The Summer I Turned Pretty Location Guide
A dreamy travel guide to real-life filming locations from The Summer I Turned Pretty, from Cousins Beach to Isabel’s house and more.
If you’ve ever wished you could step into the dreamy world of The Summer I Turned Pretty, I’ve got good news—you totally can. While Cousins Beach may be fictional, the show was filmed in real towns you can actually visit! I recently went on a little filming location road trip and lived out my Belly Conklin summer dreams. Here’s your guide to the top filming spots from Seasons 1 and 2, what to expect at each, and how to plan your own Summer I Turned Pretty inspired getaway.
Watch my recap reel below:
Cousins Beach = Wilmington, North Carolina
First things first—there is no real "Cousins Beach" here, but most of the scenes that give off that breezy, coastal charm were filmed in and around Wilmington, North Carolina. It’s a beach town with major Nicholas Sparks energy (they also filmed One Tree Hill and Dawson’s Creek here!). Downtown Wilmington stands in for much of Cousins, including the Fourth of July parade and fair scenes.
Don’t Miss:
The Riverwalk – This is where Belly and Conrad have one of their most emotional walks.
Downtown Wilmington – Many small-town scenes, shops, and Whale of a Tale book signing was filmed in Papercut Books right downtown.
Isabel’s Beach House (aka “The Cousins House”)
Probably the most iconic location of all—the Fisher beach house. This dreamy oceanfront home is a private residence on Figure Eight Island, a gated community near Wilmington. You can’t visit the house unless you’re staying there (and rentals are $$$), but you can drive near the area or spot it from the water if you rent kayaks or do a boat tour.
Insider Tip: If you’re dying to see it IRL, head to Porters Neck or Figure Eight Island bridges for a distant view. Respect the residents—no trespassing!
Azalea Inn Motel – The Breakup Scene
One of the most unforgettable scenes from Season 2 takes place right here: The Azalea Inn Motel in Wilmington. This is where Belly breaks things off with Conrad and finally chooses Jeremiah—cue the tears and Taylor Swift soundtrack.
It’s a real, budget-friendly roadside motel you can actually visit (or at least snap a photo in front of). If you're a superfan, this spot hits hard. The parking lot, the door, the whole vibe—it’s exactly as it was on screen.
Location: 3716 Market St, Wilmington, NC
Tip: It’s still an operational motel, so be respectful if you're visiting for photos.
The Country Club & Debutante Ball Scenes
The glam scenes from Season 1’s Deb Ball were filmed at Cape Fear Country Club, a real and active club in Wilmington. It’s private, so you can’t tour inside, but the exterior is just as dreamy if you want a quick photo op outside the gates.
In Season 2, some of the Deb scenes move to new venues like Wrightsville Manor for parties and flashbacks!
Jeremiah & Conrad’s School
Remember Finch Academy from Season 2? That prep school with all the drama? It was filmed at Cape Fear Academy, a real school in the area. Again, you can’t tour the grounds, but it’s fun to know where those scenes were shot!
Boardwalk & Carnival Scenes
The dreamy carnival where Belly and Conrad have their slow-dance moment under the lights? That was filmed at Carolina Beach Boardwalk. This is one of the most visitable filming locations and has all the nostalgic charm—think funnel cake stands, Ferris wheels, and arcade games.
Tip: Go around golden hour for the best photos and vintage boardwalk vibes.
Cousins Beach Club
The pool scenes and volleyball tournaments from Season 2 were filmed at Wrightsville Beach, about 20 minutes from downtown Wilmington. You’ll spot familiar dunes and walkways that look straight out of the show. Pack a beach blanket and spend a day soaking it all in!
Where to Stay
If you're planning a trip, downtown Wilmington is super walkable with lots of restaurants, shops, and boutique hotels (check out The Hive or ARRIVE Wilmington). For a beachier vibe, stay near Wrightsville Beach or even explore Southport, where they filmed Safe Haven! We stayed at the Verandas Bed & Breakfast and loved everything about it.
Final Tips for Your Cousins Beach Trip
Summer is peak filming time for most shows—you might even spot a production if you go during filming months like “Waterfront.”
Respect private properties (especially the Cousins house).
Whether you're a Team Conrad, Team Jeremiah, or just Team Belly living her best life, these real-life filming locations let you step into the TSITP universe for yourself.
xoxo,
Claire
