Exploring Filming Locations of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty'

Key Highlights

• The Prime Video series, based on Jenny Han's books, is set in the fictional Cousins Beach, which is inspired by East Coast towns like Cape Cod.
• Filming for the show primarily takes place in Wilmington, North Carolina, and its surrounding beach towns.
• The iconic Fisher family beach house is a real private residence located in Wrightsville Beach.
• Many recognizable spots from the show, like the country club and boardwalk, were filmed at real locations in Carolina Beach and Wilmington.
• While the main summer house is private, you can visit many other publicly accessible filming locations.

Introduction

If you've been swept away by the sun-soaked romance of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty,' you've likely dreamt of visiting the idyllic Cousins Beach. While the town itself is a creation from author Jenny Han's imagination, the good news is that its beautiful scenery is very real. The beloved series brings the magic to life by using stunning, real-world locations primarily in North Carolina. Get ready to discover the actual spots that make you feel like you're spending a summer with Belly and the Fishers.

The Real-Life Cousins Beach: Where Was It Filmed?

Have you ever wondered if Cousins Beach is a real place you can visit? The setting, which feels like a classic Cape Cod town in the books, is actually fictional. The production team needed to find a real-world location that could capture its charming, seaside essence for the TV series.

To achieve this, the show found its home in Wilmington, North Carolina. This coastal city and its neighboring beaches became the perfect stand-in for the beloved, fictional Cousins Beach. Even scenes at the fictional Finch College were filmed in North Carolina, bringing the entire world of the show to life in one state. Now, let's explore which specific towns created this iconic summer escape.

Wilmington, North Carolina as Cousins Beach

The primary stand-in for Cousins Beach is the vibrant coastal city of Wilmington, North Carolina, and its surrounding communities. This area is no stranger to film productions, having famously hosted shows like Dawson's Creek and One Tree Hill, so it was well-equipped to bring another beloved story to the screen.

When you see the characters enjoying the boardwalk, many of those scenes were filmed at the real Carolina Beach Boardwalk. The production used various beaches in the area, including Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach, to create the diverse shoreline of Cousins. Each location offered a unique backdrop, from bustling public areas to quiet, romantic pathways.

Even the iconic "Entering Cousins Beach" sign isn't in Wilmington proper but in the nearby town of Southport, showcasing how the crew pieced together different spots to build the perfect fictional town. This blend of locations is what gives Cousins Beach its rich and authentic feel on screen.

Why Wilmington Was Chosen for the Series

Finding the right setting was crucial, and Wilmington, North Carolina, turned out to be the perfect spot. According to location manager Lindsay Fort, the area offered the versatile coastal look the show needed to represent the fictional town of Cousins Beach. The region's natural beauty and existing infrastructure made it an ideal hub for production.

The team, however, had to make specific adjustments to match the vision from the books. For instance, the story is set in a New England-style town, which doesn't typically have palm trees. Fort explained that the crew had to remove several palm trees from certain locations to maintain that authentic Cape Cod aesthetic that author Jenny Han envisioned.

This attention to detail extended to landscaping. To enhance the romantic, East Coast vibe, the crew planted numerous hydrangeas, especially around the Fisher house, as they are character Susannah's favorite flower. These careful choices helped transform the North Carolina coast into the believable and beloved Cousins Beach.

Inside the Iconic Fisher Family Beach House

The heart of the series is undoubtedly the magnificent Fisher family beach house, a place filled with a long history of summer memories. It's where Belly's life-changing moments happen, from quiet conversations on the porch to lively Fourth of July parties. With its stunning views, infinity pool, and private dock, the house is a character in itself.

Many fans dream of staying in this beautiful home, but what's the real story behind it? The house you see on screen is a real property with its own unique features. Let's look into the actual location of this incredible home and how it compares to the one described in the books.

Actual Location and History of the Beach House

The breathtaking Fisher summer house is a real property, but it's a private residence, not a vacation rental. It's located in a gated golf course community called Porters Neck Plantation in Wilmington, with its stunning waterfront views situated in the Wrightsville Beach area. This real home was used for the exterior shots you see in the show, including the arrival scenes and backyard parties.

A key reason this house was chosen was its appearance. The production team specifically wanted a home with a "Cape Cod Northeast look," which this house provided with its classic cedar shake siding. The property is as grand as it appears, boasting five bedrooms, an infinity swimming pool, and a private dock on the water.

However, it's important to know that the interior scenes were not filmed inside the actual house. While the exterior provides the iconic look, the inside of the Fisher home, including that enviable kitchen, was built and filmed on sound stages at Cinespace Studios in Wilmington.

