The Coastal Magic: Exploring ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Filming Locations
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Fans of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ are often left longing for a beach escape after watching the series unfold. The show, based on Jenny Han’s bestselling book trilogy, revolves around Isabel “Belly” Conklin (played by Lola Tung), who navigates love triangles during her summer visits to Cousins Beach. As the third and final season premiered on July 16, viewers are curious about the real-life locations that served as the backdrop for this captivating story.
Although Cousins Beach is a fictional setting, many of the filming locations for ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ are actual places that fans can visit. The series was primarily filmed in Wilmington, N.C., and surrounding beaches such as Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. Let’s delve into the enchanting filming locations that brought Belly’s story to life.
In the show’s pilot, we see Belly and her family stopping at a gas station before heading to the Fisher family home. This gas station, featured in ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty,’ is situated in Wilmington and also appeared in the film adaptation of Sarah Dessen’s novel, ‘Along for the Ride.’ The iconic scene where Belly’s family arrives at the Fisher home was shot at Porters Neck Plantation, a gated golf course community in Wilmington.
Cousins Beach, a central location in the series, was portrayed around Wilmington and its neighboring beaches. A notable scene where the “Entering Cousins Beach” sign is featured was actually filmed in Southport, not far from Wilmington. Various beach and bonfire scenes were shot at Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher, with Wrightsville Beach lending its charm to key moments like Belly and Jeremiah’s beach path.
The Fisher family beach house, a pivotal setting in the series, is located at Porters Neck Plantation. While exteriors were filmed at this idyllic location, interior shots were crafted on sound stages at Screen Gems Studio in Wilmington. The meticulous attention to detail in recreating the Fisher home, complete with a pool, dock, and stunning waterfront views, contributed to the series’ authentic Cape Cod vibe.
The show also features pivotal locations like the Cape Fear Country Club, which stands in for the Cousins Beach Country Club where Jeremiah and Steven work. While the club is members-only, visitors driving by can catch a glimpse of its elegant surroundings. Scenes set in a local bookstore, a boutique, a marina, a bus station, and a bar were all filmed in various spots around Wilmington, enriching the storytelling with diverse backdrops.
As ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ comes to a close with its third season, viewers can reflect on the captivating charm of its filming locations. From the quaint charm of bookshops to the bustling energy of the boardwalk, each spot adds depth to Belly’s coming-of-age journey. The series pays homage to the beauty of the North Carolina coast, inviting fans to explore the real-world settings that made the fictional world of Belly Conklin feel so vivid and enchanting.