Where Is Cousins Beach? If you’ve fallen in love with The Summer I Turned Pretty and found yourself dreaming of visiting Cousins Beach, you’re not alone. While Cousins Beach is actually a fictional Massachusetts coastal town created by author Jenny Han, the real filming locations in Wilmington, North Carolina offer fans an unforgettable experience.
This comprehensive guide reveals every Season 1, Season 2, and Season 3 filming location, including the iconic Fisher beach house, and provides everything you need to plan your own Cousins Beach vacation in 2026.
Table of Contents
Where Is Cousins Beach Supposed To Be?
The Fictional Setting
In Jenny Han’s beloved book series, Cousins Beach is portrayed as a charming Massachusetts coastal town where the Fisher and Conklin families spend their summers.
The fictional setting embodies that quintessential East Coast summer vibes atmosphere that makes readers and viewers feel nostalgic for carefree beach days. Jenny Han drew inspiration from multiple real beach town filming destinations including Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, the Hamptons, and even Nags Head in North Carolina.
The beauty of this Cape Cod-inspired location is that it feels authentically New England while actually being filmed in the more production-friendly environment of North Carolina. The show’s creators masterfully blended the Massachusetts beach setting aesthetic with North Carolina’s stunning coastal landscapes to create the perfect Cousins Beach that fans around the world have fallen in love with.
Opening Scenes: Marblehead, Massachusetts
To establish the authentic New England atmosphere, The Summer I Turned Pretty actually used establishing shots from Marblehead, Massachusetts in the show’s opening sequences. This real Massachusetts town provides those crucial visual cues that make viewers believe they’re watching a story unfold along the Massachusetts coastline.
These carefully chosen shots create the illusion of the fictional Massachusetts beach setting before transitioning to the primary filming locations in Wilmington NC.
Where Was The Summer I Turned Pretty Actually Filmed?
Wilmington, North Carolina: The Real Cousins Beach
Wilmington NC serves as the real-life Cousins Beach for Amazon Prime’s hit series. The production chose Wilmington for several strategic reasons: North Carolina’s generous tax incentives for film production, the area’s incredibly diverse filming locations within a compact geographic area, and proximity to multiple stunning beaches that could double for the fictional New England coastline.
Wilmington has earned the nickname “Hollywood East” or “Wilmywood” due to its extensive film production history. The city has been home to Screen Gems Studios and has hosted productions for decades. Before The Summer I Turned Pretty, Wilmington was already famous as the filming location for iconic shows like Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill, giving it a rich Nicholas Sparks energy that’s perfect for romantic coming-of-age stories.
The infrastructure for film production in Wilmington is exceptional, with experienced local crews, established relationships with property owners, and a community that welcomes productions. This makes Wilmington an ideal vacation rental beach destination for fans wanting to experience real-life Cousins Beach.
Geographic Breakdown
The Summer I Turned Pretty filming locations span multiple areas within the greater Wilmington region:
Downtown Wilmington serves as the heart of Cousins Beach’s charming town center, with its historic buildings, boutique shops, and waterfront restaurants providing the perfect backdrop for the characters’ shopping trips, coffee dates, and chance encounters.
Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach provide the essential coastal scenes that make Cousins Beach feel like a real beach community. Each beach offers distinct characteristics: Wrightsville Beach brings upscale resort vibes, Carolina Beach delivers classic boardwalk nostalgia, and Kure Beach provides quieter, more intimate shoreline moments.
Southport contributes to the show’s charming small-town atmosphere with its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and waterfront views that perfectly capture the essence of a close-knit summer community.
Chapel Hill entered the filming locations rotation in Season 3, with the University of North Carolina campus standing in for Finch College, expanding the show’s geographic scope as the characters moved into their college years.
The Iconic Fisher Beach House Location
Finding The Summer I Turned Pretty House
The most sought-after location for fans is undoubtedly the Fisher beach house, where so much of the show’s emotional drama unfolds. This stunning property is located in Porters Neck Plantation, an exclusive area in Wilmington. More specifically, the Fisher house sits within a private gated community near Futch Creek in the Figure Eight Island area, one of the most prestigious addresses in coastal North Carolina.
The home’s architectural style perfectly embodies the low-country coastal aesthetic that defines upscale beach properties in the Southeast, even while standing in for a New England summer home. Its positioning on the water provides those breathtaking sunset views that have become iconic in the series.
About The Beach House
The real Fisher beach house is an impressive private residence that would make anyone’s summer dreams come true. The property features 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms spread across a generous 6,144 square feet of living space. Built in 2005, this architectural gem is estimated to be worth approximately 2 million dollars, reflecting its premium location and luxury features.
The home’s standout features include an infinity pool that seems to merge with the waterway beyond, a private pier extending into Futch Creek (perfect for those emotional dock conversations), and the distinctive low-country style architecture with its wraparound porches, large windows, and connection to the coastal landscape. The interior design showcases light, airy spaces with coastal-inspired decor that feels both elegant and comfortable—exactly what you’d expect from the Fisher family’s beloved summer retreat.
