Notebook Filming Locations to Visit

September 24, 2018 By Caroline Eubanks Leave a Comment

Romantics swoon over the book-turned-film The Notebook , starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, which was filmed around Charleston , South Carolina. It’s one of the most popular movies filmed in the city, based on the book by Nicholas Sparks .

While many of the locations were changed or developed for the film or on private property, there are a handful of places used in the movie that you can visit on your own.

This post contains affiliate links.

The Notebook Locations in Charleston

The american theater.

The American Theater, an old fashioned movie theater

The American Theater is an iconic upper King Street location that was built in 1942 as a movie theater. It has its original sign and changing marquee.

While it now functions as a special event facility, especially for weddings, you might have seen it as the site of Allie and Noah’s movie double date.

Stop here to pose for a romantic photo. The traffic light a few blocks down is where they laid down in the road, but this isn’t recommended.

Boone Hall Plantation

the notebook charleston

Located across the river in Mount Pleasant,  Boone Hall Plantation  has been captured on film a number of times over the years.

Built in 1681, the plantation is still in operation, growing crops onsite. Many original buildings are now lost and the main plantation house was built in 1936.

There are also slave cabins and the famous Avenue of the Oaks. They host many events and festivals throughout the year and are open to tours. Please show respect when you visit because of this site’s history.

In the film, the exterior was used as the Hamilton family summer home on Seabrook. The Calhoun Mansion downtown was used for interior scenes.

Cypress Gardens

the notebook charleston

Cypress Gardens  in Moncks Corner provided one of the most iconic scenes in the film when Noah and Allie paddle through the swamp inhabited by swans.

While they don’t actually live there, it was no less beautiful. In fact, you’re much more likely to spot alligators. The attraction was built in 1927 and visitors can go out in boats to see the swamp.

Alternatively, the Francis Beidler Forest has a similar cypress swamp that can be navigated by canoe. It’s about an hour north in Harleyville. 

William Aiken House

An old yellow house with three levels and two cars in the front

Set on King Street, the yellow-painted William Aiken House dates back to 1810. Today, it’s one of the city’s most beautiful wedding venues with formal parlors, a wrap-around veranda, and landscaped gardens around a two-hundred-year-old magnolia tree.

Located right across the street from the American Theater, this setting was used in the scene where Allie hears about Noah and has a meltdown in the bathtub after her dress fitting.

College of Charleston

the notebook charleston

The campus of the  College of Charleston , which dates back to 1770, has been featured in many television and film projects, including Dear John , O, and The Patriot . 

The founders of the college included three signers of the Declaration of Independence. One of the buildings on George Street was seen where Lon picks up Allie at school, specifically across from the Porter’s Lodge.

Old Navy Base

Old Navy Base North Charleston

The Navy Yard turned Naval Base in North Charleston operated from 1901 to 1996. The over 1,000-acre  Old Navy Base  has been used for concerts, festivals in Riverfront Park, and filming for shows like Army Wives and Outer Banks .

For The Notebook, interior shots were used on the base, including the admiral’s house and one of the chapels, as well as the production offices set up onsite.

Old Village Mount Pleasant

Old Village

The charming downtown of fictional Seabrook where Allie and Noah go on a date is the Old Village neighborhood of Mount Pleasant. There are a number of restaurants and shops here, including the Post House Inn and Pitt Street Pharmacy. It’s also close to locations from the show Outer Banks .

Where is “The Notebook House”?

We’ve left out the location of Noah’s house that he lovingly restores in the film. Too many people were trespassing to go find it and invading the residents’ privacy. So instead, you can check out this video that Southern Living did with the homeowners for an inside look. Note that only the exteriors were used and the interiors took place in a studio.

The Notebook Tours of Charleston

Sciway has even more locations and information about the filming process, best visited by car.

All About Charleston Tours also offers a tour specific to The Notebook .

Charleston’s TV & Movie Tour by Van visits filming locations from The Notebook and other movies and shows.

the notebook tour charleston sc

Looking for a  Charleston hotel ? Some of our favorites include the  Charleston Harbor Marina Resort  and the  Vendue Inn .  Airbnb  is another option. There’s no shortage of things to do in Charleston, including  tours  and museums, so check out our  weekend guide  for more information. 

the notebook tour charleston sc

About Caroline Eubanks

Caroline Eubanks is the editor of this website, a Lowell Thomas award-winning travel writer, and the author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States. Her stories from the South have appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Afar, Thrillist, Roads and Kingdoms, and BBC Travel.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

This Is My South is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees at no cost to the consumer by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. For further information, visit our Privacy Policy page.

This site is managed by Reggio Digital .

  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

CoSchedule - The #1 Marketing Calendar

the notebook tour charleston sc

​ MOBILE SITE

the notebook tour charleston sc

​Charleston is not just a tourist destination, but an ideal movie location as well.  Come escape reality and take a tour with "The Notebook... Charleston" tour as we follow in the footsteps of Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton in the film inspired by the Nicholas Sparks novel.  This is one of Charleston's most unique tours!  ​Even if you have not seen the film (you will want to see the film following the tour) don’t worry as the experience is fun for people of all ages.  If you’re a female over 13, there’s a good chance you’ve teared up while watching this classic starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.  While the story is certainly a tear-jerker, what we really love are the many Charleston moments from the film. "The Notebook" has been rated as the #1 romantic movie of all-time!

     

"The Notebook... Charleston" tour will show you a new way to see the Holy City, one of the most filmed cities in the south.  In addition to our Notebook locales, our tour provides a front row seat to many of the best Charleston landmarks; from King Street to College of Charleston to Meeting Street to the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and more.  This wonderful tour will also take you off the beaten path to  Mt. Pleasant's "Old Village" and a few surprises along the way.

   

As you travel by van, you’ll be able to watch DVD clips from the "The Notebook" as we visit the actual locations, hear fascinating historical information about the local area and get the "behind- the-scenes" information on the making of the film. ​

​"The Notebook... Charleston" tour is a fun and unique way to see Charleston as our movie experts entertain you as you relive a great romantic movie!   Please be aware that this tour DOES NOT include Boone Hall Plantation, Cypress Gardens (30 miles northeast of Charleston) or Noah's House (30 miles south of Charleston and private property). 

Be aware that Kleenex tissues are not provided on this tour!!

The tour lasts approximately 2-2.5 hours and meets at The American Theater at 446 King Street.  Due to the unique nature of this tour, there is a limit of 5 guests per tour. 

the notebook tour charleston sc

The Notebook...

"the notebook", movie location tour.

 2.0 hours ​ (approx.) ​  Movie Location History 

​Van/Walking Tour

#1 Most Romantic Movie ​

Tour For Movie Buffs

Please note gratuity is not included in the tour price. Our guides appreciate gratuities or TIPS where earned.

American Theater ​

446 King Street

the notebook tour charleston sc

Trailer from "The Notebook"

Check "How To Book" for more info.

Email or call for more tour information

843-469-4458

[email protected]

the notebook tour charleston sc

All About Charleston is taking the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously.  With this in mind, we have discontinued our mobile van tours at the present time.  This is due to the close quarters inside our van during tours.  Affected tours include: "Notebook" tour, "Movie Location" tour and "Historic Charleston" van tour.  This course of action is being taken to protect the public and also our tour guides.  Walking tours will be offered beginning on June 1, 2020. 

Our apologies for any cancellations and we ask for your understanding given the circumstances. 

Jeff Caplinger Owner/Operator

the notebook tour charleston sc

All About Charleston

Private Guided Tours of the Holy City... Charleston, SC

the notebook tour charleston sc

All About Charleston offers truly customized  private guided tours of the Holy City.   Expert tour management since 2004.

the notebook tour charleston sc

 Charleston Map View

the notebook tour charleston sc

Our Parent Company

 Charleston  Time

the notebook tour charleston sc

All About Destinations

  • Things to Do
  • Restaurants
  • Vacation Rentals
  • Travel Stories
  • Rental Cars
  • Add a Place
  • Travel Forum
  • Travelers' Choice
  • Help Center

The Notebook Tour - All About Charleston

  • United States    
  • South Carolina (SC)    
  • Coastal South Carolina    
  • Charleston    
  • Charleston - Things to Do    
  • All About Charleston

Wonderful! Pure Charleston. The staff are delightful, kind, knowledgeable and real southern... read more

the notebook tour charleston sc

We are 70+ on a week long trip to Charleston SC. Took AA to Charlotte then to Charleston. Weather... read more

the notebook tour charleston sc

The Notebook Tour

My friend and I came to Charleston for a girls weekend and to explore a city we’ve never been to. Of course we looked up tours and things to do, and came across Jeff and The Notebook tour. We decided to book it based on the positive reviews we read and after taking the tour, we couldn’t agree more with what an excellent tour this was! Jeff was easy to communicate with and the directions to meet were simple. Jeff took us to multiple spots that were featured in the movie (obviously, but don’t want to give any spoilers) and had interesting knowledge and behind the scenes facts about each location. He took photos of us at most of the stops and sent them to us immediately after the tour which was great to have. Jeff has a great personality and even showed us non-Notebook related things around the city on our route and had knowledge of so many things. If you’re looking for something different to do, even if you’re not a hardcore Notebook fan, this tour was a great way to see important landmarks in the city and get some great photos. Thank you Jeff!

My cousin and I took The Notebook tour today and loved it! Jeff is very knowledgeable about the movie (and lots of general Charleston stuff). It was so neat to see lots of filming locations and learn some backstory. Highly recommend for fans of The Notebook!

We had a great 2.5 hour tour of Charleston’s historic district. Jeff did a great job encapsulating the history of Charleston, especially its early Colonial history. This was my second trip to Charleston. As an architectural historian I enjoyed rediscovering the town with Jeff pointing out some of its architectural treasures, large and small. Our two teenage sons also enjoyed the tour and remained engaged throughout. It’s always fun exploring with someone who is knowledgeable and cares about getting history right. Throughout the tour Jeff interacted with us and answered our questions. It is also worthy of note that Jeff is a well known and respected licensed guide based upon his interactions with his peers, community members, and local historians on our tour who greeted him on our walk. Look forward to taking another tour with Jeff’s company.

