Where Was The Summer I Turned Pretty Filmed

If you’ve ever watched The Summer I Turned Pretty and felt a pang of longing for that sun-drenched, salt-tinged world, you’re not alone. The show’s aesthetic—a dreamy blend of boardwalk nights, beach bonfires, and sprawling family homes—is practically its own character. Turns out, that magic isn’t just clever lighting; it’s built on very real, very visitable locations along the East Coast of the United States.

The heart of the show, Cousins Beach, is a composite of several towns. The iconic beach house, where all the drama and romance unfold, is actually a private residence in Southport, North Carolina. This charming port town, with its live oaks and historic waterfront, doubles as the idyllic summer haven you see on screen.

You can’t just knock on the door, of course—it’s a real home owned by locals. But you can stroll the same streets, breathe the same salty air, and even grab a coffee at the same cafés the cast did between takes. It’s a delicious way to blur the line between fiction and your own vacation.

Where the Magic Actually Happens

While Southport provides the beach house and town backdrop, the closest thing to a real Cousins Beach is found in Wilmington, North Carolina, just a short drive away. The iconic pier and boardwalk scenes—including the carnival, the volleyball games, and those late-night confessionals—were filmed on the Battleship North Carolina’s pier and around nearby Wrightsville Beach.

Fun fact: the infamous “jump off the dock” scene from Season One wasn’t in the ocean at all. It was filmed at a private dock on the Cape Fear River, giving it that perfect, cinematic golden-hour glow. The crew had to time the tides exactly to make it look deep enough for a dramatic plunge.

And that gorgeous, sprawling property where the Fisher family hosts their Fourth of July party? That’s the Orton Plantation in Winnabow, a historic Southern estate. It’s private, but you can still glimpse its stately columns from the road—and dream.

The Road Trip Vibe (and Where to Eat)

If you’re planning a pilgrimage (and you should), base yourself in Wilmington. It’s a capri-pants-and-boat-shoes kind of town, with a lively riverwalk and a much more accessible price point than The Hamptons. The crew stayed at the Hotel Ballast, and you can grab a drink at the rooftop bar overlooking the Cape Fear River—just don’t expect to see Conrad brooding in the corner.

For food, channel Belly’s love of nostalgia at Henry’s Restaurant on Front Street. It’s a local institution, serving up classic Southern seafood with old-school charm. Or, go for the messy, delicious crab cakes at The Oceanic on Wrightsville Beach—it’s literally on the sand, and you can watch the sunset exactly like the show’s characters do.

A cultural reference: the show’s vibe owes a huge debt to Dawson’s Creek, which also filmed in Wilmington. It’s like stepping into a time capsule of early 2000s teen angst, but with better swimsuits and fewer turtlenecks. Take that as a huge compliment.

Practical Tips for Your Own “Summer” Odyssey

First, plan for late spring or early fall. The crowds thin out, the humidity drops, and you can actually find parking near the beach. Summer in the South is gorgeous, but it’s also a sauna—and the show’s gauzy filters won’t protect you from real-life sweat.

Second, do a self-guided tour. Download a map of filming locations from local tourism sites (the Wilmington & Cape Fear Coast tourism board is a goldmine). Start at the Southport Marina, walk the boardwalk, and then drive over the bridge to the beach house for a quick look. Respect the residents—take photos from the street, not the driveway.

Third, pack for layers and spontaneity. The coast has unpredictable weather; one moment it’s scorching, the next a cool breeze rolls in. Also, bring a notebook. The light here is so good you’ll want to write something, even if it’s just a grocery list by the sea.

Fun Little Facts to Sound Like an Insider

The show’s creator, Jenny Han, specifically chose North Carolina because it felt like “the default setting of summer” from her own childhood. She grew up in nearby Virginia. And the famous “Infinity” necklace? It was a custom piece, but you can find knockoffs at almost every souvenir shop in Wilmington—try not to laugh when you see them at gas stations.

Here’s a secret: the beach scenes at sunset are often filmed backwards. The crew would shoot the golden hour dialogue first, then rewind the blocking for the darker takes to match the fading light. It’s a small Hollywood magic trick that makes the show feel so impossibly dreamy.

Oh, and the classic “twister” game in the living room? That was a real, no-holds-barred game between the cast. Lola Tung (Belly) has said she got so tangled she couldn’t breathe. That’s authentic chaos, folks.

Bringing It Home: A Little Reflection

Back in your real life, it’s easy to let the summer slip by in a haze of air conditioning and to-do lists. But the show’s real lesson isn’t about which boy to choose—it’s about choosing to be present in the fleeting, golden moments. The salty air, the sound of waves, the messy conversations at dinner.

You don’t need a beach house in Southport to capture that feeling. Go for a walk without your phone. Make a messy dinner with friends. Jump into a body of water—any body of water—and laugh about it afterward. The best set dressing for your own story is the attention you give it.

So, whether you’re watching from your couch or planning a road trip, remember: the real summer you turn pretty is the one you don’t pause. Go live your own beach-adjacent moment. It’s waiting for you, right now, just outside your door.