The Summer I Turned Pretty Is Filmed Where

Okay, so you've binge-watched The Summer I Turned Pretty and now you're wondering where all those dreamy beach scenes come from? Don't worry — I've got you covered. Let's take a little virtual road trip together and figure out where the magic happens!

What's the Show All About?

Before we dive into locations, let's do a quick refresher. The Summer I Turned Pretty is based on Jenny Han's beloved book series about a girl who's growing up, falling in love, and navigating summer drama at a beautiful beach town. It's got everything you could want — heartbreak, romance, gorgeous sunsets, and friendships that make you want to call your best friend immediately.

The show follows Belly Concannon and her tangled love triangle with the brothers Jeremiah and Conrad. If you haven't watched it yet, spoiler alert: grab some tissues! You're going to need them.

So, Where Is It Actually Filmed?

Here's the fun part — the fictional town of 'Cousins' from the imagined village in the series. Well, if we're being honest, the show was primarily filmed in the beautiful state of North Carolina. Yep, you heard that right — not on a quaint L.I. shore, but on the striking southeastern coast of the Tar Heel State!

Wilmington, NC — The Heart of It All

Wilmington is where the crew set up shop for a huge chunk of filming. This charming port city is famous for its historic riverwalk, colorful buildings, and over 40 film productions that have chosen it as home. It's basically Hollywood's favorite neighbor on the East Coast.

With its stunning waterfront and quaint streets, Wilmington feels like a character in itself. You can almost feel the warm breeze and hear the sound of waves when you walk along its docks. It's the kind of place where you'd accidentally run into a movie star while grabbing ice cream.

The Idyllic Filming Locations From The Summer I Turned Pretty

Wrightsville Beach — The Real Star

Now, here's where things get really exciting — Wrightsville Beach. This gorgeous stretch of sand and surf is practically the main character of the show. You know those iconic scenes where Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah are hanging out by the water? That's Wrightsville in all its glory.

The pristine beaches, the laid-back surf vibes, and the cozy cottages make it the perfect stand-in for Cousins. Honestly, this place looks like it was designed for a teen romance. You half expect to see Belly running down the shore confessing her feelings.

Carolina Beach — The Supporting Star

Not to be left out, Carolina Beach also makes a cameo in the show! This beach town is known for its fun boardwalk, adorable shops, and family-friendly charm. If Wrightsville Beach is the star, Carolina Beach is the best supporting actor who somehow steals the show.

The breezy boardwalk and vintage aesthetic of Carolina Beach fit the show's nostalgic feels perfectly. It's the kind of place where summer never seems to end. Imagine sipping lemonade while pretending you're part of the beach house drama — sounds pretty perfect, right?

Where was The Summer I Turned Pretty shot? Revisiting key filming

Why North Carolina?

Great question! North Carolina has become a hot spot for film and TV production over the past few years. The state offers incredible tax incentives, a diverse variety of landscapes, and a mild climate that's perfect for shooting outdoor scenes. Basically, it's the whole package.

Wilmington especially has a thriving film industry and a wealth of local talent. From experienced crew members to supportive communities, it's a location that works really hard to welcome productions. It's like the state just opens its arms and says, "Come film here, we've got beautiful beaches and great history!"

Other Filming Details You'll Love

Some interior scenes and select exterior shots were filmed at studios and other controlled locations around the Wilmington area. The magical beach house where the families stay? That's a set that captures the show's core emotional energy beautifully. It feels so real that you'll want to book a vacation there the second the credits roll.

‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Filming Locations Revealed | ELLE

Also, few fans notice, there are late-night scenes that were carefully lit around specific local spots near the beach. The production team did an amazing job picking locations that feel both familiar and dreamy at the same time. It's like they waved a wand and turned the entire Carolina coast into a romantic movie.

Can You Visit These Spots?

Absolutely, yes! Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, and Carolina Beach are all open to visitors year-round. You can walk along the same coastline, explore those charming boardwalks, and soak up the exact same summer air that Belly and the gang experienced. It's an incredible experience for any fan of the series.

Many fans have already made pilgrimage trips to relive the show's best moments. You'll find Instagram waiting to saturate your camera roll with golden-hour shots. Pack your luggage, wear your favorite handmade lace dress, and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime!

So there you have it — your complete guide to where The Summer I Turned Pretty was filmed! From the vibrant streets of Wilmington to the sandy shores of Wrightsville Beach, every location adds that warm, nostalgic magic we all fell in love with. Life might not always give us perfect summer romances or picturesque beach houses, but spots like these remind us that beauty is closer than we think. Keep chasing sunsets, keep believing in happy endings, and know that your favorite summer story is waiting right around the corner. You've got this!