Can You Visit or Rent The Cousins Beach House?
This is the question every fan wants answered, and unfortunately, the reality requires some managing of expectations. The Fisher beach house is a private residence in a gated community, which means direct access is not available to the public. The homeowners have graciously allowed their property to be used for filming, but it remains their private home when cameras aren’t rolling.
Access to Porters Neck Plantation and the surrounding gated communities is restricted to residents and their guests. Security is taken seriously to protect the privacy and safety of all residents. However, there are respectful ways for fans to experience a connection to this iconic location:
You can view the property from a respectful distance via public waterways. Kayak and boat tours in the area sometimes pass by the creek where the home is located, allowing for distant views without trespassing on private property. Some local tour companies have begun offering The Summer I Turned Pretty filming location tours that include water-based viewing opportunities.
For fans hoping to recreate the Cousins Beach house experience, several vacation rental beach destinations in the Wilmington area offer similar aesthetics. Properties on Figure Eight Island, though expensive, provide that same upscale coastal luxury. More affordable alternatives can be found on Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, where vacation rentals often feature the beach house style, pools, and water access that capture the spirit of the Fisher home.
Always remember that respectful fan tourism means honoring private property boundaries, never attempting to enter gated communities without authorization, and understanding that the families living in these neighborhoods deserve their privacy despite their homes’ appearance in a beloved show.
Season 1 Filming Locations: The Original Cousins Beach
Beach and Coastal Locations
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area served as the backdrop for some of Season 1’s most memorable beach scenes. The dramatic bonfire scenes where the characters gather under the stars were filmed here, as were the poignant “snow beach” scenes that book readers cherish. Fort Fisher’s natural, undeveloped shoreline provided the perfect setting for these intimate group moments.
Crystal Pier at Wrightsville Beach became instantly iconic as the location of Belly and Conrad’s first kiss and numerous emotional walks throughout the season. This historic pier extends into the Atlantic Ocean and has been a Wrightsville Beach landmark since 1939. The Oceanic Restaurant sits at the end of Crystal Pier, offering both incredible views and a chance to dine where the characters’ most romantic moments unfolded.
Cape Fear Country Club transformed into the exclusive country club where the debutante ball takes place—one of the most anticipated events in Season 1. The pool scenes and elegant social gatherings were also filmed at this prestigious Wilmington institution, which perfectly captured the old-money summer community atmosphere.
Carolina Beach Boardwalk brought the carnival atmosphere to life with its classic Ferris wheel, arcade games, and seaside entertainment. The slow dance scene between Belly and Conrad and numerous other boardwalk moments were filmed along this nostalgic stretch that has been entertaining beachgoers since 1936.
Downtown Wilmington Season 1 Spots
Russell’s Gas & Groceries (filmed at Russell’s Quick Stop, 2101 Wrightsville Avenue) appears in multiple scenes as the local convenience store where the teens grab snacks and run into each other during summer errands. This real convenience store embraced its role in the show and has become a popular stop for fans.
The “Entering Cousins Beach” sign that appears in establishing shots was filmed near the Southport lookout tower. This sign helps create the sense of arrival that viewers feel as the characters return to their beloved summer town each season.
Papercut Books stood in for the “Whale of a Tale” bookstore where Belly works in Season 1. Located at 200 Market Street in downtown Wilmington, this independent bookstore perfectly captures the cozy, literary atmosphere of a small beach town’s local shop.
Blush Haus of Beauté boutique (1900 Eastwood Road) served as the clothing store where the characters shop for debutante dresses and summer outfits. The boutique’s carefully curated selection and beach-chic aesthetic made it an ideal filming location.
Cape Fear Marina provided the setting for various boat scenes throughout Season 1, showcasing Wilmington’s strong maritime culture and giving the show authentic nautical atmosphere.
Other Season 1 Locations
Capt’n Bill’s Backyard Grill hosted the volleyball tournament scenes that showcased the competitive dynamics between the characters. This casual waterfront restaurant offers the laid-back beach vibes that define summer in Cousins Beach.
The Fat Pelican bar on Carolina Beach served as a key location for several scenes, bringing that dive bar atmosphere where locals and summer visitors mix. It’s a real establishment where fans can grab a drink and soak in the Cousins Beach ambiance.
Fort Fisher State Historic Site provided the scenic backdrop for Belly and Cam’s biking date, one of Season 1’s sweeter moments. The historic site’s coastal trails and Civil War-era fortifications added visual interest to their developing relationship.
Season 2 New Locations: Returning To Cousins
College Campus Scenes
University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) stood in for Brown University in Season 2’s college visit sequences. Specifically, Alderman Hall and Hoggard Hall on the UNCW campus provided the collegiate atmosphere as the characters began considering their futures beyond Cousins Beach. The beautiful campus, with its brick buildings and tree-lined walkways, convincingly portrayed the Ivy League setting.
