The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Filming Locations

If you have ever dreamed of living the breezy, sun‑kissed days of The Summer I Turned Pretty, you’re not alone.

Season 3, which premiered earlier this year, gave fans a fresh batch of locations that feel both familiar and brand‑new.

Below is a quick tour of the spots that set the mood, plus insider tips for turning a day‑trip into a full‑blown adventure.

Coastal Town Vibes

The core of the drama still hovers around a fictional beach town that’s actually a stretch of North Carolina’s Cape Fear River.

Look for the historic Whale‑Bone Inn, a 1920s‑style boutique hotel that now functions as the series’ “main house.”

Pro tip: book a room the night before you shoot or the next morning you’ll be treated to a sunrise coffee on the boardwalk, just like the series does with its “golden hour” scenes.

Hidden Beach Coves

Scattered along the shoreline are three tiny coves that appear in Episode 5’s beach picnic.

They’re marked on Google Maps as Fisher’s Cove, Seashell Point, and Driftwood Tide—each offers a different blend of white sand and rocky outcrops.

Bring a lightweight picnic blanket and a waterproof speaker; the sound of waves mixed with a lo‑fi beat will make you feel like you’re living inside the soundtrack.

Practical Arrival

The closest airport is Myrtle Beach International, about a 35‑minute drive from the set.

Rental cars are abundant, but if you’re traveling solo, the local Coastal Transit Company runs a bus every hour that drops you right at the inn’s front door.

Pack a hat, sunscreen, and a quick‑dry passport holder—remember, the show’s aesthetic thrives on “effortless chic” that looks good even in a light drizzle.

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Urban Blues

When the plot shifts to city life, the cameras capture the gritty elegance of Charlotte’s Uptown district—a real place that feels like a TV set without the red carpet.

The iconic Old Bell Tower (built in 1894) appears as the “town hall” where the characters debate their futures.

Fun fact: the tower’s bell was actually rung by the production crew to mark the end of each day’s shoot, giving the city a subtle, audible signature.

Street‑Food Hotspot

Just two blocks away, the Midtown Market hosts food trucks that deliver the same “bites of comfort” the series showcases.

Try the smoked brisket tacos and a splash of honey‑lime agua fresca—the flavors echo the characters’ {-s} mix of sweetness and spice.

Tip: arrive before 11 a.m. to snag the limited “director’s special” that chef Rafael Mendez creates exclusively for cast members.

Getting Around

Charlotte’s light rail is a game‑changer for visitors who prefer to avoid parking hassles.

Download the RideShare app before you land; it offers discounted fares during filming days, so you’ll feel like you’re on a secret timetable.

Remember, the show’s editors love a smooth transition from subway hum to city buzz, so you’ll hear that same rhythm if you ride the train.

The Summer I Turned Pretty Filming Locations (2022-)

Mountain Getaway

Later episodes swing up to the Blue Ridge Mountains, specifically the town of Asheville, North Carolina.

Here, the characters retreat to a cabin that’s actually a restored 1930s log lodge right on the edge of the park.

The deck offers a panoramic view of fog‑covered peaks that looks like a painting—perfect for those “reveal” moments the show loves.

Seasonal Appeal

Asheville’s fall foliage peaks in early October, a window the production team deliberately chose for color contrast.

If you visit during that time, you’ll notice the same amber hues that grace the‑in‑episode scenery, making your photos line up with screen stills.

Don’t forget to pack a lightweight rain jacket—mountain weather can flip from sunshine to a misty drizzle in minutes, just like the show’s plot twists.

Local Culture

North Carolina’s Appalachian music scene is a hidden jewel the series nods to with a background folk track.

Check out the Blue Ridge Folk Festival for live banjo and fiddle sessions that echo the soundtrack’s nostalgic feel.

Pairing a morning hike with an afternoon jam session will give you the same blend of adventure and leisure that the characters enjoy.

The Summer I Turned Pretty Filming Locations | Naked Grapefruit

Travel Hacks

The nearest airport is Charlotte Douglas, roughly 90 minutes by car to the mountain cabin.

Consider renting a compact SUV; the winding forest roads are best tackled with a vehicle that has both power and agility.

Set your phone’s navigation to “scenic route” mode to experience the same cinematic cuts the editors use when cutting between shots.

Fun Little Facts

During Episode 7, a brief cameo by a local fisherman turned out to be the show’s own sound designer, just taking a break.

The “Welcome” sign outside the coastal inn was hand‑painted by the lead set designer’s daughter, adding a personal touch you might spot if you look closely.

These tiny details remind us that the magic of location shooting often lies in the ordinary, everyday moments that become extraordinary on screen.

Reflection: Bringing the Screen into Everyday Life

When we map out a weekend getaway, it’s easy to slide into a routine, but the locations from The Summer I Turned Pretty show us that new places are just a few minutes away from our current mindset.

Whether you’re sipping coffee on a hidden cove, hopping a light rail, or hiking a misty ridge, you can borrow a bit of that on‑screen spontaneity to break up the monotony of daily life.

So next time you feel stuck, pull out a map, pick a spot that sparked a smile, and let the real‑world set the stage for your own story of summer turning into unforgettable moments.