Where Is The Summer I Turned Pretty Filmed? Your Ultimate Guide To Cousins Beach IRL
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media, dreaming of the sun-drenched shores and whispered secrets of Cousins Beach? You’re not alone. Millions of viewers have fallen in love with the coastal charm of The Summer I Turned Pretty, the hit Amazon Prime Video series based on Jenny Han’s beloved book trilogy. But a burning question lingers for every fan: where is The Summer I Turned Pretty filmed? Is Cousins Beach a real place you can visit, or is it just a magical fiction? The answer is a delightful mix of both—the town is fictional, but the breathtaking filming locations are absolutely real, waiting for you to explore. This comprehensive guide will transport you from your screen to the stunning coastlines of North Carolina, uncovering every iconic spot, sharing behind-the-scenes details, and giving you all the practical tips you need to plan your own pilgrimage to the world of Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah.
The Fiction vs. Reality: Setting the Scene in New England
While the narrative heart of The Summer I Turned Pretty beats in the fictional town of Cousins Beach, Rhode Island, the production team found their perfect match further south. Sticking with the book series by Jenny Han, most of The Summer I Turned Pretty takes place in New England, capturing that specific, nostalgic Atlantic coastline vibe. However, for logistical and aesthetic reasons, the cameras rolled in a location that could double for that New England feel while offering more favorable filming conditions: Wilmington, North Carolina.
This isn’t a case of a complete mismatch. The architecture, the marshlands, the sprawling beaches, and the small-town feel of the Wilmington area convincingly portray the Rhode Island summer escape of the books. It’s a classic Hollywood trick—finding a stand-in that captures the essence of a place. So, when you see the Fisher family’s iconic beach house or the bustling boardwalk, you’re looking at real properties in Wilmington, N.C. and its neighboring barrier islands. This clever substitution allows fans to visit the actual places where their favorite moments were filmed, making the fantasy tangibly real.
The Heart of the Series: Wilmington and the Cape Fear Coast
The Fisher Family Beach House: A Private Paradise
The most coveted location is undoubtedly the Fisher family beach house. This is the central hub for nearly every major event—the Fourth of July party, late-night conversations, and simmering tensions. The Fisher family beach house is in a private, gated golf course community in Wilmington. Specifically, it’s located within the Landfall community, a prestigious, secluded area with winding streets and lush greenery that provides the perfect sense of insulated, wealthy-family summer retreat.
Important Note: The house itself is a private residence. You cannot enter the property or knock on the door. Respecting the privacy of the homeowners is paramount. However, you can drive through the Landfall community (if access allows for public driving) to admire the exterior and the beautiful streets from your car, soaking in the atmosphere that served as the Conklin family’s summer home for seasons 1 and 2. For Season 3, the story moves to a new beach house location, also within the Wilmington area, but specific details are often kept under wraps to manage fan traffic.
Exploring the Beaches: Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure
The series’ coastal magic is spread across several stunning beaches. Visit filming locations across Wrightsville, Carolina & Kure beaches, plus downtown Wilmington spots fans will love. Here’s a breakdown of what you can see where:
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- Wrightsville Beach: This is arguably the star of the show. The wide, flat beach, the iconic Johnnie Mercer’s Pier (which appears in numerous walking and biking scenes), and the bustling Wrightsville Avenue with its shops and restaurants are featured heavily. The Blockade Runner Beach Resort has also been used for various hotel and lobby scenes. The laid-back, accessible vibe of Wrightsville perfectly matches the series' tone.
- Carolina Beach: You’ll recognize the Carolina Beach Lake Park and the charming Carolina Beach Boardwalk with its arcade and Ferris wheel. These locations provide the classic, nostalgic boardwalk feel seen in several episodes, especially during festival scenes.
- Kure Beach: The quieter, more residential Kure Beach and its famous Kure Beach Pier offer those serene, contemplative moments. The Fort Fisher State Historic Site and its surrounding trails and beaches provide the dramatic, windswept backdrops for many of the characters’ heartfelt talks.
- Downtown Wilmington: The historic Riverfront and Thalian Hall are frequently used for downtown scenes. The brick-lined streets, unique shops, and the Cape Fear River create the perfect New England-esque port town setting. Bellamy Mansion and other historic homes in the Historic District also serve as backdrops for various events and interiors.
Practical Tips for Your Location Tour
- Respect Privacy: Never trespass on private property. The beach houses are homes. View exteriors from public streets or beaches only.
- Guided Tours: Several local tour companies in Wilmington offer The Summer I Turned Pretty themed tours. These are excellent options as they provide historical context, behind-the-scenes stories, and ensure you hit all the key spots efficiently and respectfully.
- Best Time to Visit: For the full TSITP experience, visit in the summer (June-August) to match the show’s climate, but be prepared for crowds and heat. Late spring (May) or early fall (September-October) offer milder weather and fewer tourists while still having great beach weather.
- Map It Out: Create your own map using online fan resources and filming location blogs. Pinpoint each spot and plan a logical driving route between Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and downtown Wilmington.
Beyond the Beach: Season 3's New Setting and Cast Insights
Belly’s College Years in a Fictional Rhode Island
A significant shift in Season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty is Belly’s journey to college. Belly attends a fictional Rhode Island college with Jeremiah in season 3. While the college campus itself is filmed at a real university (often cited as the University of North Carolina Wilmington or other local campuses), the story firmly plants Belly and Jeremiah in the world of Rhode Island higher education, further expanding the show's geographical narrative beyond just the summer beach house. This new setting introduces a fresh batch of filming locations—college quads, libraries, and frat houses—all shot within the Wilmington region.