Comparing the TV Beach House with Jenny Han’s Book Description

Author Jenny Han had a clear vision for the Fisher house, drawing inspiration from classic Cape Cod beach homes. The show's production team worked hard to bring that vision to life, but they also made a few modern updates that you might notice if you're a fan of the books.

One of the most significant additions is the stunning infinity pool, which is a central feature in many memorable scenes but wasn't part of the original book description. The show's creators felt it added a luxurious, cinematic quality to the summer house.

Despite some changes, the crew captured the essence of the home perfectly, focusing on creating a warm, lived-in feel rather than something overly pretentious. The goal was to make it feel like the kind of place where a family has spent countless summers, a goal they certainly achieved.

• Pool
  TV Show Beach House: Features a prominent infinity pool.
  Book Description: No pool is mentioned; the focus is on the ocean.
• Architectural Style
  TV Show Beach House: Cedar shake siding for a classic Cape Cod look.
  Book Description: Described as a large, classic beach house, fitting a Cape Cod setting.
• Atmosphere
  TV Show Beach House: Warm and welcoming, with fresh flowers and lived-in clutter.
  Book Description: Portrayed as a cherished family home filled with memories.
• Location
  TV Show Beach House: Filmed in Wilmington, NC.
  Book Description: Set in the fictional Cousins Beach, inspired by Cape Cod

Exploring Popular Filming Spots Around Town

Beyond the beach and the summer house, the world of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' is filled with memorable locations that bring the town of Cousins to life. From the bustling main street and marina to the exclusive country club, these spots are where friendships are tested and romances blossom. Many of these locations are real places you can spot if you ever visit the Wilmington area.

Wilmington has a rich history as a backdrop for teen dramas, including the iconic One Tree Hill, and this Prime Video series continues that legacy. Let's take a tour of the other key settings, like the promenade and local shops, that make Cousins Beach feel like a real, living town.

The Marina, Promenade, and Main Street Locations

The show's scenery extends far beyond the beach, capturing the charm of a lively coastal town. When Conrad teaches Cleveland Castillo how to sail, those scenes take place at the Cape Fear Marina. While it's a gated marina and not easily accessible, it provides an authentic backdrop for the sailing lessons.

Many of the town's activities happen along its main street and promenade. The bus station where Taylor arrives is the real Padgett Station in Wilmington, a spot fans can easily visit. Other scenes, like Belly and Cam cycling along the beach, were filmed near the Fort Fisher Monument, adding another layer of realism to their summer adventures.

Here are a few other key locations you might recognize:

• The Pier: The walk Belly and Taylor take in season one was filmed near the Crystal Pier at the south end of Wrightsville Beach.
• The Bar: Laurel and Susannah's spontaneous trip to a dive bar was filmed at The Fat Pelican in Carolina Beach.
• The Boardwalk: The fun-filled boardwalk scenes were shot at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for exteriors.

Country Club, Bookstore, and Other Standout Settings

The Cousins Beach Country Club plays a major role in the series, serving as a summer workplace and the venue for the debutante ball. These scenes were filmed at the very real Cape Fear Country Club, the oldest private club in North Carolina. While it's members-only, the grand exterior is a sight to see. Interestingly, the debutante ball itself was filmed inside St. Mary Catholic School.

Laurel's book party takes place at a charming shop called Whale of a Tale Bookshop. The exterior shots for this were filmed at Papercut Books, a real independent bookstore in downtown Wilmington. It’s a perfect spot for book lovers to visit and feel like they've stepped into the show.

From volleyball tournaments to date nights, the characters visit many other spots around town. Here are a few more notable filming locations:

• Volleyball Tournament: This was filmed at Capt'n Bill's Backyard Grill & Volleyball Facility to control for weather and wind.
• Boutique Shopping: Belly's dress shopping trip was filmed at Blush Haus of Beauté (exterior) and Camille's of Wilmington (interior).
• Laser Tag & Arcade: The entire day of fun on the boardwalk, including go-karts and laser tag, was filmed at Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park.

Behind the Scenes: How Crew Selected The Summer I Turned Pretty Locations

Creating the perfect on-screen world for this Prime Video series required a talented team with a keen eye for detail. Location manager Lindsay Fort was tasked with finding real-world places that could live up to the beloved settings in the books. Her team scouted extensively to find the ideal beaches, homes, and town spots.

Once the locations were chosen, production designer Teresa Mastropierro and decorator Beth Robinson stepped in to transform them. Their work was crucial in ensuring every set felt authentic and matched the cozy, nostalgic vibe of a perfect summer break. Let's explore how they scouted these properties and designed the sets.

