Where Was *The Summer I Turned Pretty* Filmed? A Complete Guide To The Real-Life Filming Locations

Have you ever wondered where the dreamy beach scenes from *The Summer I Turned Pretty* were actually shot? You're not alone. Fans across the globe have been captivated not only by the coming-of-age storyline, but also by the sun-soaked, coastal setting that feels like a vacation in itself. So, where exactly was *The Summer I Turned Pretty* filmed? The answer might surprise you — it wasn’t filmed in Cape Cod, even though the book was inspired by that area. Instead, most of the show was filmed in the sunny, picturesque town of Wilmington, North Carolina.

Wilmington has long been a popular filming destination, known for its coastal charm, affordable production costs, and a wide array of scenic backdrops. For *The Summer I Turned Pretty*, it provided the perfect stand-in for the fictional town of Cousins Beach, where much of the drama unfolds. From sandy beaches to charming homes and bustling college campuses, the show’s production team transformed real North Carolina locations into the heart of the story.

Whether you're a die-hard fan of the show or just curious about where your favorite scenes were shot, this guide will walk you through all the key filming spots, the behind-the-scenes details, and what makes Wilmington such a go-to destination for filmmakers. So, grab your sunglasses and let’s take a look at where *The Summer I Turned Pretty* was filmed.

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Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Main Filming Locations
• The Fisher Family Home
• College Scenes and Finch College
• Beach Scenes and Coastal Charm
• What to Expect in Season 3
• Why Wilmington, North Carolina?
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Main Filming Locations of *The Summer I Turned Pretty*

So, where was *The Summer I Turned Pretty* filmed exactly? The majority of the series, including both Season 1 and Season 2, was shot in and around Wilmington, North Carolina. This coastal city has become a major hub for television and film production, offering a variety of landscapes that range from bustling urban streets to serene beachfronts.

Key areas in and around Wilmington that served as filming locations include:

• Carolina Beach
• Wrightsville Beach
• Kure Beach
• Southport
• Fort Fisher
• Downtown Wilmington

Each of these spots brought something special to the show. Carolina Beach, for example, offered a laid-back, small-town vibe that perfectly matched the fictional Cousins Beach. Wrightsville Beach was used for many of the beach scenes, thanks to its wide, sandy shores and calm waters. Kure Beach brought a bit of history and old-world charm to the mix, while Fort Fisher offered a more rugged, natural setting.

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Wilmington itself, with its historic downtown area and varied architecture, was a versatile backdrop for both everyday scenes and more dramatic moments. The production team also utilized local businesses, homes, and public spaces to create an authentic feel for the show.

The Fisher Family Home and Set Design

One of the most iconic spots in the series is the Fisher family beach house, where a lot of the show’s emotional and family-centric moments take place. The house is supposed to be in Cousins Beach, but in reality, it was built or adapted from an existing location in the Wilmington area.

Set decorator Beth Robinson shared that the interiors were carefully designed to reflect the coastal lifestyle, with light colors, natural textures, and open spaces that let the ocean breeze in — literally and figuratively. The design was meant to evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia, which is exactly what viewers felt while watching the characters interact in that space.

While the exact location of the house isn’t publicly listed, fans have speculated that it may have been shot in one of the more upscale neighborhoods near the beach. The exterior shots were likely captured in a private residence or a custom-built set that mimicked the look of a classic beach home.

College Scenes and Finch College

In the show, Belly’s older brother Steven is attending Finch College, and later on, Belly herself starts exploring college options. While the fictional college is called Finch College, the actual scenes were filmed at real institutions in North Carolina.

For Season 1 and 2, college scenes were shot at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, a public university with a scenic campus near the coast. The university’s architecture, tree-lined paths, and open spaces gave the show a fresh, academic vibe that fit right in with the storyline.

For Season 3, the production team reportedly returned to the area, filming more Finch College scenes in and around Wilmington. The exact locations are yet to be fully disclosed, but fans are already speculating which buildings and courtyards will appear in the upcoming episodes.

Beach Scenes and Coastal Charm

Let’s talk about the beaches — because, well, they’re the star of the show. The beach scenes in *The Summer I Turned Pretty* were primarily filmed in Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach, each offering a slightly different vibe.

Wrightsville Beach, with its calm waters and soft sand, was the go-to spot for many of the daytime scenes. It’s also one of the most accessible beaches in the area, making it ideal for filming with large crews and equipment. Kure Beach, on the other hand, provided a more rustic, natural setting, perfect for those quieter, reflective moments.

Carolina Beach brought a lively energy to the show, with its boardwalk, restaurants, and local shops. Some of the more social scenes — like the bonfire party — were shot here, capturing the fun and excitement of a summer vacation.

The production team even used Fort Fisher State Recreation Area for some of the more dramatic and adventurous moments, including scenes that involved kayaking, hiking, or exploring the coastline. The variety of settings allowed the show to showcase different aspects of beach life, from relaxation to action-packed fun.

What to Expect in Season 3

Season 3 of *The Summer I Turned Pretty* is currently in production, and fans are eager to see what new locations will be featured. According to reports, filming for Season 3 kicked off in 2024, once again centered around Wilmington and the surrounding coastal areas.

While specific details are still under wraps, it’s likely that the production team will continue using many of the same beaches, neighborhoods, and campuses from previous seasons. However, there may be some new spots introduced as the characters explore new adventures and settings.

One thing’s for sure — the show will continue to highlight the beauty of North Carolina’s coastline, offering viewers a visual treat that’s as much a part of the story as the characters themselves.

Why Wilmington, North Carolina?

So, why exactly was *The Summer I Turned Pretty* filmed in Wilmington? There are several reasons this coastal city has become a hotspot for TV and film production.

First, it offers a diverse range of landscapes — from urban settings to rural towns, from bustling downtown areas to quiet beachfronts. Second, the local government and film office are very supportive of production efforts, offering incentives and streamlined processes for filming.

Wilmington also has a long history with the entertainment industry. It’s home to EUE/Screen Gems Studios, a major production facility that has hosted everything from big-budget movies to hit TV shows. This infrastructure makes it easier for production companies to set up shop, hire local crews, and shoot efficiently.

Finally, the cost of filming in North Carolina is often more affordable than in other major hubs like California or New York, making it an attractive option for producers looking to maximize their budget without compromising on visual quality.

It’s no wonder *The Summer I Turned Pretty* chose Wilmington as its home — it’s got everything a production team could ask for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Was *The Summer I Turned Pretty* filmed in Cape Cod?

No, even though the book series was inspired by Cape Cod, the actual filming of *The Summer I Turned Pretty* took place in Wilmington, North Carolina. The show uses the fictional town of Cousins Beach as its setting, but all the filming locations are real places in and around Wilmington.

Where can I visit the filming locations from *The Summer I Turned Pretty*?

You can visit many of the filming spots in and around Wilmington, including Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and parts of Southport. Some scenes were also shot at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and in historic downtown areas. Just keep in mind that private property and active filming sets might not be open to the public.

Will Season 3 of *The Summer I Turned Pretty* be filmed in the same locations?

Yes, Season 3 was filmed in and around Wilmington, North Carolina, just like the previous seasons. Filming locations included beaches, neighborhoods, and university campuses in the area. Specific details about new spots will likely be revealed closer to the release.

Want to explore more about the show’s filming spots or behind-the-scenes details? Check out our other articles to learn more about The Summer I Turned Pretty and where it all came together. You can also learn more about the show’s production and cast right here on our site.