The popular Amazon Prime series “The Summer I Turned Pretty” has inspired fans to seek out the sun-drenched coastal locations where Belly’s coming-of-age story unfolds. If you’re planning to visit the real filming locations, understanding where the show was actually shot versus where it’s set will help you create a realistic travel itinerary.
This guide identifies the specific towns, beaches, and landmarks featured in the series, explains how to visit them, and offers practical advice for planning a filming location tour along the North Carolina coast.
Where Was The Summer I Turned Pretty Actually Filmed?
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” was filmed primarily in Wilmington, North Carolina, and surrounding coastal communities, not in the fictional Cousins Beach setting. The production used multiple beaches, historic neighborhoods, and waterfront properties across the Cape Fear region to create the show’s idyllic summer atmosphere.
Understanding the Show’s Setting Versus Filming Locations
The series is set in the fictional town of Cousins Beach, Massachusetts, but producers chose North Carolina’s coast for its consistent summer weather, film-friendly infrastructure, and diverse coastal scenery. This means you won’t find “Cousins Beach” on any map, but you can visit the real North Carolina locations that brought it to life on screen.
Wilmington has hosted major film and television productions for decades, earning the nickname “Wilmywood” for its extensive studio facilities and experienced local crews. The area offers beaches, historic districts, and residential neighborhoods that can represent various East Coast settings.
Wilmington: The Production Hub
Wilmington served as the primary base for the production, with many interior scenes filmed at EUE/Screen Gems Studios, one of the largest film studios on the East Coast. The city itself appears in several street and downtown scenes throughout the series.
The historic downtown area features walkable blocks of shops, restaurants, and riverfront views along the Cape Fear River. Visitors can explore the Riverwalk, a mile-long boardwalk that offers dining and browsing opportunities, though specific filming locations within downtown may be difficult to identify without production guides.
Getting to Wilmington
Wilmington International Airport (ILM) serves the area with connections to major hubs, though flying into Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) about 130 miles away sometimes offers more flight options and lower fares. Driving from Raleigh takes approximately two and a half hours via US-40 East.
The city is easily accessible by car from other East Coast destinations, lying roughly 120 miles south of the Outer Banks and 200 miles northeast of Charleston, South Carolina. Having your own vehicle is strongly recommended for visiting multiple filming locations spread across the coastal region.
Carolina Beach and Kure Beach: Key Coastal Locations
Carolina Beach and neighboring Kure Beach, located about 15 miles south of Wilmington, provided many of the show’s beach and boardwalk scenes. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk appears in several episodes and offers the classic seaside atmosphere central to the series.
The boardwalk stretches for a quarter mile and features amusement rides, arcade games, shops, and food vendors that create an authentic summer beach town experience. Peak summer months (June through August) bring substantial crowds, especially on weekends and holidays, while shoulder seasons (May and September) offer easier beach access and more availability in local accommodations.
What to Do at Carolina Beach
- Walk the boardwalk and visit the seasonal amusement area
- Swim and relax on the wide, sandy beach with lifeguard coverage during summer
- Explore Carolina Beach State Park for hiking trails and kayaking opportunities
- Visit the fishing pier extending into the Atlantic Ocean
- Browse local shops and restaurants along Lake Park Boulevard
Public beach access points are clearly marked with parking areas that charge daily fees during peak season, typically ranging from $3 to $5 per day, though rates change annually. Verify current parking fees and regulations with the Town of Carolina Beach before your visit.
Wrightsville Beach: Upscale Coastal Scenes
Wrightsville Beach, located about 12 miles east of downtown Wilmington, provided some of the more upscale beach house exteriors and coastal scenes. This barrier island community features beautiful homes, pristine beaches, and a more refined atmosphere than Carolina Beach’s family-oriented boardwalk vibe.
The beach itself offers excellent swimming conditions, clear water, and consistent waves that attract surfers year-round. Access is more limited than at Carolina Beach, with most parking spaces located in metered public lots that fill quickly during summer.
Planning a Visit to Wrightsville Beach
Arrive early on summer days to secure parking, as the limited spaces often fill by mid-morning on weekends. Metered parking operates year-round with rates and time limits posted at each lot, and enforcement is consistent.
The beach is narrower than Carolina Beach during high tide, so plan your beach time around tide schedules if you want more sand space. Local surf shops provide daily tide charts and beach condition reports.
The Iconic Beach House
The primary beach house featured as the family’s summer home is a private residence, and its exact location has not been officially disclosed by the production. Several properties in the Wilmington area beaches were reportedly used for exterior and approach shots, but these are private homes where visitors should not trespass or disturb residents.
