Cousins Beach: Uncovering The Truth Behind *The Summer I Turned Pretty*'s Iconic Setting

Have you, perhaps, found yourself dreaming of a perfect summer getaway, a place where sun-kissed days stretch into magical evenings, and every moment feels like it's pulled right from a storybook? For many, that dream location is, very much, Cousins Beach. It's the kind of place that captures your heart, the setting for so much warmth and, well, drama in the beloved series, *The Summer I Turned Pretty*. You might have seen Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah making memories there, and it's easy to wish you could just, you know, pack your bags and go.

This charming coastal town, as it appears on screen and in the books, seems like the ultimate summer escape. It’s a spot where friendships deepen, first loves bloom, and every sunset is a picture. The allure of Cousins Beach is, actually, quite powerful for anyone who has followed the story, making it feel almost like a real place you could visit, a place where you too could experience that special kind of summer magic.

But what if we told you there’s a bit more to Cousins Beach than meets the eye? Is this idyllic spot a real town you can put on your map, or is it, perhaps, something else entirely? We’re going to explore the fascinating truth behind this memorable location, looking at where the story truly takes place in your imagination and where the show, in fact, brought it to life.

Table of Contents

• What is Cousins Beach, Anyway?
  • The Heart of the Story
• Is Cousins Beach a Real Place?
  • The Fictional Dream
  • Real-World Inspiration
• Where Was *The Summer I Turned Pretty* Actually Filmed?
  • Wilmington and Its Beaches
  • Iconic Filming Spots You Might Recognize
• Why Cousins Beach Feels So Real
• Dreaming of Your Own Cousins Beach Summer
• Frequently Asked Questions About Cousins Beach

What is Cousins Beach, Anyway?

So, what exactly is Cousins Beach? In the world of Jenny Han’s popular book series and the hit Prime Video show, *The Summer I Turned Pretty*, Cousins Beach is a fictional coastal town. It’s meant to be in Massachusetts, a place where the main characters, the Conklins and the Fishers, spend their summers. This town, in the story, is the central spot for all the romantic drama and coming-of-age moments that Belly and the boys experience, you know, year after year.

It’s the kind of place that feels like a character in itself, really. The series often shows us golden hour boardwalk strolls, beach days, and cozy nights at the summer house. Cousins Beach is where Susannah’s summer house sits, a home that becomes a hub for both families. It’s also where Susannah’s best friend Laurel and her children, including Belly, gather. This setting is, in a way, almost as important as the people in the story, providing a backdrop for everything that unfolds.

The entire narrative of *The Summer I Turned Pretty* is, pretty much, anchored to this specific location. From Belly's first summer of change to the deep connections that form between the characters, it all happens within the bounds of this imagined beach town. It’s a place that holds a lot of memories for the characters, like Belly and Conrad's Christmas at Cousins Beach, which was shown in a special scene on Prime Video, just to give you an idea.

The Heart of the Story

Cousins Beach is not just a backdrop; it’s the very heart of the story. It’s where Belly, as Isabel Conklin, has visited every single summer of her life, and where she sees the world, in a way, begin to shift around her. The town and its beach are, quite simply, iconic in both the book series and the TV show. It’s where the main characters, Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah, sort of, grow up together, and where their relationships evolve from childhood friendships into something much more complex and, well, romantic.

The Cousins Beach Country Club, for example, plays a rather significant part throughout the series. It’s a place that provides summer jobs for the characters, and it even serves as the venue for Belly’s debutante ball. So, you see, the town isn't just about the beach; it's about the community and the traditions that shape the characters' lives. It’s a place that, honestly, feels very lived-in and real to anyone watching or reading.

Jenny Han, the author, created Cousins Beach as a place that, you know, feels like home for these characters. It’s a spot of comfort and familiarity, but also a place where big changes happen. The series, which debuted on Prime Video on June 17, really leans into the idyllic nature of this beach town, making viewers, more or less, fall in love with the setting just as much as they do with the characters and their stories.

Is Cousins Beach a Real Place?

Now, for the big question that, frankly, many romance lovers will be asking after watching *The Summer I Turned Pretty*: Is Cousins Beach a real place you can visit? Well, there’s, you know, good news and bad news on that front. It’s a common desire to want to step into the world of your favorite stories, especially when the setting seems so perfect and inviting. People often search for these places, hoping to experience a little bit of that magic for themselves.

The truth is, Cousins Beach, as it is portrayed in the books and the show, does not actually exist. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there is no Cousins Beach in Massachusetts that matches the description from the series. It’s a fictional creation, something dreamed up by Jenny Han to serve as an imaginary, yet very picturesque, backdrop to the love triangle that unfolds among Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah. So, in that sense, it’s not a place you can find on a map and just, you know, drive to.

