The Amazon Prime series The Summer I Turned Pretty has drawn viewers not only for its coming-of-age story but also for the sun-soaked coastal settings that define the show’s atmosphere. If you’re planning to visit the real locations where the cameras rolled, you’ll find yourself exploring parts of North Carolina’s stunning coastline rather than the fictional Cousins Beach.
This guide explains exactly where the show was filmed, which locations you can visit, what to expect when you arrive, and how to plan a realistic trip to these coastal destinations.
Where Was The Summer I Turned Pretty Filmed?
The Summer I Turned Pretty was filmed primarily in Wilmington, North Carolina, and surrounding coastal communities including Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Southport. While the series is set in the fictional town of Cousins Beach, Massachusetts, production took place entirely along North Carolina’s Cape Fear region, using private homes, public beaches, and local landmarks to create the show’s New England aesthetic.
Understanding the Filming Locations
The series uses multiple locations across the Wilmington area to represent different parts of Cousins Beach. No single beach or neighborhood represents the entire fictional setting.
The production team selected North Carolina for its film-friendly infrastructure, available crew base, and coastal scenery that could convincingly double for Massachusetts. Many scenes were filmed on private property or required special permits, so not every location welcomes casual visitors.
The Beach House Location
The iconic beach house central to the show’s plot is a private residence in Carolina Beach, located north of the main public beach area. This home is not open to the public, and the owners have requested privacy.
You can view similar coastal architecture throughout Carolina Beach and neighboring Kure Beach, where many homes feature the elevated construction, wraparound porches, and ocean proximity shown in the series. Respectful viewing from public streets or beaches is acceptable, but trespassing on private property, blocking driveways, or disturbing residents is prohibited and may involve local law enforcement.
Visiting Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a classic boardwalk, wide sandy beaches, and fishing pier. The town sits on a barrier island approximately 15 miles south of downtown Wilmington.
Public beach access is free year-round, though parking typically requires payment from April through September. The boardwalk features amusement rides, arcades, restaurants, and ice cream shops that capture some of the nostalgic summer atmosphere depicted in the show.
- Free beach access with multiple public entry points along Canal Drive and Lake Park Boulevard
- Carolina Beach State Park for hiking and kayaking in a quieter natural setting
- The historic Boardwalk Amusement Area operating seasonally from late spring through early fall
- Fishing pier open daily, with rod rentals and bait available on-site
Kure Beach Filming Sites
Kure Beach, immediately south of Carolina Beach, provided additional beach scenes for the series. This smaller, quieter community offers a more residential feel with less commercial development.
The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area at the southern end of Kure Beach features the kind of undeveloped coastline that appears in several show scenes. This area includes public beach access, historical sites, and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
What to Do in Kure Beach
Kure Beach suits visitors seeking a slower pace than busier Carolina Beach. The ocean pier, built in 1923, serves as both a fishing spot and a gathering place.
The nearby Fort Fisher State Historic Site preserves Civil War earthwork fortifications and offers interpretive programs about the area’s role in the Confederacy’s final major port. The site is open year-round with no admission fee, though donations are accepted.
Wilmington’s Role in Production
Downtown Wilmington and the historic Riverwalk appear in scenes set away from the beach. The city’s film industry infrastructure, including EUE/Screen Gems Studios, made it a practical production base.
Wilmington’s downtown features shops, restaurants, and waterfront areas that appear briefly throughout the series. The Riverwalk stretches for more than a mile along the Cape Fear River, offering restaurants, historical markers, and views of the USS North Carolina battleship.
Exploring Downtown Wilmington
If you’re basing yourself in Wilmington to visit the beach filming locations, the downtown area offers dining, accommodations, and attractions within walking distance. The historic district includes well-preserved 19th-century architecture and several museums.
The Wilmington Railroad Museum, Bellamy Mansion Museum, and Cape Fear Museum provide indoor options when beach weather doesn’t cooperate. Verify current hours and admission fees before visiting, as these change seasonally.
Southport Day Trip
Southport, located about 30 miles south of Wilmington across the Cape Fear River, served as a filming location for certain downtown and marina scenes. This charming waterfront town has appeared in numerous productions over the years.
Southport’s picturesque streets, historic homes, and working waterfront offer a genuine small-town coastal atmosphere. The town is accessible by car via Highway 87 and 211, or by passenger ferry from Fort Fisher during summer months.
- Historic downtown with antique shops and local restaurants within several walkable blocks
- Waterfront park and pier with views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Oak Island
- Fort Johnston-Southport Museum and Visitors’ Center for local history and filming location maps
- Oak Island beaches accessible via bridge, offering additional coastal scenery
Planning Your Visit to the Filming Locations
Most visitors combine beach time with light location scouting rather than making filming sites the sole focus. Realistic expectations help ensure a satisfying trip.
Consider spending three to five days in the area if you want to visit Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wilmington, and Southport without rushing. Basing yourself in Wilmington provides central access to all locations, while staying directly in Carolina Beach puts you closest to the primary filming sites.
