💘 Relive Allie & Noah’s Love Story in Charleston

The Notebook Filming Locations + Romantic Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Whether you call it the ultimate love story or a certified tearjerker, The Notebook has become one of the most iconic romantic films of our time — and a surprising number of its scenes were actually filmed right here in and around Charleston, South Carolina. The Holy City’s historic streets, oak‑lined plantations, and atmospheric gardens brought Allie and Noah’s world to life, making Charleston as much a character as the lovers themselves.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to visit these locations, recreate the scenes, and walk your own love story through places that feel lifted right from the movie. Here’s how.

🎥 1. Boone Hall Plantation — Allie’s Summer House

📍 1235 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC

What it was in the movie:

Boone Hall served as the exterior ofAllie’s family’s summer home— the place where Allie lived while Noah worked to win her heart. Classic scenes of bicycle rides down the oak‑lined drive and emotional confrontations happened here.

Behind the scenes:

Production used the powerful look of Boone Hall’sAvenue of Oaks— a centuries‑old canopy of oak trees — as visual poetry. In one famous moment,Noah’s truck ride into the front gate wasn’t originally scripted— actor Ryan Gosling simply didn’t brake in time, and the director liked it so much he kept it in the final cut.

Valentine’s Day idea:

Walk down the Avenue of Oaks together, take a carriage ride around the grounds, or grab a picnic by the fields. The old plantation atmosphere is cinematic enough to feel like your own private film set.

🚣‍♂️ 2. Cypress Gardens — The Iconic Boat Scene

📍 3030 Cypress Gardens Road, Moncks Corner, SC

What it was in the movie:

This is the unforgettablerowboat scenewhere Noah and Allie glide through a lake surrounded by swans, only to get caught in the rain — one of the most famous moments in the film.

Behind the scenes:

Believe it or not, the geese and swans in the water weren’t originally there. Filmmakers bought swans as chicks and raised them nearby so they’d be comfortable during filming. They also shot these scenes inJanuaryso that alligators would be hibernating, making it safer for cast and crew.

Valentine’s Day idea:

Take acouple’s boat ride through Cypress Gardensif weather allows — or walk the trails around the swamp and stop for photos where the trees curve just right. Bring a lightweight picnic and enjoy the natural beauty together.

🍦 3. Old Village & Pitt Street Pharmacy — Ice Cream Date

📍 Old Village Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC

What it was in the movie:

The sweet ice cream scene in whichNoah and Allie enjoy a carefree walk and dessertwas filmed at Pitt Street Pharmacy in the charmingOld Villageneighborhood.

Valentine’s Day idea:

Come here for a real ice cream date! Grab cones or floats at Pitt Street Pharmacy, stroll through the historic neighborhood, and soak in the small‑town vibes that so perfectly matched the movie’s early romance.

🍿 4. American Theater & King Street — First Date Dance

📍 446 King Street, Charleston, SC

What it was in the movie:

Allie and Noah’sfirst movie date— and the memorable moment where theylie in the street under a stoplight and dance together— were filmed right here in downtown Charleston.

Behind the scenes:

The production temporarily installed a traffic light, vintage parking meters, and period storefront signs to give King Street a 1940s feel for filming. The American Theater’s historic façade remains a great photo op today.

Valentine’s Day idea:

Walk King Street together at twilight. Grab dinner nearby (like at High Cotton, which also appears in the film), and pose for a “dance in the street” photo — just watch for real traffic! Add classic music in your earbuds for the full effect.

🎓 5. College of Charleston — Allie’s “New York College”

📍 66 George Street, Charleston, SC

What it was in the movie:

While the story says Allie attends a school in New York, the campus scenes were actually filmed at theCollege of Charleston, one of the oldest universities in the country.

Valentine’s Day idea:

Stroll this romantic campus together. The historic buildings and intimate courtyards are perfect spots for photos and quiet moments — especially as the blossoms come alive in spring.

🏠 6. William Aiken House — Wedding Dress Moment

📍 456 King Street, Charleston, SC

What it was in the movie:

Allie tries on her wedding dress inside this beautifully preserved historic house and has her emotional realization about Noah.

Valentine’s Day idea:

Though the interior may require event access,walking by the William Aiken Houseand imagining that moment makes for a wonderfully sweet stop on a romantic itinerary.

🍽 7. High Cotton Restaurant — Noah Sees Allie Again

📍 199 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC

What it was in the movie:

Noah notices Allie through a restaurant window, sparking one of the turning points in their story.

Valentine’s Day idea:

Make areservation at High Cottonfor a romantic dinner with Lowcountry cuisine — and sit by the window where Noah once saw Allie.

❤️ Romantic Charleston Notes for Valentine’s Day

• Stay Downtown or Waterfront: Many Notebook locations are within walking distance, perfect for an intimate weekend.

• Make a Self‑Guided Tour Map: Pin Boone Hall, Cypress Gardens, Old Village, King Street, College of Charleston, and High Cotton.

• Photos & Music: Recreate the mood with your own soundtrack and capture stills similar to the movie’s iconic moments — just don’t block traffic on King Street!

• Weather Planning: Boat rides at Cypress Gardens are best in mild weather; check seasonal openings in advance.

The Notebook isn’t just a film — it’s a Charleston love story you can live yourself. And Valentine’s Day? That’s the perfect occasion to walk in Allie and Noah’s footsteps, relive their most romantic moments, and maybe make a few memories of your own.

📚 Citations

• Guide to The Notebook filming locations around Charleston, including American Theater, King Street, College of Charleston, Boone Hall Plantation, Old Village, Cypress Gardens, and William Aiken House.

• Filming and trivia about scenes from the movie, including swan training and period set details.

• General production locations and note about the Charleston Naval Shipyard base.