Where Is Cousins In The Summer I Turned Pretty

Okay, let’s be real for a second. You’ve binged The Summer I Turned Pretty, and now you have one burning question. Where exactly is Cousins Beach? Is it a real place? Can you book a ticket and cry over Conrad there too?

I get it. I’ve been there. Googling feverishly at 2 a.m. while eating ice cream straight from the tub. So, let’s settle this—over coffee, with zero judgment.

First, the disappointing news. Cousins Beach is not a real town. I know, I know. It felt painfully real, right? But it’s a fictional beach community created for the books and show. Totally made up.

But here’s the good news. The place that plays Cousins Beach in the show is very, very real. And you can absolutely visit it. You just have to go to a little slice of paradise called Wilmington, North Carolina.

Where the Magic Actually Happens

The iconic beach house? That’s in Wilmington. The crew shot most of the Cousins scenes around Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. These are actual, stunning beaches with soft sand and crashing waves.

Specifically, the Fisher/Susannah summer home is a real rental property. It’s located on Ocean Boulevard in Wrightsville Beach. No, you can’t just crash there, but you can walk by and pretend you’re Belly choosing between two brothers.

Don’t worry. I’ve already checked. The house is huge. It’s even more stunning in person than on your screen. The turquoise shutters? Chef’s kiss.

The "Cousins Beach" Vibe Is Totally Real

What the show captures perfectly is the feeling of these places. The long wooden piers. The salt air. The way the sunset looks like it was painted by a lovesick angel.

You can find that exact vibe at Johnnie Mercer’s Pier in Wrightsville Beach. Belly walks a similar pier in the opening credits. Go there, take a photo, and caption it something mysterious like “summering.” Your friends will be so confused.

Also? The boardwalk scenes are shot at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. It’s adorable. They have a classic Ferris wheel, arcades, and plenty of spots to feel emotionally devastating over a slice of pizza.

Wait, Is It Really Set in New England?

Here’s the confusing part. In the books, Cousins is in Massachusetts. The show’s characters say “Cousins Beach, Massachusetts” a few times. But the show is shot in North Carolina. Why? Because Cousins is a fictional town on the Massachusetts coast.

The showrunners said North Carolina’s coastline looked more like a “summer paradise” on camera. And honestly? They weren’t wrong. The water is warmer. The sand is whiter. It’s a cheat code for beauty.

So, if you go to Wilmington, you’re seeing the TV version of Cousins. Not the book version. But honestly? It’s better. You get all the drama with none of the New England winter.

Can You Recreate the Show?

Absolutely. But let me warn you: you’re not going to find Conrad brooding behind a dune. Sorry. The local guys are mostly friendly surfers, not emotionally unavailable heartthrobs.

You can, however, go to the Oceanic Restaurant on Wrightsville Beach. It’s the spot where the cast hung out between takes. Order a basket of hushpuppies and pretend you’re about to have a massive fight about a necklace.

Another pro tip: grab a kayak or a paddleboard. The show has a ton of water scenes. You can channel your inner Belly and dramatically paddle away from your feelings. It’s therapeutic, I swear.

The Real Takeaway

So, where is Cousins? It’s a state of mind. It’s the smell of sunscreen and teenage angst. It’s a place of first loves and devastating summer flings. But physically? It’s Wilmington, North Carolina.

You don’t need to bend time or space to get there. Just a plane ticket and a flexible understanding of geography. And maybe a playlist of Taylor Swift songs to play on the drive down.

Because let’s be honest. If you’re going to Cousins, you’re going for the vibes. The drama. The hope that maybe, just maybe, you’ll find your own Conrad or Jeremiah. (Spoiler: you won’t, but the hushpuppies are amazing.)

So go. Book the trip. Take the selfie. And if anyone asks you where you’re going? Just smile and say, “To Cousins.” They’ll either get it or they won’t. And honestly? That’s their problem.

Now, pass the coffee and tell me—are you Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah? No wrong answers. Just bad decisions and great summers.