where is Cousins Beach
Are you ready to dive into the heart of Cousins Beach? If you have binge-watched The Summer I Turned Pretty, you have probably asked yourself, where is Cousins Beach? Is it a real place you can visit, or just a magical setting from the world of Jenny Han? This complete guide reveals the real-world filming locations of your favorite beach town and explores how the series brought this beloved summer paradise to life.
Where is Cousins Beach Set in the Show?
In Jenny Han’s universe, Cousins Beach is a fictional coastal town. While the story feels real, the location is deliberately vague. The series hints that it is in Massachusetts, near Cape Cod. A few clues, like references to “Good Morning, Massachusetts,” point to this New England setting . It is meant to feel like a classic East Coast summer escape.
Is Cousins Beach a Real Place?
No, Cousins Beach is not a real place you can find on a map. It is a fictional town created by author Jenny Han. However, the vibrant atmosphere and stunning scenery are very real and inspired by several famous beach destinations .
What Was the Inspiration for Cousins Beach?
The setting is a beautiful blend of cherished East Coast locations. Jenny Han described it as an amalgamation of all her favorite beaches. The primary inspirations include Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, the Hamptons, and Nags Head on the Outer Banks . She wanted it to feel familiar to everyone who has a special beach in their heart.
Where Was The Summer I Turned Pretty Filmed?
To answer your question where is Cousins Beach physically located in the real world, you have to travel to North Carolina. The series was primarily filmed in the historic port city of Wilmington and its surrounding beaches . This area provides the picturesque backdrop for the fictional beach town.
The Real Cousins Beach: Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington serves as the primary hub for the production. The showrunners chose the Cape Fear region for its diverse landscapes and charming coastal aesthetic. It provides the perfect canvas to create the Cape Cod-style look envisioned for the show . The film industry has a long history here, making it the perfect place to film The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach
The famous shoreline scenes were shot across a few different locations. Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach all stand in for Cousins Beach depending on the scene . This is where the magic happens; you can walk the same sandy shores as Belly and the Fisher brothers. Night beach shots and bonfire scenes were often filmed at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area .
The Fisher Family Beach House Location
If you are a true fan, you want to know where the iconic summer house is. The Fisher family beach house is a private residence located in a gated community called Porters Neck Plantation in Wilmington . Exterior shots of the house were filmed here. The interior, however, was built on a soundstage to accommodate filming .
Key Details Table
Here is a quick breakdown of the real locations used in the series:
Exploring the Real Filming Spots
For those looking to answer where is Cousins Beach in person, a road trip to North Carolina is the answer. You can visit the very spots where the romance and drama unfolded. Here are a few iconic locations to add to your itinerary:
- The “Entering Cousins Beach” Sign: This famous sign is not in Wilmington but in the nearby town of Southport. It is located near the Wilmington Cape Fear Pilots Association’s old lookout tower .
- Belly and Jeremiah’s Path: The lush, beautiful path Belly and Jeremiah run down in Season 1 is a famous public walkway at Wrightsville Beach .
- The Kissing Scene: The beloved season 1 finale kiss between Belly and Conrad was filmed at Wrightsville Beach .
- The Pier: The pier featured in Season 1, Episode 3, is the Crystal Pier at the south end of Wrightsville Beach .
The East Coast Charm and Cape Cod Influence
The production team worked hard to ensure the Wilmington area looked like a New England town. They paid attention to details like cedar shake siding on houses and planted beautiful hydrangeas everywhere, which are Susannah’s favorite flowers . This attention to detail is why the show’s aesthetic feels so distinct and cozy.
Why This Information Matters
Understanding the real-world geography adds a deeper layer of enjoyment to the series. When you know that Nags Head inspired the writing and Wilmington brought it to life, you appreciate the effort to build that world. Whether you are a fan of the books or the show, knowing where Cousins Beach comes from makes the story even more special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cousins Beach located in real life?
Cousins Beach is not a real town. It is a fictional place. The series is filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina, and its neighboring beaches, including Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach .
Can you visit the house from The Summer I Turned Pretty?
You can view the exterior of the house from the street. It is a private residence in the Porters Neck Plantation gated community in Wilmington. The interior was filmed on a soundstage and cannot be visited .
Is Cousins Beach in Massachusetts?
In the storyline, Cousins Beach is strongly implied to be located in Massachusetts, near Cape Cod. However, it was filmed in North Carolina for practical reasons .
What inspired Jenny Han to create Cousins Beach?
Jenny Han combined her memories of several beaches. The main inspirations are Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, the Hamptons, and Nags Head in the Outer Banks of North Carolina .
Is the Cousins Beach sign real?
The “Entering Cousins Beach” sign is a prop placed in Southport, North Carolina. You can visit the location near the old lookout tower, but the sign is often removed after filming .
What other shows were filmed in Wilmington?
Wilmington is a major hub for television. It was the home for iconic shows like Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill. More recently, it has hosted productions like The Waterfront .
Conclusion
So, where is Cousins Beach? It is a testament to the power of storytelling. It exists in the imagination, inspired by the beautiful East Coast of the United States. But if you want to walk the same shores as Belly and Conrad, pack your bags for the beaches of North Carolina. You can feel the warmth of the sun and the magic of the show by visiting the real filming locations in Wilmington and its surrounding beaches.
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