Discover where The Summer I Turned Pretty was filmed and immerse yourself in the captivating locations. Learn more about these beautiful spots!

The Summer I Turned Pretty was filmed across North Carolina’s coast, capturing the sunlit vibe and breezy, small‑town charm that fans love. If you’ve ever wondered where the series shot its Cousins Beach moments, the short answer is: primarily along Wilmington and the Cape Fear coast, with Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and nearby towns playing starring roles.
Principal photography took place around Wilmington and the surrounding beach towns, using a mix of coastal exteriors and town textures to recreate Cousins Beach and its environs. The notable spots that helped anchor the series’ warmth, humor, and coming‑of‑age atmosphere include a cluster of familiar North Carolina locales along the coast.

Wrightsville Beach provides a quintessential Atlantic shoreline backdrop with ample boardwalk energy. Its long, sandy shoreline and vibrant beachfront areas contributed to the open‑water vistas and carefree mood that thread through the show. Today, visitors can still walk the same sands and coastal paths that set the stage for many scenes, enjoying a classic coastal experience.

Carolina Beach supplies a classic, family‑friendly coastal atmosphere with a historic boardwalk, amusement rides, and a laid‑back local vibe. Filming around this area helped establish the summer‑at‑the‑coast aesthetic—perfect for beach parties, casual hangouts, and those sun‑washed moments fans remember. Carolina Beach remains a popular destination for travelers seeking sun and a sense of small‑town coastal life.
The city of Wilmington and the broader New Hanover County offered substantial production backdrops, including historic architecture, riverfront views, and neighborhood vibes that resemble a close‑knit seaside town. Its charming houses, tree‑lined streets, and waterfront spots contribute to the series’ grounded feel. For fans, Wilmington offers opportunities to spot filming‑worthy facades, local eateries, and scenic overlooks that echo the show's mood.

To craft a memorable day of exploring where The Summer I Turned Pretty was filmed, start with a map‑based plan that clusters locations by town. Then add a few relaxed stops for photos, a meal, and a sunset view. If you’re traveling with family or friends, build in time for a beach break or a scenic walk along the shore so the day feels both cinematic and enjoyable in real life.
| Location | Role in the show | Notable scenes or vibes |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington / New Hanover County | Primary production backdrop with historic and riverfront settings | Town texture, architectural exteriors, waterfront views |
| Wrightsville Beach | Sun‑soaked beach exteriors and open vistas | Open water, coastal mood, seasonal warmth |
| Carolina Beach | Coastal boardwalk atmosphere and scene variety | Beach parties, casual hangouts, sun‑lit moments |
Exploring the filming locations of The Summer I Turned Pretty offers more than a snapshot of a TV show; it’s a chance to experience the real‑life charm of North Carolina’s coast. If you’ve followed the series across Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Wilmington, or New Hanover County, share your favorite location and memory in the comments—and tell us which scene you’d love to relive on a future visit.
For a broader look at where to start your Cape Fear filming‑location journey, you can explore resources such as the Summer I Turned Pretty filming locations, local itineraries, and official tourism pages that map out the best spots to visit while you’re in town. These references help you plan a day that feels both cinematic and enjoyable in real life.
Have you tracked the set jetting around Wilmington or found a favorite filming façade on a stroll along the riverfront? Tell us your experiences, or post a photo from your own Cousins Beach pilgrimage in the comments below.

The Summer I Turned Pretty is the official product listing for the popular book/series that fans often connect with the filming backdrop discussions around the summer setting and coming‑of‑age themes. This listing consolidates access to the title that inspired or complemented related film adaptations and discussions about where the story is filmed.
Best for: Best Overall
Why pick this: Official listing for a title closely associated with the show's Summer setting and filming ambience, useful for fans seeking the primary source material and related discussions.
Skip if: You specifically need a behind-the-scenes production gear or location guide rather than the book/product listing.

The Summer Book is a companion listing that offers a concise entry point related to the warm‑weather, filmable‑locations vibe that fans associate with Summer stories. This option is accessible to readers and viewers looking for a budget-friendly entry linked to the filmic summer setting.
Best for: Best Budget
Why pick this: A budget-friendly option that remains closely tied to the same summer‑themed branding and discussion around filming locations.
Skip if: You need a more feature-rich or newer release listing.

Summer '03 is a premium‑tier listing that complements the same mood and environment associated with the show’s filming season and the broader Summer I Turned Pretty themes. It serves buyers who want a high‑quality pick with potentially richer content or collector appeal.
Best for: Best Premium
Why pick this: A premium edition that aligns with the film/series’s summer vibe and provides an elevated reading or collectible experience.
Skip if: You prefer a more affordable or simpler listing without premium extras.
As we wrap up our discussion about the stunning locations featured in "The Summer I Turned Pretty," it's hard not to feel a connection to the beachy vibes and nostalgic summer moments captured on screen. The picturesque settings, from the charming beach house to the beautiful surroundings of Cousins Beach, really transport you into the heart of the story. If you haven't yet experienced these breathtaking places in person, they're worth a visit! Every corner feels like a scene waiting to unfold, and who knows? You might just find your own summer romance there!
I hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at where “The Summer I Turned Pretty” was filmed! If you're eager to discover more about this enchanting series or any upcoming projects, don’t forget to follow me on social media! Join me on Instagram for inspiration and updates, where we can explore beautiful places together. Here’s to dreaming about sun-soaked summers and the stories that bring them to life!