Spotlight on Sean Kaufman: Playing Jeremiah
Among the talented cast, Sean Kaufman (born 1999 or 2000) is an American actor who has gained immense popularity for his portrayal of the complex, brooding Jeremiah Fisher. His chemistry with co-stars Christopher Briney (Conrad) and Gavin Casalegno (Belly) is a cornerstone of the series. While specific personal details are kept private, his performance has been pivotal in bringing Jenny Han’s character to life, especially in Season 3 where Jeremiah’s storylines take center stage.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sean Kaufman |
| Known For | Role as Jeremiah Fisher in The Summer I Turned Pretty |
| Estimated Birth Year | 1999 or 2000 |
| Nationality | American |
| Notable Work | The Summer I Turned Pretty (Seasons 1-3) |
The Cultural Phenomenon: From Rotten Tomatoes to TikTok Memes
Critical Acclaim and Social Media Frenzy
The show’s impact extends far beyond viewership numbers. The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 earned a Rotten Tomatoes score higher than season 2, a notable achievement that indicates growing critical praise for the series' maturation, deeper character exploration, and confident storytelling. This upward trend in reviews solidifies its status as a premier young adult drama.
Its cultural footprint is massive. This year’s social media phenomena spanned film, TV, theater and music, ranging from the Louvre heist, a plethora of the summer i turned pretty memes, Timothée Chalamet’s Marty Supreme Orange. The TSITP fandom is a relentless engine of content on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. From 173 likes, TikTok video from @tvdals (a small example of thousands) showcasing aesthetic edits, to viral sound bites and memes about the love triangle, the show has inspired a universe of fan creations. “Explore the beautiful filming locations of 'the summer i turned pretty' is a constant refrain, driving travel interest and location-spotting videos.
The Unwavering Fan Wait and Rewatch Ritual
Everywhere, avid viewers of the summer i turned pretty are excitedly waiting for the film version to come out. The adaptation of Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty into a feature film is a long-held fan dream, and news that Prime Video is adapting ‘Boys of Tommen’ with the producers of Twilight, The Summer I Turned Pretty and One Day bringing the stories to the screen has only amplified excitement for Han’s work on screen. While we wait, the series itself offers endless rewatch value.
And while you all wait, rewatching the series is a must, especially on Wednesdays. For a dedicated fanbase, Wednesdays (when new episodes traditionally dropped) have a sacred feel. A rewatch reveals layers of foreshadowing, nuanced performances, and the sheer comfort of the show’s aesthetic. It’s the perfect escape.
A Character All Its Own: The Food of Cousins Beach
One of the most underrated yet vital aspects of the series is its food. Even while brotherly and romantic conflicts are the main focus of the show, the food and beverages are as important to the plot. From Belly’s first decadent ice cream cone upon arrival to the family’s massive Fourth of July cookout, meals are narrative devices. They mark celebrations, comfort, and connection. Every meal, from decadent sweets to coastal fare, gives way to special moments. The iconic “Mack’s” ice cream shop (based on real Wilmington spots like Sweet Treats Creamery or Wilmington Ice Cream), the seafood boils, and the endless iced teas are part of the show’s sensory identity. A true fan pilgrimage must include a visit to a local Wilmington creamery for a cone that tastes like summer.
Your Action Plan: How to Experience Cousins Beach IRL
Ready to pack your bags? Here’s your actionable checklist:
- Bookmark the Key Locations: Wrightsville Beach (Johnnie Mercer’s Pier, Blockade Runner), Carolina Beach (Boardwalk, Lake Park), Kure Beach (Pier, Fort Fisher), and Downtown Wilmington (Riverfront, Historic District).
- Research Accommodations: Stay in Wrightsville or Carolina Beach for maximum beach access. Look for vacation rentals or hotels with a similar “beach house” vibe.
- Plan Your Food Stops: Identify local ice cream shops, seafood restaurants, and cafes that match the show’s aesthetic. Ask locals for their recommendations—they often know the best hidden gems.
- Consider a Tour: Book a reputable TSITP tour for insider knowledge and a hassle-free experience.
- Manage Expectations: Remember, the beach houses are private. Focus on the public beaches, piers, and downtown areas where you can truly immerse yourself.
- Connect with the Fandom: Use hashtags like #TSITPfilminglocations, #CousinsBeachIRL, and #SummerITurnedPretty on social media to see real-time tips and photos from other fans.
Conclusion: More Than a Location, It’s a Feeling
So, where is The Summer I Turned Pretty filmed? The concrete answer is the Cape Fear Coast of North Carolina—primarily Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach. But the deeper answer is that it’s filmed wherever you can feel that specific, sun-soaked, bittersweet magic of a summer that changes you forever. The real locations provide the canvas, but the show’s true power lies in the emotions it evokes—the flutter of a first crush, the comfort of found family, the pang of nostalgia for a season that ends too soon.
Discover where summer stories come to life. You don’t need a film adaptation to step into the world of Belly and the Fisher brothers. You just need a map, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to feel the salt air and imagine the echoes of their laughter on the same boardwalks and beaches. The houses may be private, but the feeling of Cousins Beach is yours for the taking. Pack your sunscreen, your favorite summer playlist, and your TSITP trivia—your own summer story is waiting to be written on the shores of North Carolina.
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Cousins Beach: Where was The Summer I Turned Pretty filmed? The house
Where is The Summer I Turned Pretty filmed? Locations featured in the
Where is The Summer I Turned Pretty filmed? Locations featured in the