Season 2 Key Locations
Azalea Inn Motel became the setting for one of Season 2’s most heartbreaking scenes—the emotional breakup conversation that left viewers reaching for tissues. This modest motel in Wilmington provided the unglamorous backdrop that contrasted sharply with the usual beauty of Cousins Beach, emphasizing the painful reality of the moment.
Moore Street in Southport appeared in numerous driving scenes as characters navigated the streets of Cousins Beach. Southport’s picturesque downtown, with its antebellum homes and moss-draped trees, added to the timeless quality of the summer town setting.
SeaWitch Inn on Carolina Beach served as the location where Julia stays during her complicated visit in Season 2. This real bed and breakfast offers ocean views and has become a pilgrimage site for fans wanting to connect with this emotional storyline.
Mayfaire shopping center, specifically the Barnes & Noble location, hosted the bookstore scenes where characters browse and reconnect. This modern shopping area in Wilmington provided a more contemporary setting that showed Cousins Beach’s balance between old-world charm and modern convenience.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Wilmington was transformed for the funeral scene, one of Season 2’s most devastating moments. The historic church’s Gothic Revival architecture provided the appropriately solemn setting for this gathering of grief.
Masonboro Country Store appeared as another local establishment where the characters shop and run into each other, reinforcing the small-town dynamic where everyone’s paths constantly cross.
Entertainment and Recreation
Carolina Beach Boardwalk arcade returned in Season 2 for additional carnival scenes and reminded viewers of the simpler pleasures that define summer in Cousins Beach. The vintage arcade games and seaside attractions have been entertaining visitors for generations.
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park expanded the entertainment options available to the characters, featuring go-karts, laser tag, and climbing walls. This family entertainment center added action-packed scenes beyond the beach and created opportunities for competitive fun between the teens.
Hell’s Kitchen bar in downtown Wilmington underwent a transformation to become one of the show’s nightlife locations, demonstrating how Wilmington’s versatile spaces can be adapted to serve different narrative needs.
Rooster & The Crow restaurant showcased Southern dining culture with its regionally-inspired menu and rustic-elegant atmosphere. This real Wilmington eatery gave viewers a taste of the area’s celebrated food scene.
Finch College Original Location
In Season 2, St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church courtyard initially stood in for Finch College exterior scenes before the production moved to Chapel Hill for Season 3. The church’s collegiate Gothic architecture provided a convincing college campus atmosphere.
Season 3 Filming Locations: Latest 2025-2026 Updates
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Season 3 significantly expanded the show’s geographic footprint by moving Finch College scenes to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, about two hours from Wilmington. This prestigious public university’s historic campus provided an authentic collegiate setting as the characters entered their college years.
Old East building, which stood in for McNeill Hall, is actually the oldest state university building in the United States, dating back to 1793. Its Federal-style architecture and historic significance added gravitas to the college scenes.
McCorkle Place campus gardens provided beautiful outdoor settings for campus walking scenes and intimate conversations. The manicured lawns and towering trees created the idyllic college experience viewers associate with prestigious universities.
Fraternity and sorority houses including Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Phi, and Pi Beta Phi were featured throughout Season 3 as the characters navigated college social life. These real Greek houses on UNC’s campus added authenticity to the college party scenes and relationship dynamics.
Season 3 Wilmington Hotspots
Casa Blanca Coffee Roasters transformed into Conrad’s coffee shop workplace in Season 3. This 1950s building at the corner of Princess and 2nd Streets in downtown Wilmington became central to several key scenes. The real coffee shop has embraced its role in the show, and fans can now order coffee where Conrad’s character served customers while working through his struggles.
Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria hosted the scene between Belly and Steven, adding to the show’s collection of local dining establishments. This downtown Wilmington pizza spot’s casual atmosphere and delicious pies have made it a favorite for both locals and visiting fans.
Bespoke Coffee at 202 Princess Street served as the location for scenes between Belly and Taylor, showing another facet of downtown Wilmington’s thriving coffee culture. The shop’s modern aesthetic and quality beverages provided the perfect backdrop for friendship conversations.
Oceanic at Crystal Pier returned in Season 3 for the engagement announcement scene, cementing this location’s importance throughout the series. The restaurant’s position at the end of the pier, surrounded by ocean on three sides, creates an unforgettable dining experience that mirrors its significance in the show.
Little Loaf Bakery & Schoolhouse appeared in the wedding cake testing scenes, showcasing Wilmington’s artisan food scene. This charming bakery in the historic Schoolhouse building offers pastries and baked goods that would tempt any wedding planner.
One Belle Bakery contributed the showstopper cakes that appeared in wedding planning scenes. Known for their elaborate custom cakes, this Wilmington bakery demonstrated the level of detail that goes into creating the perfect celebration.
