Where Was Netflix’s ‘Boots’ Filmed? Stomp Your Heels On The Ground In New Orleans

Netflix’s “Boots” follows two new Marine recruits who could hardly be more different. Cameron Cope (Miles Heizer) drifts through life closeted, directionless and haunted by insecurity. His childhood friendship with Ray McAffey (Liam Oh) anchors him, despite the latter being straight and the son of a decorated Marine. When they enlist together, Cameron carries a secret, while Ray carries high expectations. As the pair join a diverse platoon of recruits under the harsh rule of drill instructors, the tensions mount. Beyond the drama that unfolds on-screen, many viewers are curious about the filming locations behind “Boots.”

The Netflix original unfolds entirely on location in and around New Orleans, Louisiana. The show’s setting is South Carolina, so NOLA gives the story a grounded, atmospheric texture. Fans of “Boots” can turn fandom into travel. New Orleans pulses with culture, live jazz, Creole and Cajun food, its historic French Quarter and the spectacle of Mardi Gras. Nearly all of the public “Boots” locations remain visitable – and this guide will help set your course alongside top hotels, restaurants and must-see attractions.

Explore Historic New Orleans Like The Cast Of ‘Boots’

Key Scenes: As reported by The Cinemaholic, some sequences intercut shots of the St. Louis Cathedral and French Quarter rooftops behind barracks walls. The producers repurposed a defunct naval base to replicate the Marine Corps Recruit Depot on Parris Island. In many exterior shots, the series uses the Mississippi River vistas via the Crescent City Connection, and cityscapes near the abandoned Plaza Tower and Hancock Whitney Center anchor urban scenes.

Best Time to Visit: If you want to trace “Boots” filming locations in New Orleans with good weather, spring (February to May) and fall (October to November) offer mild, pleasant conditions. Summer brings heat, humidity and thunderstorms, which mirror the filming challenges the cast faced in full uniform under the mid-year sun. Winter is colder and quieter, but still workable if crowds are your concern. If you prefer jazz festivals, Mardi Gras (February to March) is spectacular – but extremely busy.

Transportation Options: A rental car provides maximum flexibility, especially for reaching the naval base outskirts used for boot camp sequences. Within New Orleans, driving can be challenging, as parking is expensive and narrow streets are common. The city also has a streetcar system connecting the French Quarter, Garden District and key downtown points. Uber and rideshare services operate broadly and can fill in gaps when public transit doesn’t reach. For more adventurous travelers, cycling (especially along the riverfront paths) and walking allow you to soak in the scenery between stops.

If you’ve been binge-watching the intense military drama “Boots” on Netflix, you might be convinced you’re watching recruits sweat it out in the humid marshes of Parris Island, South Carolina. But here is a little secret for your next “set-jetting” adventure: the entire series was shot in the heart of the Big Easy. That’s right – New Orleans pulled off one of its classic Hollywood magic tricks, transforming into a 1990s Marine Corps boot camp with surprising authenticity.

Production crews utilized some of NOLA’s most distinct landmarks to recreate the grueling world of recruit training. So, while the on-screen recruits are suffering through the “Crucible,” the actors were actually soaking up the culture (and the humidity) of Louisiana.

Things to Do: Beyond following in the series’ footsteps, New Orleans offers a wealth of rich diversions. In the French Quarter, wander Bourbon Street, Jackson Square and Royal Street’s art galleries. From the riverbank near the Crescent City Connection, you can capture the skyline views that echo shots from the show. Ride the St. Charles Avenue streetcar through the Garden District and admire historic mansions. Visit the National WWII Museum or the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA). At night, hit Frenchmen Street for intimate jazz clubs. Take a bayou swamp tour in the surrounding Louisiana wetlands or drive out to plantations like Oak Alley and Laura.

Where to Eat: New Orleans boasts a food scene that rivals its rich, musical heartbeat. In the French Quarter, dine at Galatoire’s for classic Creole fare, or try Antoine’s for historic elegance. Head to the Bywater Historic District for creative spots like Elizabeth’s (for praline bacon and beignets) or The Country Club. For po’ boys and casual plates, hit Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar. At lunch, try Mother’s Restaurant downtown for jambalaya and roast beef debris. For a fancier night out, book a table at Commander’s Palace in the Garden District. And don’t skip dessert: Café du Monde on Decatur Street remains a must for beignets and chicory coffee. 

Where to Stay: The New Orleans Marriott and Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans were named as “Boots” filming locations by The Cinemaholic, so staying there places you inside the show’s backdrop. Hotel Monteleone, Royal Sonesta or Windsor Court offer classic luxury in the French Quarter. The Barnett in the Warehouse District gives stylish boutique flair. In the Garden District, The Columns hotel offers charm near streetcar lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Boots” on Netflix about?

“Boots” is a dramedy about Cameron Cope, a closeted, directionless guy, who enlists in the U.S. Marine Corps alongside his straight best friend, Ray McAffey. The show tracks their struggles in boot camp among a diverse group of recruits, as Cameron wrestles with identity and secrecy in a hypermasculine institution.

Is “Boots” based on a true story?

Yes, “Boots” draws inspiration from Greg Cope White’s memoir “The Pink Marine,” which recounts his experience as a young gay man serving in the Marines during the 1990s. But the series is not a strict biopic; writers and producers expanded characters and fictionalized events to deepen the ensemble cast.

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