The REAL Cousins Beach: Every 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Filming Location Uncovered (Including Season 3's New Spots)

Contents

The enduring question for every fan of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" (TSITP) is simple: "Where is Cousins Beach?" As of the current date in late 2025, the mystery of the fictional, idyllic New England town where Belly Conklin’s life-changing summers unfold has been definitively solved, revealing a sunny, Southern secret. While the show’s creator, Jenny Han, envisioned Cousins Beach as a Cape Cod-esque haven, the actual production takes place far south of Massachusetts, primarily transforming the coastal towns of North Carolina into the beloved summer destination.

The latest information confirms that the series, including the highly anticipated Season 3, was extensively filmed in and around Wilmington, North Carolina. This region, famous for its historic charm and stunning beaches, provides the perfect backdrop for the Fisher and Conklin families' drama, capturing the quintessential summer vibe that has captivated millions of viewers on Amazon Prime Video.

The Main Cast: Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah — Full Profile & Biography

To truly appreciate the locations, it’s essential to know the stars who brought Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah to life. Here is a detailed profile of the three main actors, whose careers have skyrocketed thanks to the series.

  • Lola Tung (Isabel "Belly" Conklin)
    • Born: October 28, 2002 (New York, USA)
    • Role in TSITP: The protagonist, Belly, who experiences a transformative summer and finds herself in a love triangle with the Fisher brothers.
    • Education: Graduated from LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. Studied acting at Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama.
    • Career Highlights: Her breakout role is Belly Conklin. She made her Broadway debut in the Tony-winning musical *Hadestown* in February 2024, showcasing her talent beyond television.
  • Christopher Briney (Conrad Fisher)
    • Born: March 24, 1998 (Hartford, Connecticut, USA)
    • Role in TSITP: The older, brooding Fisher brother, Conrad, who is the focus of Belly's long-time crush.
    • Education: Grew up in Connecticut and later received a BFA in Acting from Pace University in New York City.
    • Career Highlights: Known for his breakthrough role as Conrad Fisher. He also starred as James in the 2022 film *Dalíland*, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival.
  • Gavin Casalegno (Jeremiah Fisher)
    • Born: September 2, 1999 (Dallas, Texas, USA)
    • Role in TSITP: The younger, more outgoing Fisher brother, Jeremiah, who also develops deep romantic feelings for Belly.
    • Career Highlights: Started his career in modeling in 2006 before transitioning to acting. His notable early film role was playing the young Shem in Darren Aronofsky’s 2014 epic *Noah*, alongside Russell Crowe and Anthony Hopkins.

Unmasking Cousins Beach: Wilmington, North Carolina, and Its Coastal Gems

The primary location for the entire series, from Season 1 through the filming of Season 3, is the coastal city of Wilmington, North Carolina, and its surrounding beaches. This region offers a versatile landscape that convincingly doubles for the New England charm of Cousins Beach.

The Iconic Fisher Family Beach House

The centerpiece of the entire series is the magnificent, sprawling oceanfront home belonging to the Fisher family, Susannah and her sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. This house is a private residence, not a set, and is one of the most sought-after filming locations by fans.

  • Location: The house is situated in a private, gated, and exclusive golf course community.
  • Specific Areas: Sources point to two very exclusive communities near Wilmington: Porters Neck Plantation and the even more secluded Figure Eight Island. The home itself is a private dwelling, which is why fans are advised to respect the owners' privacy.
  • Vibe: The interior set design was meticulously crafted to evoke a classic, Cape Cod coastal aesthetic, despite the home being located in the South.

The Real-Life Beaches and Boardwalks

The stunning beach scenes, bonfires, and volleyball games that define Belly’s summers were shot across several picturesque beaches in New Hanover County.

  • Wrightsville Beach: This upscale coastal town is one of the main beach filming locations, known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant pier.
  • Carolina Beach: The lively boardwalk and arcade scenes were primarily filmed here, providing the perfect backdrop for Belly, Steven, Taylor, and the Fisher brothers’ outings.
  • Kure Beach & Fort Fisher: Many of the more secluded and scenic beach sequences, including the emotional walks and drives, were filmed at the historic Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. The Fort Fisher Ferry Terminal area is also a recognizable spot.

Key Landmarked Filming Spots You Can Actually Visit

Beyond the beaches, the production utilized many real-life restaurants, coffee shops, and landmarks in downtown Wilmington and the surrounding areas. These are the places where Belly and her friends spend their time away from the ocean.

  • Downtown Wilmington's Riverwalk: This scenic waterfront promenade is where Belly and Conrad share one of their most emotional and pivotal walks, a must-visit for fans.
  • The Country Club: The country club scenes, including the debutante ball and pool sequences, were filmed at the Cape Fear Country Club in Wilmington.
  • Oceanic at the Pier: This restaurant, which is actually built on a pier, was used for a key dining scene in the series, offering a truly authentic coastal dining experience.
  • Bespoke Coffee: Located in downtown Wilmington, this popular local coffee shop was used for the memorable scene where Belly and Taylor discuss their relationships, particularly in a Season 3 episode.
  • Benny's Big Time Pizzeria: Another Wilmington eatery that made it onto the screen, providing a casual setting for the characters.

New Locations for 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Season 3

As the story progresses into the events of the third book, "We'll Always Have Summer," the characters move beyond Cousins Beach to college and international travel. The filming for Season 3 introduced two significant new locations, confirming the show's commitment to following the book’s narrative arc.

Finch College: The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

In the later seasons, Belly and Jeremiah attend Finch College, a fictional university. The production crew used the real-life campus of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) to stand in for Finch. This provides an authentic college atmosphere for the new phase of the characters' lives.

A Trip to Europe: Paris, France

One of the most exciting new developments for Season 3 is the inclusion of international filming. A portion of the third season was filmed in Paris, France, to capture the European travel component of the storyline. This location promises to deliver a fresh, romantic, and visually stunning contrast to the familiar North Carolina beaches, significantly expanding the series' world.

In conclusion, while Cousins Beach is a beautiful figment of author Jenny Han's imagination, its spirit lives on through the sun-drenched, historic, and vibrant coastal communities of Wilmington, North Carolina. From the exclusive Figure Eight Island where the Fisher house stands to the bustling Carolina Beach Boardwalk and the academic halls of UNC-Chapel Hill, fans can embark on a real-life road trip to experience the magic of *The Summer I Turned Pretty*.

The REAL Cousins Beach: Every 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Filming Location Uncovered (Including Season 3's New Spots)
where is the summer i turned pretty filmed
where is the summer i turned pretty filmed

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