Guide to visiting the dreamy spots from the iconic romance movie, plus insider tips, must-know facts, and the most unforgettable quotes!
A Romantic Road Trip Through “The Notebook” Filming Locations
Charleston – SC with its charming historic streets and Southern charm has been the backdrop for TV shows and movies but one of the most iconic love stories ever filmed here was The Notebook.
I’m huge Nicholas Sparks fan so my husband and I decided to hit the road and visit the places where this epic love story came to life and it was totally worth it!
Whether you’re a hopeless romantic, a Notebook fan, or just love visiting famous filming locations, this guide has everything you need for the best weekend trip to Noah and Allie’s world.
A Little Backstory:
How “The Notebook” Stole Our Hearts
⭐ Fun Fact: Did you know The Notebook was inspired by a real love story? Nicholas Sparks’ first published novel was actually based on his wife’s grandparents’ romance. You can read about how their love story influenced the book here.
If you need a refresher, here’s a quick summary of the plot:
💖 Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) is a small town guy who falls for Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams), a wealthy young woman, during one unforgettable summer in the 1940s.
💔 But class differences (and Allie’s mother) tear them apart. Noah goes to war and Allie moves on… or so she thinks.
🏡 Years later Noah restores the dream house he once promised her. Allie, now engaged, sees his photo in the newspaper and has to go back.
🔥 When they reunite, the chemistry is still there.
📖 And if you know the rest grab your tissues because the ending will wreck you every single time.
The Notebook Filming Locations You Can Visit in Charleston, SC
Here’s the ultimate list of places where The Notebook was filmed, so you can live out your own Southern love story:
1. Boone Hall Plantation – Allie’s Family Summer House
📍 Location: 1235 Long Point Rd, Mt. Pleasant, SC
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens was used as the exterior of Allie’s family summer house in The Notebook. This is the place where Noah visits Allie just a little too late and finds out she’s already gone off to college.
To see the house you’ll need to take the tour since the gate is quite far from the property and you can’t see the house from the road. Trust me though it’s worth it! During my visit to Boone Hall I got to explore and learn about this plantation that has been around since the 1960s.
“Sometimes we need to be apart to understand just how much we truly love each other .” ― Nicholas Sparks
⭐ Pro Tip: The tour inside the first floor of the house is included with your admission. You’ll get a deeper understanding of the plantation’s history and the beautiful home that played a role in the movie.
2. Cypress Gardens – The Boat Scene
📍 Location: 3030 Cypress Gardens Rd, Moncks Corner, SC
Cypress Gardens is where they filmed the emotional scene between Noah and Allie years after their summer romance. It’s where Noah takes her out on the boat and they finally talk before things get, well… stormy. I visited this dreamy place myself and it’s just as beautiful in person. Clique here to watch a reel on my Instagram showing this dreamy place!
“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
⭐ Fun Fact: The swans weren’t actually native to Cypress Gardens! They were imported and trained for a whole month before filming just to follow the boat perfectly. So unfortunate you won’t see them like in the movie. Also, filming took place in January when the alligators were hibernating.
⭐ Pro Tip: Rent a boat and recreate the scene (bonus points if it starts raining). And don’t forget to scream, “It wasn’t over, it still isn’t over!” for the full effect.
3. College of Charleston – Allie’s College
📍 Location: 66 George St, Charleston, SC
In The Notebook Allie leaves her small town and heads to Sarah Lawrence College in New York. But in reality those college scenes were filmed right here in Charleston at the beautiful College of Charleston.
This is where Allie bumps into Lon Hammond, the charming and wealthy guy she met while volunteering as a nurse during the war. Lon soon becomes her fiancé.
“You and I were different. We came from different worlds, and yet you were the one how taught me the value of love.” ― Nicholas Sparks
⭐ Pro Tip: Walk through the campus and imagine Allie walking to class completely unaware that Noah is out there building the dream house for her. (And yes, this spot is highly Instagram worthy!)