Best Time to Visit
The shoulder seasons of May and September offer warm weather, swimmable ocean temperatures, and smaller crowds than peak summer months. Water temperatures typically range from the mid-60s Fahrenheit in May to the mid-70s in September.
June through August brings the highest temperatures, humidity, and visitor numbers. Accommodation prices peak during this period, and beach access points fill early on weekends and holidays.
October through April sees cooler weather with ocean temperatures generally too cold for most swimmers, but beach walks, fishing, and sightseeing remain pleasant. Many seasonal businesses reduce hours or close entirely from late fall through early spring, so verify operating schedules if visiting during these months.
Weather Considerations
Hurricane season officially runs from June through November, with the highest risk in August and September. Monitor weather forecasts if traveling during this period, and understand that tropical weather can affect plans even when storms don’t make direct landfall.
Summer afternoon thunderstorms are common and typically brief. Plan indoor alternatives for these hours, and never remain on the beach or in the water when lightning is visible.
Getting There and Around
Wilmington International Airport (ILM) serves the region with connections through major hubs. The airport is approximately 20 minutes from downtown Wilmington and 35 minutes from Carolina Beach.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), about two hours northwest, offers more flight options but requires a longer drive or car rental. Public transportation between the airport and coastal areas is limited, making a rental car the most practical option for visiting multiple filming locations.
Local Transportation
A personal vehicle gives you the flexibility to visit Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wilmington, and Southport on your own schedule. Parking is available at most beach access points, though fees apply during peak season.
Wave Transit provides bus service connecting Wilmington with Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, operating year-round with reduced schedules on weekends and holidays. Service frequency makes a full day of beach activities possible, but visiting multiple locations in one day becomes challenging without a car.
Where to Stay
Carolina Beach and Kure Beach offer numerous vacation rental homes, many with the elevated coastal design featured in the show. Weekly rentals are standard during summer, with nightly minimums more flexible in shoulder seasons.
Wilmington provides a wider range of hotels, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts at various price points. Staying in Wilmington’s historic district puts you within walking distance of restaurants and attractions, though you’ll need to drive to the beach filming locations.
Southport has limited accommodation options compared to Wilmington and Carolina Beach. If you plan to spend significant time there, consider staying overnight rather than treating it solely as a day trip.
Respectful Location Visiting
Remember that the beach house and many other filming locations are private property. Photographing from public areas is acceptable, but approaching homes, knocking on doors, entering yards, or blocking streets creates problems for residents and may result in police involvement.
Public beaches near filming locations can become crowded during peak season regardless of the show’s popularity. Arrive early for parking and beach space, bring your own shade, and pack out all trash.
If you encounter film crews working on current productions, which is common in this area, maintain a respectful distance. Production assistants will direct you around active filming locations when necessary.
Beyond the Filming Locations
The Wilmington area offers activities and attractions beyond show-related sites. Airlie Gardens features 67 acres of walking paths, seasonal blooms, and centuries-old live oaks.
The Battleship North Carolina, permanently moored across from downtown Wilmington, offers self-guided tours of the World War II vessel. The Fort Fisher Aquarium features regional marine life with touch tanks and daily programs.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding in the Intracoastal Waterway and tidal creeks
- Surfing lessons and board rentals at Wrightsville Beach, 15 miles north of Carolina Beach
- Historic home tours in Wilmington’s downtown district
- Fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants throughout the region
What This Trip Actually Involves
Visiting the filming locations of The Summer I Turned Pretty means spending time at real beaches and coastal communities that happen to have hosted a production. You’ll enjoy the same ocean, boardwalk, and small-town atmosphere shown in the series, but the experience centers on typical beach vacation activities rather than theme-park-style attraction visiting.
Budget for accommodation, meals, parking, and any activities or attractions you plan to include. Coastal Carolina prices vary significantly by season, with summer commanding premium rates.
Practical Expectations
You won’t find official tour operators, marked filming location signs, or show-themed experiences in these communities. Local businesses may acknowledge the production with photographs or mentions, but the area hasn’t developed dedicated fan tourism infrastructure.
This low-key approach preserves the authentic coastal character that made these locations appealing for filming. Visitors who appreciate genuine beach towns rather than commercialized tourist zones will find this refreshing.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Start by exploring public beaches and downtown areas before seeking specific filming sites. This approach lets you enjoy the destination on its own merits while naturally encountering recognizable locations.
Bring beach essentials including sunscreen, hats, water, and appropriate footwear for both sand and boardwalk surfaces. Many beach access points lack facilities, so plan accordingly.
Check current beach conditions, weather forecasts, and any posted warnings before swimming. Ocean conditions along this coast can include strong currents, so swim only at guarded beaches if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
Start Planning Your Coastal Carolina Visit
The filming locations of The Summer I Turned Pretty offer a genuine coastal experience along North Carolina’s southeastern shore. Focus on enjoying Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wilmington, and Southport as real destinations rather than film sets, and verify current access, hours, and conditions for any specific sites or attractions before your trip.
We hope this guide helps you explore more wonderful travel destinations and plan memorable visits to the places that capture your interest.