Did the notebook tour with Jeff today with my daughter and her friend as a local . So many things he was telling us we did not know about our hometown and the movie . So much fun . He has so much inside information and makes you want to watch the movie AGAIN 😊

This was SUCH a fun tour - local or not this is a wonderful experience if you have seen the movie. Jeff is very knowledgeable, showing scenes in the van along the way, and even has spoken with people that have worked on the movies to get insider details. Highly recommend taking a tour with Jeff if you are visiting :)

the notebook tour charleston sc

My mom, my two Yorkies, & me took our first trip to Charleston, SC for my 28th birthday. One afternoon we booked a Notebook movie tour with Jeff and it was nothing short of AMAZING. We loved every single minute! The Notebook has been my very favorite movie since it premiered in 2004, not only did we travel around to spots they filmed while watching clips from the movie but we also learned behind the scenes. Charleston is now also a favorite and I couldn’t recommend Jeff’s All About Charleston tours more. It’s an absolute MUST!

the notebook tour charleston sc

the notebook tour charleston sc

#TheLocatorContest: Click here to print The Locator!

On Location Tours

SPARKS OF LOVE TOUR: SITES FROM THE NOTEBOOK & DEAR JOHN

Quick Details

  • Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours
  • Open Book Language: English

Welcome to the Sparks of Love: Sites from The Notebook & Dear John Tour, created by On Location Tours! This curated, self-guided tour features locations from the beloved Nicholas Sparks movies, The Notebook and Dear John. Stroll through scenic Charleston, SC and live vicariously through Noah, Allie, John and Savannah!

What Will You See On This Tour:

  • Dance along King Street where Allie and Noah slow dance in the middle of the road
  • Take a photo in front of the William Aiken House, where Allie tries on her wedding dress for her wedding with Lon
  • Stop by the American Theater where Noah and Allie have their very first date
  • Pack your books and head over to Randolph Hall at the College of Charleston, where Allie attends school during WWII and Savannah reads John’s letters
  • Peer through the window at the restaurant High Cotton, just like Noah does when he sees Allie with Lon for the first time
  • Pass by Williams Mansion which was used as the interior of Allie’s summer home

RELATED TOURS

  • Tag Walking Tour/Self-Guided Tour
  • Hour Glass 1.5 hours
  • User All ages

Boston Movie Mile Tour

Explore the famous Boston Movie Mile on this fun and interactive walking tour!

  • Tag Public Bus/Vehicle Tour
  • Hour Glass 3 hours
  • User Ages 6+

Boston TV & Movie Sites Tour

Experience Boston’s movie magic by visiting filming locations from your favorite TV shows and movies.

the notebook tour charleston sc

Love 'The Notebook'? Visit These Charleston, South Carolina Spots

The Notebook is one of the most romantic movies of all time. The timeless story of Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) and Allie (Rachel McAdams) is incredibly dreamy on its own, but the beautiful backdrop doesn't hurt. Though the Nicholas Sparks novel places the story in New Bern, North Carolina, Hollywood made some tweaks and moved the characters to Seabrook, a small town outside of Charleston, South Carolina . 

If you're a fan of the film, you can visit these nine filming locations in the Charleston area and feel like you're in the movie yourself. 

1. The American Theater/King Street

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8B03lkgsLV/

Noah and Allie's first date really can't be topped. This historic Charleston theater served as the backdrop when the couple lay in the street and watch the changing traffic lights together before dancing in the empty streets. Swoon.

 446 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

2. Boone Hall Plantation

View this post on Instagram A post shared by anna kinsey (@ak_onmynightstand_)

When Allie and Noah meet, her family is staying in their lavish summer house. Boone Hall Plantation served as the setting for all of the exterior scenes that were featured in the film. The historic farm dates back to the 1700s. You can tour the grounds for $24 and walk through the majestic oak trees lined up and down the driveway. 

1235 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

3. Calhoun Mansion

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBd_LfEB4YI/

Though the exterior was filmed at Boone Hall Plantation, the interior shots of the Hamiltons' summer home were filmed at this historic mansion that dates back to the 1800s. The house is the largest private residence in the entire city and received millions of dollars in renovations to restore it to its former glory. The 24,000 square foot property also offers tours to the public .

 16 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401

4. College of Charleston

View this post on Instagram A post shared by College of Charleston (@collegeofcharleston)

In the film, Allie attends Sarah Lawrence College in New York. The College of Charleston served as the backdrop. The campus really is stunning so it's worth a visit even if you haven't seen The Notebook .

66 George St, Charleston, SC 29424

Read More:  This Small Texas Town Was the Set for the '90s Southern Classic 'Hope Floats'

5. High Cotton

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Charleston SC official account (@explorecharleston)

One of the more heartbreaking scenes in the film is when Noah returns from war and sees his former flame, Allie, on a visit to downtown Charleston. After following her down the street, he watches as she meets her fiancé Lon in a restaurant. High Cotton is a real restaurant in Charleston that still looks the way it did in the movie. 

199 East Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401

6. Martins Point Plantation

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Martins Point (@martinspointplantation)

Seeing Allie with Lon sends Noah on a mission to win her back by fixing up an old house for her. That house was Martins Point Plantation on Wadmalaw Island. Special effects were used to make it look dilapidated when he first started working on it in the film. 

Unfortunately, since this is a private residence, they don't offer tours. 

Wadmalaw Island South Carolina 29487 

7. The William Aiken House

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Reagan Events (@reaganevents)

Viewers get a glimpse of hope when Allie sees a photo of Noah in the paper standing in front of the house he restored. Located on King Street, the William Aiken House is where Allie tried on her wedding dress when she sees this photo. The beautiful historic home is a popular Charleston wedding venue and we can see why!

456 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

8. Cypress Gardens

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Christi Lukasiak (@christilukasiak)

While the most iconic scene in the film is Noah and Allie kissing in the rain, unable to deny their love story isn't over, a close second is their afternoon on a rowboat before it starts raining. The Cypress Gardens have been a sought after destination since 1932 for tourists and locals. It was even used in scenes of the film  The Patriot . After years of making repairs from flood damage, the gardens have reopened and are ready for you to take your own romantic boat ride among the lily pads.

3030 Cypress Gardens Rd, Moncks Corner SC 29461

9. Old Village

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chloe Elias (@chlowfish)

While not a specific site in the film, there were many exterior scenes throughout Old Village in Mount Pleasant that were used to make Seabrook Island look like a small town. Parts of the downtown area can be seen to create the illusion despite many of the other locations being in actual Charleston. Established in 1803, this charming town is full of unique shops, antiques, and beautiful views of the Charleston Harbor. 

Old Village Dr. Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

Now Watch:  Texas' Oldest Standing Mansion is a Must-See Gem of the Hill Country

You might also like.

the notebook tour charleston sc

Entertainment

Here's how much the house from 'the notebook' would be worth today.

the notebook tour charleston sc

Visit the Charleston Tea Plantation and Learn How Tea is Made

the notebook tour charleston sc

Country Lifestyle

The wide open eats' guide to charleston, south carolina.

the notebook tour charleston sc

From West Africa to Charleston: Carolina Gold Rice

TRAVEL BLOG

“The Notebook” filming locations | The Ultimate Guide For Sparks Fans

The complete weekend guide to visiting “The Notebook” filming locations, tips and quotes from this best-seller Nicholas Sparks’ novel – in Charleston SC

The charming historic downtown Charleston, SC is a popular location for TV shows and movies. My husband and I decided to do a road trip to visit this romantic town and the spots where “The Notebook” was filmed.

The Notebook is one of my favorite Nicholas Sparks ‘ novels. It was his first published book and it was inspired by his wife’s grandparents. You can read about Sparks’ wedding day story and how he got inspired by his grandparents-in-law love story by clicking here .

Synopsis : Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) and Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams) are two young lovers that are torn apart by class differences in the 1940s. Noah ends up going to the war and when he gets back he restores the house he once told Allie he would buy for them. Allie is now engaged but when she sees Noah’s photo on the newspaper she decides to go back to see him after all these years. That’s when they realize that their love for each other was far stronger than a summer love.

Here is the complete list of all “The Notebook” filming locations:

The American Theater

ADDRESS : 446 King St, Charleston, SC

the notebook tour charleston sc

Noah, Allie and their friends went to the American Theater for a double date to watch a movie. It was their first date after the scene at the fair where Noah saw Allie for the first time and climbed a ferries wheel to ask Allie on a date. After holding himself up with only one hand she finally said yes.

“I didn’t plan on falling in love with you, and I doubt if you planned on falling in love with me. But once we met, it was clear that neither of us could control what was happening to us.” –  Nicholas Sparks

The intersection

ADDRESS : Intersection between 494 King St and Mary St, Charleston, SC

the notebook tour charleston sc

After watching the movie, Allie and Noah started walking north on King Street to the intersection of Mary Street. That’s where they danced and then laid on the floor to look at the traffic light .

“We fell in love, despite our differences, and once we did, something rare and beautiful was created. For me, love like that has only happened once, and that’s why every minute we spent together has been seared in my memory. I’ll never forget a single moment of it.” ―  Nicholas Sparks

Allie’s summer house – the exterior

ADDRESS : 1235 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC

the notebook tour charleston sc

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens was used as Allie’s parents’ summer house exterior. The scene above is from when Allie goes to college and then Noah goes to her house and he gets there too late and Allie’s already gone. To see the house you need to take the tour and the gate is located way too far so you’re not even able to see the exterior without entering the property. I visited Boone Hall Plantation and you can click here to read about this visit , what to do there, some of the exhibits and tips. The tour inside the house is included with the admission and it’s worth checking it out.

 “Sometimes we need to be apart to understand just how much we truly love each other .” ―  Nicholas Sparks

the notebook tour charleston sc

This beautiful place is called Oak Avenue and it’s located inside the Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens property. Just like the house, you need to take the tour to be able to see Oak Avenue. The scene above is while Allie and Noah were dating, before she goes to college.

“They didn’t agree on much. In fact, they didn’t agree on anything. They fought all the time and challenged each other ever day. But despite their differences, they had one important thing in common. They were crazy about each other.” ―  Nicholas Sparks

Allie’s ‘ New York ‘ college

ADDRESS : 66 George St, Charleston, SC

the notebook tour charleston sc

The College of Charleston was used as Allie’s New York college (“Sarah Lawrence College”). The scene above is when Allie sees Lon Hammond, the guy she helped while she was volunteering as a nurse’s aide in a hospital for wounded soldiers, and the guy who soon become her fiancee.

“You and I were different. We came from different worlds, and yet you were the one how taught me the value of love. You showed me what it was like to care for another, and I am a better man because of it. I don’t want you to ever forget that.” ―  Nicholas Sparks

The boat date

ADDRESS : 3030 Cypress Gardens Rd, Moncks Corner, SC

the notebook tour charleston sc

Cypress Gardens was used for the scene where Noah takes Allie on a ‘date’ after years when she comes back to see him at his house. I visited this gorgeous place and you can read more about it here , see some photos, prices and tips. The swans weren’t native to the area so when you visit the Cypress Gardens you won’t see them. They were imported and trained a month before the shootings to follow the boat as the director expected. It was done in January while the alligators were hibernating.