4. American Theater
📍 Location: 446 King St, Charleston, SC
After that unforgettable scene at the fair where Noah literally risked his life by hanging from a Ferris wheel just to get Allie to say yes to a date, they head to the American Theater for their first official night out. This vintage theater, located on King Street, is where Noah, Allie, and their friends go on a double date to watch a movie. It’s also where we get one of the cutest most flirty exchanges ever:
💬”Do you think, in another life, I could have been a bird?”
💬”Say I’m a bird.”
💬“You’re a bird.”
“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
Today, the American Theater is mostly used for private events but you can still stop by for photos.
5. King Street & Mary Street – The Dancing & Traffic Light Scene
📍 Location: Intersection of 494 King St & Mary St, Charleston, SC
After their movie date at the American Theater, Noah and Allie walk along King Street, laughing, talking, and falling for each other in that effortless way that only happens in romance movies. But the real charm happens when they reach the intersection of Mary Street and Noah convinces Allie to dance right there in the middle of the street. Then, they lie down on the road to look up at the traffic light.
💬 “What happens if a car comes?”
💬 “We die.”
“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
6. Oak Avenue: The Oak Lined Road
📍 Location: 1235 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC (Inside Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens)
This breathtaking oak lined road is one of the most iconic filming locations from The Notebook. Known as Oak Avenue, this dreamy road is located inside Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens. And yes you’ll need to pay the admission fee to experience it in person but it’s so worth it.
This location appears in the movie while Noah and Allie are dating, before she heads off to college. The scene is pure Southern romance with centuries old oak trees draped in Spanish moss, the golden glow of the sunlight peeking through the branches. If you’re looking for one photo op that screams Notebook level romance, this is it.
“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
⭐ Pro Tip: Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
7. Allie’s summer house – The interior
📍 Location: 16 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC (Calhoun Mansion)
While the exterior of Allie’s summer home was filmed at the Boone Hall Plantation, all the interior shots of the Hamilton family estate were filmed at the Williams Mansion the largest single-family residence in Charleston.
This gorgeous historic mansion is filled with ornate chandeliers, grand staircases, and stunning antique decor, making it the perfect setting for Allie’s wealthy upbringing. It’s where we see her family’s disapproving glares and where the heartbreaking breakup scene with Noah takes place. The mansion remains a private residence, but the good news is that It’s open for tours! So, if you want to step inside and experience a piece of The Notebook in real life, this is your chance.
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
⭐ Pro Tip: Take the guided tour here to learn more about the mansion’s history and see the grand staircase that is pure Old Money Aesthetic. 💎✨
8. The Beach
📍 Location: El Matador Beach, Malibu, CA (Not South Carolina!)
Even though The Notebook is set in South Carolina, the dreamy beach scene where Noah and Allie play in the waves was actually filmed all the way across the country at El Matador Beach in Malibu, California. Why? Well, Hollywood loves its tricks, and El Matador Beach is famous for its dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and golden sands which gave the movie the perfect cinematic backdrop.
“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
So if you’re in South Carolina hoping to run along the same shoreline as Noah and Allie, you might be a little disappointed. But hey, South Carolina does have some gorgeous beaches (looking at you Hilton Head!), so you can still get that Notebook vibe on the East Coast.
9. The Lake – Swimming with Friends
📍 Location: Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, Mt Pleasant, SC
This picturesque lake where Allie, Noah, and their friends go for a swim, is another Notebook filming location inside Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens. While you won’t be able to jump in, you can catch a glimpse of the lake from afar if you take the Boone Hall wagon ride, which is included with admission.
This scene is one of the sweetest glimpses into Allie and Noah’s carefree summer romance, before life (and her mother) pulls them apart. It’s all about young love, laughter, and spontaneous adventures: the kind of summer memories that stick with you forever.