Trask Family Farms became instantly iconic as the location of the memorable peach scene in Season 3. This real working farm in Rocky Point, just outside Wilmington, opens to the public during harvest season and has seen an influx of fans hoping to recreate this sweet moment.
Wedding Weekend Locations
Covey ILM hosted the rehearsal dinner scenes, showing off this contemporary event space’s versatility. Located at Wilmington International Airport (ILM), the venue provided an elegant setting for pre-wedding celebrations.
ARRIVE Wilmington hotel served as the wedding party’s lodging and became significant to fans because the actual cast and crew stayed here during filming. This boutique hotel in downtown Wilmington has become a pilgrimage site for devoted fans who want to sleep where their favorite actors slept.
Dram Yard Restaurant, located in the historic Eureka Dye Company Building from 1915, brought industrial-chic atmosphere to wedding weekend scenes. The restaurant’s exposed brick, high ceilings, and urban sophistication contrasted beautifully with the beach town’s more traditional settings.
Gazebo Bar provided the outdoor cocktails setting with its charming garden atmosphere. This downtown Wilmington bar’s multiple patios and lush landscaping created the perfect space for wedding guests to mingle.
Coastal Massage & Spa appeared in the pre-wedding pampering scenes, showcasing the self-care rituals that accompany major celebrations. This Wilmington spa offered the relaxation sanctuary the wedding party needed.
Additional Season 3 Spots
Mayfaire Town Center returned in Season 3, with the Michaels craft store specifically featured as characters prepared for wedding decorations and DIY projects. This shopping complex has become a recurring location throughout the series.
Goody Goody Omelet House diner brought classic diner atmosphere to breakfast scenes. This Wilmington institution has been serving breakfast and lunch since the 1960s and perfectly captures that retro diner aesthetic.
Circa 1922 restaurant (standing in for “Grassfed”) contributed to the show’s dining scenes with its farm-to-table philosophy and sophisticated atmosphere. Housed in a historic building, the restaurant exemplifies Wilmington’s culinary evolution.
Beer Barrio was transformed into the Cousins Beach Clam Shack for multiple scenes throughout Season 3. This downtown Wilmington taco and tequila bar’s waterfront location made it ideal for representing a casual seafood restaurant.
Duck & Dive bar added to the nightlife locations featured in Season 3, showing the variety of entertainment options in Cousins Beach. This Wilmington bar’s laid-back atmosphere fit perfectly with the show’s aesthetic.
Kilwin’s ice cream shop appeared as the local ice cream destination where characters grab sweet treats on summer evenings. This franchise location in downtown Wilmington has been scooping premium ice cream and selling chocolates to locals and tourists for years.
Stanford University Scenes
For scenes establishing Conrad’s college experience at Stanford, the production used establishing shots of Stanford Oval and Hoover Tower. These iconic Stanford landmarks helped viewers understand Conrad’s West Coast college journey without requiring the production to film extensively in California.
Hospital Locations
N.C. Basnight Cancer Hospital stood in for Stanford Medical Center in emotionally charged hospital scenes. This state-of-the-art facility in Chapel Hill provided the modern medical setting required for these difficult storylines.
N.C. Children’s Hospital served as Providence General Hospital in other medical scenes. Also located in Chapel Hill, this facility’s architecture and atmosphere suited the show’s needs for hospital settings.
Cape Fear Community College Union Station was transformed into the Kyong Hui Pavilion for hospital-adjacent scenes. This Wilmington location’s modern architecture allowed it to convincingly portray a medical facility’s public spaces.
Paris, France Filming Locations
Season 3 took an ambitious international turn with actual filming in Paris, France, expanding the show’s scope dramatically:
Library of the Institute of Human Paleontology provided an academic setting that showcased Parisian intellectual culture and added sophistication to the international storyline.
Le Descartes café-brasserie brought classic Parisian café culture to the screen, with its outdoor seating and neighborhood atmosphere representing the authentic Paris experience.
Le Coquelicot bistrot offered another taste of Parisian dining culture, with its charming bistro aesthetic and French culinary traditions.
Hôtel des Invalides, the massive complex containing military museums and Napoleon’s tomb, provided grand architectural backdrops that emphasized Paris’s historical significance.
Palace of Versailles delivered the ultimate in French grandeur, with scenes filmed in the famous Hall of Mirrors and the palace’s extensive gardens. This location choice demonstrated the production’s commitment to showing Paris’s most iconic sites.
Gare du Nord train station captured the dynamic energy of Parisian transportation and European travel, grounding the international storyline in realistic details of moving through the city.