“It was real, wasn’t it? You and me. Such a long time ago, we were just a couple of kids. But we really loved each other, didn’t we?” –  Allie

Allie’s summer house – The interior

ADDRESS : 16 Meeting Street Charleston, SC

the notebook tour charleston sc

The scenes in Allie’s house interior was filmed at the Calhoun Mansion . It’s the largest single-family residence in Charleston and the house remains a private residence but it is open to the public daily for touring. Click here to go the mansion’s official website .

So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s going to be really hard; we’re gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday. – Noah

the notebook tour charleston sc

Although they could have used South Carolina beaches for this scene, it was actually filmed in California, at El Matador Beach, in Malibu .

“It was an improbable romance. He was a country boy, she was from the city. She had the world at her feet while he didn’t have two dimes to rub together.” – Nicholas Sparks

The lake where Allie, Noah and their friends swam

the notebook tour charleston sc

The scene above is where Allie, Noah and their friends go swim at a lake. The lake is also located inside the Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens property and you can see it from far if you go on the hay ride that is also included with admission.

“No matter what happens to us, everyday spent with you is the best day of my life.” –  Noah

The restaurant Noah saw Allie and her fiancee

ADDRESS : 199 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401

the notebook tour charleston sc

The scene above is Allie meeting her fiancee Lon at the High Cotton Charleston Restaurant and Noah sees them together from the outside of the restaurant. If you want to dine at this restaurant you can make your reservation here and see the menu here .

“The reason it hurts so much to separate is because our souls are connected. Maybe they always have been and will be. Maybe we’ve lived a thousand lives before this one and in each of them we’ve found each other. And maybe each time, we’ve been forced apart for the same reasons. That means that this goodbye is both a goodbye for the past ten thousand years and a prelude to what will come.” ―  Nicholas Sparks

The house Noah built for Allie

ADDRESS : 2018 Martins Point Rd, Wadmalaw Island, SC*

the notebook tour charleston sc

This private property was used as the house that Noah fixed up for Allie. It’s located on  Wadmalaw Island at Martins Point Plantation (historically knows as Bears Bluff Plantation). Since it’s private property I don’t recommend you go there so you don’t bother the residents or get in trouble for trespassing. The initial idea was to find a dilapidated house and renovate it for the movie but then they decided to go for a nice house and make it look ruined for the earlier scenes.

 “I love you. I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, everyday we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours.” ―  Nicholas Sparks

The nursing home

ADDRESS : Northwest of US 701 at Post Foot Landing off Choppee Road

the notebook tour charleston sc

The nursing scenes were filmed at Rice Hope (Black River) Plantation in Oatland – Georgetown County. The scene above is when Noah (James Garner) was reading a book containing their love story to Allie (Gena Rowlands) in the present day.

“An ordinary beginning, something that would have been forgotten had it been anyone but her. But as he shook her hand and met those striking emerald eyes, he knew before he’d taken his next breath that she was the one he could spend the rest of his life looking for but never find again. She seemed that good, that perfect, while a summer wind blew through the trees.” ―  Nicholas Sparks

Watch the trailer

the notebook tour charleston sc

SHOP THE BOOK + CONTINUATION

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a tiny commission to buy myself a coffee if you click on a link and purchase something that I have recommended. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

You might also enjoy:

the notebook tour charleston sc

Hotel Review – Emeline Charleston SC

the notebook tour charleston sc

Where to get FREE food on your Birthday!

the notebook tour charleston sc

30 things to do in Key West, FL

the notebook tour charleston sc

The Complete Travel Guide to Hickory North Carolina

MyLo Lowcountry

Sparks of Love: Sites from 'The Notebook' Tour Unveiled

Feb. 08, 2024

Screenshot 2024-02-08 at 18-01-57 the notebook tour - Google Search.png

Prepare to step into the enchanting world of Noah and Allie as On Location Tours proudly announces the launch of its newest walking tour, "Sparks of Love: Sites from The Notebook  Tour," in Charleston. Fans of Nicholas Sparks are invited to explore the charming streets and iconic film locations that served as the backdrop for this beloved romance.

Highlights of the tour include:

  • Dance along King Street where Allie and Noah slow dance in the middle of the road
  • Take a photo in front of the William Aiken House, where Allie tries on her wedding dress for her wedding with Lon
  • Stop by the American Theater where Noah and Allie have their very first date (pictured)
  • Pack your books and head over to Randolph Hall at the College of Charleston, where Allie attends school during WWII
  • Peer through the window at the restaurant High Cotton, just like Noah does when he sees Allie with Lon for the first time

A guide, who is well-versed in the film's history and production, will provide behind-the-scenes anecdotes and trivia, making this tour a must for die-hard fans.

To book your spot on the 'The Notebook' Tour, visit onlocationtours.com  or contact Erin at [email protected] . The tour launches on Sunday, February 25th at 10 am, and is approximately 2 hours long. The cost of the tour is $30/person.

About On Location Tours

On Location Tours is a leading provider of TV and movie filming location tours, with tours in New York City, Boston, Chicago, LA and South Carolina. The tours feature sites from the hottest and latest on the big and small screen. Founded in 1999, it is one of the East Coast’s most popular tourist attractions. Some of the tours include: New York TV & Movie Sites, Sex and the City Hotspots, Gossip Girl Sites, Sopranos Sites, Central Park TV & Movie Sites and Boston TV & Movie Sites.

the notebook tour charleston sc

Brought to you by MyLo News

Holy City Sinner

Sparks of Love: Sites from 'The Notebook' Tour Unveiled

February 8, 2024

Screenshot 2024-02-08 at 18-01-57 the notebook tour - Google Search.png

Prepare to step into the enchanting world of Noah and Allie as On Location Tours today announced the launch of its newest walking tour, "Sparks of Love: Sites from The Notebook  Tour," in Charleston. Fans of Nicholas Sparks are invited to explore the charming streets and iconic film locations that served as the backdrop for this beloved romance.

Highlights of the tour include:

  • Dance along King Street where Allie and Noah slow dance in the middle of the road
  • Take a photo in front of the William Aiken House, where Allie tries on her wedding dress for her wedding with Lon
  • Stop by the American Theater where Noah and Allie have their very first date (pictured)
  • Pack your books and head over to Randolph Hall at the College of Charleston, where Allie attends school during WWII
  • Peer through the window at the restaurant High Cotton, just like Noah does when he sees Allie with Lon for the first time

A guide, who is well-versed in the film's history and production, will provide behind-the-scenes anecdotes and trivia, making this tour a must for die-hard fans.

To book your spot on the 'The Notebook' Tour, visit onlocationtours.com  or contact Erin at [email protected] . The tour launches on Sunday, February 25th at 10 am, and is approximately 2 hours long. The cost of the tour is $30/person.

About On Location Tours

On Location Tours is a leading provider of TV and movie filming location tours, with tours in New York City, Boston, Chicago, LA and South Carolina. The tours feature sites from the hottest and latest on the big and small screen. Founded in 1999, it is one of the East Coast’s most popular tourist attractions. Some of the tours include: New York TV & Movie Sites, Sex and the City Hotspots, Gossip Girl Sites, Sopranos Sites, Central Park TV & Movie Sites and Boston TV & Movie Sites.

the notebook tour charleston sc

Brought to you by MyLo News

  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Caroline in the City Travel Blog

Responsible travel for millennials

The Notebook Charleston Tour

September 22, 2009 by Caroline 21 Comments

the notebook tour charleston sc

While many movies have been filmed in Charleston, my favorite is easily The Notebook . It presents the most beautiful parts of Charleston and Ryan Gosling isn’t too bad either. Here are the most recognizable filming locations. To see more, check out the guide on This Is My South .

This post contains affiliate links that can earn this website a small income. They will not cost you anything to use.

American Theater

American Theater  (above): The site of Allie and Noah’s movie double date. Although the theater is no longer functional, the event facility will put marriage proposals on their iconic sign. (456 King Street, Downtown)

Boone Hall Plantation : The gorgeous plantation, which has been featured in movies such as Gone with the Wind , serves as the Hamilton’s summer home. (1235 Long Point Road, Mt. Pleasant)

the notebook tour charleston sc

Martin’s Point Plantation (above): This private residence is the home that Noah painstakingly repaired in the movie. Although it is not open to the public, I tracked it down one weekend and snapped this photo. The family does not appreciate wandering fans (including myself), so don’t try to find the house. You may find yourself arrested. (Wadmalaw Island)

Old Village Post House: The scene when Allie and Noah are walking down the street during the summer and grab ice cream is filmed in Old Village Mount Pleasant. (Shem Creek area, Mt. Pleasant)

the notebook tour charleston sc

Cypress Gardens  (above): The iconic scene where Noah and Allie paddle through the swamp filled with swans was filmed during the alligator hibernation period. (3030 Cypress Gardens Road, Moncks Corner)

William Aiken House : The yellow historic house is where Allie hears about Noah and has a meltdown in the bathtub. It is the site of many wedding receptions and is located next to the American Theater. (456 King Street, Downtown)

the notebook tour charleston sc

College of Charleston: The scene where Lon picks Allie up at school is at the College of Charleston. (66 George Street, Downtown)

Old Navy Base: Some interior shots here were used, as well as where the production offices were located. (off Cosgrove Avenue, North Charleston)

Black River Plantation : Scenes in the nursing home were shot in this plantation. (near Georgetown, SC)

The Notebook

Sciway has even more locations and information about the filming process, best visited by car. All About Charleston Tours also offers a tour specific to The Notebook.

Looking for a Charleston hotel ? Some of our favorites include the Charleston Harbor Marina Resort and the Vendue Inn . Airbnb is another option. There’s no shortage of things to do in Charleston, including tours and museums, so check out our weekend guide for more information.

Reader Interactions

' src=

June 26, 2013 at 9:29 pm

Hi!! This is amazing!! Have never been here! If I wanted to travel here to see all or most of the locations from the movie, especially the white house with blue shutters is everything pretty close to each other? Where wouls you recommend staying the night? Also, do they have tours? :) thank you!!

' src=

May 22, 2015 at 8:29 pm

RE: Noah’s “Fixer Upper” from The Notebook

Soooo…I took my wife to Charleston for our 10th anniversary. Someone told me to research houses from The Notebook b/c she loves that movie. I saw on this site and a few others that Noah’s fixer upper was not 45 minutes from where we were staying in Charleston.

Long story short, the lady of the house was NOT happy about me asking her for a picture in front of the house. It is an actual residence and the family there made it clear that they are tired of trespassers. I felt HORRIBLE for bothering them so I promised her I would post this on as many sites as I could find.

Please update this post with a warning for future viewers that the family there does not appreciate or accept “visitors”. You cannot see the house from the road so the only way to view it by land is trespassing.

