Where was Netflix’s ‘The Waterfront’ filmed? Here’s a list of NC locations
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Netflix’s 'The Waterfront' showcases Wilmington and Southport as Havenport.
- Local landmarks like Fishy Fishy Cafe and Cotton Exchange appear on screen.
- Filming sites include courthouse facades, marina docks and historic motels.
The North Carolina coast is taking center stage in Netflix’s newest drama.
“The Waterfront” dives into the story of a fictional North Carolina family desperately trying to save their fishing empire.
In the eight-episode series that premiered June 19, Wilmington and Southport are transformed into “Havenport” — with several local landmarks and businesses featured in the background.
Spoiler alert: This story contains a list of filming locations — and plot summaries for each scene, including major spoilers — featured in “The Waterfront” on Netflix.
Carter County Courthouse
Location: 152 N. Front St., Wilmington, NC 28401
Episode 1: After the Miss Glory washed up on shore, Cane went to visit his cousin, Lynette, who works at the Carter County Courthouse to pre-date the deed of the boat, saying he sold it to Curtis Sutton. The exterior of the “courthouse” is actually a United States Postal Service office in downtown Wilmington, across the street from Chef Joy’s Grocerant.
Buckley Crab Shack
Location: 106 Yacht Basin Drive, Southport, NC 28461
Episode 1: Cane met his mom, Belle, at their family restaurant after his dad, Harlan, was taken to the hospital. The outdoor patio of the waterfront eatery is actually open as Fishy Fishy Cafe, a casual dockside seafood spot in Southport.
Havenport Hardware
Location: 12 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401
Episode 1: Cane’s ex-girlfriend from high school, Jenna, is helping out at her dad’s store, Havenport Hardware, while she is in town caring for him. In reality, the quaint green and gold building is home to William E. Poole Designs in the Historic District.
Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
Location: 1 Estell Lee Place, Wilmington, NC 28401
Episode 1 and 6: The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce near the Wilmington Convention Center is a stand-in for the emergency room, where Harlan was rushed after heart trouble and where Diller was taken after he was shot.
Morningstar Marinas
Location: 606 W. West St., Southport, NC 28461
Episode 1: Morningstar Marinas, which is within walking distance to historic downtown Southport, is a common spot featured in the show — most notably where Cane first runs into Jenna after learning she was back in town and where the Carter County Sheriff’s Department and the DEA meet for their investigation.
Suites On Market
Location: 2828 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28403
Episode 2: Suites on Market is the brightly colored motel in which DEA Agent Sanchez was staying that during the investigation. Bree would also secretly meet him here.
The Basics at The Cotton Exchange
Location: 319 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Episode 2: A popular spot for eating and shopping, The Cotton Exchange was the backdrop in one of the dining scenes. The Basics was the site for the restaurant where Belle and Wes grabbed dinner to discuss building plans on the Buckley waterfront property.
International Longshoremen’s Local 1838
Location: 211 W 10th St, Southport, NC 28461
Episode 3: The fictional “Carter County” Sheriff’s Department — where Harlan goes to visit Clyde Porter — is actually the site of International Longshoremen’s Local 1838.
Southport Community Building
Location: 223 E. Bay St., Southport, NC 28461
Episode 4: The funeral service for Sheriff Clyde Porter, who died in episode 3, was held at Southport Community Building, a multi-use facility located on the banks of the Cape Fear River.
Thalian Hall
This story was originally published June 19, 2025 at 8:00 AM.
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