Complete Address List: All Cousins Beach Filming Locations
| Location Name | Address | What Was Filmed | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fisher Beach House | Porters Neck Plantation, Futch Creek area | Main house, infinity pool, dock scenes | 1, 2, 3 |
| Fort Fisher State Recreation Area | 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd S, Kure Beach | Bonfire scenes, snow beach | 1 |
| Crystal Pier/Oceanic Restaurant | 703 S Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach | First kiss, emotional walks, engagement | 1, 2, 3 |
| Cape Fear Country Club | 3901 Country Club Rd, Wilmington | Debutante ball, pool scenes | 1 |
| Carolina Beach Boardwalk | 101 Carolina Beach Ave N, Carolina Beach | Carnival, Ferris wheel, slow dance | 1, 2 |
| Russell’s Quick Stop | 2101 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington | Convenience store scenes | 1 |
| Papercut Books | 200 Market St, Wilmington | Whale of a Tale bookstore | 1 |
| Blush Haus of Beauté | 1900 Eastwood Rd, Wilmington | Dress shopping | 1 |
| Cape Fear Marina | Various locations | Boat scenes | 1, 2 |
| Capt’n Bill’s Backyard Grill | 4240 River Rd, Wilmington | Volleyball tournament | 1 |
| The Fat Pelican | 16 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach | Bar scenes | 1, 2 |
| Fort Fisher State Historic Site | 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd S | Biking date | 1 |
| UNCW Alderman Hall | UNCW Campus, Wilmington | Brown University | 2 |
| Azalea Inn Motel | Various locations, Wilmington | Breakup scene | 2 |
| Moore Street | Southport, NC | Driving scenes | 2 |
| SeaWitch Inn | 100 Pelican Dr, Carolina Beach | Julia’s stay | 2 |
| Mayfaire Town Center | 9960 Mayfaire Village Dr, Wilmington | Barnes & Noble, Michaels | 2, 3 |
| St. Paul’s Episcopal Church | 16 N 16th St, Wilmington | Funeral scene | 2 |
| Jungle Rapids | 5320 Oleander Dr, Wilmington | Go-karts, laser tag | 2 |
| Rooster & The Crow | 1420 S 5th Ave, Wilmington | Southern dining | 2 |
| UNC Chapel Hill Old East | UNC Campus, Chapel Hill | McNeill Hall, Finch College | 3 |
| McCorkle Place | UNC Campus, Chapel Hill | Campus gardens | 3 |
| Casa Blanca Coffee Roasters | Corner of Princess & 2nd St, Wilmington | Conrad’s coffee shop | 3 |
| Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria | 116 Market St, Wilmington | Belly and Steven scene | 3 |
| Bespoke Coffee | 202 Princess St, Wilmington | Belly and Taylor scene | 3 |
| Little Loaf Bakery | 1234 Military Cutoff Rd, Wilmington | Wedding cake testing | 3 |
| Trask Family Farms | 3310 Trask Rd, Rocky Point | Iconic peach scene | 3 |
| ARRIVE Wilmington | 101 S 2nd St, Wilmington | Wedding party stay, cast hotel | 3 |
| Dram Yard Restaurant | 1015 S 3rd St, Wilmington | Rehearsal dinner | 3 |
| Beer Barrio | 109 Dock St, Wilmington | Clam Shack scenes | 3 |
| Goody Goody Omelet House | 1228 Military Cutoff Rd, Wilmington | Diner breakfast | 3 |
| Kilwin’s | 110 N Front St, Wilmington | Ice cream shop | 3 |
How To Plan Your Cousins Beach Vacation In 2026
Best Time To Visit Wilmington
Planning the timing of your real-life Cousins Beach adventure requires considering several factors. The peak summer season runs from May through September, when Wilmington’s beaches are at their most vibrant and the weather mirrors what you see in The Summer I Turned Pretty. During these months, expect warm temperatures (75-90°F), crowded beaches, and the full array of summer activities operating at capacity. This is when Wilmington most closely resembles the bustling summer town energy of Cousins Beach.
However, the off-season offers significant benefits for filming location tourists. Visiting in April, October, or November means fewer crowds at popular spots, lower prices for accommodations, and easier access to filming locations without competing with beachgoers. The weather remains pleasant during shoulder seasons, with temperatures typically in the 60s-70s, perfect for exploring downtown Wilmington and photographing locations without the intense summer heat.
Weather considerations should factor into your planning. Hurricane season officially runs June through November, with peak activity in August and September. Winter months (December-March) can be surprisingly mild, with occasional cold snaps, but beach activities become limited and some seasonal businesses close.
For fans hoping to catch active filming, productions typically occur outside peak tourist season to avoid crowd management challenges. Following The Summer I Turned Pretty’s social media and local Wilmington film news can provide updates on potential filming schedules, though productions often maintain secrecy about exact dates and locations.
Getting To Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington International Airport (ILM) serves as the most convenient entry point for Cousins Beach tourism. The airport offers direct flights from major East Coast hubs and is located just minutes from downtown Wilmington and the beach communities. Airlines serving ILM include American, Delta, United, and seasonal carriers.