I had to ask a neighbor where it was and you can tell that even the neighbors are fatigued by trespassers. I would say it was worth a try but it really wasn’t. To walk upon this home is multiple layers of trespassing – as the neighborhood its in also has signs up that say no trespassing. I’m thankful we didn’t get shot!

If you want to see the house you have to find a way to get there by sea at high tide.

Please. please, update this posting as a favor for me and the owners. Thank you very much.

-Michael from Alabama

' src=

May 23, 2015 at 7:35 am

Hi Michael, Thanks for reading. I do say clearly that it is a private residence and I don’t include the full address, so I’m not telling anyone to trespass. But I will add that you shouldn’t attempt to go. Caroline

' src=

July 3, 2015 at 1:29 am

Hello Caroline, May I ask if there are guided tours to the locations of where they filmed The Notebook?

Regards, Robyn

July 5, 2015 at 10:03 am

Thanks for reading, Robyn. There aren’t official tours of filming locations. On a downtown tour, the guide may point out the American Theater and Aiken House, but that’s about it.

' src=

September 23, 2015 at 8:22 pm

What is the best tour I can find for my girlfriend and i for the Notebook

September 24, 2015 at 12:50 pm

Justin, there aren’t official tours, but you can visit many of these locations on your own.

' src=

November 10, 2015 at 11:10 pm

I was born and raised in Charleston. I just watched The Notebook. I wanted to see all the familiar places in the movie.

I work for a tour company here in Charleston. I personally take our customers to Boone Hall Plantation. I love it there! Beautiful and peaceful.

' src=

March 31, 2016 at 7:33 am

This looks beautiful . Would add into my list.

April 8, 2016 at 1:07 am

The outside of the house at Boone Hall Plantation was Allie’s parents home. The inside scenes are inside the Calhoun House on Meeting St. Lons office scene is inside the Custom House on E Bay St.

' src=

August 23, 2017 at 11:30 am

Hi. What is your suggestion of hotels to stay at? Is it better to stay in charleston?

August 23, 2017 at 12:31 pm

Hi Heloisa, It depends on what you want to do. If you’re exploring downtown, I recommend staying downtown. I like Vendue Inn, The Spectator, and Zero George downtown. Further out, I like the Charleston Beach Club. Caroline

' src=

June 25, 2018 at 9:26 pm

All About Charleston Tours now offers a 2.5-hour tour called “The Notebook… Charleston”. This is a movie location tour featuring many of the locales from the 2004 film based on the Nicholas Sparks novel. Contact us today for more information.

http://www.allaboutcharlestontours.com

' src=

June 30, 2019 at 1:19 pm

Boone Hall was NOT used in Gone with the Wind. It was, however, used in the miniseries North and South.

' src=

December 19, 2020 at 6:41 am

This was interesting, thank you. FYI, Cypress gardens is back open!

' src=

September 4, 2018 at 4:19 pm

How much is it to tour it and can u just show up are do u have to have an appt

September 9, 2018 at 10:22 am

Shannon, I am not affiliated with any sort of tour.

[…] if I wasn’t already in love with the place, some key scenes in The Notebook were shot in Charleston.  Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:LikeBe the first to like this […]

[…] The film made stars of Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams and has one of the most highly regarded kissing scenes in film. It’s based on the tearjerker by Nicholas Sparks. You can visit most of the filming locations from the movie on a trip to Charleston, primarily Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, which is featured as Allie’s house. The College of Charleston campus on George Street and the American Theater on King Street were also used in the film. To learn more about the other filming locations, read Caroline in the City’s post on The Notebook Charleston Tour. […]

[…] the best things to do here. She has many articles on this southern city, but my two favorite are The Notebook Charleston Tour and Free and Cheap Things to Do in Charleston. The Notebook was filmed here and Caroline tells us […]

[…] destined to stumble upon it at some point or another while you’re shopping or exploring. This guide has all the different filming locations from The Notebook that are in and around the city of […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CHS Logo

The Notebook filming locations in Charleston, S.C.

  • Copy Link copied

Martins Point Plantation, Private residence, Wadmalaw Island

Martins Point Plantation, Private residence, Wadmalaw Island

In honor of The Notebook film’s 15th anniversary today, we’ve compiled fun facts, history, + more about the various locations of Noah Calhoun + Allie Hamilton’s iconic love story , which was mainly filmed right here in Charleston . The adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ first book written in 1996 became an extremely popular film in 2004 and still remains a favorite today.

So, why CHS for a North Carolina-based novel?

When scouting out filming locations, producers fell in love with Charleston + created the fictional town of “Seabrook, S.C.” as the main setting of the movie, despite the novel taking place in the real town of New Bern, N.C. (Although Seabrook + Seabrook Island are real places in S.C., the city in The Notebook is completely fictional. Seabrook Island even has a helpful post on its website clarifying this as it gets mistaken quite often.)

How did the Canadian actress + actor prepare for southern roles?

The film’s stars Rachel McAdams + Ryan Gosling were coincidentally both born in London, Canada. To prepare for their roles as South Carolinians, they both spent time living in Charleston to understand the southern lifestyle prior to filming . Gosling spent time rowing the Ashley River + taking woodworking classes ( a table he built is actually featured in the film ), while McAdams took ballet, etiquette, + southern accent coaching.

Filming locations in CHS

Boone hall plantation, 1235 long point rd..

IMG_1251

Photo via @andrea_renee_novotny

IMG_1252

Photo via @jennie.brian.seetheworld

Used for: Exterior shots of the Hamilton’s summer house + bike ride scene Fun fact: Photography + video recording isn’t allowed inside, so they had to use a second location (Calhoun Mansion ) to film indoor scenes.

Calhoun Mansion, 16 Meeting St.

IMG_1027

Calhoun Mansion

Used for: Indoor shots of the Hamiltons’ summer house History: Built in 1876, this house has served as a private residence, hotel, filming site, + tourist attraction. Visitors can explore antique collections from the past located throughout the mansion’s interior.

Cypress Gardens , 3030 Cypress Gardens Rd.

FullSizeRender

Photo via @tzanandrie

Scene: Noah + Allie’s boat ride Fun fact: Since swans are not native to the area, filmmakers purchased the ones seen in the movie as chicks + raised them on a nearby lake solely for this scene.

Martins Point Plantation , Private residence, Wadmalaw Island

IMG_1016

Martins Point Plantation

Used for: The house Noah built Allie Fun fact: Ryan Gosling wanted Noah to burn the house down after completing its renovations.

College of Charleston , 66 George St.

58419982_2183856355261088_2864720131047555072_o

Photo via @edenmckoy

Used for: Scenes of Allie’s college Fun fact: If you aren’t familiar with the movie, Allie’s college was Sarah Lawrence College in New York, but producers decided to utilize this Charleston-based college to stay local.

High Cotton , 199 E. Bay St.

FullSizeRender-7

Photo via @christinazig

Scene: Noah sees Allie greeting her fiancé through the restaurant’s window. Fun fact: A manager of Slightly North of Broad was cast as the maitre d’ in this scene.

The American Theater , 446 King St.

CHS American Theater

American Theater

Scene: Noah + Allie’s first date Fun fact: While this theater no longer shows movies, one of the most popular things it’s used for it displaying marriage proposals. (Wonder if Noah would’ve utilized this in the 21st century?)

king-street-charleston-sc

Scene: Noah + Allie dance and lay in the road ( right in this very intersection ). Fun fact: A temporary stoplight and vintage parking meters + window signs were put on King St. for this film.

Old Village , Old Village Dr.

Old Village

Old Village

Used for: Old Village in Mount Pleasant set the scene for “Seabrook”, SC. Fun fact: Pitt Street Pharmacy is where Noah + Allie go on an ice cream date .

William Aiken House , 456 King St.

William Aiken House

William Aiken House

Scene: Allie sees Noah in the newspaper while she tries on dresses for her approaching wedding. Fun fact: You can also try on wedding dresses here, as it currently serves as a venue for weddings, receptions, + other events. (Hopefully, you won’t end up crying in a bathtub .)

Black River Plantation , Private residence, Georgetown

Black River Plantation,

Black River Plantation | Photo via @caseyann843

Used for: Allie’s nursing home History: While this plantation home is widely known as Black River Plantation, it has held various names such as Rice Hope Plantation + Waddell Ranch, and was at one time the International Paper Company House.

Want to experience the film’s magic for yourself?

Bulldog Tours offers a mini round-up of specific locations + addresses of filming spots. There are also tours available of Boone Hall Plantation , Cypress Gardens + Calhoun Mansion , as well as pre-planned itineraries for spending a day in the life of Allie + Noah.

schedule a tour

Stay connected.

Drop us a line.

  • last name* *
  • State of Residence * State of Residence Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Europe Armed Forces Pacific
  • Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Life along the river

Travel Back in Time with These Lowcountry Film Locations from The Notebook

From pastel-colored homes and hidden cobble stone streets to the picturesque landscapes along the natural marsh beds and flora and fauna of the sea islands, the Charleston region evokes romance around every corner.

So, it’s no wonder that one of the most iconic love stories of all time was filmed here. Primarily shot in the Charleston area, the film adaptation of the best-selling novel “The Notebook” by Nicholas Sparks follows two young lovers, Allie Hamilton and Noah Calhoun, in the fictional town of Seabrook, South Carolina, in the 1940s. Scattered throughout Charleston and the sea islands, these four filming locations from The Notebook – most of which are just a stone’s throw away from Kiawah River – offer an idyllic sampling of Lowcountry romance for you and your sweetheart.

Cypress Gardens

For an afternoon spent in nature, travel to  Cypress Gardens  in Moncks Corner and experience first-hand Noah and Allie’s boat ride scene with a guided boat tour of the marsh. After your charming paddle on the water, stroll along miles of garden trails that wind through the marsh alongside bald cypress and tupelo trees, lily pads and ferns.

High Cotton

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or just looking to indulge in fine dining, consider stopping in  High Cotton  on East Bay Street in downtown Charleston. The restaurant’s large, light filled windows are featured in one of the final scenes of the film and the establishment is known to locals and visitors for its Southern cuisine and impeccable hospitality.

Pitt Street Pharmacy

Pitt Street Pharmacy  in Mount Pleasant is sure to make you feel like you’ve gone back in time with its retro decor which includes its famous 1950s-style soda fountain. After enjoying a few scoops of delicious ice cream, like Allie and Noah’s date, explore Old Village in Mount Pleasant and stroll along Pitt Street Bridge for scenic views of the water and Charleston’s breathtaking skyline.

