For fans of the iconic television drama One Tree Hill, the fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina, is as much a character as Nathan, Haley, Lucas, and Brooke. What many viewers might not realize is that Tree Hill is actually Wilmington, North Carolina, a charming city that served as the backdrop for all nine seasons of the beloved show. From 2003 to 2012, Wilmington transformed into Tree Hill, and now, fans can walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters and relive memorable scenes at the very locations where they were filmed. This guide will take you on a tour of Wilmington’s One Tree Hill filming locations, allowing you to experience the real-life settings of this unforgettable series.
Downtown Wilmington: Stepping into Tree Hill’s Heart
The heart of Tree Hill, with its Riverwalk and historic buildings, is predominantly found in downtown Wilmington. As you explore this area, you’ll instantly recognize numerous spots from the show.
Water Street Park: Basketball Beginnings
Start your tour at Water Street Park, situated along the Wilmington Riverwalk, directly across from the Alton Lennon Federal Courthouse. This park provided the setting for numerous outdoor basketball scenes throughout One Tree Hill. Picture Lucas and Nathan honing their skills or engaging in intense games right here. The Riverwalk backdrop adds to the scenic charm of this location.
Wilmington Riverwalk: The Iconic “Naley Bench” and More
A stroll along the Wilmington Riverwalk is a must for any One Tree Hill fan. It’s here, at the base of Dock Street near the historic J.W. Brooks building, that you’ll find the famed “Naley Bench.” This is where Nathan gave Haley the Cracker Jack bracelet in one of the show’s most heartwarming scenes. Take a moment to recreate this iconic moment. The Riverwalk itself, with its views of the Cape Fear River, will bring back memories of the annual “Burning Boat Festival” and countless other scenes filmed along its scenic path.
Michael’s on the Waterfront (“Produce Market”): Open-Air Scenes
Located at 5 South Water St., the outdoor patio of Michael’s on the Waterfront restaurant (formerly known as various establishments on the show) served as an open-air produce market in multiple episodes. You might recall seeing characters interacting amidst the bustling market stalls in this very spot.
The Black Cat Shoppe (CD Store): Chris Keller’s Workplace
Visit The Black Cat Shoppe at 8 Market St. While it’s no longer a CD store, One Tree Hill aficionados will recognize it as the CD store where musician Chris Keller (Tyler Hilton) worked. Imagine Chris serenading customers or causing his usual mischief within these walls.
Edge of Urge (Lingerie Shop): Brooke Davis’s Retail Ventures
Just a few doors down from The Black Cat Shoppe at 18 Market St., you’ll find Edge of Urge. In One Tree Hill, this location was transformed into a lingerie shop, adding another layer to the vibrant downtown Tree Hill scene.
Blue Post Billiards: Tattoos and Late Nights
Head to Blue Post Billiards at 15 South Water St., a frequent location throughout the series. This nightlife hotspot is where Lucas and Brooke famously had their tattoo date. If you’re 21 or over, you can step inside and soak in the atmosphere of this familiar One Tree Hill hangout.
Reel Café (“Carl’s Crab Shack”): Brooke’s First Job
Continue south on Front Street to Reel Café at 100 South Front St. This is the real-world location of “Carl’s Crab Shack,” where Brooke Davis took on a public relations job. You can almost picture Brooke navigating the challenges of her early career in this lively spot.
9 S Front St. (Former Platypus & Gnome Restaurant): Season Five Dining
The building at 9 S Front St., previously home to Platypus & Gnome Restaurant, served as a restaurant setting during season five of One Tree Hill. While the restaurant may have changed, the building’s facade remains recognizable for fans.
The Dixie Grill (Sam’s Diner): A Foster Child’s Favorite
Visit The Dixie Grill at 116 Market St., which played the role of Sam’s favorite diner. Brooke’s foster child, Sam, spent time at this diner in several episodes. Enjoy a meal at this local spot and imagine Sam grabbing a bite here.
Graystone Inn: Multifaceted Set Location
Graystone Inn at 100 South Third St. is a location with multiple One Tree Hill identities. It doubled as a funeral home and also as a New York apartment and hotel room during season five, showcasing its versatility as a filming location.
St. James Episcopal Church (Jamie’s Preschool): Early Education Years
St. James Episcopal Church at 25 S. 3rd St. provided the setting for Jamie Scott’s preschool on the show. The school grounds and architecture will be familiar to viewers who watched Jamie’s early childhood unfold.
New Hanover County Courthouse: Car Crash Scenes and Political Rallies
The historic New Hanover County Courthouse, located at 24 North Third St., played a significant role in season one. It was here that the cast filmed the dramatic car crash scenes involving Keith and Lucas at the corner of Third and Princess. Courthouse interiors were also used for an election rally scene, further cementing its place in One Tree Hill history.
Thalian Hall: Town Hall Steps
At the corner of Third and Chestnut streets, you’ll find Thalian Hall. Its front steps and Corinthian columns frequently doubled as the steps of Tree Hill’s town hall. Many town meetings and public announcements were staged on these very steps.
Hell’s Kitchen (“Swinging Donkey Bar”): A Dive Bar Vibe
Hell’s Kitchen, located at 118 Princess St., is the real-life counterpart to the “Swinging Donkey Bar” from One Tree Hill. This location likely served as the backdrop for some of the show’s more gritty or casual bar scenes.
