Where Was 'The Runarounds' Filmed? Discover Wilmington, NC

Exploring the Filming Locations of “The Runarounds” in Wilmington, North Carolina

Fans of Amazon Prime Video may have recently come across advertisements for the streamer’s latest series, “The Runarounds.” The show, which premiered on September 1, follows a group of recent high school graduates as they attempt to form a band that captures the attention of the music world. Those who have watched the series will notice several similarities to Netflix’s “Outer Banks,” which debuted in 2020. Both shows center around older teens and young adults, showcase a unique local culture in a Southern beach town, and take place in scenic North Carolina. This is no coincidence, as “The Runarounds” was created by the same team behind “Outer Banks.” Unlike its predecessor, however, “The Runarounds” shoots entirely on location, allowing the fictional characters to inhabit the same city as the real-life actors. In fact, the entire show was filmed in and around Wilmington, North Carolina.

Whether you’ve been interested in visiting Wilmington for some time or are simply eager to walk in the footsteps of the show's characters, there are plenty of reasons to explore this charming coastal town. Below, we’ll outline some of the key filming locations featured in the series, as well as must-try restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Key Scenes and Filming Locations

Since the narrative of “The Runarounds” takes place in Wilmington, the series doesn’t need to do much to disguise its filming location. While a few local businesses have been outfitted with fake logos and names for the show, most of the backdrops are presented exactly as they are in real life. Some notable landmarks and locales seen during “The Runarounds” include Gravity Records, the Seabird restaurant, The Basilica Shrine of St. Mary Catholic Church, The Wilmington Riverwalk, The Brooklyn Arts Center, and Greenfield Lake Park. Most of the series is concentrated in Wilmington’s popular downtown area, though there are a few notable excursions in the show.

Airlie Botanical Garden and Jungle Rapids amusement park are two major backdrops represented in climactic scenes, showcasing some of greater Wilmington’s most fun and picturesque spots.

Best Time to Visit

Wilmington is a beautiful beach town that can be enjoyed year-round, but most tourists prefer to visit during the early summer months. May through June are particularly popular, as the weather is warm but not overly humid, making it ideal for outdoor activities. During this time, the white sands and crashing waves of destinations like Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach offer excellent opportunities for surfing and water sports. Meanwhile, the downtown area’s vibrant nightlife provides a wide range of restaurants, bars, and social events.

Transportation Options

One potential challenge for visitors is the lack of comprehensive public transit in Wilmington. While buses, trolleys, and taxi cabs are available, many tourists prefer to rent a car, especially if their hotel is located more than a short walk from the coast. Without a rental, visitors risk spending a fortune on rideshare services when trying to visit all of the main “The Runarounds” filming locations.

Things to Do

Even if you’re not interested in checking out the show’s filming locations, Wilmington offers a wealth of exciting activities. Start your trip with a guided tour, which can be conducted via walking, biking, boat, or bus. For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the Wilmington Ghost Tour and Historic Happy Hour are highly recommended. You should also take time to explore key historical sites such as the Bellamy Mansion, the Wilmington Railroad Museum, and the retired Battleship North Carolina. The Riverwalk is another must-visit, offering a scenic route along the Cape Fear River with stops at various bars, restaurants, and the Museum of the Bizarre.

Where to Eat

Wilmington has become a foodie paradise, thanks to its growing population of young professionals. Trendy restaurants offer upscale dining options, while beach staples like fried dough and pizza are readily available at nearly every boardwalk. Some restaurants featured in “The Runarounds” include Prost Biergarten on South Front Street, the Seabird restaurant, Gelarto gelato, and Bespoke coffee shop and bar, which was transformed into Catesby’s music store in the show. Other local favorites that didn’t make the cut for the series include Fork N Cork and Circa 1922.

Where to Stay

Tourism in Wilmington is booming, and there are many affordable chain hotels in the region. Options like the Doubletree by Hilton, Hampton Inn, and Best Western Plus are among the cheapest, especially during off-peak months. For those looking for a luxury stay, the Arrive Wilmington, Hotel Ballast Wilmington, and Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center offer upscale accommodations. No matter where you stay, be sure to bring an extra bathing suit, plenty of sunscreen, and a cooler to make the most of your time on the beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “The Runarounds” based on a true story?
While the show is not based on a true story, many of the plotlines draw from the cast’s real-life experiences. Each of the band members in the show are real musicians, handpicked by series creator Jonas Pate for their musical talent and on-screen chemistry. Pate worked closely with the cast to tailor dialogue and situations to their lived experiences.

Will there be a season two of “The Runarounds”?
As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding a second season. However, Jonas Pate has expressed plans for a multi-season story. During a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, he mentioned that a five-plus-season arc has already been mapped out. If the series receives a positive reception, it seems likely that Amazon will consider additional seasons.