The American Theater

Located on King Street in downtown Charleston,  The American Theater  is the famous filming location of Noah and Allie’s first date, before dancing in the road at the intersection of King and Mary streets. No trip to Charleston is complete without a stroll down King Street, where you can spot both set locations as you explore the many art galleries and boutique shops.

Voted one of America’s most romantic places, the Lowcountry’s enchanting history, romance and adventure combine to create a symphony of love and life, offering endless opportunities to celebrate love that lasts long after the credits roll.

the notebook tour charleston sc

A day in the life

@kiawahriverchs, stay connected.

  • First Name *
  • Last Name *
  • Sign up for newsletter

DIY Bluebird Box: Build a Home for Feathered Friends

the notebook tour charleston sc

The Notebook Tour of Charleston

' src=

Guys – I have a confession to make. I don’t love The Notebook. Honestly, my taste in love stories runs much more along the lines of Jane the Virgin than Nicholas Sparks. But, not a fan of the movie none-with-standing, even I can recognize that the visuals and scenery in the movie are stunning. Last time we were in Charleston, we spent some time in some of the places they filmed the movie, so I wanted to put out ‘The Notebook’ tour of one of our favorite cities.

The American Theater

Just maybe don’t lay down in the middle of the road – because, you know, death isn’t cute.

the notebook tour charleston sc

Boone Hall Plantation

This was used as the exterior of Allies’ house. The plantation is beautiful and worth the tour.

Cypress Gardens

This is one of our favorite things we did in Charleston. You can take your own rowboat out on the swamp where the iconic swan scene was filmed. Just be for-warned, it’s BYOS (bring your own swan).

the notebook tour charleston sc

Share this:

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window)

Travel to Blank

Real life Filming Locations from “The Notebook” in Charleston, South Carolina

The beauty of Charleston has been inspiration for many filmmakers. We have put together a list of the places where Jazmin’s favorite movie, the Notebook was filmed. Find your favorite spots and make sure to take a photo, when appropriate. In this guide we will be sharing the main locations where The Notebook was filmed. 

➳ Find all:   Hotels in Charleston

Where are The Notebook filming locations in Charleston?

The american theater.

In this theater is where Noah and Allie went on a double date for their first date. The building no longer serves as a theater but now it is a popular event venue in the city.

In this theater is where Noah and Allie went on a double date for their first date. The building no longer serves as a theater but now it is a popular event venue in the city.

King Street

Where Noah and Allie lie down to watch the traffic light. The exact location where they lie down was in front of the American Theatre. The production team had to install a traffic light as there is no traffic light in reality.

Where Noah and Allie lie down to watch the traffic light. The exact location where they lie down was in front of the American Theatre. The production team had to install a traffic light as there is no traffic light in reality.

College of Charleston

Located in the heart of the city, this campus was where the college scenes of Allie were recorded.  

Noah and Allie take a stroll down Mount Pleasant's historic Pitt Street to the Old Village Post house for ice cream. This location was the film's fictional town of Seabrook, South Carolina.

Old Village Post House

Noah and Allie take a stroll down Mount Pleasant’s historic Pitt Street to the Old Village Post house for ice cream. This location was the film’s fictional town of Seabrook, South Carolina.

Broad Street

This street is where Noah dismounts a moving bus to chase his love, Allie.  

It is not only the America’s oldest living and working plantations but it was also the exterior of Allie’s summer home. Remember when Noah hit the gate with his truck? It was right by that iron gate!  

Calhoun Mansion

The Calhoun Mansion set the stage of the interior of the house of Allie.  

Martin’s Point Plantation

It is a private residence and also the home that Noah repaired in the movie. It is not open to the public. They do not like people taking photos or tracking this house down, so please stay away from it out of respect for the owners.  

Cypress Gardens

It is where Noah and Allie went paddling through the swamp filled with swans. Did you know that it was recorded during alligator hibernation period and that the swans are not originally from there? The swans were brought a month prior to train them for the director to tell them how to behave.  

William Aiken House

This is the house where Allie hears about Noah and has a meltdown in the bathtub. It was also used for the wedding dress fitting scene.

The scene where Noah looks through the window and finds Allie dinning with her fiancé was filmed at the High Cotton Restaurant. 

High Cotton

The scene where Noah looks through the window and finds Allie dining with her fiancé was filmed at the High Cotton Restaurant.

⇟ More articles related to this:

➳ Read More:  The Ultimate 4 day itinerary to visit Charleston

➳ Read More: The Plantation Guide of Charleston

➳ Read More: A romantic weekend getaway in Charleston

➳ Read More: What to do and see in Charleston

➳ Read More: 10 photos to inspire you to visit Charleston

Save this article for later ⇟

the notebook tour charleston sc

Sharing is caring!

Join our newsletter!

Ryan Biddulph

Monday 16th of July 2018

Awesome town and great review guys. We vacationed in Charleston more than a few times. Lots of fun things to do, warm weather, warmer people and of course the food down there sticks to your ribs. Brilliant spot.

Travel To Blank

Wednesday 8th of August 2018

Hi Ryan! It is awesome to see that you enjoy different of our content! Yes, Charleston stole our hearts. It is such a beautiful destination.

BOOK ONLINE NOW AND GET $2 OFF! (CODE: 2OFFWALK)

Walks of Charleston

Movies Filmed in Charleston, SC: Movie and TV Tour of Charleston

bridge-2862479_1920

Charleston has been the site of many Hollywood movies. There are so many movies filmed in Charleston, you might even feel as though you’ve been here before (maybe in another lifetime?).

If you’ve seen the movies The Notebook, Dear John, and The Patriot , you’ve seen Hollywood’s version of Charleston! And yes, of course the TV show Southern Charm is filmed here, though we hate to break it to you: much of that “reality” show is staged.

Cue: woman clutching her pearls.

While you’re visiting, you might even recognize a few Charleston sites made famous to the rest of the world by these 9 movies.

Movies Filmed in Charleston

Some of our favorite movies filmed in Charleston include:

The Notebook

Legend of Bagger Vance

The Patriot

Vice Principals

Die Hard With a Vengeance

Halloween 2018

Prince of Tides

American Theater — The Notebook

the notebook tour charleston sc

Off all of the movies filmed in Charleston, our favorite has to be The Notebook . Even if you don’t recognize the American Theater from The Notebook , you’ll still get a kick out of the retro marquis. This theater opened back in 1942 and is a prime example of Art Moderne architecture (often confused with Art Deco; it’s similar, but not quite the same).

This King Street theater is where Nicholas Sparks’ somewhat star-crossed lovers go on their first date.

Don’t expect to re-enact Allie and Noah’s date here, though. The theater no longer shows moves and instead has been transformed into an event space .

The College of Charleston & Folly Beach Pier — Dear John

peach mansion

Yes, Nicholas Sparks set many of his novels in Charleston — but can you blame him? This city is just about as romantic as it gets. Travel + Leisure Magazine even named Charleston as the U.S.’s most romantic city.

Another Nicholas Sparks movie filmed in Charleston is Dear John.

If you’re a huge Nicholas Sparks fan, you won’t want to stop stalking the filming sites for his movies at the American Theater. Instead, head up to The College of Charleston to see where scenes from “Dear John” were filmed. When you’re finished, head over to the Folly Beach Pier to check out John’s and Savannah’s meeting spot — the perfect spot for your own meet cute.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort — Legend of Bagger Vance

Not a fan of Will Smith movies? It’s OK, we won’t hold it against you. But whether you love golf, beautiful scenery or are just a Will Smith movie buff, you should head to Kiawah Island to the Kiawah Island Resort .

This is where many scenes from Legend were filmed (you’ll recognize it immediately). It also happens to be a beautiful scenic spot. It’s also rated one of the best golf courses in the U.S.

Boone Hall, College of Charleston & Meeting Street – The Patriot

yellow house

Mel Gibson’s Revolutionary War movie was a hit when it was released in 2000. Following a widowed farmer who avoids the war, the movie is about family, fighting for your country and the peace we all seek.

This movie was filmed all over Charleston, so you can check out several spots. First, head up to Boone Hall for the day to visit the plantation’s grounds — where many exterior scenes were shot. Then make your way back into the city for a stop at the College of Charleston — where many of the movies on this list were filmed. (Pst: it’s also the oldest municipal college in the U.S.) Finally, you can head right down to Meeting Street to get an idea of what Charleston looked like back in the 1700s (well, mostly anyway).

Of all of the movies filmed in Charleston on this list, this one is possibly the most historic.

Park Circle Neighborhood — Vice Principals

Vice Principals  didn’t get a very long run (only two seasons), but it has a cult following. If you happen to be one of those die-hard fans, head up to the Park Circle neighborhood in Northern Charleston where much of the show was filmed.

Ravenel Bridge — Die Hard With a Vengeance

palm tree

Another of our favorite movies filmed in Charleston is  Die Hard.

OK, technically it wasn’t the Ravenel Bridge in Die Hard With a Vengeance . Mostly because the Ravenel didn’t open until June 2005; “Die Hard With a Vengeance” was released in 1995 — back when the Old Cooper River Bridges still stood.

While the old bridges weren’t demolished until 2007 (two years after the opening of the Ravenel Bridge), the Grace Memorial Bridge was unusable since the 1970s, and the Pearlman Bridge couldn’t ease the flow of traffic between Downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant.

The defunct Grace Memorial Bridge was the perfect spot to film the scene where Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson jump from a bridge onto a shipping container (though the movie was set in New York and Connecticut). The crew simply filmed the scene from the Pearlman Bridge.

Magnolia Cemetery, Military Magnet Academy & Danny Jones Complex Armory — Halloween 2018

the notebook tour charleston sc

It’s a wonder that more scary movies aren’t filmed in Charleston. For one, the city is super haunted. It’s full of old cemeteries. And the weather stays mild year-round — perfect for filming.

The film scouts for the Halloween movie that was released in 2018 sure knew this. If you head to Magnolia Cemetery, you’ll be at the site of the graveyard scene. You can also head to the Military Magnet Academy to check out where the prison scene was filmed (the academy’s stark architecture was perfect for this movie!).

Finally, if you’re a die-hard fan of Halloween , head up to the Danny Jones Complex Armory, otherwise known as Haddonfield High School.

College of Charleston – O

peach mansion

One movie filmed in Charleston that’s considered kind of a “deep cut” is O.

Tim Blake Nelson’s redo of the famous Shakespeare play “Othello” was also filmed in Charleston — most of the school scenes were filmed at the College of Charleston . Legend has it that the college campus looks like it could be set in England, which is why the film scouts chose this site.

The movie depicts teen and high school violence in the late 1990s.