However, the good news is that while the exact town of Cousins Beach isn't real, it is, in fact, inspired by several real places. And, perhaps even better, many of the places where *The Summer I Turned Pretty* was filmed are, truly, real locations that you can visit. So, while you might not find a sign that says "Welcome to Cousins Beach," you can certainly find spots that feel just like it, or, you know, were used to create that feeling on screen.

The Fictional Dream

Cousins Beach, in the *Summer I Turned Pretty* series, was, interestingly enough, written to be in the Cape Cod area. Jenny Han, who wrote much of the book series in Cape Cod, based Cousins Beach on a mix of real places. She drew inspiration from Cape Cod, the Hamptons, and even the Outer Banks. It makes sense, then, that it’s not a single real place; it’s a blend of elements that create this idyllic, somewhat perfect, coastal town in her imagination. It’s, in a way, the best of many worlds combined into one fictional spot.

This approach allows the setting to be, well, whatever the story needs it to be. It can have the charming, traditional feel of New England, which is where most of *The Summer I Turned Pretty* takes place, sticking with the book series. Yet, it also incorporates that broad, expansive beach vibe that you might find in other popular coastal destinations. It’s a testament to Han's storytelling that this fictional location feels so tangible and, you know, real to so many viewers and readers.

The idea of a private, perfect summer retreat, a place where two families vacation every year, is, honestly, a dream for many. The fact that Cousins Beach does not exist in reality, having been dreamed up by Han, allows it to remain that perfect, unspoiled fantasy. It's a place that exists in the heart of the story, and in the minds of everyone who falls for its charm. You can, in a way, almost feel the salty air and hear the waves just by thinking about it.

Real-World Inspiration

Even though Cousins Beach is fictional, it draws heavily from the atmosphere and look of real coastal towns. Jenny Han’s experience writing in Cape Cod, for instance, clearly shaped the feel of Cousins Beach. Cape Cod, with its charming towns, beautiful beaches, and distinct New England character, provided a strong foundation for the fictional setting. So, if you're looking for the *vibe* of Cousins Beach, you might, you know, find it there.

The Hamptons, on Long Island, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina also contributed to the inspiration. Each of these places offers a different facet of the coastal experience – from the more exclusive, manicured feel of the Hamptons to the wild, natural beauty of the Outer Banks. By combining these influences, Han created a setting that, in some respects, feels both familiar and uniquely special. It’s a clever way to build a world that resonates with a broad audience, really.

So, while you can’t book a trip to Cousins Beach itself, you can certainly visit places that share its spirit. Thinking about the blend of these inspirations helps you, you know, appreciate the thought that went into creating such a memorable location. It’s a reminder that even the most enchanting fictional worlds often have their roots in the beauty of the real world, just waiting to be discovered.

Where Was *The Summer I Turned Pretty* Actually Filmed?

Alright, so Cousins Beach isn't a real place in Massachusetts, but where did they actually film all those stunning scenes that made it look so real? This is where the good news comes in, for those hoping to get a glimpse of the show's world. The summer house, the beaches, the country club – these places exist, just not where the story says they do. The series, you know, really brought the fictional town to life in a different part of the country.

Most of *The Summer I Turned Pretty* was filmed in North Carolina, specifically in Wilmington and its surrounding areas. Wilmington, North Carolina, and its nearby beaches served as the primary filming locations. The Wilmington and Beaches website even details a few of the sites that were used to portray Cousins Beach. So, if you’re looking to visit the actual spots where Belly and Conrad walked, you’d be heading south, not to New England.

This choice of filming location allowed the production team to capture that idyllic, sun-drenched summer feeling that is so central to the series. Even though Cousins is said to have been inspired by the Cape Cod area, in real life, a majority of the stunning beach town scenes were filmed in Wilmington. It's a testament to how well they recreated the atmosphere, making you believe you're in Massachusetts when you're, you know, actually in North Carolina.

Wilmington and Its Beaches

Wilmington, North Carolina, is a vibrant coastal city, and it offers a variety of scenic spots that were perfect for bringing Cousins Beach to life. The filming took place across several of Wilmington’s beautiful beaches, including Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach. These beaches, with their wide stretches of sand and ocean views, provided the ideal backdrop for the show’s many outdoor scenes. You can, in fact, visit these places and walk where the characters did.

The decision to film in North Carolina, rather than trying to replicate the Cape Cod feel exactly, gave the show a certain visual warmth and, you know, a very specific kind of light. It’s a place that naturally exudes that summer vacation vibe. The production team really made use of the natural beauty of the area, from the golden hour boardwalk strolls to the sunny beach days. It's, honestly, quite impressive how they transformed these real locations into the fictional Cousins Beach.

So, if you’re planning a trip and want to experience a slice of *The Summer I Turned Pretty* in the real world, Wilmington and its surrounding beaches are, pretty much, your best bet. You can explore the areas that, you know, served as the visual foundation for Belly's unforgettable summers. It’s a fun way to connect with the series beyond just watching it on Prime Video.

