Fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty have fallen in love with the dreamy setting of Cousins Beach, the backdrop where Belly, Conrad, Jeremiah, and their families spend unforgettable summers. But many ask the same question: where was The Summer I Turned Pretty filmed? Even though Cousins Beach is fictional, the show was brought to life in real towns and landmarks that you can actually visit today.
As of September 2025, the series has officially wrapped up its third season, with Prime Video announcing a continuation through a feature-length film. Alongside the storylines and beloved cast, the real-life filming locations have become tourist attractions for fans eager to experience the magic.
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Cousins Beach: A Fictional Place with Real Inspiration
Cousins Beach does not exist on any map. Jenny Han, the author of the original book series and the show’s creator, has explained that she drew inspiration from various East Coast vacation spots such as Cape Cod, the Hamptons, and Virginia Beach. The goal was to create a town that felt like home to viewers—a mix of nostalgia, beauty, and timeless summer traditions.
While the series makes Cousins Beach feel like a cozy New England community, filming actually took place hundreds of miles south.
Wilmington, North Carolina: The Heart of Filming
The majority of the show’s filming happened in and around Wilmington, North Carolina. Known as “Hollywood East” for its thriving film industry, Wilmington has been home to countless productions over the years.
Key elements filmed here include:
- Beachfront homes: The Fisher family’s summer house was filmed using the exterior of a real property in Porters Neck Plantation, a private neighborhood in Wilmington. The interiors were shot on carefully designed sets.
- Boardwalks and town shops: Local Wilmington businesses often appear in the background, adding authenticity to Cousins Beach life.
- Seaside drives: Roads along Wilmington’s coast doubled as scenic routes taken by Belly and the Fisher brothers.
Beaches That Brought Cousins to Life
Several nearby beaches helped create the perfect summer atmosphere.
- Carolina Beach – Known for its lively boardwalk, this spot was used for fun group outings and casual walks by the ocean.
- Kure Beach – Its quiet, less crowded shores offered the show’s filmmakers the chance to capture intimate conversations and scenic wide shots.
- Wrightsville Beach – A favorite among both locals and filmmakers, Wrightsville provided the backdrop for many of the most iconic beach scenes.
- Fort Fisher State Recreation Area – This coastal park’s striking dunes and open spaces were ideal for bonfires and dramatic moments.
Each of these beaches gave Cousins its layered personality—sometimes lively, sometimes romantic, always breathtaking.
Southport: The Gateway to Cousins Beach
Southport, a charming coastal town, also played a role. One of the most recognizable details—the “Entering Cousins Beach” sign—was filmed here. The town’s historic vibe and small shops gave producers another perfect setting for Cousins’ community charm.
UNC Chapel Hill as Finch College
By season three, the story expands beyond Cousins Beach as Belly and her friends head off to college. For these sequences, filming shifted to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The campus doubled as the fictional Finch College, with its quads, lecture halls, and historic buildings standing in as the new chapter of Belly’s life. Jenny Han herself once studied at UNC, making the choice of location even more meaningful.
How Locations Were Chosen
Filming in North Carolina wasn’t just about cost. The production team wanted landscapes that could transform into the world Jenny Han had imagined. Wilmington provided the infrastructure, while surrounding beaches and towns offered diverse looks—from bustling boardwalks to quiet stretches of sand.
By blending these places together, the crew created a cohesive, believable Cousins Beach that felt both real and timeless.
The House That Stole the Show
One of the most frequently asked questions by fans is about the Fisher family’s summer house. The grand beach house is a true star of the series, representing warmth, family, and nostalgia.
- The exterior was filmed at a private home in Wilmington’s Porters Neck Plantation.
- The interiors were recreated on sets, designed to capture the cozy, inviting feeling Jenny Han described in her books.
Although the house isn’t open to the public, its design has inspired countless fans to recreate the look in their own homes.
The Series Finale and What Comes Next
In September 2025, The Summer I Turned Pretty reached its emotional finale with the conclusion of season three. Prime Video quickly confirmed that the story will continue as a movie, with Jenny Han writing and directing. Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, and Gavin Casalegno are all set to return.
While plot details are under wraps, speculation suggests the film could explore life after college and even a wedding storyline. With filming expected to continue in North Carolina, fans may see both familiar beaches and fresh new locations.
Why Fans Travel to These Locations
The appeal of visiting real filming spots is undeniable. Fans often make trips to Wilmington and nearby beaches to capture their own Cousins-inspired moments. Common activities include:
- Taking photos at Wrightsville Beach during sunset.
- Exploring the Carolina Beach boardwalk, just like Belly and her friends.
- Walking through UNC Chapel Hill’s campus to see Finch College settings.
- Visiting Southport to snap a picture at the famous Cousins Beach sign.
These locations now serve as a kind of pilgrimage for fans, blending reality with the magic of fiction.
What Isn’t Real But Feels Real
- Cousins Beach: While it feels authentic, no such place exists. It’s an imagined blend of several beloved beach towns.
- Finch College: The university Belly attends in season three is also fictional, though UNC Chapel Hill brought it to life.
By mixing real-world backdrops with fictional details, the show maintains both relatability and escapism.
Final Thoughts
So, where was The Summer I Turned Pretty filmed? The answer lies in the beaches, towns, and campuses of North Carolina. Wilmington, Wrightsville, Kure, Carolina Beach, Southport, and UNC Chapel Hill all shaped the world of Cousins Beach and Finch College.
As the story transitions to the big screen, fans can expect these familiar places to remain central while new locations may soon join the list. Until then, fans continue to walk the beaches, visit the towns, and relive the moments that made the show so special.
If you’ve visited any of these filming spots or plan to, share your experience—it’s always fun to see how fiction and reality blend together through the places we love.