Bay Street & Beaufort River — Prince of Tides

It doesn’t get more classic Hollywood than the movie Prince of Tides . Fans of this Barbara Streisand and Nick Nolte movie won’t be able to visit Charleston without a trip to Bay Street — where Tom Wingo’s mother lived in the movie.

If you have a little extra time, you might want to take a day trip to Beaufort, South Carolina, where most of the movie was filmed. Beaufort is on the way to Savannah, another perfect city for day tripping .

  • Most Popular!
  • Hour Glass 2 hours

Charleston History Tour

Discover the essentials of historic Charleston on this leisurely walking tour with our knowledgeable tour guides.

  • Hour Glass Varies

Private Tours

Take a private tour of Charleston to gain a deeper understanding of the Holy City. Allow us to create the perfect tour for your group!

  • Small Group!

Charleston’s Alleys and Hidden Passages

This is the most popular tour offered by our sister company, Lowcountry Walking Tours, which specializes in small-group tours for a more intimate experience.

the notebook tour charleston sc

Free Saturdays for Berkeley County residents and their dependents on January 20 th , June 15 th , September 28 th , & November 16 th .

Berkeley county residents must show photo ids to take advantage of this offer..

2024 Spring Events

Save time . . . get your tickets online

the notebook tour charleston sc

Thinking of Volunteering?

Help the gardens with a donation.

the notebook tour charleston sc

Beautiful Cypress Gardens has been a preferred group and family destination since 1932. Visitors from all over the country come to experience this unique and exciting attraction, which has been featured in numerous national magazines and popular television shows and motion pictures including The Notebook and The Patriot.

Preserving…

Chapel

“…Mindful that thousands of persons annually enjoy the beauty of Cypress Gardens…and desires of preserving, for future generation, this unique garden, created in 1927 by his father, the late Benjamin R. Kittredge, and which, with the years, has become an internationally celebrated attraction of South Carolina, has determined to give the same to The City Council of Charleston.”

From the deed transferring Cypress Garden to the City of Charleston in 1963

You don’t have to travel far to experience the beauty and adventure

Of berkeley county,, south carolina’s own . . ..

the notebook tour charleston sc

No Drones or Bikes Allowed

the notebook tour charleston sc

the notebook tour charleston sc

Scenes from “The Notebook:” Filming Locations in South Carolina

I spent five days this past week in Charleston, three of which were devoted to a good friend’s bachelorette weekend, and somehow since my last visit in 2009, I’d forgotten just how much I love this deeply Southern city.

Charleston, South Carolina

I must say that while there are many U.S. cities with which I am smitten— Savannah , New Orleans , Austin, Nashville (naturally)—I’m not sure any of them can hold a candle to Charleston’s unbridled beauty.

Charleston, South Carolina

We were extremely lucky in that a friend of my San Francisco friend Kim offered up his house to us for the time we were there. For free. In this setting. (I know , right? Thank you, Steve!)

Charleston, South Carolina

He hand-built this architectural marvel out in Awendaw just beyond Mount Pleasant and let the five of us inhabit it for the weekend.

Charleston, South Carolina

With this view from the living room:

Charleston, South Carolina

And the marsh at our fingertips.

Charleston, South Carolina

On the final day, before we parted ways, Layne, Jabeen and I went on a little scavenger hunt for clues Ryan Gosling had left behind.

Charleston, South Carolina

Yes, indeed, this was the very spot—just two houses down from our temporary digs—where they shot scenes from The Notebook .

Charleston, South Carolina

Look familiar?

Charleston, South Carolina

We didn’t hop onto the rope swing (tempting were it not for the alligators that swim through these waters), but we might have reenacted some scenes nonetheless…

Charleston, South Carolina

I’m already plotting a return trip in the spring, this time with SVV and Ella in tow. Because it just seems cruel to keep all of this from them.

Charleston, South Carolina

A Lazy Day in Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina

... READ MORE

Knoxville on Game Day

It’s Football Time in Tennessee: What to Do on Game Day in Knoxville

How to Be an Extra on Nashville

A Day in the Life: A TV Extra

City Dog Goes to Georgia: A Barnsley Gardens Weekend thumbnail

City Dog Goes to Georgia: A Barnsley Gardens Weekend

the notebook tour charleston sc

The photos are so beautiful! I love the trees. They’re so romantic and southern!

The trees in Charleston (and Savannah) are unreal. Even us fellow Southerners are blown away by them every time we visit!

Are thes picture with some kind of filter? or natural. Coz the pics are so beautiful. I would love to visit this place and no have started reading more about this place.

I’ve not been to Charleston, but it’s on my list of places to visit before I die. 🙂 Love your photos and that house you stayed at, incredible! What a perfect setting to relax or have fun with the girls. And those moss covered trees are exactly what I imagine when I think of the deep south.

How about your list of places to go in the next one to three years? =) It really is a phenomenal place to visit, and if you haven’t spent much time in the Deep South, there’s not a better place for a crash course!

That green in insane!! Oh my goodness, so gorgeous!

So, I’m curious, do marshes like that have a ton-a-million bugs?

Uh, yeah. Heard of palmettos? If not, DON’T Google it…

….not googling…I want to, but I can’t.

I CAVED! EWW ewww EWW ewww!!! *dryheaves

At least they don’t bite, though, right? (I image searched “palmetto bite” right after “Palmetto bug” and there was nothing terribly nasty…so, I suppose there’s that?) Blech.

Oh, how gorgeous. Can’t wait to visit.

And Charleston is eagerly awaiting your arrival, young miss.

Those trees are exactly what I imagine when I think of the southern U.S. – so incredibly beautiful! I’ve been reading a lot lately about Charleston and Savannah – I think it’s a sign that I should be planning a visit!

If you came to Nashville, you’d be disappointed as we have nothing that matches the Spanish moss of Charleston and Savannah! Though we do have a lot of beautiful things here in Tennessee, too =)

Gorgeous photos and gorgeous location! I love Charleston so, so much.

We have family in Charleston and have been there often. In fact, I think we’ve sat on that same dock! It is a gorgeous town – I know it’s actually a city, but just feels like a quaint little town to me. Love your pics.

Small world! It does feel tiny to me, too. Everyone is related to everyone else there.

The greenery and the natural beauty in the pictures are very tempting!! Its good that you had such a lovely time, thanks for the photographs 🙂

I’ve only been to Charleston once in my life and that was for Hurricane Hugo disaster relief when I was but a wee traveler. Your pictures make me want to plan a visit this fall!

You’ve got Erica and Jen there now, and you’re pretty close! Weekend getaway with the beau?

This is it, I’m definitely sold on Charleston. Simply, breathtakingly beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

Wow! These photos are beautiful. I’ve always wanted to visit South Carolina again (I haven’t been there since I was a very little girl) and this definitely gave me the kick I needed. How lovely! Were these all the raw photos or did you add a little PS magic?

It looks like “The Notebook”

wow so beautiful- and i didn’t realize they filmed the Notebook there. I must be living under a rock.

I hear the restaurants are great for foodie too

Nah, I wouldn’t have known either had the homeowner not told us!

Wow! Your photos momentarily transported me away from my awkward-posture-inducing couch and into a magical Southern wonderland. So beautiful!

Ha, why thank you! It really is a magnificent place.

Beyond gorgeous photos! From all the places I’ve visited in the States, Charleston has been the most memorable one for me! So beautiful!

There are few places in the continental US that can match it!

How incredible that you got to stay in such a beautiful place! I’m glad you love Chaz as much as you do. The three years I went to Uni there were completely unforgettable.

Most beautiful city in the US, bar none.

Those pictures are absolutely beautiful, I want to go just to see those trees!

A dreamland for everyone. This is a perfect place away from this busy world. The calm and relaxing atmosphere is what everyone is looking for nowadays. It is truly magnificent and beautiful place. Oh i just never get tired of looking at the photos. Thank you for this post.

I used to live in Charleston. These photos take me back! Although the view from our house wasn’t quite like this 😉 What an awesome house!

We’re headed there for a wedding next month. It is such a beautiful town, and it looks like you might have found the best spot there. Now you’ve got me searching for somewhere half as cool to stay while we’re there!

Wow! Nature at its best. Lovely photos you’ve got. I love seeing all those green elements. The trees are so lovely. Looks like in the movie “The Notebook”. With good food, friendly people, history, and beautiful beaches, there’s no wonder why Charleston is a consistent hit with the travelers. It is the #1 wedding destination city and voted as the #1 tourist city in U.S. over the last two years by Conde Naste travel magazine.

Some areas to look into are Daniel Island, Folly Beach, Kiawah, Seabrook, and James Island. When it comes to investing in properties for sale in Charleston or nearby areas, Mount pleasant sc condos and Mt Pleasant townhouses are at the top of the list.

Those trees are beautiful. I haven’t been there, but I’m sure they are symbolic of that region in a way. Whenever I see the twisting branches of oak trees here in Northern California, I always think of home.

love the lighting

Magnificent landscape!

These are the most fresh creative pictures and the execution is just perfect ,I have ever seen. you have a great imagination setting these pictures!

OMG, the view from living room is totally nostalgic.

I loved Charleston. We did a trip a couple years ago to Savannah, Bluffton and Charleston that we name our “southern swing” trip. We had the most amazing meal at Charleston Place and loved looking at all the beautful houses.

Hey I was wondering what rental this was as I am trying to book a place in Charleston for my sisters bachelorette weekend and saw this

It isn’t a rental, sorry =( A friend just let us take over his home for the weekend.

The area is Wando Farms if you can find anything for rent there. But it’s a good 20 minutes outside of downtown Charleston.

Thanks I’ll look into it 🙂

any chance your friend would rent out his house for my bachelorette party??

I’ve actually never met him, and he doesn’t rent out his house—it was just a favor for a mutual friend! Good luck finding a place!

Gorgeous photos! Gorgeous setting! I haven’t been to Charleston in 20 years. I used to spend a week in the summer on the Isle of Palms with a friend. Beautiful place! Now I have to go back….

Oooh, we spent an afternoon on IOP. So fun. Love how accessible all the beaches are there!

Leave a Comment

Don't subscribe All new comments Replies to my comments Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

the notebook tour charleston sc

This Charleston Inn's 'Notebook' Package Lets You Live Out All Your Allie and Noah Fantasies

Experience the spark-inducing locations in person.

the notebook filming locations in charleston south carolina

While the story takes place in the small town of Seabrook, South Carolina, many of the movie's scenes were actually filmed in Charleston. This Valentine’s Day, the HarbourView Inn is offering guests the chance to recreate Allie and Noah's love story scene-by-scene—the ultimate romantic getaway.

Love on location

the notebook bathtub scene allie and noah

HarbourView's Allie and Noah’s Timeless Romance Package ($2,000 per couple) includes one dozen roses in your room upon arrival, a rose-petal turndown with a bottle of sparkling wine, a private carriage ride for two, and gift cards and complimentary admission to various sites around town to help you recreate the romance in the film.

