The hit series The Summer I Turned Pretty has captured hearts around the world with its warm beaches, love triangles, and unforgettable summer memories. But one question fans often ask is—where does The Summer I Turned Pretty take place? In this article, we’ll explore the real and fictional locations of the show and the book, the inspiration behind them, and why the setting plays such a big role in the story.
1. The Main Setting: Cousins Beach
The story of The Summer I Turned Pretty takes place in a fictional location called Cousins Beach. It’s the place where Belly (the main character) spends every summer with her family and the Fisher boys, Conrad and Jeremiah. Cousins Beach is described as a peaceful coastal town filled with sandy beaches, big houses, and ocean breezes—a perfect place for summer love and family memories.
Even though Cousins Beach isn’t a real town, it feels very real to fans. Author Jenny Han created it as a blend of her favorite real-life beach destinations on the U.S. East Coast.
2. The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Cousins Beach
Many readers and viewers believe that Cousins Beach is inspired by beach towns in North Carolina and the Mid-Atlantic coast. Jenny Han herself has said that the setting was influenced by Cape Cod, the Hamptons, and Virginia Beach—all known for their beautiful coastlines and summer charm.
In other words, Cousins Beach is not one real place but rather a mix of many real beaches that capture the essence of an American summer.
3. Where Was the TV Series Filmed?
While the fictional story takes place in Cousins Beach, the Amazon Prime TV series was filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina, and surrounding areas. Wilmington is known for its picturesque beaches, historic town, and film-friendly atmosphere.
Some of the main filming spots include
- Carolina Beach—Known for its colorful boardwalk and lively summer vibe.
- Kure Beach – A quieter, family-friendly beach area used for house and street scenes.
- Wrightsville Beach—Famous for its long stretches of sand and coastal homes, perfect for romantic scenes.
These real locations help bring Cousins Beach to life with their natural beauty and coastal charm.
4. Why the Location Matters in the Story
The setting of The Summer I Turned Pretty is not just a background—it’s a key part of the story’s magic. Cousins Beach represents growth, change, and nostalgia.
Every summer, Belly comes back to Cousins Beach a little older and a little different. The beach becomes a symbol of her journey from childhood to adulthood. The sound of the waves, the beach parties, and the sunsets all mirror her changing emotions and relationships.
The calm, warm setting also gives the audience a sense of peace and comfort. It reminds us of our own summer memories—those carefree days that stay with us forever.
5. Jenny Han’s Connection to the Setting
Author Jenny Han, who also created the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series, has said she wanted Cousins Beach to feel timeless. She wanted readers to picture a place where every summer feels endless—where love and friendship bloom under the sun.
Han spent many of her own summers near the beach, which helped her write the setting so vividly. Her experiences allowed her to create a place that feels both real and dreamy.
6. Other Filming Locations in the Series
Aside from Wilmington, other parts of North Carolina were used to give Cousins Beach more variety and depth. Some scenes were shot in:
- Fort Fisher State Recreation Area—Known for its scenic dunes and ocean views.
- Cape Fear Country Club – Used for fancy party scenes.
- Downtown Wilmington – Representing the town center with shops and cafes.
The show’s creators worked hard to make sure every location captured the warm and nostalgic tone of the books.
7. The Role of the Beach House
One of the most iconic parts of The Summer I Turned Pretty is the Fisher family’s beach house. The house is more than just a building—it’s the heart of the story.
In the series, the beach house scenes were filmed at a real home near Kure Beach. Its classic coastal design, open porch, and ocean view make it feel inviting and full of memories. The house holds the laughter, heartbreak, and secrets of all the summers the characters share together.
8. How the Setting Shapes the Characters
The beauty of Cousins Beach affects every character differently:
- Belly finds confidence and her first love there.
- Conrad faces his inner struggles surrounded by the peace of the sea.
- Jeremiah becomes the lighthearted and caring friend everyone loves.
The location gives them a space to grow, change, and discover who they are. It’s a perfect example of how a setting can shape a story’s heart and emotions.
9. Will Cousins Beach Appear in Future Seasons?
Yes! The upcoming seasons of The Summer I Turned Pretty will continue to take place in and around Cousins Beach. The beach will stay central to the story as Belly and the Fisher boys face new challenges and deeper emotions.
FAQs
Q1: Is Cousins Beach a real place?
No, Cousins Beach is fictional. However, it was inspired by real East Coast beaches like Cape Cod, the Hamptons, and Virginia Beach.
Q2: Where was The Summer I Turned Pretty filmed?
The show was filmed mainly in Wilmington, North Carolina, and nearby beaches like Wrightsville and Kure Beach.
Q3: Who created Cousins Beach?
Author Jenny Han created Cousins Beach as the main setting for her book trilogy.
Q4: Can I visit the filming locations?
Yes! Many of the places used in the show are real public beaches and towns in North Carolina that fans can visit.
Q5: Why is the beach setting important in the story?
The beach represents change, love, and growing up. It’s a peaceful and emotional backdrop that reflects the characters’ personal journeys.
Conclusion
The Summer I Turned Pretty takes place in the dreamy, fictional world of Cousins Beach, inspired by real-life coastal towns along the American East Coast. Through its warm sunsets and gentle waves, the story captures the beauty of youth, first love, and the magic of summer. Whether real or imagined, Cousins Beach will always feel like a place fans can return to—a place where every summer feels endless.