With the ending of The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3, you might be tempted to visit Cousins Beach, the picturesque location frequently featured in the show. But I must tell you, Cousins Beach in this charming town is a fictional creation from author Jenny Han’s imagination. Yet the feeling of summer romance and endless possibilities is very real, and you can chase that feeling by visiting the actual filming locations of the series.
Here, we’ve compiled the real-life filming locations for The Summer I Turned Pretty, from the beach where the bonfire party took place to the iconic Fisher family beach house. We’ll take you behind the scenes of the show. Whether you’re planning a fan pilgrimage or simply curious about the show’s real-life backdrop, get ready to head to the actual Cousins Beach.
Table of Contents
The Summer I Turned Pretty Filming Locations
Season 1 Filming Locations
Season 2 Filming Locations
Season 3 Filming Locations
Guide to Visiting Filming Locations
The Summer I Turned Pretty Filming Locations
The Summer I Turned Pretty film locations are primarily concentrated in Wilmington, North Carolina. Although the original novel drew inspiration more from Cape Cod and the Hamptons, the production team found the perfect filming locations in North Carolina.
- For beach scenes, Seasons 1-3 were primarily filmed extensively at Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and Kure Beach.
- As for The Summer I Turned Pretty house, it is situated on private property. For instance, the Fisher family’s beachfront villa featured throughout three seasons is a private residence located within the gated community of Porters Neck Plantation in Wilmington.
- The spacious interior scenes were filmed in the soundstages at Cinespace Studios in Wilmington.
Now, let’s break down some of the specific locations you might want to visit.
Season 1 Filming Locations
The first season of The Summer I Turned Pretty introduced us to the world of Belly and the Fisher brothers, setting the stage for their intertwined destinies. The season’s classic summer fun and coming-of-age moments were almost all filmed in Wilmington.
Fisher Beach House: The exterior of the house is the private residence at Porters Neck Plantation, which has appeared in numerous scenes. While you cannot tour the house, you can still admire its beauty from afar.
Cape Fear Country Club: This is North Carolina’s oldest private club. It’s also where Jeremiah and Steven work and where Belly makes her first appearance in the show. However, it’s a members-only facility, so access isn’t readily available.
Kure Beach: Most of the nighttime beach and bonfire scenes were filmed at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area on this beach. However, in real life, bonfires are not permitted on the beach.
Local Businesses and Restaurants: Many of the charming local spots in Cousins Beach are real places in Wilmington. The fictional Whale of a Tale bookstore is actually a place called Papercut Books, located on Market Street. The ice cream shop where Belly and Conrad have their meaningful conversation is a Kilwin’s. The restaurant where they filmed the dramatic debutante ball was St. Mary Catholic School. The sailing scenes were shot at the Cape Fear Marina.
Season 2 Filming Locations
The second season of The Summer I Turned Pretty took a more somber turn, with the characters grappling with loss and change. Although the atmosphere of this season is different, the primary filming location remains unchanged in Wilmington, North Carolina.
University of North Carolina Wilmington: In Season 2, Belly and Conrad visit a campus that was intended to be Brown University, but was actually filmed here.
Old River Farms: Located in Burgaw, North Carolina. Most of the road trip scenes in Season 2 were still filmed in North Carolina, and this location appears as a stopover point during Belly and Jeremiah’s journey.
The Oceanic: This is a beachfront restaurant located at Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach. It’s a real restaurant you can visit, and you can even reserve a seat upstairs, just like on the show, to enjoy panoramic ocean views.
Season 3 Filming Locations
The highly anticipated third and final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty promised new settings and a deeper dive into the characters’ futures. While it returns to the familiar charm of Cousins Beach, it also introduces a major new destination.
Paris, France: This adaptation is based on the final book in the series, We’ll Always Have Summer. It marks a significant departure from the coastal settings of previous seasons, featuring key scenes from Belly’s storyline. You can discover a wide array of real-life locations, including the Palace of Versailles, Sacré-Cœur, the Tuileries Garden, and the Seine River.
Wilmington: Still a key location for The Summer I Turned Pretty, it hosted most scenes in Season 3. You’ll recognize familiar streets, shops, and beaches. The show utilized authentic Wilmington locations to create wedding-related scenes, including the rehearsal dinner at Covey ILM and the stay at ARRIVE Wilmington Hotel.
