15+ Secret Filming Locations: Where Is ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Actually Filmed? (2025 Update)

Every summer has a story, but Belly Conklin's story has a very specific, real-world setting. If you’ve been dreaming of visiting the idyllic, sun-drenched shores of Cousins Beach, you're not alone. As of late 2024 and early 2025, with production wrapping up on the highly anticipated third and final season, fans are more curious than ever about the actual places that bring Jenny Han's beloved trilogy to life. The truth is, while Cousins Beach is a beautiful figment of the imagination, the show is filmed in a vibrant, coastal region that you can actually visit, offering a perfect blend of fictional charm and real-life Southern hospitality.

The core of the show’s enchanting backdrop is centered on a specific coastal city in the United States, which has doubled for the fictional New England town across all three seasons. This comprehensive guide reveals the exact spots—from the iconic Fisher beach house to new, exciting locations introduced in Season 3—so you can plan your ultimate TSITP pilgrimage, including a shocking international twist for the final episodes.

The Real-Life Cousins Beach: Wilmington, North Carolina, and Beyond

The magical, fictional world of Cousins Beach is primarily brought to life by the stunning coastal scenery and charming small-town feel of the Greater Wilmington, North Carolina, area. This region, known as the Cape Fear Coast, provides the perfect blend of picturesque beaches, historic downtown areas, and affluent residential communities that stand in for the affluent New England setting described in the books. The continuity across all seasons is a testament to the area's versatility and beauty.

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The Iconic Fisher Family Beach House and Country Club

The most recognizable and central location in the series is the sprawling, luxurious Fisher family beach house. While its interior scenes are often shot on sound stages at Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, the exterior is a very real, private residence.

• The Fisher House Exterior: The colossal beach house is located within a private, gated golf course community in Wilmington, North Carolina. It is not publicly accessible, maintaining the exclusivity of the Fisher and Conklin families' summer haven.
• The Country Club: Many key dramatic and social scenes, including the debutante ball preparations and other lavish events, take place at the local country club. The production has frequently utilized the Cape Fear Country Club—the oldest private golf club in North Carolina—and Porters Neck Country Club for these stunning shots.

The Beaches, Boardwalks, and Coastal Towns

Cousins Beach is a composite of several real-life coastal destinations near Wilmington. Fans can visit these spots to truly walk in Belly's shoes.

• Wrightsville Beach: This is a primary filming location for many of the general beach and ocean scenes. Its pristine sands and classic Carolina pier often provide the backdrop for Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah’s beach days.
• Carolina Beach and Kure Beach: These nearby beaches are also used to capture the quintessential summer atmosphere, providing a variety of coastal landscapes and local color.
• Downtown Wilmington: The historic downtown area often serves as the "main street" of Cousins Beach. Specific locations include:
  • Papercut Books: This real-life bookstore was featured in Season 2, showcasing the charming, literary side of the town.
  • Bespoke Coffee: A popular downtown spot where Belly and Taylor were seen sipping iced lattes and catching up in the newly filmed Season 3.
  • Amuzu Theatre and Port City Java: These local businesses were visible in various scenes, adding to the town’s authentic feel.
• Old River Farms (Burgaw, NC): The charming farm stand where Belly and Jeremiah made an impromptu stop for pie was filmed at this real-life location in Burgaw, North Carolina, just outside of Wilmington.

Season 3's New and Surprising Locations (2024–2025 Filming)

The final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, which is expected to premiere in July 2025, expands the world far beyond the familiar shores of Cousins Beach. The production team ventured into new territory, both geographically and thematically, to adapt the final book in Jenny Han's trilogy, We'll Always Have Summer.

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Finch College: The Academic Setting

In Season 3, the characters transition into their college lives, bringing a new, prominent location into the storyline: Finch College.

• UNC-Chapel Hill: The prestigious University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was used to represent the fictional Finch College. This real-life university features prominently in the new season, providing a stark contrast to the beach setting.

The International Twist: Paris, France

Perhaps the most unexpected and exciting new filming location for Season 3 is Paris. In a significant departure from the coastal North Carolina setting, the cast and crew were spotted filming in the City of Love in late 2024.

• 11th Arrondissement Cafe: Filming took place at a cafe in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. Reports indicate the use of fake snow during the shoot, suggesting a winter or holiday-themed scene. This international setting is a major clue for fans of the book series, hinting at a pivotal storyline involving Belly's journey.

The inclusion of Paris suggests a major turning point in Belly's story, moving away from the familiar comfort of the beach house and into a new, cosmopolitan environment.

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Planning Your TSITP Fan Tour: Essential Locations

While you can't access the private Fisher family house, the majority of the show's most beloved scenes were shot in publicly accessible areas. A true TSITP fan tour should focus on the following real-life entities to capture the spirit of Cousins Beach.

Top 5 Must-Visit TSITP Locations in Wilmington, NC:

1. Wrightsville Beach: Spend a day on the sand where Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah shared their most memorable summer moments.
2. Downtown Wilmington Waterfront: Stroll the historic streets and boardwalks that serve as the town center, and grab a coffee at Bespoke Coffee.
3. Old River Farms (Burgaw): Visit the farm for a photo opportunity at the location of Belly and Jeremiah’s famous pie stop.
4. Mayfaire Town Center: This shopping area was used for scenes involving shopping and casual outings, providing a modern contrast to the historic downtown.
5. UNC-Chapel Hill Campus: If you're a fan of the college storyline, a visit to the campus that doubles as Finch College is essential to see the new academic backdrop.

The Wilmington area has embraced its role as the real-life Cousins Beach, offering fans a unique opportunity to step directly into the world of The Summer I Turned Pretty. The blend of stunning beaches, charming historic districts, and the excitement of new locations like Paris and UNC-Chapel Hill for Season 3 ensures that the show's setting remains as captivating as its love triangle.