"Dawson's Creek" ran for six successful seasons and was filmed right here, in the Wilmington area. A trip to Wilmington allows fans to explore "Capeside," the fictitious town the show was based upon. Retrace the steps of James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson with a walking tour of "Dawson's Creek" locations on your next trip to Wilmington.
"Dawson's Creek," Sony Pictures Television’s popular hour-long drama that aired on The WB, is among the many productions made in this region. Filmed in historic Wilmington and nearby island beaches Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach along with Southport, North Carolina, "Dawson's Creek" chronicles with wry humor the undeniably intense period of awakening known as the teenage years. A startlingly fresh and realistic portrayal of this passage from adolescence to young adulthood, "Dawson's Creek" wrapped its sixth and final season in 2003. On the show, the Wilmington region doubles as “Capeside,” a coastal town in Massachusetts.
Tour "Dawson's Creek" Locations
As you explore the Wilmington area you'll recognize "Hell's Kitchen," "Screen Play Video," and "Capeside High School" among other famous places. To take a self-guided tour of "Dawson's Creek" filming locations, view our locations tour map.
"Dawson's Creek" wrapped its final season in April 2003. The original sets are no longer in use or available to the public. Cinespace Studios Wilmington, the largest production facility east of Hollywood, still hosts visiting productions.
"Dawson's Creek" memorabilia
TV/film souvenirs (including some "Dawson's Creek" and "One Tree Hill" memorabilia) can be purchased in Wilmington at the Black Cat Shoppe, and Krazy Mike’z.
More Information about "Dawson's Creek"
"Dawson's Creek" debuted in 1998. The show starred six of Hollywood’s brightest young stars: James Van Der Beek, ("Rules of Attraction," and "Varsity Blues") Katie Holmes ("First Daughter," "Pieces of April" and "Wonder Boys") Michelle Williams ("Me Without You," "Dick" and "Prozac Nation") and Joshua Jackson ("The Laramie Project," "The Mighty Ducks" trilogy and "Skulls") Kerr Smith ("Final Destination") and Busy Philipps (“Cougar Town" and "Freaks & Geeks").
The show was created by NC native Kevin Williamson ("Scream," "Scream II," "Halloween Kills," "I Know What You Did Last Summer" and "Teaching Mrs. Tingle"). The show is loosely based on Williamson's real-life experiences growing up in rural North Carolina. Fans of "Dawson's Creek" can watch the show and see familiar sights of Wilmington and the island beaches. The series is now available on DVD and streaming services. Paul Stupin, Tom Kapinos and Greg Prange were executive producers of "Dawson's Creek" for Sony Pictures Television.
How can I be an extra on a TV show or movie?
Since 1983, more than 400 film-related projects have been filmed in Wilmington and nearby island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville beach. The region is often affectionately referred to as “Hollywood East.”
Several Wilmington-based casting companies casts extras for local productions. If you’re interested in being an extra or have other questions about film production in Wilmington, please check the Wilmington Film Office website Frequently Asked Questions page. Before visitors travel any distance to be an extra they are encouraged to check the website and contact casting companies directly to find out about casting needs and employment requirements.
For recent production information, visit our Famous Film & TV Sites page. For more info about Wilmington and Island Beaches (where "Dawson's Creek" was filmed) please call (910) 341-4030 or stop by the Riverfront Visitors Booth at the foot of Market Street.
