Lindsey C.
The Notebook has and always will be one of my favorite movies. Based on the iconic Nicholas Sparks novel, this story stole my heart from the first scene. I was 13 when the movie began filming in my hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. I was lucky enough to to be cast as an extra and got to see it in action, firsthand. Now, watching the whole movie as an adult, I appreciate the beautiful setting and backdrop that Charleston provides for the film.
As 2024 brings us the 20th anniversary of The Notebook, I’m sharing all of my favorite filming locations in Charleston that you can visit and fall in love with all over again. I still can’t watch it without sobbing!
Enough of me gushing about the movie, here are all of the iconic filming locations for The Notebook in Charleston, SC and how you can enjoy them!
1. North Charleston Riverfront Park and Former Navy Base
The movie opens with the carnival scene where Allie and Noah first meet and ride the Ferris wheel. This was filmed at the former Navy Base in North Charleston which is now a gorgeous park and popular wedding venue.You won’t find any rides, as those were setup for the film, but the park is a beautiful spot to visit for a walk or picnic lunch.
This was the scene I was an extra in! I’m wearing a bright orange skirt and make a couple appearances 💁♀️
2. The Admirals House
Remember when Allie said she wanted a big white house and a room where she could paint? And remember when Noah showed her the room,finally? That deck where she was painting a marsh scene when her mom showed up was filmed on the porch of this home. It’s now a popular wedding venue so you can’t actually go inside unless you attend an event here.
PRO TIP: Head to MoMo for lunch in the park and take a walk through this lively area to best enjoy the sites.
3. Pitt Street Pharmacy & the Old Village
Pitt Street Pharmacy in Mount Pleasant’s Old Village is where Allie and Noah have their ice cream date. You can pop in here for lunch and all kinds of treats! It’s like an old school shop with pimento cheese sandwiches, ice cream floats, and a whole candy section. Take a walk through this quaint neighborhood and down to Pitt Street Bridge for beautiful views of Charleston and Sullivans island.
4. Boone Hall Plantation
Remember when Noah ran his car into the iron fence? (Fun fact: this was an accident – he did not intend to hit the fence!) That scene was filmed at Boone Hall Plantation. The home here was the exterior of Allie’s summer home. So all those scenes when Noah picked her up and where they broke up, were shot here.
Get tickets to Boone Hall here.
5. The Calhoun Mansion (the Williams Mansion, now)
The Calhoun Mansion which is now called the Williams Mansion served as the interior for Allie’s summer house. All the scenes arguing with her parents were filmed inside of this mansion. You can book a tour of this historic home to peak inside. Afterwards, take a walk along The Battery and see Rainbow Row if it’s your first time in Charleston.
6. William Aiken House
The scene where Allie was trying on her wedding dress and saw the article in the paper with Noah’s picture was filmed at the William Aiken House. It’s a gorgeous yellow home located right on King Street and is a popular wedding venue. It’s private, but you can peek through the gates.
7. American Theater
Next to the William Aiken House sits the old school American Theater where Allie and Noah went to the movies. It’s still a theater, but is a private venue used for weddings and events. Take a picture outside with the marquee as your backdrop!
8. High Cotton Restaurant
High Cotton is one of the oldest restaurants still operating in Charleston on East Bay Street. It was used for the scene where Noah spots Allie meeting Lon and sets off his desire to fix up the old home for her. They are open for dinner and serve delicious Lowcountry cuisine!
9. The Francis Marion Hotel
The Francis Marion Hotel was home to the dance hall where Lon proposes to Allie. It’s an iconic hotel in Charleston that celebrated its 100th year in 2024. Book a room here to kick off your Notebook film tour in Charleston!
10. Cypress Gardens
Definitely the most iconic of scenes was filmed at Cypress Gardens in Goose Creek. When Noah takes Allie on a little boat cruise through the gorgeous lake surrounded by white swans. Fun fact: these birds were actually brought in for the movie. Sadly you won’t see the birds anymore, but you can still take a row boat out to recreate the magic.
11. College of Charleston
The College of Charleston was the filming location when Allie was attending Sarah Lawrence in New York and where Lon approached her to ask for a date. Walk this gorgeous campus, one of Americas first colleges, like Rachel McAdams did for the movie.
12. Martins Point Plantation
Martins Point Plantation is a private community located on Wadmalaw Island where Noah and Allie’s home resides. The beautiful home that was in disrepair when they were kids to the beautiful house he fixed up specific to her requirements. It’s where they spent the night together, where they argued in the iconic scene when he asked “what do you want” and said “I want all of you, every day, you and me”.And where they made pancakes for breakfast. This is a private residence, so unfortunately you can not visit.
13. Black River Plantation (Georgetown)
Black River Plantation is located in Georgetown about an hour north of Charleston. It’s was the filming site for Allie’s nursing home in The Notebook.
If you are a fan of the movie, you won’t want to miss a few of these filming locations from The Notebook on your next trip to charming Charleston. Be sure watch the 20th anniversary edition of the film available here to refresh your memory!
Google Map of The Notebook Filming Locations
Use this map to plan your Notebook tour in Charleston!
Also checkout these Charleston posts to plan your trip:
- Local’s Guide to Charleston
- The Best Restaurants in Charleston
- Things to do in Charleston
- What to Wear in Charleston