For those driving, Wilmington is accessible from major cities:
- Raleigh, NC: 2 hours
- Charlotte, NC: 3.5 hours
- Washington, DC: 6 hours
- Atlanta, GA: 6.5 hours
- New York City: 9 hours
Ground transportation from the airport includes rental cars (highly recommended), ride-sharing services (Uber and Lyft), and limited taxi service. While downtown Wilmington has some walkability, renting a car is essential for visiting the dispersed filming locations across Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Figure Eight Island, and Southport. Public transportation is limited, and many filming locations require driving to reach.
Where To Stay Near Cousins Beach Locations
- ARRIVE Wilmington (101 S 2nd St) stands out as the premier choice for devoted fans. This boutique hotel in downtown Wilmington isn’t just featured in Season 3—it’s where the actual cast and crew stayed during filming. The hotel’s contemporary design, local art collection, and rooftop bar provide an upscale experience. Rates typically range from $150-300 per night depending on season.
- The Hive Hotel offers another boutique option in downtown Wilmington, with modern amenities and proximity to numerous filming locations within walking distance. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring downtown Wilmington filming spots.
- Verandas Bed & Breakfast provides a more traditional Southern hospitality experience in a beautifully restored historic home, perfect for fans wanting that classic coastal town atmosphere that permeates Cousins Beach.
- Wrightsville Beach vacation rentals put you closest to the oceanfront scenes and Crystal Pier. Options range from condos to full beach houses, with weekly rentals typically ranging from $1,500-5,000 depending on size, location, and season. Booking well in advance is essential for summer months.
- Carolina Beach and Kure Beach options offer more affordable alternatives to Wrightsville Beach while still providing beach access and proximity to filming locations like Fort Fisher and Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Vacation rentals here typically run $1,000-3,000 per week.
- Figure Eight Island luxury rentals provide the closest experience to the Fisher beach house lifestyle, with gated community access and upscale properties directly on the ocean. Expect to pay $3,000-10,000+ per week, with most rentals requiring week-long minimum stays during summer.
- Budget-friendly options include chain hotels along Market Street and near the airport, with rates starting around $80-120 per night. While farther from filming locations, these provide affordable base camps for fans on a budget.
Creating Your Own 3-Day Cousins Beach Itinerary
Day 1: Beach Locations Tour Start your morning at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, walking the beaches where bonfire and emotional scenes were filmed. Continue to Kure Beach for lunch at a local seafood spot, then head to Carolina Beach Boardwalk for afternoon arcade games and Ferris wheel rides. As golden hour approaches, drive to Crystal Pier at Wrightsville Beach for sunset photos at this iconic location. End the evening with dinner at Oceanic Restaurant, sitting as close to where Belly and Conrad’s engagement was announced as possible.
Day 2: Downtown Wilmington and Season 3 Spots Begin with coffee at Casa Blanca Coffee Roasters, where Conrad worked in Season 3. Walk downtown Wilmington to visit Papercut Books, Bespoke Coffee, and other Market Street filming locations. Lunch at Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria before visiting ARRIVE Wilmington’s lobby (respectfully, as it’s an operating hotel). Spend the afternoon at Trask Family Farms if it’s harvest season, or explore the Riverwalk. Dinner at Rooster & The Crow provides that authentic Southern dining experience, followed by drinks at one of the bars featured in the show.
Day 3: Chapel Hill or Additional Beach Time Option A: Drive to Chapel Hill (2 hours) to explore the UNC campus where Finch College scenes were filmed. Walk McCorkle Place, photograph Old East building, and grab lunch on Franklin Street before returning to Wilmington. Option B: Spend another beach day at your preferred location, perhaps renting bikes or kayaks to recreate scenes, or take a boat tour that passes by the Fisher beach house from a respectful distance on the water.
Dining Like The Characters
- Oceanic Restaurant (703 S Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach) tops the list for fans wanting to dine with a view. The restaurant extends over the ocean at the end of Crystal Pier, offering seafood dishes and the same stunning vistas the characters enjoyed. Try to reserve a window table for sunset.
- Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria (116 Market St, Wilmington) serves excellent New York-style pizza in a casual downtown atmosphere. The large slices and relaxed vibe make it perfect for a quick lunch between filming location visits.
- Rooster & The Crow (1420 S 5th Ave, Wilmington) exemplifies Wilmington’s elevated Southern cuisine scene, with dishes featuring local ingredients and regional flavors. The fried chicken and seasonal vegetables showcase North Carolina’s culinary traditions.
- Casa Blanca Coffee Roasters (corner of Princess & 2nd) offers artisan coffee in a historic building that now serves as a pilgrimage site for Season 3 fans. The baristas are accustomed to fans visiting because of the show.
- The Fat Pelican (16 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach) provides that authentic dive bar atmosphere featured in the show, with cold beer, fried seafood, and a locals-and-tourists-mix vibe that defines beach town nightlife.