Fans hoping to see beach houses similar to those featured in the show can drive through residential areas of Wrightsville Beach, Figure Eight Island (a private gated community with no public access), and other coastal neighborhoods. Always respect private property boundaries, do not block driveways or streets, and follow all posted signage.
Southport: Charming Small-Town Scenes
The historic waterfront town of Southport, located about 30 miles south of Wilmington, appears in several scenes throughout the series. This charming community sits at the mouth of the Cape Fear River and offers tree-lined streets, historic homes, and waterfront parks.
Downtown Southport features independently owned shops, cafes, and restaurants along Howe Street and the waterfront. The town has appeared in numerous film and television productions over the years, and local businesses often acknowledge their filming history.
Exploring Southport
The compact downtown area is easily walkable, with most attractions concentrated within a few blocks of the waterfront. Free public parking is available in several lots, though spaces can be limited during peak summer weekends and special events.
The Southport Riverwalk and Waterfront Park offers views across the river and provides a pleasant setting for a stroll. The town’s historic district features homes dating to the 18th and 19th centuries, though specific houses featured in the show may be private residences.
Planning Your Filming Location Tour
A comprehensive tour of the main filming locations requires at least two to three days, allowing time to visit Wilmington, multiple beaches, and Southport without rushing. Basing yourself in Wilmington provides the most central location with the widest range of accommodation and dining options.
Consider this sample itinerary framework, adjusting based on your specific interests and available time. Verify all attraction hours and seasonal closures before finalizing your plans.
Suggested Three-Day Itinerary
- Day One: Arrive in Wilmington, explore the historic downtown and Riverwalk, drive through residential filming areas
- Day Two: Spend the morning at Wrightsville Beach, afternoon at Carolina Beach and the boardwalk, evening at Carolina Beach State Park
- Day Three: Day trip to Southport, including downtown exploration and waterfront areas, return via scenic coastal routes
This pacing allows for beach time, photography opportunities, and meal breaks without requiring exhausting early starts or late returns. Building in flexibility accommodates weather changes, which can significantly affect beach enjoyment.
Best Time to Visit
The peak summer season (late May through early September) offers the warmest ocean temperatures and full operation of boardwalk attractions but brings substantial crowds and higher accommodation rates. Expect beach parking challenges, restaurant wait times, and increased traffic during July and August weekends.
The shoulder seasons of April through May and September through October provide pleasant weather, swimmable ocean temperatures (though cooler than midsummer), fewer crowds, and better availability. These months often offer the best balance for filming location tours that combine beach time with exploration.
Weather Considerations
Hurricane season runs officially from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity typically occurring in August and September. Monitor weather forecasts when planning travel during these months, and consider trip insurance that covers weather-related disruptions.
Summer afternoon thunderstorms are common and usually brief. Ocean water temperatures range from the mid-60s Fahrenheit (around 18°C) in May to the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-28°C) in July and August.
Where to Stay
Wilmington offers the widest range of accommodations, from budget chains to boutique hotels in the historic district. Staying downtown provides walking access to restaurants and the Riverwalk, though you’ll need a car to reach the beaches.
Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach both offer beachfront hotels, vacation rentals, and smaller motels within walking distance of the sand. These locations put you closer to key filming sites but offer fewer dining and entertainment options than downtown Wilmington.
Accommodation Booking Tips
Book summer accommodations at least two to three months in advance, as coastal properties fill quickly for peak season weekends. Rates typically drop by 30 to 50 percent during shoulder seasons, with the best deals available in November through March (excluding holidays).
Vacation rental properties near the beaches often require week-long minimum stays during peak summer, with Saturday-to-Saturday turnover. Flexibility in your travel dates can significantly expand your options and reduce costs.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essential for efficiently visiting multiple filming locations spread across the region. The distances between Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Southport are manageable but not served by comprehensive public transportation.
Parking at beaches and downtown Wilmington requires payment during peak season, with rates and methods varying by location. Many areas now use mobile payment apps rather than traditional meters, so download relevant parking apps (ParkMobile and PayByPhone are commonly used) before arriving.
Driving Between Locations
Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach takes approximately 20 minutes via US-74 East and US-76 East. Wilmington to Carolina Beach requires about 25 minutes via US-421 South. Wilmington to Southport takes roughly 35 to 40 minutes via NC-133 South and NC-87 South.
