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12 Must-Visit Filming Locations: Where Was The Summer I Turned Pretty Actually Filmed?

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Step into the world of Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah. Since its debut, The Summer I Turned Pretty has captured the hearts of viewers with its sun-drenched, nostalgic portrayal of summer love at the fictional Cousins Beach. However, the idyllic coastal town that serves as the backdrop for the Fisher and Conklin families’ drama is not a real place, but a masterful blend of stunning locations primarily concentrated in a single, vibrant region. As of December 22, 2025, the most up-to-date information confirms that the series, including the highly anticipated Season 3, has extensively utilized the picturesque coastal communities of North Carolina, with a major new international location added to the mix.

The show’s production team, led by author and creator Jenny Han, chose the Wilmington, North Carolina area to stand in for the supposed New England-inspired setting. This strategic choice provides the perfect blend of pristine beaches, historic architecture, and exclusive country clubs that define the luxurious, yet down-to-earth, vibe of Cousins Beach. From the Deb Ball venue to Belly’s memorable walks on the boardwalk, every iconic scene has a real-world counterpart you can actually visit.

The Real Cousins Beach: Wilmington, North Carolina and Surrounding Towns

While the fictional Cousins Beach is often imagined as being in the Cape Cod area, the true magic behind the show’s aesthetic comes from the southeastern coast of North Carolina. The city of Wilmington acts as the central hub for the show's production, providing easy access to a variety of coastal settings and historical landmarks. This area has a rich history in film and television, often dubbed "Hollywood East," making it an ideal, versatile location for the Amazon Prime Video series. The careful selection of these spots is what gives the show its distinct, unforgettable summer atmosphere.

  • Wilmington, North Carolina: The primary production base and the stand-in for the main town center of Cousins Beach.
  • Wrightsville Beach: This upscale barrier island is one of the main beaches used for the quintessential "Cousins" beach scenes, known for its crystal blue waters and active surf culture.
  • Carolina Beach & Kure Beach: Used interchangeably with Wrightsville Beach, these locations offer the classic boardwalk, fishing pier, and relaxed coastal town feel that defines the series' backdrop.
  • Southport, North Carolina: This charming, historic fishing town was famously used for the "Entering Cousins Beach" welcome sign, setting the tone for the entire series. Its scenic waterfront also appears in various scenes.
  • The Riverwalk (Downtown Wilmington): The scenic boardwalk along the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington is the location for many of Belly and Conrad’s most emotional and reflective walks.

The Iconic Fisher Beach House and Country Club Locations

No location is more central to the series than the Fisher family's grand beach house, the very heart of the summer. Finding a location that embodied the history, wealth, and warmth of Susannah Fisher's (Rachel Blanchard) home was paramount. The production team also needed a suitably grand venue for the dramatic debutante ball and the boys' summer jobs.

The Fisher Family Beach House

The actual location of the sprawling, oceanfront home is one of the most sought-after pieces of trivia for fans. The house is not a set, but a real residence located within a private, gated community.

  • Porters Neck Plantation: The Fisher family beach house is located within this exclusive, private golf course community in Wilmington. It’s a real, lived-in property, meaning fans cannot visit or tour the home itself, adding to its mystique.
  • The Aesthetic: The house's interior and exterior perfectly capture the "old money, coastal chic" vibe that Jenny Han envisioned for the Fisher family.

The Cousins Beach Country Club

The country club is a major entity in the show, serving as the setting for the debutante ball, the golf course, and the summer workplace for Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) and Steven (Sean Kaufman).

  • Cape Fear Country Club: The historic Cape Fear Country Club in Wilmington was used for many of the exterior and interior shots of the Cousins Beach Country Club, including the glamorous Deb Ball scenes from Season 1.
  • Porters Neck Country Club: This club was reportedly used for some golf course and pool scenes, including the emotional Season 2 scene where Belly (Lola Tung) and Jeremiah have a significant moment.

New Locations for Seasons 2 and 3: Finch College and Paris

As the story progresses past the first summer, the scope of the show expands, requiring new, fresh filming locations to reflect Belly’s journey and the shifting dynamics of the love triangle. Season 3, in particular, introduces a major international setting, a sign of the characters' growing maturity and the story’s dramatic climax.

Finch College

In the later seasons, Belly attends Finch College, a fictional university that serves as a pivotal setting for her life away from Cousins Beach.

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill): Production used the sprawling, historic campus of UNC-Chapel Hill to stand in for Finch College in Season 3. The iconic architecture and collegiate atmosphere provided a convincing backdrop for the academic setting.

The City of Light: Paris, France

One of the most exciting new additions to the filming map is the inclusion of a major European city, which aligns with the events in the final book of the Jenny Han trilogy, We'll Always Have Summer. This location is a significant departure from the coastal setting.

  • Paris, France: The final episodes of the series, particularly in Season 3, were filmed on location in Paris. This is where Belly heads to regroup and heal, marking a major turning point in her relationship with the Fisher brothers. This international filming adds a layer of cinematic drama and high-stakes romance to the final chapter.

Other Notable Entities and Filming Spots

To achieve the authentic feel of a bustling coastal town, the production utilized several other local establishments and landmarks, creating a rich tapestry of settings for the characters' daily lives.

  • Airlie Gardens: This beautiful, historic garden in Wilmington was used for the elegant outdoor scenes, likely including some of the Deb Ball rehearsal sequences.
  • The Boardwalk: The scenes featuring the iconic boardwalk and arcade games were primarily filmed at the real-life boardwalk located at Carolina Beach.
  • Bespoke Coffee: A real coffee shop in downtown Wilmington that served as a specific Season 3 filming location, notably the scene where Belly and Taylor discuss their engagement news.
  • Carolina Yacht Club: This prestigious, historic club was used for various nautical and social scenes, further establishing the affluent community of Cousins Beach.

In conclusion, the enchanting world of The Summer I Turned Pretty is a testament to the versatility and beauty of the North Carolina coast. While Cousins Beach remains a fictional destination, the real-life locations—from the exclusive Porters Neck Plantation to the historic Cape Fear Country Club and the bustling beaches of Wrightsville and Carolina Beach—offer fans a tangible connection to the beloved series. The addition of the University of North Carolina and the international flair of Paris in Season 3 ensures the final chapter will be the most geographically diverse and dramatically compelling yet.

12 Must-Visit Filming Locations: Where Was The Summer I Turned Pretty Actually Filmed?
where was the summer i turned pretty filmed
where was the summer i turned pretty filmed

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