Guide to Visiting Filming Locations
So, you’ve decided to plan a trip to Wilmington or Paris. Here’s a quick guide to some of the real places you can check out. Beyond specific filming locations, these region offers a wealth of sights and activities for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie.
Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington is a port city located in southeastern North Carolina, near the Atlantic coast. It boasts a rich history and charming beaches. Besides to being the set for The Summer I Turned Pretty, this location also served as a filming site for One Tree Hill and Dawson’s Creek.
Downtown
In downtown Wilmington, you can walk along the Wilmington Riverwalk, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops, and art galleries. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the waterfront views.
Of course, there’s also the Battleship North Carolina, a historic WWII vessel where you can tour and experience life as a sailor. Within the Historic District, there are many Victorian-era buildings, including the Bellamy Mansion Museum and the Burgwin-Wright House.
Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach is one of the primary filming locations, where you can participate in a wide range of water sports. Activities such as surfing, kayaking, and scuba diving are available, with numerous shops offering lessons and equipment rentals.
If you’re a fishing enthusiast, Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier is a great spot, and you can enjoy beautiful sunrises here.
Kure Beach
Kure Beach is located on Pleasure Island, where Fort Fisher State Historic Site stands as the main attraction and a key location in the drama. Here, visitors can explore the ruins of a Civil War fortress and view large coastal artillery pieces.
For marine life enthusiasts, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is also a worthwhile stop. The aquarium features a two-story shark tank, an interactive touch pool where visitors can feel live bamboo sharks, and a beloved albino alligator named Luna.
Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach is a quintessential seaside town with a nostalgic boardwalk, perfect for families. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk features various amusement rides and live music performances during the summer. Don’t forget to grab a famous Britt’s Donut.
For those seeking to connect with nature, head to Carolina Beach State Park, which boasts miles of hiking trails and diverse ecosystems. And of course, don’t forget to savor the fresh, delicious seafood here.
Paris, France
Paris has always been a top destination worldwide, and the third season of The Summer I Turned Pretty filmed some scenes here. These filming locations are also iconic Parisian landmarks, allowing you to experience the same atmosphere while exploring the city.
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
Belly’s new apartment in the show offers views of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, one of Paris’s religious landmarks perched atop Montmartre hill. Be sure to admire the basilica’s interior decorations and mosaic icons. You can also ascend to the dome via a spiral staircase, reaching the summit for panoramic views of Paris.
Pont au Double bridge
Pont au Double is a historic bridge in Paris spanning the Seine River. From here, you can see Notre-Dame Cathedral to the north, and as night falls, you can enjoy the nighttime views of the Seine.
Palace of Versailles
This symbol of the French monarchy stands as one of the most magnificent historical sites. Palace of Versailles‘s primary attraction is the Hall of Mirrors, where 17 mirrored walls reflect the opulent interior decorations.
Equally noteworthy are the Gardens of Versailles, spanning an impressive 800 hectares. They feature meticulously manicured hedges, fountains, and sculptures.
Île Saint-Louis
Located in the middle of the Seine River within Paris, this small island features historic architecture and a tranquil atmosphere. It’s perfect for walking and exploring the charming boutiques and cafés while admiring the 17th-century buildings.
The island is also home to the popular ice cream shop Berthillon, offering an extensive selection of flavors that are a must-try culinary experience.
Knowing these authentic and accessible locations makes visiting the filming locations of The Summer I Turned Pretty an interesting and unique journey.
FAQ
Is there a season 4 of The Summer I Turned Pretty?
No, Season 3 is the final season of the series. However, it’s not the end of the story. The author, Jenny Han, has announced that a movie will be made to conclude Belly’s journey, which is great news for fans who want to see the end of the love triangle.
Is there really going to be a TSITP movie?
Yes, The Summer I Turned Pretty movie has been officially announced by Prime Video. The news was shared shortly after the Season 3 finale premiered, confirming that the story will continue with a feature film.
Where can I watch season 3 of Summer I Turned Pretty?
Season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty is available to stream on Prime Video. The first two episodes premiered on July 16, 2025, with new episodes released weekly.
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