Iconic Filming Spots You Might Recognize

Beyond the general beach scenes, several specific locations in Wilmington were used to portray key spots in Cousins Beach. For instance, the idyllic home that serves as the summer house in the series is, in real life, situated in Wilmington. While it’s the fictional town of Cousins Beach where the series says it’s located, the actual house is right there in North Carolina. This house is, arguably, one of the most recognizable settings in the entire show, so seeing it in real life would be, well, pretty cool.

The Waterstone community in Wilmington, North Carolina, is another area where filming took place. It’s inspired by and filmed in Wilmington, right where the Waterstone community calls home. This community likely provided some of the residential street scenes or perhaps even parts of the general town atmosphere. So, you know, the production really scattered its magic around the area to build the complete picture of Cousins Beach.

And, of course, the Cousins Beach Country Club, which is a main player throughout *The Summer I Turned Pretty* as a supplier of summer jobs and a venue for events, also has a real-world counterpart. While the show gives it the fictional name, the actual country club scenes were filmed at a real location in the Wilmington area. This attention to detail in finding real places that could stand in for the fictional ones is, frankly, what makes the show feel so immersive and, you know, believable.

Why Cousins Beach Feels So Real

Despite Cousins Beach being a fictional place, it feels incredibly real to viewers and readers, doesn't it? This sense of authenticity comes from a few different factors, really. First, Jenny Han’s writing, which was often done in Cape Cod, instilled the fictional town with a genuine coastal charm. She imbued it with details and emotions that make it feel lived-in and, well, very much like a place you could visit. It's that attention to emotional truth that, you know, makes it resonate so deeply.

Second, the show’s production team did an amazing job of choosing filming locations that perfectly captured the essence of what Cousins Beach was meant to be. By filming in Wilmington, North Carolina, and its surrounding beaches, they found places that naturally looked like the idyllic summer setting described in the books. The visual representation on Prime Video is, honestly, so convincing that it's easy to forget it's not a real place. The cinematography, the lighting, the way they framed the scenes – it all contributes to that feeling of reality.

Finally, the stories themselves, the experiences of Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah, are so relatable. The themes of first love, friendship, family bonds, and growing up during those special summer months are universal. When you combine a compelling narrative with a visually stunning and seemingly authentic setting, it creates a powerful illusion. You’re not just watching a show; you’re, in a way, almost experiencing that summer alongside the characters, making Cousins Beach feel like a place you’ve, you know, personally visited.

Dreaming of Your Own Cousins Beach Summer

So, while Cousins Beach itself might not appear on any map, the dream it represents is, very much, real. Many people will be dreaming about visiting Cousins Beach after watching *The Summer I Turned Pretty*, and that’s perfectly understandable. It’s a place that symbolizes the magic of summer, the bittersweetness of growing up, and the enduring power of family and first loves. It’s, in a way, the ultimate summer fantasy.

If you're looking to capture a bit of that Cousins Beach magic in your own life, you have a couple of options. You could, of course, visit the real-world filming locations in Wilmington, North Carolina, and its beautiful beaches. Exploring Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure beaches could give you a tangible connection to the show’s world. You might even find a spot that, you know, feels just like the one where Belly had her special moments.

Alternatively, you could seek out a charming coastal town that shares the spirit of Cousins Beach, whether it’s in Cape Cod, the Outer Banks, or any other beautiful beach destination. The essence of Cousins Beach is, after all, about the feelings it evokes: warmth, nostalgia, and the excitement of summer. So, even if the exact place doesn't exist, you can certainly create your own version of that unforgettable summer experience. Learn more about beach getaways on our site, and perhaps find your own perfect summer spot by checking out our guide to charming coastal towns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cousins Beach

Is Cousins Beach a real place from The Summer I Turned Pretty?

No, Cousins Beach is, actually, a fictional town. Jenny Han, the author of *The Summer I Turned Pretty* book series, created Cousins Beach as the main setting for her stories. It's a dreamy, imagined coastal town in Massachusetts, where the main characters spend their summers. So, you know, you won't find it on a real map, unfortunately.

Where is The Summer I Turned Pretty set?

The Summer I Turned Pretty is set in the fictional town of Cousins Beach, Massachusetts. In the book series by Jenny Han, most of the story takes place in New England, and Cousins Beach is written to be in the Cape Cod area. This is where the two families, the Conklins and the Fishers, vacation every year, and where Belly’s summer adventures unfold, you know, year after year.

Where was The Summer I Turned Pretty filmed?

Most of the scenes for *The Summer I Turned Pretty* were filmed in North Carolina, specifically in Wilmington and its surrounding beaches. This includes locations across Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure beaches. So, while the story is set in a fictional Massachusetts town, the actual filming took place in the beautiful coastal areas of North Carolina, giving it that, you know, very real summer look. For more details on Wilmington as a filming location, you might want to check out the Wilmington and Beaches website.