- Local favorites not featured in the show worth trying include: Catch, Indochine, PinPoint Restaurant, Copper Penny, manna, and Seabird for upscale dining; Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn and Tower 7 for casual eats; Port City Java for local coffee chain experience.
Insider Tips For Visiting The Summer I Turned Pretty Locations
Respectful Fan Tourism
The most important principle for any Cousins Beach tourism is respecting that many filming locations are private properties or active businesses serving local communities. The Fisher beach house in Porters Neck Plantation is someone’s private home in a gated community. Never attempt to enter gated communities without authorization, approach the property by land, or trespass for photos. Doing so not only violates property rights but also jeopardizes future productions’ ability to film in Wilmington.
For businesses featured in the show, remember they operate primarily to serve customers, not as tourist attractions. Make purchases when visiting shops, order food and drinks at restaurants, and don’t monopolize spaces for extended photo sessions during busy times. Casa Blanca Coffee Roasters, Papercut Books, and other downtown Wilmington establishments have welcomed fans graciously, but this goodwill depends on visitors being respectful patrons.
Photography etiquette matters tremendously. When photographing businesses, avoid blocking entrances, disrupting operations, or including other customers without permission. For residential areas, photograph from public sidewalks only, never enter yards or driveways, and be mindful of noise levels in neighborhoods.
Supporting local businesses benefits the community that has hosted The Summer I Turned Pretty and helps ensure Wilmington remains welcoming to future productions and fans. Eat at local restaurants, shop at independent stores, and consider purchasing from businesses that allowed their properties to be featured in the show.
Making The Most Of Your Visit
Renting bikes or golf carts provides an authentic way to experience the beach communities just as the characters do. Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach both have rental shops offering hourly or daily rates. Cruising between locations by bike or cart captures that summer freedom central to the show’s appeal.
Checking tide charts before visiting beach locations can help you recreate scenes more authentically. Low tide exposes more beach and makes walking scenes easier to photograph, while high tide provides dramatic wave action for more dynamic shots.
Visiting during golden hour (the hour before sunset) transforms ordinary locations into magical settings. The warm, soft light flatters any photograph and mimics the cinematography used throughout The Summer I Turned Pretty. Plan to arrive at your most important photo locations about 90 minutes before sunset for optimal lighting.
Downloading location maps ahead of time ensures you can navigate efficiently between sites even without cell service. Creating a custom Google Map with all your intended stops allows offline access and helps optimize your route to minimize backtracking across Wilmington NC.
Joining local filming location tours offers benefits beyond just transportation. Local guides provide behind-the-scenes stories, point out details fans might miss, and often have relationships with businesses that provide special access or information. Several Wilmington tour companies now offer Summer I Turned Pretty-specific tours.
Spotting Active Productions
Wilmington maintains an active filming schedule year-round, with multiple productions often in the city simultaneously. Screen Gems Studios operates as a full-service production facility, and location filming throughout the area is common. While The Summer I Turned Pretty’s filming schedule isn’t publicly announced in advance, certain signs indicate active production:
Large white trucks and equipment trailers parked in concentrated areas signal a production nearby. “No Parking” signs with specific dates in business districts often mean filming will occur. Streets blocked off during non-event times typically indicate location shooting.
If The Summer I Turned Pretty is filming, productions maintain secrecy about exact schedules to manage crowd control and protect the cast’s ability to work. However, local film industry Facebook groups and social media often share sightings of productions. The Wilmington Regional Film Commission occasionally announces which projects are filming locally without providing specific locations or schedules.
Screen Gems Studios offers occasional behind-the-scenes tours when productions aren’t actively filming on the soundstages. These tours provide insight into Wilmington’s “Hollywood East” infrastructure even if The Summer I Turned Pretty isn’t currently in production.
Beyond The Summer I Turned Pretty
Wilmington’s rich production history means fans of multiple shows can create comprehensive filming location tours:
Dawson’s Creek (1998-2003) filmed extensively in Wilmington, with many locations still recognizable today. The iconic Dawson’s Creek house, downtown Wilmington shops, and Wrightsville Beach all appeared throughout the series. Several tour companies offer Dawson’s Creek-specific tours.
One Tree Hill (2003-2012) used numerous Wilmington locations before later seasons moved production to North Carolina studios. The Riverwalk, Thalian Hall, and various businesses downtown all appeared in early seasons.
Safe Haven romantic movie (2013), based on Nicholas Sparks’s novel, filmed in Southport primarily, with Wilmington locations also featured. The charming waterfront town stood in for the fictional safe haven where the story unfolds.
Exploring Wilmington’s broader film history through the Wilmington Regional Film Commission’s resources or local film museums provides context for why this coastal city has become such a significant production hub. Understanding this history enriches appreciation for how The Summer I Turned Pretty fits into Wilmington’s ongoing role as Hollywood East.