“No matter what happens to us, everyday spent with you is the best day of my life.” – Noah
⭐ Pro Tip: If you’re visiting Boone Hall, don’t skip the wagon tour! It’s a fun and relaxing way to explore the plantation and you’ll get to see this Notebook location along the way.
10. High Cotton Restaurant – Where Noah Sees Allie with Lon
📍 Location: 199 E Bay St, Charleston, SC
💔 In one of the most gut wrenching moments of The Notebook, Noah walks past High Cotton Charleston Restaurant and sees Allie dining with her fiancé Lon. You can literally see the pain in his eyes as he realizes she’s moved on (or has she? 👀). If you want to step into Allie’s world, you can actually dine here yourself (just hopefully without an ex staring at you through the window).
“The reason it hurts so much to separate is because our souls are connected. Maybe they always have been and will be.” – Nicholas Sparks
⭐ Pro Tip: Want to make it extra Notebooky? Request a window seat so you can imagine Noah watching from outside.
11. The House Noah Built for Allie
📍 Location: 2018 Martins Point Rd, Wadmalaw Island, SC (Private Property / No Public Access!)
The dream house: the white house with blue shutters. The house that Noah restored for Allie fulfilling the promise he made to her years before. This beautiful home is located at Martins Point Plantation on Wadmalaw Island, but before you start planning a visit know that it’s private property. That means no trespassing, no sneaking a peek, and definitely no dramatic rain soaked confessions on the front porch (sorry!).
“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
⭐ Fun Fact: Originally the filmmakers wanted to find an abandoned house and renovate it for the movie but they ended up doing the opposite: taking an already beautiful house and making it look rundown for the early scenes.
12. The Nursing Home – Where Noah Reads to Allie
📍 Location: Northwest of US 701 at Post Foot Landing off Choppee Road, Georgetown County, SC
In one of the most emotional moments of The Notebook when older Noah (James Garner) reads the book about their love story to an older Allie (Gena Rowlands) at a nursing home. This heartbreaking scene was filmed at Rice Hope (Black River) Plantation in Oatland, Georgetown County.
This peaceful location is where Noah brings Allie to read to her, reminding her of their love and the life they shared. It’s the perfect spot for this emotional scene filled with heartfelt nostalgia and love.
“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. ” – Nicholas Sparks
⭐ Pro Tip: If you want to visit the area make sure to respect the property as it’s a private location. You can still enjoy the beauty of Georgetown County and its surroundings but please keep your distance from the home itself to avoid trespassing.
Planning Your Trip: Tips for the Best Notebook Weekend
🌸 Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are perfect for Charleston. It’s less humidity, dreamy weather, and the ideal backdrop for your own Notebook inspired love story. For reference, we visited in August.
👜 What to Pack: Flowy dresses for those romantic, Instagram worthy shots, comfy walking shoes for exploring historic streets, and a cute umbrella (just in case you get your own boat scene moment).
🍽️ Where to Eat: For the full Notebook experience, dine at High Cotton Charleston Restaurant, where Allie and Lon had their elegant date. If you’re craving classic Southern food, try Poogan’s Porch or Husk for upscale Lowcountry flavors. And for something sweet, stop by Carmella’s Café & Dessert Bar for delicious treats.
🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Emeline is a boutique dream! Located in the heart of Charleston, this charming stay is near delicious restaurants and historic sites. Plus the aesthetic! Read about our stay here.
🚗 How to Get Around: Downtown Charleston is super walkable, but you’ll need a car or rideshare to visit Boone Hall Plantation, Cypress Gardens, and other filming locations outside the city.
Final Thoughts: A Love Story That Lives On
Whether you’re visiting Charleston for the first time or planning a special Notebook themed getaway, these filming locations bring the love of Noah and Allie’s story to life.
So grab your map, channel your inner hopeless romantic and get ready to fall in love with Charleston one iconic movie scene at a time. You can also read about how to spend a weekend in Charleston here.
💬 Which Notebook scene is your favorite? Let’s talk in the comments!
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