New Hanover County Public Library (Health Clinic): Healthcare Setting
New Hanover County Public Library at 201 Chestnut St. was transformed into a health clinic for One Tree Hill. This location provided a realistic setting for medical storylines within the show.
Karen’s Café & Tree Hill Café (formerly Clean Juice): Café Evolution
The building at 300 North Front St., currently a Clean Juice, holds a special place in One Tree Hill history. It stood in as “Karen’s Cafe” in the pilot episode and later as “Tree Hill Cafe” in the final season. This location marks the evolution of Karen’s iconic café throughout the series.
“Karen’s Cafe” / “Clothes over Bros.” Sets (Outdoor Equipped & Redix): Set Transformations
The corner across from the original Clean Juice location, at Grace Street and North Front Street, was once home to the “Karen’s Cafe” set after the series was picked up. This set was later transformed into the “Clothes over Bros.” set during season six and then revived as “Karen’s Cafe” again. Today, the space is occupied by Outdoor Equipped and Redix stores, but the memories of these iconic sets linger.
Grace United Methodist Church: Wedding Drama
Grace United Methodist Church at 401 Grace St. is a significant wedding location for One Tree Hill. It was the setting for Brooke and Julian’s wedding and was also intended to be the wedding venue for both Lucas and Lindsey, and Keith and Jules, although those weddings didn’t come to fruition.
Cape Fear Community College: Whitey Durham’s Field House and More
Cape Fear Community College campus at 411 North Front St. provided various filming locations, including Whitey Durham’s Field House. Specifically, the Health Sciences building, library, and courtyard are recognizable spots within the college campus.
“Tree Hill High School” (Joe and Barbara Schwartz Center): High School Exterior
The front entrance of the Joe and Barbara Schwartz Center at 610 North Front St. served as the exterior of Tree Hill High School. Walk around to the back of the building to see the gym’s exterior scenes. This building is perhaps one of the most iconic One Tree Hill locations for fans.
Wilmington Convention Center: Brooke & Julian’s Wedding Reception
The Wilmington Convention Center at 10 Convention Center Dr. hosted Brooke and Julian’s wedding reception in season eight. The modern architecture of the convention center provided a contrast to the more historic downtown locations.
Battleship Park (Former River Court Location): Basketball Legacy
Across the Cape Fear River from downtown, Battleship Park on Eagle’s Island offers significant One Tree Hill views. While the River Court outdoor basketball court was dismantled after the series ended, the site next to the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA was its filming location. Standing here and looking back at Wilmington gives you the perspective of the iconic River Court shots from the show.
Beyond Downtown: Exploring More Tree Hill Locations in Wilmington
While downtown Wilmington is central to the One Tree Hill experience, other locations around the city also played key roles.
Greenfield Park: Lucas and Peyton’s Outdoor Wedding
Greenfield Park at North Lakeshore Drive was the picturesque setting for Lucas and Peyton’s beautiful outdoor wedding in season six. The park’s natural beauty provided a romantic backdrop for this memorable moment.
Cinespace Studios Wilmington: The Heart of Production
Cinespace Studios Wilmington, located at 1223 North 23rd St., served as the home base for One Tree Hill production. While only the exterior is viewable, fans can take photos with the “One Tree Hill Way” street sign beside the studio, a testament to the show’s lasting impact on Wilmington.
Airlie Gardens: Dream Sequence Serenity
Airlie Gardens offered a stunning location for a One Tree Hill dream sequence. In this dream, Karen envisioned a joyful scene with Keith and their daughter Lily amidst the vibrant azaleas, showcasing the gardens’ enchanting beauty.
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park: Arcade and Mini Golf Fun
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park at 5320 Oleander Dr. hosted scenes from the show, particularly around the arcade, miniature golf course, and Big Splash Café and Pizzeria. These locations provided fun, casual settings for various storylines.
The Stadium Batting Cages: Sports and Drama
The Stadium Batting Cages at 5570 Oleander Dr. served as the location for several scenes in One Tree Hill, likely involving sports-related storylines or character interactions in a recreational setting.
Performance Auto Specialist (Scott Body Shop): Family Business
Performance Auto Specialist at 19 Covil Ave. is the real-world location of the Scott Body Shop, where Nathan and his uncle Keith worked. This site represents the family business aspect of the Scott family in the show.
Beach Locations: Coastal Tree Hill
Tree Hill’s coastal setting also extended to nearby beaches, adding another dimension to the show’s locations.
Johnnie Mercer Fishing Pier: Wrightsville Beach Scenes
Johnnie Mercer Fishing Pier at Wrightsville Beach was utilized as a filming location on One Tree Hill, likely for beach scenes or moments taking place along the coast.
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area: Nathan and Haley’s Beach Wedding
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, just south of Kure Beach, is where Nathan and Haley exchanged vows by the rocks in a beautiful beach wedding ceremony. This serene location is a must-visit for “Naley” fans.
Wilmington, North Carolina, truly is Tree Hill brought to life. By exploring these One Tree Hill filming locations, fans can deepen their connection to the show and experience the charm of the real-world town that provided the backdrop for so many unforgettable moments. Plan your tour today and step into the world of One Tree Hill.
