In Along for the Ride, Auden (Emma Pasarow) finds a perfect place to escape for the summer and start anew in Colby, North Carolina. In the small beachside town, everyone knows one another and her estranged father resides with her stepmother and their newborn baby. Auden’s summer in Colby leads to friendship, self-discovery and a newfound interest in onion rings and bike rides. 

However, Colby doesn’t actually exist. Along for the Ride book author Sarah Dessen has said that Colby is based on the town of Emerald Isle, North Carolina, which she visited in the summer when she was growing up. And, true to her childhood, the movie was shot in several towns along the North Carolina coast. 

Here’s your ultimate guide to the Along for the Ride filming locations, so you too can have the summer of your life.

1. Kiffney-Brown Prep

Every year on the Saturday after graduating, the graduated seniors climb the school’s bell tower, party at the top, ring the bell for an hour and then cover it in toilet paper as their senior prank. Auden thinks the prank is “actually kind of beautiful.” This actually isn’t a school IRL, it’s the New Hanover County Courthouse, located just a few blocks away from the Cape Fear River and Wilmington’s bustling downtown. Address: New Hanover County Courthouse, 316 Princess St., Wilmington

2. Russell’s Gas & Gro and the “Welcome to Colby” sign

The go-to spot to get your gas, extra-large coffees and favorite snacks. Although the “Welcome to Colby” sign was only temporary, you can still get your snack fix from the real-life store, Russell’s Quik Stop. Address: Russell’s Quik Stop, 2101 Wrightsville Ave., Wilmington

3. Colby shops

When Auden finds herself in Colby for the first time, she window-shops among the tourists and locals alike.  You, too, can go on a window-shopping quest at the shops at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, which was used as a stand-in for the shops along the Colby Boardwalk.  Address: Carolina Beach Boardwalk, 1 Carolina Beach Ave. N, Carolina Beach

4. Clementine’s Boutique

Auden’s warm and loving stepmother is not only a new mom to be, but also the owner of the supercute boutique Clementine’s, where Esther, Maggie and Leah tend shop and take part in nightly dance breaks. Auden, however, works on accounting in the store’s office. You can visit Clementine’s, although you won’t find cute sunglasses to go with your latest summer outfit. Instead, you’ll get help finding your dream beachfront property, since the shop is actually a real estate office. Address: Nest Realty, 112 Cape Fear Blvd., Carolina Beach

5. Beach Beans

If you’re looking to get your caffeine fix in Colby before your late-night activities, there’s Beach Beans — the go-to place for coffee in the mornings. Although the real-life location doesn’t have the same name, you can still get your java fix here. Address: North End Cafe To-Go, 901 Carolina Beach Ave. N, Carolina Beach

6. Colby Coin Laundry/Clyde’s Pie Shop

While the rest of Colby sleeps, the night owls find refuge in Colby Coin Laundry, a laundromat where you can wash your shirts, listen to records and get a slice of homemade pie and some delicious coffee from the secret dessert shop in the back.  This shop is a real-life laundromat in Carolina Beach, but unfortunately you’ll have to get your pie elsewhere since Clyde’s doesn’t exist. Address: Melissa’s Coin Laundry, 702 Lake Park Blvd. S, Carolina Beach 

7. Auden and Eli’s Mini Golf Quest

No beachside town would be complete without a kitschy mini golf course, which is exactly where Eli takes Auden at the start of their quest. You, too, can hit a hole in one at the real-life mini golf course, Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. Address: Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, 5320 Oleander Dr., Wilmington

8. Captain’s Wharf Restaurant

If you’re a fan of sampling the local fare and you love seafood, then enjoy lunch at Captain’s Wharf Restaurant, just like Auden and her dad — awkward family conversation not included. Address: Carolina Smokehouse, 9 Pavilion Ave., Carolina Beach

9. Bike Shop

If there’s one place to find Eli, when he’s not going for his late night bike rides, it’s at the Bike Shop, where he’s always tinkering with something. In real life, the Bike Shop is actually a place where you can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, kayaks and, yes, bikes too. Address: Pleasure Island Rentals, 2 North Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach

10. The Tip

Any beach town has a quintessential beach hang-out spot, and The Tip is it. Whether you’re going there to relax after work or catch up on gossip with your friends, The Tip is where the coolest residents of Colby hang out. Visit this spot yourself and see what all the hype is about. Address: Beach Access #322, 317 Atlantic Ave., Kure Beach