Scouting the Perfect Properties and Beaches

The search for the Fisher family's summer house was one of the biggest challenges for the location team. They needed to find the perfect spot that was on the water, had room for a pool, and embodied the "romantic Cape Cod vibe" author Jenny Han envisioned. The house they ultimately found in the Porters Neck Plantation community checked all the boxes.

For the beach scenes, the crew needed a variety of looks. They chose Wrightsville Beach for its picturesque pathways, like the one with hanging seashells that Belly and Jeremiah run down. Fort Fisher State Recreation Area was used for many of the night beach shots and the memorable "snow on the beach" scene because it allowed for the use of special effects like fake snow.

Each location was carefully selected to not only look beautiful on camera but also to serve the story's emotional beats. From a romantic first kiss to a dramatic bonfire, the beaches of the Wilmington area provided a versatile and stunning canvas for the series' most iconic moments.

Design Details and Set Decoration for Authenticity

After the locations were secured, the design team worked its magic. For the Fisher house interiors, which were built on sound stages, production designer Teresa Mastropierro and decorator Beth Robinson focused on creating a space that felt warm and lived-in. The goal was to design the kind of place where you could walk in from the beach and feel comfortable putting your sandy feet up.

To achieve this, Robinson used a color palette of warm creams, greens, and corals instead of stark whites. She incorporated antique elements and organic countertop clutter to give the whole house a sense of history and comfort, perfect for a long summer break. Fresh flowers were a constant presence, reflecting character Susannah's love for gardening.

The team's dedication to authenticity was remarkable. Mastropierro mentioned that the greens department "literally transformed the landscape" around the real beach house, buying nearly every hydrangea plant in the state to bring Susannah's garden to life. This level of detail is what makes the show's world feel so immersive and real.

Can You Visit or Stay at Filming Locations?

With so many beautiful locations featured in the show, it's natural to wonder if you can visit them yourself. The answer is yes and no. Many of the spots, especially the public beaches and town locations, are fully accessible to visitors. You can walk the same piers and boardwalks as the characters.

However, some key locations, like the iconic Fisher beach house, are private properties. This means there are no rental opportunities, and it's important to respect visitor guidelines and the privacy of the homeowners. Let's break down which spots are open to the public and what you need to know about the private ones.

Publicly Accessible Spots from the Show

You can easily plan a trip to recreate some of your favorite moments from the show. Many of the outdoor and commercial locations are open to the public year-round. Start your tour at the various beaches used for filming, including Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach, where you can soak up the sun just like the characters do.

For a dose of nostalgia, you can visit the real locations that stood in for the show's businesses and recreation spots. Grab a book from Papercut Books (the exterior of Whale of a Tale) or have an entire day of fun at Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, where the boardwalk arcade and go-kart scenes were filmed.

Here are a few must-see public spots:

• Carolina Beach Boardwalk: Walk along the same boardwalk where Belly, Jeremiah, and the gang hang out.
• Fort Fisher Monument: You can see the spot near the parking lot where Belly and Cam go for a bike ride.
• Crystal Pier: This pier at Wrightsville Beach is the backdrop for several key conversations and romantic moments.
• The Fat Pelican: Visit the quirky dive bar in Carolina Beach where Laurel and Susannah have a drink.

Rental Opportunities and Visitor Guidelines

The biggest question from fans is often about the Fisher beach house: can you rent it? Unfortunately, the answer is no. The house used for filming is a private residence located in a gated community, so there are no rental opportunities available. The homeowners value their privacy, and it's crucial for visitors to be respectful.

Similarly, the Cape Fear Country Club, which serves as the Cousins Beach Country Club, is a members-only establishment and does not encourage visitors. While you might be able to catch a glimpse as you drive by, you cannot enter the property without a membership. It’s important to follow these guidelines and not attempt to trespass.

When visiting any of the publicly accessible spots, remember to be considerate. Be mindful of parking lot rules, local residents, and the natural environment. By being a respectful fan, you help ensure that these beautiful locations remain welcoming for both locals and future visitors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, exploring the filming locations of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' offers fans a unique glimpse into the world created by Jenny Han. From the picturesque Cousins Beach in Wilmington, North Carolina, to the charming Fisher family beach house, each location adds a layer of authenticity to the series. As you visit these real-life spots, you'll not only experience the magic of the show but also connect with its vibrant setting. Whether you're interested in soaking up the sun at the marina or taking a stroll through the iconic streets, there's something for everyone. If you're eager to step into this dreamy world yourself, be sure to explore rental opportunities and visitor guidelines to make the most of your adventure!