High Cotton

the notebook filming location high cotton charleston

Begin your getaway with dinner at High Cotton , the restaurant where, after years of being apart, Noah sees Allie dining with her new fiancé. HarbourView's package includes a $100 gift card to the white-tablecloth Lowcountry mainstay.

American Theater

the notebook filming location theater slow dance

After dinner, enjoy a private carriage ride through the Historic District that culminates at the American Theater on King Street—where Noah and Allie had their first date and slow-danced in the street. Guests have the option to surprise their significant other with a customized message on the theater's marquee.

Boone Hall Plantation

the notebook filming location charleston boone hall plantation

The next day, private transportation is provided to Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens where scenes of Allie’s summer home were filmed. Explore the history and heritage of the South as you stroll through the shade of the oak trees.

Audobon Swamp Garden

the notebook movie canoe scene audobon swamp garden

Transportation to and general admission for Magnolia Plantation and Gardens , America’s last large-scale Romantic-style garden, is included. Couples also receive a tour of the house and the Audobon Swamp Garden, setting of the scene where Noah rows Allie through a lake filled with swans.

King Street

the notebook movie location king street charleston

Finally, wind down with Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream on King Street. If you’re feeling daring, you could even "kiss" dessert off your partner's face like Allie did in the film!

Headshot of Caleigh Alleyne

.css-1shyvki:before{background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:contain;background-size:contain;content:'';height:0.819rem;margin-bottom:0;margin-right:-0.9375rem;width:3.125rem;}.loaded .css-1shyvki:before{background-image:url('/_assets/design-tokens/countryliving/static/images/arrow.svg');}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1shyvki:before{display:none;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1shyvki:before{display:inline-block;}} Travel .css-unxkmx:before{background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:contain;background-size:contain;content:'';height:0.819rem;margin:0.7rem auto 0.9375rem;width:3.125rem;}.loaded .css-unxkmx:before{background-image:url('/_assets/design-tokens/countryliving/static/images/arrow.svg');}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-unxkmx:before{display:block;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-unxkmx:before{display:none;}}

a couple sitting on a bench

A Summer Weekend in Ontario's Prince Edward County

strawberry, vanilla, chocolate ice cream with waffle cone on marble stone backgrounds

Must-Visit Ice Cream Fests Across the USA

chairs and umbrellas on a beach in destin

Escape to the Emerald Coast This Summer

best teardrop trailers

The 8 Best Teardrop Trailers to Use This Summer

grand prismatic spring in yellowstone with streaks of bright orange and brown leading to yellow, which changes to green and blue the farther into the water you go, there is a green mountain in the background

The Perfect Itinerary for a Yellowstone Adventure

kentucky derby previews

20 Rules Guests Follow at the Kentucky Derby

a girl looking through binoculars in a meadow of tall grass and purple wild flowers

The Country’s Best Spots for Bird-watching

a building with a flag on top

Plan a Trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan

solar eclipse visible across swath of us

Scenic Spots to Watch the Total Solar Eclipse

clearwater beach, florida

The 15 Best Beaches Near Orlando

a small building in a garden

A Weekend in Connecticut's Litchfield County

Milla logo

Create an account

  • Gain access to free articles
  • Daily free newsletter(s)
  • Ability to comment on most articles
  • Build your 3D avatar and gain points

Logo Narcity Pro

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.

Forgot password

Please enter your email and we'll send you a new password request code.

Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

User Avatar

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with narcity pro..

For Pro members only

You Can Visit The Garden Where  'The Notebook' Was Filmed & Feel Like Allie In The Iconic Scene

You can redo the boat scene for just $10!

A woman canoes under a bridge tunnel. Right: A woman sitting on a canoe surrounded by tall trees. ​

A woman canoes under a bridge tunnel. Right: A woman sitting on a canoe surrounded by tall trees.

When searching for things to do in Charleston, SC, this enchanting garden where they filmed The Notebook, is a great addition to your itinerary.

Cypress Gardens is a nature preserve in Moncks Corner, SC just outside of the Charleston area.

You may recognize this spot as the filming location from the iconic scene in The Notebook where Noah and Allie row in a boat surrounded by tall trees and hundreds of geese.

While you're there, be sure to ask an employee about some behind the scene details of filming, and locations of other shows and movies filmed there.

You can experience these whimsical gardens for yourself for only $10 a ticket.

You can take a self-guided tour on a paddle boat for no additional cost, and wind through the lily pad-covered waters, towering bald cypress, and tupelo trees.

See on Instagram

This is the perfect activity for a casual daytime date, or for locals looking to take a short day trip out of the city to get in touch with the state's natural beauty.

After you explore the tranquil waters, you can pay a visit to the garden's butterfly house. This large, sunny greenhouse is filled with fragrant flowers, a beehive, a calming pond, and a rainbow of live butterflies.

Here you can view these beautiful animals at every phase of their life cycle.

During the winter months, from November to February, dog owners are allowed to bring their pets as long as they're on a leash.

Cypress Gardens is open seven days a week, all year long.

Cypress Gardens

Address: 3030 Cypress Gardens Rd, Moncks Corner, SC

Why You Need To Go: You can relive scenes from an iconic romance, and get in touch with South Carolina's natural beauty.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Netflix's Ozark Was Actually Filmed In Georgia & You Can Visit ... ›
  • Netflix's 'Pieces Of Her' Wasn't Really Filmed In Georgia & Belle Isle ... ›
  • Charleston’s Dreamy 'Rainbow Row' Is The Perfect Instagram Spot & It’s Completely Free - Narcity ›
  • This US City Was Named Among The Best In America & Here's Why It's Worth A Fall Road Trip - Narcity ›

Already have an account? Log in

Create an account to keep reading.

1. choose a plan.

Limited access to free articles

Narcity Pro logo

Unlimited access to all content, AI summaries, ad-free browsing and directly support our reporting by becoming a Patron 🙏. Cancel anytime.

2. Create your account

This secret magnolia alley near toronto takes you through a blushing tunnel of pink blooms, 10 cheap and romantic things to do around toronto this spring for $20 or less, 7 hikes near los angeles that lead to stunning waterfalls & ocean views, i visited a charming shakespearean town in ontario & it felt like a christmas movie (photos), 9 charming small towns in the usa worth crossing the canadian border for this winter.

the notebook tour charleston sc

  • Today's news
  • Reviews and deals
  • Climate change
  • 2024 election
  • Fall allergies
  • Health news
  • Mental health
  • Sexual health
  • Family health
  • So mini ways
  • Unapologetically
  • Buying guides

Entertainment

  • How to Watch
  • My watchlist
  • Stock market
  • Biden economy
  • Personal finance
  • Stocks: most active
  • Stocks: gainers
  • Stocks: losers
  • Trending tickers
  • World indices
  • US Treasury bonds
  • Top mutual funds
  • Highest open interest
  • Highest implied volatility
  • Currency converter
  • Basic materials
  • Communication services
  • Consumer cyclical
  • Consumer defensive
  • Financial services
  • Industrials
  • Real estate
  • Mutual funds
  • Credit cards
  • Balance transfer cards
  • Cash back cards
  • Rewards cards
  • Travel cards
  • Online checking
  • High-yield savings
  • Money market
  • Home equity loan
  • Personal loans
  • Student loans
  • Options pit
  • Fantasy football
  • Pro Pick 'Em
  • College Pick 'Em
  • Fantasy baseball
  • Fantasy hockey
  • Fantasy basketball
  • Download the app
  • Daily fantasy
  • Scores and schedules
  • GameChannel
  • World Baseball Classic
  • Premier League
  • CONCACAF League
  • Champions League
  • Motorsports
  • Horse racing
  • Newsletters

New on Yahoo

  • Privacy Dashboard

How to Take 'The Notebook' Tour of Charleston

Thanks to its charming historic downtown, antebellum homes, and idyllic waterfront vistas , it's no surprise that Charleston is a popular location for TV shows and movies to film. But one of the most iconic films to use Charleston as its backdrop is undoubtedly The Notebook . While Nicholas Sparks originally set the book in New Bern, North Carolina, the movie places Noah and Allie in Seabrook, South Carolina, a small town about an hour south of Charleston. Most of the movie was filmed in Charleston, however, with Mount Pleasant's Old Village and parts of King Street serving as downtown Seabrook and several private and public homes in the area setting the historically accurate backdrop.

If you're a fan of The Notebook , taking a tour of the film locations in and around Charleston is a fun way to experience the romantic story in a new way—and maybe see parts of one of our favorite Southern cities you haven't seen before. Here are 7 Charleston landmarks you'll recognize from the movie:

Courtesy of Patrick Properties Hospitality Group

The American Theater

The setting for Noah and Allie's first date—followed by lying down and dancing in the middle of the street—is the American Theater , a 1940s movie theater on King Street in downtown Charleston. The theater is now a private event space and no longer shows movies, but you can have a custom message written out in the marquee for your own sweetheart.

Jumping Rocks/Getty Images

Boone Hall Plantation

Scenes of the exterior of Allie's family's summer house were filmed at the iconic Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant. The plantation, which has been a working farm for more than 300 years, is open to the public for tours—you'll recognize it instantly upon turning on to the mossy oak-lined driveway and seeing the iron gate in front of the house that Noah rams his truck into.

WATCH: Stunning 300-Year-Old Charleston Plantation For Sale on Johns Island

Stunning 300-Year-Old Charleston Plantation For Sale on Johns Island

Fenwick Hall Plantation is a place where time truly stands still, and it can be yours for a cool $8,875,000.

Epics/Getty Images

Calhoun Mansion

However, the interiors of the Hamiltons' summer home—a.k.a. the site of most of the fights Allie has with her parents—were actually filmed in the Calhoun Mansion , a grand and gilded circa-1876 mansion near the battery in Charleston that is also open to the public for tours.

Courtesy of College of Charleston

College of Charleston

In the movie, Allie leaves South Carolina behind to attend Sarah Lawrence College in New York. However, those scenes were in fact filmed on College of Charleston's picturesque downtown campus, which is too beautiful not to wander through if you never have.

Courtesy of High Cotton

High Cotton

After years apart, Noah goes into town (actually meant to be Charleston this time) and spots Allie on the street. He follows after her until she walks into a restaurant where she is greeted by her fiancé Lon, setting off Noah's obsession with renovating the old house and winning Allie back. The restaurant Allie and Lon are dining in is High Cotton , an actual restaurant serving classic Lowcountry fare in an upscale space that isn't much different from what you see in the movie.

