where did they film dawson's creek
Dawson's Creek Filming Locations Uncovered Dawson's Creek, the iconic '90s teen drama set in the fictional Capeside, Massachusetts, was primarily filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina, with its scenic waterfronts and charming streets standing in for New England vibes. This choice made sense for the show's six seasons from 1998 to 2003, leveraging Wilmington's film-friendly environment and coastal beauty to capture those heartfelt creek-side moments.
Primary Hub: Wilmington, NC
Wilmington served as the heart of production, transforming everyday spots into Capeside landmarks. The University of North Carolina Wilmington doubled as Capeside High School, while nearby areas brought the characters' lives to screen.
- Airlie Gardens (300 Airlie Road) : Famous for "The Ruins," where Dawson accidentally films Pacey and Ms. Jacobs in a steamy scene from Season 1.
- Airlie Road : Site of Mitch's car accident and the iconic Pacey-Joey kiss that shifted the show's romance dynamics.
- Joey's House (formerly 6401 Pine Grove Drive) : Now demolished, it was the Potter family home.
- Screen Play Video (212 N Front Street) : Dawson and Pacey's high school hangout, now a salon.
- Pacey's Icehouse (Elijah's Restaurant) : Rebuilt in the finale with stunning water views.
- Jack’s House (207 S 3rd St) : Key for emotional confrontations in a quiet residential spot.
Nearby Spots and Expansions
Production spilled into Wrightsville Beach and Southport for beachy episodes, plus Durham for later college scenes at fictional Worthington University. Cape Cod, Massachusetts, lent authenticity to some establishing shots.
Location| Role in Show| Current Status 35
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Airlie Gardens| "The Ruins," rowboat scenes| Public garden, $9 entry
UNCW Campus| Capeside High| Active university
212 N Front St| Video store job| Nsalo Salon
Elijah's Restaurant| Rebuilt Icehouse| Seafood spot open today
207 S 3rd St| Jack's house| Residential, bus accessible
Fan Pilgrimage Vibes
Fans still flock to Wilmington for nostalgia tours, sharing stories on forums about spotting Chad Michael Murray or cruising Airlie Road. Though over 20 years old, these sites spark timeless buzz —perfect for a road trip blending '90s TV magic with coastal charm. Imagine rowing a boat like Joey or recreating that kiss bend!
TL;DR : Mostly Wilmington, NC—Airlie Gardens, UNCW, and downtown steals the show, far from fictional Massachusetts.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.