Cousins Beach vs. Reality: What Jenny Han Says
Author Jenny Han has been transparent about how Cousins Beach emerged from her imagination rather than any single real location. In interviews about both the book series and the Amazon Prime adaptation, Han explains that she drew inspiration from multiple East Coast beaches that held meaning in her own life and that of her family.
Cape Cod provided the quintessential New England summer atmosphere, with its shingled cottages, lobster rolls, and generational family traditions. Martha’s Vineyard contributed the sense of exclusivity and old-money summer communities. The Hamptons added elements of social dynamics and beach culture. Even Nags Head in North Carolina (coincidentally near the eventual filming locations) influenced Han’s conception of the perfect beach town.
The genius of creating a fictional Cousins Beach is that it allows readers and viewers worldwide to imagine their own version. Someone who summers in the Outer Banks can see their beach town; someone with memories of Jersey Shore can project those onto Cousins Beach; someone who’s never seen the ocean can create an idealized version from Han’s descriptions. This universality makes the story more accessible and personally meaningful to diverse audiences.
The series taps into universal summer nostalgia—that bittersweet feeling of carefree days that pass too quickly, relationships that feel more intense in the bubble of summer, and the awareness that these precious times will eventually end. Whether you’ve experienced this at Cape Cod, Carolina Beach, or anywhere else, the emotional truth resonates.
Regarding the adaptation from book to screen, Han has praised the production team’s work in finding Wilmington NC as the real-life setting. She’s noted how the locations honor the spirit of her fictional world while bringing visual beauty and cinematic quality that exceeds what she’d imagined. The decision to film primarily in one region rather than bouncing between multiple states provided consistency and allowed the production to build relationships with local businesses and property owners.
Looking to the future of the series, a feature film has been confirmed to wrap up the story after Season 3. This film will continue utilizing Wilmington filming locations and potentially explore new settings as the characters’ lives expand beyond Cousins Beach. Production details remain under wraps as of early 2026, but fans can anticipate returning to these beloved locations one more time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cousins Beach
Is Cousins Beach a real place?
No, Cousins Beach is a fictional Massachusetts town created by Jenny Han; filming occurs in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Where is Cousins Beach supposed to be located in the show?
It’s set on the Massachusetts coast but filmed entirely in North Carolina’s Wilmington area.
Can you visit the Fisher family beach house?
The house is a private residence in a gated community; respectful distant viewing only from the water.
How much does it cost to rent a house like the Cousins Beach house?
Similar Figure Eight Island properties rent for about $3,000–$10,000+ per week in peak season.
What beach town is most like Cousins Beach?
Cape Cod towns blend New England charm with beach culture most similarly to the fictional setting.
Is The Summer I Turned Pretty still filming in Wilmington?
Season 3 completed filming; a feature film is confirmed, but production dates aren’t announced.
What other shows were filmed in Wilmington, NC?
Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, and Safe Haven were filmed extensively in Wilmington and surrounding areas.
When is the best time to visit Wilmington for fans?
May–September for the full summer experience; April or October for fewer crowds and lower prices.
Are the businesses in the show real and open to visitors?
Yes, most downtown Wilmington shops and restaurants are real operating businesses welcoming customers.
Will there be a Season 4 or a movie?
The series concluded with Season 3; a feature film is confirmed to complete the story.
How far is Wilmington from the real Cape Cod?
Approximately 900 miles, or about a 14-hour drive from Wilmington to Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Can you stay at ARRIVE Wilmington where the cast stayed?
Yes, ARRIVE Wilmington is a boutique hotel open to public bookings, with rates around $150–$300 per night.
Map: Interactive Guide To All Cousins Beach Filming Locations
[A comprehensive Google Maps embed would appear here with all filming locations marked and color-coded by season: Season 1 locations in blue, Season 2 in green, Season 3 in orange, and multi-season locations in purple.
Each pin would be clickable to reveal the location name, address, what was filmed there, and which season(s) featured it. The map would include options to filter by season, location type (beach, restaurant, downtown, etc.), and accessibility. A downloadable KML file would be available for users who want offline access during their visit.]
This interactive map allows you to plan your Cousins Beach filming location tour efficiently, with driving directions between sites and estimated travel times. Fans can customize their experience by selecting which seasons’ locations they most want to visit and creating optimized routes that minimize backtracking across the Wilmington area.
Conclusion: Living Your Own Summer I Turned Pretty Experience
Discovering the real filming locations behind Cousins Beach transforms from virtual viewing to tangible adventure when you visit Wilmington NC. Whether strolling Crystal Pier where first kisses happened, sipping coffee where Conrad worked, or feeling sand between your toes at Fort Fisher, these experiences connect fans to the story in profound ways.
Plan your 2026 Wilmington vacation today to create your own summer memories in the real-life Cousins Beach locations, and stay tuned for updates about the upcoming feature film that will bring this beloved story to its cinematic conclusion.
