If you've been swept away by the sun-drenched romance and coming-of-age drama of Amazon Prime Video's hit series, *The Summer I Turned Pretty*, you're not alone. The show, based on Jenny Han's beloved book trilogy, has captured hearts with its idyllic setting, the fictional coastal town of Cousins Beach. But while Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah's summer haven might exist only in the pages of a book and on screen, the breathtaking beauty that brings it to life is very much real, and it's primarily found in and around the charming Southern city of Wilmington, North Carolina.
Cousins Beach Comes to Life: Wilmington's Role
For fans eager to step into Belly's world, the good news is that *The Summer I Turned Pretty* was almost entirely filmed in North Carolina, specifically in and around Wilmington and Southport. Though Cousins Beach is a fictional place, the series was filmed in the equally scenic Wilmington, North Carolina, and its surrounding beaches, including Carolina Beach and Fort Fisher. Season 1, in particular, was shot predominantly in Wilmington, North Carolina, transforming this vibrant city into the quintessential backdrop for teenage love, heartbreak, and discovery. From spring through fall 2021, the production crew meticulously filmed at numerous locations across Wilmington, including Carolina Beach and Fort Fisher, as well as in Wilmington proper, such as Wave Transit’s Padgett. This charming Southern city truly provided the perfect canvas for the fictional Cousins Beach, where most of the show's pivotal moments unfold. The attention to detail in capturing the essence of a quintessential American beach town is evident in every frame, making it easy for viewers to believe that Cousins Beach could be just a short drive away.
Beyond the Beach House: Iconic Filming Spots
While the idyllic home is set in the fictional town of Cousins Beach, many of the memorable scenes from *The Summer I Turned Pretty* were shot in recognizable Wilmington locations. For instance, interior scenes were primarily filmed on sound stages at Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, a testament to the city's robust film infrastructure. Even specific establishments within the show have their real-life counterparts in Wilmington; for example, *The Summer I Turned Pretty*'s Hell's Kitchen is actually located in the city, offering fans a tangible piece of the show's world. Beyond the sound stages and specific businesses, the production utilized various outdoor and public spaces to create the show's authentic feel. Crews were spotted filming for a new season in downtown Wilmington near the Cotton Exchange, capturing the historic charm of the city's waterfront. There's even a real-world address that has garnered attention: 1733 Futch Creek Rd, Wilmington NC, a single-family home that contains 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, built in 2005. While not explicitly stated as the iconic beach house, its existence in the filming locale adds to the mystique. For those planning a visit, a writer even put together a one-day itinerary to Wilmington, North Carolina, filled with iconic filming locations for *The Summer I Turned Pretty*. This highlights how accessible and integrated the show's real-world settings are within the city, allowing fans to walk in Belly's footsteps and experience the magic firsthand.
A Filming Hub: Wilmington's Legacy
Wilmington's role in *The Summer I Turned Pretty* is not an isolated incident; it's part of a long and storied history as a major filming location. Wilmington is actually a very popular filming destination, and about 15 other productions filmed there in 2022 alone, including the upcoming movie *Zoey*. The city has been a go-to spot for major television series and films for decades, earning it the nickname "Hollywood East." Fans of classic teen dramas will recognize Wilmington as the backdrop for iconic shows like *Dawson’s Creek* and *One Tree Hill*, as well as beloved films such as *A Walk To Remember* (2002) and *I Know What You Did Last Summer*. This rich cinematic heritage means that the Wilmington area and its beaches will continue to step into the spotlight, drawing productions and tourists alike. The expertise and infrastructure developed over years of hosting major productions make Wilmington an ideal choice for a series like *The Summer I Turned Pretty*, ensuring a seamless and high-quality filming experience.
The Journey Continues: Seasons 2 & 3 in Wilmington
The success of *The Summer I Turned Pretty* has led to multiple renewals, and Wilmington has remained central to its production. Season two of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" started shooting in the Wilmington area, confirming the show's continued commitment to its North Carolina roots. This commitment extends to the highly anticipated third and final season. According to the Wilmington Regional Film Commission, the third season of Amazon drama series *The Summer I Turned Pretty* has entered pre-production in the Wilmington area. Filming for Season 3 was scheduled to begin on June 5, 2023, in Wilmington, North Carolina, and was expected to take more than five months to officially wrap. A popular television show filmed in Wilmington has set its season three premiere for this summer, according to the show’s official social media pages, with the 11-episode final season promising to deliver a satisfying conclusion to Belly's story. Jenny Han, the author and showrunner, is even set to direct an episode for the first time in Season 3, adding another layer of excitement. From the "song change heard around the world" in a teaser for Season 3 to the ongoing buzz on social media, the show continues to captivate its audience, with Wilmington playing an integral, if often unseen, role in its magic.
Planning Your Own "Summer I Turned Pretty" Trip to Wilmington
The best thing about falling in love with a show like *The Summer I Turned Pretty* is realizing that, even if the story is fictional, the real-world locations are often as beautiful and accessible. Wilmington, North Carolina, offers fans a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Cousins Beach. You can explore the charming streets of downtown Wilmington, visit the beautiful Carolina Beach and Fort Fisher, and perhaps even spot some of the specific locations that brought Belly's summer adventures to life. Whether you're a devoted fan or simply looking for a picturesque coastal getaway, Wilmington provides the perfect blend of Southern charm, stunning beaches, and a rich cultural history. It's a place where you can create your own summer memories, perhaps even turning pretty in the process.
Summary
In essence, while Cousins Beach exists only in the realm of fiction, its visual splendor and atmospheric charm are deeply rooted in the real-world beauty of Wilmington, North Carolina. The city and its surrounding coastal areas served as the primary filming locations for *The Summer I Turned Pretty*, from its inaugural season through its upcoming third and final installment. Wilmington's established reputation as a major filming hub, coupled with its picturesque landscapes and versatile urban settings, made it the ideal canvas for Jenny Han's beloved story. Fans can visit this vibrant Southern city to experience the magic of Cousins Beach firsthand, exploring iconic filming spots and enjoying the same coastal allure that captivated audiences worldwide.
The Summer I Turned Pretty House in Wilmington, North Carolina
