Spoiler Alert: You're going to love your “One Tree Hill” tour of Wilmington. Fans of the popular Warner Bros. drama flock to the area to tour our riverside sites and recreate the show's most epic scenes.See the locations where Chad Michael Murray, Sophia Bush, James Lafferty and Hilarie Burton began their television careers. Between 2003 and 2012, 288 episodes spanning nine seasons were filmed in the Wilmington area. The city served as the real-life backdrop for the fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina, where the series was set.
We've put together the below map and list of landmarks that are must-see locations for “One Tree Hill” fans. Get ready for your stroll through Tree Hill..
One Tree Hill Tour: Downtown Filming Locations
Water Street Park
Start off at Water Street Park, which is located on the Wilmington Riverwalk across from the Alton Lennon Federal Courthouse. It is recognizable as the backdrop for some outdoor basketball games during the show.
Wilmington Riverwalk
"Don't say I never gave you anything." At the base of Dock Street along Water Street near the historic J.W. Brooks building and Anne Bonny’s Bar and Grill, you'll find the famous "Naley Bench" where Nathan gave Haley the Cracker Jack bracelet. Grab a box of Cracker Jack to recreate this famous scene along the Riverwalk. You'll see more familiar sites nearby, including the location where the annual "Burning Boat Festival" took place.
Michael's on the Waterfront (5 South Water St.)
The outdoor patio of the restaurant, located right off the Riverwalk, served as an open-air produce market in several episodes.
Black Cat Shoppe (8 Market St.)
You'll recognize the Black Cat Shoppe as the CD store where Chris (Tyler Hilton) worked. No longer a CD store, it is now a shop with novelty toys and One Tree Hill merch.
Edge of Urge (18 Market St.)
In the same block as the Black Cat Shoppe, Edge of Urge was the setting of a lingerie shop in the show. It is now a boutique and gift shop selling unique finds from independent designers.
Blue Post Billiards (15 South Water St.)
"What's your take on tattoos?" Blue Post Billiards appeared many times throughout the show. This nightlife hot spot is where Lucas and Brooke went on their tattoo date. If visiting this location, know that you must be 21 or over to enter.
Reel Café (100 South Front St.)
Head south on Front Street to Reel Café to see the filming location of "Carl's Crab Shack" where Brooke got a PR job.
TRIC Tours (1121 South Front St.)
Those interested in touring the show's famous TRIC Nightclub will want to check out TRIC Tours and reserve tickets online. During the tour, explore at your own pace, take photos with replica props from Chase's apartment, Peyton's bedroom, Red Bedroom Records and more. After the tour, stop by the OTHmerch Souvenir Shop for exclusive merchandise.
The Dixie Grill (116 Market St.)
The Dixie Grill served as the setting of Sam's favorite diner, where Brooke's foster child hung out during several episodes.
Graystone Inn (100 South Third St.)
The Graystone Inn tripled as a funeral home, a New York apartment and hotel room during season five.
St. James Episcopal Church (25 South 3rd St.)
The school at St. James Episcopal Church served as Jamie's preschool on the show.
New Hanover County Courthouse (24 North 3rd St.)
The historic New Hanover County Courthouse is where the show's cast hung out during season one's filming of Keith and Lucas' car crash scenes, located at the corner of Third and Princess streets. Courthouse interiors were also used during an election rally.
Thalian Hall (310 Chestnut St.)
At the corner of Third and Chestnut streets, you’ll find the front steps and Corinthian columns of Thalian Hall, which frequently functioned as the steps of Tree Hill’s town hall.
Hell’s Kitchen (118 Princess St.)
Scenes from the show that took place at the “Swinging Donkey Bar” were filmed at Hell's Kitchen. The restaurant has also appeared in other favorite TV series, such as "Dawson's Creek" and "The Summer I Turned Pretty."
New Hanover County Public Library (201 Chestnut St.)
The New Hanover County Public Library was turned into a health clinic in the show.
Karen’s Café & Tree Hill Café (Dough House Pizza Co.)
The building at 300 North Front St. stood in as "Karen's Cafe" in the pilot episode and also "Tree Hill Cafe" in the show’s final season.
Dough House Pizza Co. (300 North Front St.)
This local pizza joint stood in as "Karen's Cafe" in the pilot episode and also as "Tree Hill Cafe" in the show’s final season.
Grace United Methodist Church (401 Grace St.)
Grace United Methodist Church was the venue of Brooke and Julian's wedding, and where both Lucas and Lindsey, as well as Keith and Jules, were supposed to get married but didn't.
Cape Fear Community College (411 North Front St.)
The Cape Fear Community College campus made several appearances in the show, including as Whitey Durham's Field House. Fans may also recognize the Health Sciences building, library and courtyard.
Joe and Barbara Schwartz Center (610 North Front St.)
The front entrance of the Joe and Barbara Schwartz Center is notably the exterior of Tree Hill High School. Walk around to the back of the building to see where exterior scenes of the gym were filmed.
Wilmington Convention Center (10 Convention Center Dr.)
The Wilmington Convention Center served as the venue for Brooke and Julian’s wedding reception in season eight.
Battleship Park
Just across the Cape Fear River, you’ll find Battleship Park on Eagle's Island. The site next to Battleship NORTH CAROLINA served as the filming location for the River Court outdoor basketball court. The River Court was dismantled after the series ended, but taking in the views of Wilmington from this side of the river should be familiar to fans of the show.
Other Wilmington Filming Locations
Greenfield Park (1739 Burnett Blvd.)
Greenfield Park was transformed into the set of Lucas and Peyton's beautiful outdoor wedding in season six.
Cinespace Studios Wilmington (1223 North 23rd St.)
Cinespace Studios Wilmington served as the studio and home base for the show. Although tours of the studio are not currently available, they have renamed a short street that runs beside the studio “One Tree Hill Way,” which makes for a great photo opportunity for fans.
Airlie Gardens (300 Airlie Rd.)
Karen’s dream, in which she envisions her lost love Keith and their young daughter Lily frolicking amongst the azaleas, was filmed at Airlie Gardens.
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park (5320 Oleander Dr.)
Parts of the show were filmed at Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. Fans may recall scenes from the arcade, miniature golf course and Big Splash Café and Pizzeria.
The Stadium Batting Cages (5570 Oleander Dr.)
Fans might recognize The Stadium Batting Cages, where several moments from the show were filmed.
Performance Auto Specialist (19 Covil Ave.)
Performance Auto Specialist turned into the Scott Body Shop where Nathan and his uncle worked.
One Tree Hill Tour: Beach Filming Locations
Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier (23 East Sailsbury St.)
In nearby Wrightsville Beach, Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier was used as a filming location for the show.
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area (1000 Loggerhead Rd.)
Nathan and Haley were married by the rocks at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area in nearby Kure Beach.
