Where Is The Beach In The Summer I Turned Pretty

So there I am, halfway through The Summer I Turned Pretty, scrolling through scenes of sandy feet, golden sunsets, and that iconic porch, when my brain suddenly asks a very simple question: Wait, where is that beach, actually? I mean, obviously it's not real — it's just a show, right? But the cringy truth is that I pulled up Google Maps before I even paused the episode.

You know that moment when you get a little too invested in a fictional world? Yeah, congratulations, you just became one of those people who "Googles TV filming locations" for fun. I see you. No judgment here — I've done it too.

The Fictional Beach: Cousins Beach

First, let's talk about the place that doesn't exist. In the world of Jenny Han's beloved story, the characters head to a spot called Cousins Beach. It's the kind of name that screams "cozy small-town vibes" and "someone's grandma lived here forever."

Cousins Beach is where Belly, Conrad, Steven, Jayla, and the whole gang spend their summers at the Fisher family beach house. Think dusty cottage, creaky porch, and more emotional turmoil than a reality show reunion. It's gorgeous on screen, but you won't find it on any travel itinerary.

So if you're planning a summer trip inspired by the show (we've all been there), you'll need to look elsewhere. And yes, I'm sounding like a travel blogger now. Bear with me.

The Real Beach: Where Cameras Actually Pointed

Here comes the fun part. The actual filming took place mainly in Southport, North Carolina. For those unfamiliar, Southport is a charming coastal town that basically is your Pinterest board for "Nostalgic Summer Dreams."

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Southport has the old-town waterfront, tree-lined streets, and those little wooden docks that look like they belong in a Hallmark movie. Filmmakers clearly fell in love with it — and honestly, so would you.

But wait, there's more. Some beach scenes and exterior shots were also filmed on Seabird Island, an actual island in British Columbia, Canada, near Vancouver. Plot twist! Canada gave you your perfect summer aesthetic. Who knew?

Why Southport Works So Well

Southport checks every box you'd want for a story about teen summer romance. It has that quiet, timeless feel where you could genuinely imagine someone confessing their feelings on a dock at sunset.

The architecture is old and pretty, the light hits the water beautifully, and the town itself feels like it stopped in time around 1998. It's the kind of place where drama feels poetic instead of just annoying.

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Productions also chose it partly because of tax incentives in North Carolina. So yes, even your favorite show has a financial side. Capitalism ruins everything, even Cousins Beach. Kidding. Mostly.

Why Seabird Island Makes Sense Too

Seabird Island brings that rugged, Pacific Northwest energy to the beach scenes. It looks wilder, greener, and a little moodier than a typical East Coast beach. For fans of Conrad's brooding "I have feelings but I won't share them" energy, the setting fits perfectly.

The combination of these two locations makes the show feel larger than life — almost like Cousins Beach exists in some lush, impossible geography that only Hollywood can assemble.

And honestly? That's the magic of filmmaking. A beach in one state, an island in another country, and somehow you never notice the seams.

Where Is Cousins Beach In The Summer I Turned Pretty? Filming Locations

So, Should You Go?

If you're dying to walk in the characters' fictional footsteps, Southport is your best bet. You won't find Conrad sulking on the steps, but you'll find the same atmosphere that made the show feel like a love letter to summers.

Seabird Island is harder to visit casually — it's remote and mostly a production site — but the drive through British Columbia's coast is its own reward.

And if all else fails, just rewatch the first season and squint your eyes at any beach scene. Close enough.

Next time someone asks where Cousins Beach really is, you can say: "Come on, it's Southport meets British Columbia — the most confused beach in television history." Start feeling smart. Then hope nobody asks follow-up questions.