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The Choice movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was The Choice filmed?

2016

City Locations

Wrightsville Beach (USA), Masonboro Island (USA), Kure Beach (USA), Wilmington (USA)

Location Types

Restaurant, Unusual, Unique

Location Styles

Beachfront, Boat Style, Modern Building, Modern Car, Motor, Dock

About The Choice

The Choice is a film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' novel with the same title, a romantic drama in North Carolina. The main characters are Travis Shaw and Gabby Holland, played by Benjamin Walker and Teresa Palmer, respectively. The story follows their tumultuous relationship, beginning when they first meet as neighbors and eventually fall in love.

Travis Shaw is a highly successful doctor who loves to have parties at his home which often frustrate his neighbor, Gabby Holland. She is a medical student dating Ryan McCarthy at the time but finds herself falling for Travis despite their rocky start. Despite initial hesitations, Travis and Gabby eventually marry and have two children. However, they soon face unexpected obstacles, such as illness and financial hardships, that test their seemingly perfect life together.

The film suffers from chaotic direction and an over-reliance on melodrama, leaving viewers feeling emotionally manipulated rather than genuinely engaged. Despite a promising premise and talented cast, The Choice ultimately falls flat due to its lack of depth, predictable plot points, and unconvincing character development.

The Choice Locations

The Choice, a romantic drama film directed by Ross Katz and starring Benjamin Walker and Teresa Palmer, was filmed in two locations in North Carolina: Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. These two locations created the perfect backdrop for the story, as Wilmington offered sprawling cityscapes while Wrightsville Beach provided picturesque beach settings.

The majority of scenes were shot at Dockside Restaurant & Bar and Bridge Tender Marina near Wrightsville Beach. This quaint resort area provided the perfect set for filming beachfront activities such as sailing, fishing, and relaxation. In addition to this area, Hanover Seaside Club in Wrightsville Beach was used for some scenes. On the other side of the spectrum, downtown Wilmington was employed for shots within a house.

A trip to location sites for The Choice would certainly be worthwhile. Not only can visitors admire the beautiful locales utilized in the film, but they can also participate in many activities common to the region. Those looking to relax can stroll on Wrightsville Beach or take boat rides along its breathtaking shores. Meanwhile, those seeking more adventurous activities can enjoy fishing or other watersports nearby. Finally, visitors can explore downtown Wilmington's unique landscape with its eclectic shops and eateries.

Fun Fact

A fun fact about The Choice is that it was filmed entirely in Southport, North Carolina, where Nicholas Sparks lives! In addition to local actors being featured throughout the movie, many of the real-life locations used were handpicked by Sparks himself. From sentimental beach scenes to iconic landmarks like Franklin Square Gallery, fans of The Choice can visit all these spots if they are ever in North Carolina.

Gabby waiting for Travis scene in The Choice

Brasserie du Soleil, 1908 Eastwood Rd STE 118, Wilmington, NC

Travis (Benjamin Walker) and Gabby (Teresa Palmer) plan a date night without their children at Brasserie du Soleil. However, Travis gets caught up with a late-night walk-in appointment at the veterinary clinic, making him tardy for their meeting. Regrettably, when he arrives, Gabby has already left the restaurant, and she decides not to wait indefinitely for him.

Brasserie du Soleil is an authentic French restaurant in Wilmington, North Carolina. The restaurant is situated at Lumina Station on Eastwood Road and boasts a charming atmosphere that transports visitors to the heart of France. Brasserie du Soleil serves both lunch and dinner, with a menu featuring traditional French cuisine such as escargot, pâté, and steak frites. The restaurant also offers a full raw bar and an extensive wine list with predominantly French varietals.

To get to Brasserie du Soleil, take Market Street to Eastwood Road for approximately 1 mile. The destination will be on your left in the Hanover Center.

The restaurant scene in The Choice

Dockside Restaurant and Bar, 1308 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC

Travis (Benjamin Walker) and his friends are seen having a good time, chatting and laughing over drinks and food. The restaurant has a cozy, laid-back atmosphere, dim lighting, and rustic decor. The group enjoys spending time together at this place, as they are comfortable in each other's company and have a long-standing history.

Dockside Restaurant and Bar is a popular dining destination in a scenic waterfront location at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. It boasts breathtaking views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the boats docked alongside it. The restaurant offers its patrons a relaxed and inviting atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating options. Its menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including fresh fish, crab, shrimp, and oysters, as well as other delicious options like burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. The restaurant also has a full bar serving beer, wine, and cocktails and hosts occasional live music events to enhance its patrons' dining experience.

To get here, take S College Rd to Oleander Dr. After about a mile, turn right onto Airlie Rd and drive for approximately two miles to reach your destination.

The beach scene in The Choice

Wrightsville Beach, NC

Travis (Benjamin Walker) and Gabby (Teresa Palmer) walk on the beach together, enjoying each other's company and the beautiful scenery around them. They engage in lighthearted banter and playful flirting as they walk, building up their romantic tension. The scene is shot in a naturalistic style, evoking a sense of spontaneity and intimacy between the characters.