Courtesy of Patrick Properties Hospitality Group)

The William Aiken House

Right next door to the American Theater on King Street is the historic William Aiken House , where Allie is trying on her wedding dress when she sees the picture of Noah standing in front of the house he fixed up in the paper. The bright yellow house was built in 1810 and epitomizes the best of Charleston architecture. Unsurprisingly, the home is now primarily used for events and is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the city .

Daniela Duncan/Getty Images

Cypress Gardens

Noah and Allie's eventual reunion begins with Noah taking Allie out in a rowboat to see the hundreds of geese on the lake behind his house. The beautiful scenery was also filmed near Charleston, at Cypress Gardens in the town of Moncks Corner. After several years of closure due to flooding, the gardens will reopen to the public this April. You can even take a tour of the swamp in your own rowboat, but you won't witness the great migration of geese—they were trained and brought in especially for the movie.

Recommended Stories

Nba draft lottery: hawks get no. 1 pick, despite 3 percent chance of winning.

The Atlanta Hawks won the No. 1 overall selection in the NBA Draft Lottery. The Hawks had a 3 percent chance of winning the top pick.

2024 NBA Mock Draft 7.0: Who will the Hawks take at No. 1? Our projections for every pick with lottery order now set

With the lottery order set, here's a look at Yahoo Sports' projections for both rounds of the 2024 NBA Draft.

Former MLB infielder, Little League World Series star Sean Burroughs dies at 43

The seven-year major leaguer collapsed while coaching his son's Little League game on Thursday.

The best RBs for 2024 fantasy football, according to our experts

The Yahoo Fantasy football analysts reveal their first running back rankings for the 2024 NFL season.

Here's 1 big investing mistake you are probably still making

Maybe a 5% CD isn't the best choice for your hard-earned money.

How rich homebuyers are avoiding high mortgage rates

Homebuyers with means are turning to an old strategy to get around a new crop of high mortgage rates: all-cash deals.

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross reportedly declined $10 billion for team, stadium and F1 race

The value of the Dolphins and Formula One racing is enormous.

The FDIC change that leaves wealthy bank depositors with less protection

Affluent Americans may want to double-check how much of their bank deposits are protected by government-backed insurance. The rules governing trust accounts just changed.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch calls Jamal Murray's heat-pack toss on court 'inexcusable and dangerous'

Murray made a bad night on the court worse during a moment of frustration on the bench.

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: A hitter who should be rostered in every league is available in more than half of them

Prep for the final days of Week 6 with Dalton Del Don's latest batch of fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups!

IMAGES

  1. Self-Guided Tour of The Notebook Film Locations in Charleston

    the notebook tour charleston sc

  2. The Notebook Charleston Tour

    the notebook tour charleston sc

  3. How to Take 'The Notebook' Tour of Charleston

    the notebook tour charleston sc

  4. The Notebook Charleston Tour

    the notebook tour charleston sc

  5. Self-Guided Tour of The Notebook Film Locations in Charleston

    the notebook tour charleston sc

  6. “The Notebook” filming locations in Charleston SC

    the notebook tour charleston sc

VIDEO

  1. June at warped tour Charleston Sc 06'

COMMENTS

  1. How to Take 'The Notebook' Tour of Charleston

    How to Take 'The Notebook' Tour of Charleston. Trace the steps of Noah and Allie's iconic love story by visiting these 7 Charleston landmarks. Thanks to its charming historic downtown, antebellum homes, and idyllic waterfront vistas, it's no surprise that Charleston is a popular location for TV shows and movies to film.

  2. Self-Guided Tour of The Notebook Film Locations in Charleston

    Allie and Noah's First Date - The Notebook Film Locations. Head down King Street in Charleston to see the location of Allie and Noah's first date, The American Theater. It is located at 446 King Street. The American Theater purpose when it opened in 1942 was as Charleston's premier movie house. Its main use now is as an event venue.

  3. The Notebook Filming Locations to Visit

    The Navy Yard turned Naval Base in North Charleston operated from 1901 to 1996. The over 1,000-acre Old Navy Base has been used for concerts, festivals in Riverfront Park, and filming for shows like Army Wives and Outer Banks. For The Notebook, interior shots were used on the base, including the admiral's house and one of the chapels, as well as the production offices set up onsite.

  4. All About Charleston Tours

    The Notebook - Trailer. Check "How To Book" for more info. Email or call for more tour information. 843-469-4458. [email protected]. All About Charleston is taking the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously. With this in mind, we have discontinued our mobile van tours at the present time.

  5. The Notebook Tour

    My cousin and I took The Notebook tour today and loved it! Jeff is very knowledgeable about the movie (and lots of general Charleston stuff). It was so neat to see lots of filming locations and learn some backstory. Highly recommend for fans of The Notebook! Date of experience: January 2020.

  6. Sites from The Notebook & Dear John

    Duration: 2 hours. Language: English. Welcome to the Sparks of Love: Sites from The Notebook & Dear John Tour, created by On Location Tours! This curated, self-guided tour features locations from the beloved Nicholas Sparks movies, The Notebook and Dear John. Stroll through scenic Charleston, SC and live vicariously through Noah, Allie, John ...

  7. 'The Notebook' Filming Locations: Relive the Romance in Charleston, S.C

    The 24,000 square foot property also offers tours to the public. 16 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401 ... The campus really is stunning so it's worth a visit even if you haven't seen The ...

  8. "The Notebook" filming locations

    The complete weekend guide to visiting "The Notebook" filming locations, tips and quotes from this best-seller Nicholas Sparks' novel - in Charleston SC. The charming historic downtown Charleston, SC is a popular location for TV shows and movies. My husband and I decided to do a road trip to visit this romantic town and the spots where "The Notebook" was filmed.

  9. Sparks of Love: Sites from 'The Notebook' Tour Unveiled in Charleston

    Prepare to step into the enchanting world of Noah and Allie as On Location Tours proudly announces the launch of its newest walking tour, Sparks of Love: Sites from The Notebook Tour, in Charleston, South Carolina. Fans of Nicholas Sparks are invited to explore the charming streets and iconic film locations that served as the backdrop for this beloved romance.

  10. Sparks of Love: Sites from 'The Notebook' Tour Unveiled

    Prepare to step into the enchanting world of Noah and Allie as On Location Tours proudly announces the launch of its newest walking tour, Sparks of Love: Sites from The Notebook Tour, in Charleston, South Carolina. Fans of Nicholas Sparks are invited to explore the charming streets and iconic film locations that served as the backdrop for this beloved romance.

  11. The Notebook Charleston Tour

    The Notebook Charleston Tour. September 22, 2009 by Caroline 21 Comments. While many movies have been filmed in Charleston, my favorite is easily The Notebook. It presents the most beautiful parts of Charleston and Ryan Gosling isn't too bad either. Here are the most recognizable filming locations. To see more, check out the guide on This Is ...

  12. The Notebook filming locations in Charleston, S.C.

    In honor of The Notebook film's 15th anniversary today, we've compiled fun facts, history, + more about the various locations of Noah Calhoun + Allie Hamilton's iconic love story, which was mainly filmed right here in Charleston.The adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' first book written in 1996 became an extremely popular film in 2004 and still remains a favorite today.

  13. Step Right Into "The Notebook": Cypress Gardens Charleston, SC

    They are not allowed in buildings. Be sure to check the website for special events, like an upcoming torch-lit boat ride! Cypress Gardens. 3030 Cypress Gardens Road, Moncks Corner, SC. 843.553.0515. Cypress Gardens Website. Discover more things to do in Charleston, SC! Here's the Kidding Around Travel Guide to Charleston, SC.

  14. Travel Back in Time with These Lowcountry Film Locations from The Notebook

    Primarily shot in the Charleston area, the film adaptation of the best-selling novel "The Notebook" by Nicholas Sparks follows two young lovers, Allie Hamilton and Noah Calhoun, in the fictional town of Seabrook, South Carolina, in the 1940s. Scattered throughout Charleston and the sea islands, these four filming locations from The Notebook ...

  15. The Notebook Tour of Charleston

    Laura · September 4, 2020. North America Travel. Guys - I have a confession to make. I don't love The Notebook. Honestly, my taste in love stories runs much more along the lines of Jane the Virgin than Nicholas Sparks. But, not a fan of the movie none-with-standing, even I can recognize that the visuals and scenery in the movie are stunning.

  16. The Notebook Filming Locations in Charleston, South Carolina

    The beauty of Charleston has been inspiration for many filmmakers. We have put together a list of the places where Jazmin's favorite movie, the Notebook was filmed. Find your favorite spots and make sure to take a photo, when appropriate. In this guide we will be sharing the main locations where The Notebook was filmed.

  17. The ULTIMATE Notebook Tour

    Thanks to its charming historic downtown, antebellum homes, and idyllic waterfront vistas, it's no surprise that Charleston is a popular location for TV show...

  18. Movies Filmed in Charleston, SC: Movie and TV Tour of Charleston

    Some of our favorite movies filmed in Charleston include: The Notebook. Dear John. Legend of Bagger Vance. The Patriot. Vice Principals. Die Hard With a Vengeance. Halloween 2018. Prince of Tides. O. American Theater — The Notebook. Off all of the movies filmed in Charleston, our favorite has to be The Notebook.

  19. Cypress Gardens

    Beautiful Cypress Gardens has been a preferred group and family destination since 1932. Visitors from all over the country come to experience this unique and exciting attraction, which has been featured in numerous national magazines and popular television shows and motion pictures including The Notebook and The Patriot. Preserving…

  20. Scenes from "The Notebook:" Filming Locations in South Carolina

    The trees are so lovely. Looks like in the movie "The Notebook". With good food, friendly people, history, and beautiful beaches, there's no wonder why Charleston is a consistent hit with the travelers. ... Folly Beach, Kiawah, Seabrook, and James Island. When it comes to investing in properties for sale in Charleston or nearby areas ...

  21. The Notebook Filming Locations Around Charleston SC

    The movie's impact is still visible today, in numerous engagement and anniversary photo shoots paying homage to the iconic couple and, now, a Notebook -themed hotel package. While the story takes place in the small town of Seabrook, South Carolina, many of the movie's scenes were actually filmed in Charleston.

  22. You Can Visit The Garden Where 'The Notebook' Was Filmed ...

    When searching for things to do in Charleston, SC, this enchanting garden where they filmed The Notebook, is a great addition to your itinerary. Cypress Gardens is a nature preserve in Moncks Corner, SC just outside of the Charleston area. ... You can take a self-guided tour on a paddle boat for no additional cost, and wind through the lily pad ...

  23. How to Take 'The Notebook' Tour of Charleston

    Trace the steps of Noah and Allie's iconic love story by visiting these 7 Charleston landmarks.