Summer traffic, particularly on weekend afternoons when beachgoers return to Wilmington, can extend these times significantly. Plan around rush periods when possible, and allow extra time if you have scheduled activities or reservations.
Dining and Local Food
The Wilmington coastal area specializes in fresh seafood, with local catches including flounder, grouper, shrimp, and oysters. Casual seafood restaurants and shacks near the beaches offer the most authentic experience, while downtown Wilmington provides more diverse cuisine options.
Popular local dishes include calabash-style fried seafood (lightly battered and fried), she-crab soup, and hush puppies. Many restaurants feature outdoor seating with water views, particularly along the Wilmington Riverwalk and at beach locations.
Restaurant Considerations
Peak summer season brings long wait times at popular restaurants, especially during dinner hours. Many casual spots operate on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations, while upscale establishments in downtown Wilmington typically accept bookings.
Dining costs vary widely, with casual beachside meals averaging $15 to $25 per person and more formal downtown restaurants ranging from $30 to $60 per person before drinks and tip. Cash-only establishments are increasingly rare but still exist at some beach stands and small venues.
Practical Visitor Information
North Carolina’s coast experiences high humidity during summer months, making the air temperature feel significantly warmer than the thermometer reading. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen liberally (the sun reflects intensely off sand and water), and take breaks in air-conditioned spaces during midday heat.
Beach safety includes swimming only at guarded beaches during lifeguard hours, heeding warning flags and posted conditions, and avoiding rip currents by swimming parallel to shore if caught in one. Ocean conditions can change quickly, and even experienced swimmers should respect posted warnings.
What to Pack
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and reapply frequently
- Beach towels, umbrella or pop-up shade, and folding chairs
- Comfortable walking shoes for downtown exploration and boardwalk areas
- Light layers for air-conditioned restaurants and shops
- Insect repellent for evening outdoor activities and marsh areas
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated in humid conditions
Many beaches prohibit glass containers, pets during peak season hours, and alcohol consumption. Check specific beach regulations before arriving, as rules and enforcement vary by municipality.
Respecting Private Property and Residents
While fans naturally want to see filming locations, remember that many sites are private homes where people live year-round. Do not enter private property, block driveways, peer into windows, or create disturbances in residential neighborhoods.
Taking photos from public streets is generally acceptable, but respect all “No Trespassing” signs and private property markers. Coastal communities depend on tourism but also value residents’ privacy and quality of life, so be a considerate visitor.
Beyond Filming Locations
The Wilmington area offers attractions beyond those featured in the series, including the Battleship North Carolina, a World War II memorial and museum ship permanently moored across the Cape Fear River from downtown. The historic ship requires approximately two to three hours to tour thoroughly.
The Airlie Gardens, a 67-acre public garden featuring historic structures, walking trails, and seasonal blooms, provides a peaceful contrast to beach activities. Fort Fisher State Historic Site and Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, located south of Carolina Beach, offer Civil War history and additional beach access respectively.
Wilmington’s Film History
Wilmington’s role in film and television extends far beyond “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” with the city hosting productions for “Dawson’s Creek,” “One Tree Hill,” and numerous films over several decades. Some local businesses and tours highlight this filming heritage, offering context for movie and television enthusiasts.
EUE/Screen Gems Studios occasionally offers public tours, though availability depends on active production schedules. Check their official website or contact them directly well before your visit to inquire about tour availability and booking requirements.
Creating Your Visit
A filming location tour works well as either a focused trip centered on the show’s settings or as part of a broader North Carolina coastal vacation. The area’s genuine beach town charm, historic sites, and natural beauty offer appeal beyond their connection to the series.
Set realistic expectations: you’ll visit the real places where scenes were filmed, but the experience differs from the edited, carefully lit version seen on screen. The value lies in experiencing these authentic coastal communities and their genuine character rather than recreating specific show moments.
Planning Your Trip
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” filming locations across North Carolina’s coast offer an accessible and enjoyable destination for fans of the series and coastal travelers alike. Start planning by deciding on your travel dates and booking accommodations, then research current beach conditions, attraction hours, and any special events that might affect your visit.
Verify all time-sensitive details, including parking regulations, beach access fees, restaurant hours, and accommodation policies, directly with official sources before finalizing your plans. This preparation ensures a smooth trip and helps you make the most of your time exploring the sun-soaked settings that brought Belly’s story to life.
We hope this guide helps you plan your visit to the filming locations of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and discover the coastal charm of North Carolina’s Cape Fear region for yourself.