The charming and idyllic Wrightsville Beach is nestled among the stunning North Carolina coastline. With its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, this picturesque location is a must-see for any beach lover. The laid-back vibe and friendly locals make visitors feel at home, while the area's vibrant shopping and nightlife scenes offer plenty of exciting opportunities to mingle. Wrightsville Beach is a true gem of the Carolina coast, from picturesque sunrises to breathtaking sunsets.

For those coming from afar, the nearest airport is Wilmington International Airport, located about 10 miles away. If you prefer driving, you can take Interstate 40 to Wilmington and then follow US Highway 74 East to reach your destination. Alternatively, you could take advantage of available shuttle or taxi services.

Travis, Gabby, and friends travel on a boat scene in The Choice

Masonboro Island State Natural Area, Masonboro Island State Natural Area, Wilmington, NC

Travis (Benjamin Walker), Gabby (Teresa Palmer), Stephanie (Maggie Grace), and a few others gather together for a day trip on the water. They board Travis' boat, which is docked at the pier, and set off into the open sea. The scene is set against a stunning backdrop of blue skies and serene waters, with the boat cutting through the waves as it speeds.

Masonboro Island State Natural Area, located off the southeastern coast of North Carolina, is a well-preserved barrier island extending approximately 8.4 miles, making it the largest in southern North Carolina. The area boasts stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters that provide a habitat for many marine creatures and shorebirds. Since the island is only accessible by boat, it has remained untouched, which has helped to maintain its natural beauty and safeguard its fragile ecosystems. There are plenty of outdoor activities to savor at the Masonboro Island State Natural Area, such as swimming, sunbathing, hiking, bird-watching, and fishing. The island also offers several designated camping sites where visitors can spend the night under the stars and be lulled to sleep by the gentle ocean waves.

Since Masonboro Island State Natural Area is an undisturbed barrier island situated off the southeastern coast of North Carolina, it is reachable only by boat. Visitors can launch their private boats from public or private boat ramps in the vicinity, including those at Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, or the New Hanover County Trails End Park.

Travis and Gabby having a picnic scene in The Choice

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, 1000 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC

Travis (Benjamin Walker) and Gabby (Teresa Palmer) enjoy a romantic picnic on the beach. They are seen sitting on a red and white checkered blanket, with a basket filled with food and drinks beside them. As the couple shares a meal, they engage in casual conversation, laughing and enjoying each other's company. The moment is sweet and idyllic, with the sound of the waves in the background and the salty sea breeze blowing through their hair.

Fisher State Recreation Area is a beautiful 288-acre park in New Hanover County, North Carolina. It boasts six miles of protected shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean, stretching from the river to the sea. The park is known for its pristine beaches, scenic views, and abundant wildlife. It is a popular destination for beachgoers, birdwatchers, fishermen, and nature enthusiasts. History buffs will appreciate Fort Fisher's historical significance as well. During the Civil War, Fort Fisher was a Confederate stronghold that guarded the port of Wilmington, North Carolina. The site today consists of restored fortifications and a museum that documents the history of the fort and the role it played during the war.

To get there from Wilmington, take US-421 South for about 15 miles until you reach Kure Beach. Turn onto K Avenue and Fort Fisher Boulevard S to reach Loggerhead Road.

The garden scene in The Choice

Airlie Gardens, 300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC

Gabby (Teresa Palmer) and Travis (Benjamin Walker) walk through the vibrant and picturesque gardens, surrounded by abundant colorful flowers. As they walk, they stop at a reflective pond, standing side by side and gazing into the water, taking in the peaceful surroundings. The camera captures their reflections in the water and then pans up to capture the serene beauty of the garden landscape.

This scene is filmed at Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, North Carolina. It is a sprawling 67-acre public garden that boasts a diverse collection of flora and fauna, featuring over 75,000 species of azaleas, camellias, magnolias, and other indigenous plants. The historic site also houses the renowned Airlie Oak, which has been around since 1545, making it one of the oldest oak trees in America. Additionally, Airlie Gardens hosts various year-round programs and events, including guided tours, educational workshops, seasonal festivals, and more. Its scenic venues are widely sought after for weddings and other special occasions.

To reach 300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, take Oleander Drive onto Greenville Loop Road. Continue on Greenville Loop Road until you reach Airlie Road, where you should turn right. Follow Airlie Road to reach the entrance of Airlie Gardens.

Conclusion

The Choice was shot at several beautiful Wilmington, North Carolina locations, including Wrightsville Beach. The beaches served as the perfect backdrop for the dramatic unfolding of the story as well as critical scenes involving Travis and Gabby's relationship. Additionally, filming took place at Hanover Seaside Club and Dockside Restaurant & Bar, both used to capture Wilmington's charming small-town vibe. Finally, Bridge Tender Marina was also used to reflect on the couple’s journey.

All these fantastic locations combined to create an atmosphere that perfectly complements the movie’s storyline. The Choice portrays a touching story of two people facing challenges and triumphing over them with courage and determination, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience that viewers will cherish for years.