I watched The Summer I Turned Pretty three times before I finally booked a trip to see Cousins Beach for myself.
Spoiler; it isn't real. But the places used to film it absolutely are, and they are easier to visit than you think.
In this guide, I'll show you the real towns, beaches, and streets where TSITP was filmed.
You'll get details on Wilmington, the beach scenes, season 3 spots, and tips for planning your own visit. I've been there, so this comes from real experience.
Where Is TSITP Filmed in Real Life?
Most of TSITP was filmed across coastal North Carolina, with Wilmington serving as the heart of production.
Cousins Beach itself is fictional, created by Jenny Han for her book series, but the real filming spots capture the same feel.
North Carolina was chosen for its wide sandy beaches, classic coastal homes, and friendly film tax credits.
The show was mainly shot in Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Southport.
Wrightsville Beach gets the most screen time with its soft sand, while Carolina Beach handles the boardwalk and arcade scenes fans love.
Wilmington, North Carolina: The Main TSITP Filming Location
Wilmington is the production hub for TSITP, hosting most cast scenes, sets, and city backdrops.
Why Wilmington Is Known as "Hollywood East"
Wilmington has been a film favorite since the 1980s. Shows like Dawson's Creek and One Tree Hill were shot here.
Locals are used to seeing camera trucks, and the city has full studio space at EUE/Screen Gems Studios.
Downtown Wilmington Filming Locations in TSITP
Downtown Wilmington appears in many city scenes. The riverfront, brick buildings, and old streets show up when characters walk around town.
Front Street and Water Street are the most filmed areas.
Famous TSITP Scenes Filmed Around Wilmington
Belly and Conrad's quieter moments, plus a few of Jeremiah's town scenes, were shot here. Some house interiors and the Fisher family's indoor sets were built inside Wilmington studios.
Restaurants, Shops, and Streets Featured in the Show
Several real cafés and shops appear on screen. The crew often dressed local storefronts to fit the Cousins Beach feel.
If you walk Front Street, you'll spot a few backgrounds you've seen before.
The Real Beaches Used as Cousins Beach
These three coastal towns combine to create the fictional Cousins Beach setting fans love.
Wrightsville Beach Filming Locations
Wrightsville Beach is the main stand-in for Cousins Beach. The morning runs, surf scenes, and beach walks were filmed along its shoreline.
Public access points make it easy to find the exact stretches used.
Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Beach Scenes
Carolina Beach Boardwalk shows up in arcade and night scenes. The lights, rides, and snack stands give it that classic summer feel. Britt's Donuts is right there if you go.
Kure Beach and Fort Fisher Filming Spots
Kure Beach and Fort Fisher were used for quieter beach moments. The pier and rocky areas appear in a few key shots. It's calmer here than Wrightsville.
Iconic Beach Moments Fans Will Recognize
The bonfire scenes, sunrise runs, and group beach days were filmed across these spots. When I visited Wrightsville, I recognized the dunes from the very first episode.
Most Famous TSITP Filming Locations Fans Can Visit
These spots are what fans search for most when planning a trip to see the show in real life.
The Fisher Family Beach House Location
The beach house exterior is a private home in the Wilmington area. Fans have located it, but it isn't open to visitors. Please respect the owners and view it only from public roads.
The Country Club and Debutante Ball Filming Spots
The country club scenes were filmed at a private club in the region. The ballroom moments used a mix of real venues and dressed sets inside Wilmington studios.
The Boardwalk, Arcade, and Volleyball Locations
The Carolina Beach Boardwalk handled arcade and game scenes. Beach volleyball was filmed on Wrightsville's open sand sections, which anyone can use during the day.
Brown University Campus Scenes Explained
Belly's college scenes were not filmed at the actual Brown University. The crew used campus-style buildings in North Carolina to match the look. Some shots may have been added with editing.
Belly's Prom and Wedding Filming Locations
Prom and wedding events used venues around Wilmington and nearby coastal towns. Some interiors were built on set, while exteriors used real buildings for a true feel.
TSITP Season 3 Filming Locations Explained
Season 3 added new locations across Wilmington, Wrightsville, and Southport for fresh story moments.
Oceanic Restaurant and Wrightsville Beach Scenes
The Oceanic Restaurant on Wrightsville Beach features in season 3. Its pier and ocean view make it perfect for romantic scenes. You can eat there and sit where the cast filmed.
Casa Blanca Coffee Roasters and Café Scenes
Casa Blanca Coffee Roasters in Wilmington appears in coffee and chat scenes. It's a real working café, and fans often stop in to grab a drink and look around.
Mayfaire Town Center Shopping Locations
Mayfaire Town Center hosts a few shopping moments. It's an open-air center with stores and restaurants, and it's easy to find your way around.
Wedding Weekend Filming Spots in Wilmington
The wedding weekend used several Wilmington venues. Some scenes mix real homes, hotels, and event spaces around the city to create a full event look.
Southport Locations Featured in Season 3
Southport, a small coastal town near Wilmington, appears in season 3. Its quiet streets and waterfront fit certain story moments well. It's worth a day trip if you go.
Can You Visit TSITP Filming Locations Today?
Yes, many TSITP spots are open to the public, but a few remain private property.
Public Beaches and Filming Spots Fans Can Visit
Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach Boardwalk, and Kure Beach are all open to visitors. You can walk the same sand, eat at the same spots, and take photos freely.
Restaurants, Cafés, and Boardwalks From the Show
Casa Blanca Coffee Roasters, Britt's Donuts, and the Oceanic Restaurant are all real places fans can visit. Britt's only takes cash, so plan ahead.
Private Properties Used During Filming
The beach house and a few other homes are private. Owners have asked fans not to knock or trespass. Please view from a respectful distance.
Best Places to Take TSITP-Inspired Photos
Wrightsville Beach at sunrise gives you that opening-scene feel. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk at night looks just like the show. Front Street in Wilmington works for downtown shots.
Tips for Visiting TSITP Filming Locations
These travel tips will help you plan a smooth trip to North Carolina's filming spots.
- The best time to visit is late spring through early fall for the best weather. Book hotels early since summer gets busy.
- Plan Your Tour by joining a local TSITP-themed tour or self-driving with a map of spots saved on your phone.
- Get Around Easy by renting a car since filming spots are spread out across different beach towns.
- Pack Smart with cash for small shops like Britt's Donuts, sunscreen for strong sun, and check tide times before photos.
- Bonus Spots Nearby include Dawson's Creek, One Tree Hill, and Outer Banks, all filmed in the same areas.
Conclusion
If you've made it this far, you're ready to plan your own TSITP visit. I remember walking Wrightsville Beach the first time and feeling like I'd stepped into the show.
It's that real. Pack a small bag, book a beach hotel, and take it slow.
Try a donut at Britt's, sit by the boardwalk at night, and watch the sunrise like Belly does. Have you been to any TSITP filming spots yet?
Drop your favorite in the comments or share this guide with a fellow fan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cousins Beach a real town?
No, Cousins Beach is fictional. The show was filmed in North Carolina coastal towns like Wrightsville Beach.
Where is the Fisher beach house in TSITP?
The beach house is a private home near Wilmington, North Carolina. It's not open to public visits.
Can fans visit TSITP filming locations?
Yes, many spots like Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach Boardwalk are public and easy to access.
Was TSITP filmed at Brown University?
No, the college scenes used campus-style buildings in North Carolina, not the real Brown University.
What's the best time to visit TSITP locations?
Late spring through early fall has the best weather, but summer crowds are heavier so book early.
