Released on Valentine’s Day 2013, “Safe Haven” follows its complex focal point, Katie Feldman (Julianne Hough), a woman fleeing her abusive marriage who finds herself in the quaint coastal town of Southport, North Carolina. Once settled, she slowly rebuilds her life and falls for widowed shopkeeper Alex Wheatley (Josh Duhamel). Directed by Lasse Hallström and based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel of the same name, the film was a box-office hit, grossing $97.6 million worldwide.
For those who’ve ever wondered where “Safe Haven” was filmed, the production took place almost entirely on location across two North Carolina towns: the actual Southport and the nearby Wilmington. The scenery does as much emotional heavy lifting as the script, drawing in viewers looking to experience the same docks, peaceful waterfronts and ferry terminals that made the movie feel so welcoming.
Southport, North Carolina, Is The Movie’s Main Star
Key Scenes: According to Visit NC, the film’s most recognizable Southport locations include the waterfront site along the Yacht Basin, where much of Katie and Alex’s romance unfolds. The American Fish Company at 150 Yacht Basin Drive was transformed into Ivan’s Fish Shack, where Katie works as a waitress. The Fishy Fishy Cafe at 106 Yacht Basin Drive also served as the set for Alex’s General Store, where he earned much of his livelihood. One of the most emotionally charged scenes, which was Alex declaring his love for Katie as she nearly boards a ferry, was captured at the Southport–Fort Fisher Ferry Terminal. The dramatic Fourth of July climax, featuring the burning of the general store, was shot near Brunswick Street and the Yacht Basin area.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall typically offer the most enjoyable conditions for scouring the city on foot. Summer brings warm weather, which pairs perfectly with the ferry rides and immense waterfront dining options. As expected, the Fourth of July is usually bustling with tourists and locals alike thanks to the massive fireworks displays.
Transportation Options: The Southport–Fort Fisher Ferry offers a stunning 35-minute crossing from Kure Beach, the same terminal featured in “Safe Haven.” This is a cost-friendly option, running just $5 per vehicle. Once in town, Southport’s historic downtown is entirely walkable.
Southport is the heart and soul of “Safe Haven.” This small oceanic town on the southern coast of North Carolina served as the movie’s primary location, and nearly every major romantic scene was captured in “America’s Happiest Seaside Town,” as it was dubbed by Coastal Living Magazine in 2015. Long before “Safe Haven” began production, Southport was already a key spot within the film industry thanks to its previous appearances in “A Walk to Remember,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” and “Under the Dome.”
Things to Do: Beyond the movie hot spots, the Adventure Kayak Company offers guided paddle tours through the cypress swamp and saltwater marsh. This is the same company that took cast and crew members out on the water during production. The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport is a valuable stop for anyone looking to learn about the town’s rich history. Meanwhile, creatives can head over to the Franklin Square Gallery, which showcases over a hundred local artists working in oils, acrylics, and pottery. The Southport Pier and Riverwalk make for a breezy evening stroll with views of the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Where to Eat: The Fishy Fishy Cafe at 106 Yacht Basin Drive is the most iconic stop for fans of the film. It’s Calabash-style seafood, fresh local catches and a full bar make it more than a novelty stop. Provision Company, established in 1993 and perched above the Southport Yacht Basin, is another favorite, with views of the Cape Fear River. Oliver’s on the Cape Fear offers a more upscale waterfront experience, with seafood, steak and pasta served on an outdoor terrace overlooking the river. For something more casual, Fat Andy’s Burgers, a cash-only roadside shack, is a local legend with good eats.
Where to Stay: As noted by Visit NC, the Wingate by Wyndham Southport holds a special distinction: it’s where Nicholas Sparks himself stayed during filming, and it remains a solid, well-reviewed mid-range option with free breakfast and Wi-Fi. The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Southport earns high marks for families, with clean rooms and easy access to outdoor recreation, including kayaking and sailing. The Comfort Suites Southport–Oak Island is particularly pet-friendly, with a dog exercise area and complimentary hot breakfast. For a more intimate experience, the Carriage House Inn Bed and Breakfast offers a charming historic setting in the heart of downtown. Vacation rentals and waterfront cottages on VRBO are also popular for longer stays.
Wilmington Was Also Used For ‘Safe Haven’ Filming
Key Scenes: The most significant Wilmington location is the Wilmington Convention Center, which was transformed into the Boston bus station where a blood-covered, freshly disguised Katie boards the bus that will carry her to her new life as her abusive husband Kevin (David Lyons) narrowly misses her. The Carolina Apartments on Market Street appear in the film’s establishing scenes. The house where Katie resided with Kevin is located at the intersection of Metts and Brookwood Avenues. The iconic opening sequence showing the bus winding along a dramatic mountain road was actually filmed at Linn Cove Viaduct, a dazzling seven-mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Newland. Fort Fisher State Recreation Area also contributed beach scenes to this romance.
Best Time to Visit: Wilmington is considered a great year-round choice. However, the spring and fall are ideal for exploring the historic downtown without the summer crowds. The Wilmington Riverwalk is especially pleasant in the cooler months. Additionally, summer brings festival season and beach access at nearby Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach.
While Southport steals a bit of the spotlight, Wilmington, North Carolina, located about 40 minutes north, served as the story’s darker counterpart. Wilmington is no stranger to high-end productions. Known as the “Hollywood of the East,” it’s home to EUE/Screen Gems Studios and has hosted more than 400 film and television productions, from “Dawson’s Creek” to “Iron Man 3.”
Things to Do: Start with a stroll along the Wilmington Riverwalk, a 1.75-mile riverfront path lined with restaurants, shops and galleries that runs through the heart of downtown. The Battleship North Carolina, docked across the Cape Fear River, is one of the most-visited attractions in the state, a WWII-era battleship open for self-guided tours. The Cameron Art Museum offers a strong collection of American art with a particular focus on North Carolina artists. History buffs will enjoy the Bellamy Mansion Museum and the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science.
Where to Stay: Wilmington has a more diverse hotel landscape than Southport. Hotel Ballast, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton property, sits directly on the Cape Fear River with sweeping views and a rooftop bar. ARRIVE Wilmington is a boutique hotel in the downtown arts district, popular with design-conscious travelers for its curated local feel. For beach proximity, the Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach puts guests steps from the ocean, ideal for travelers who want to extend the coastal mood of the film into their actual stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What beach is in the movie “Safe Haven”?
The beach scenes in “Safe Haven” were primarily filmed along the North Carolina coast near Southport. This includes areas around Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, Caswell Beach and Oak Island.
What is considered the best Nicholas Sparks movie?
“The Notebook” (2004) usually holds the title as Nicholas Sparks’ best movie. It carries a 7.8 on IMDb, the highest of any Sparks adaptation.
