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Let’s get straight to it. If you’ve been captivated by the coastal charm of Cousins Beach from The Summer I Turned Pretty, you might be wondering where this idyllic spot actually is. The straightforward answer is: Cousins Beach isn’t a real place you can point to on a map. It’s a fictional setting, crafted by author Jenny Han for her popular book trilogy and subsequently brought to life for the Amazon Prime Video series.

While Cousins Beach might not exist in our physical world, its fictional presence is deeply felt by fans. Han intentionally created a setting that embodies the quintessential East Coast summer experience, drawing on a medley of influences to forge a place that feels incredibly tangible and nostalgic. It’s designed to evoke a specific feeling, rather than replicate a particular town.

The Power of Fictional Locale

Fictional locations often serve as much more than just backdrops; they become characters in their own right. Cousins Beach is a prime example. The setting’s charm, its traditions, and its role in the characters’ lives are central to the narrative. It’s a place of first loves, heartbreaks, triumphs, and profound emotional growth, making its “existence” very real to the audience.

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The Real-World Inspirations for Cousins Beach

Despite its fictional status, Cousins Beach is clearly inspired by actual coastal towns. Jenny Han, like many authors, pulls from her own experiences and observations to build her worlds. The vibe of Cousins Beach is a blend of various real places, primarily along the East Coast of the United States.

East Coast Summer Vibes

If you’ve spent any time on the beaches of the mid-Atlantic or New England, you’ll recognize elements of Cousins Beach. Think of places known for their long, sandy stretches, charming boardwalks, colorful beach houses, and a slightly old-fashioned, family-oriented atmosphere. These are the kinds of places where generations return year after year, forming deep roots and traditions.

Specific Regional Influences

While Han hasn’t pinpointed one single town, the general consensus among fans and geographical sleuths points to areas like the Hamptons in Long Island, NY, or certain towns along the New Jersey or Delaware coast. These regions are synonymous with affluent, vacation-centric communities that often feature private beach clubs, boutique shops, and a more refined coastal aesthetic.

Where The Summer I Turned Pretty Was Actually Filmed

Even though Cousins Beach itself is fictional, the television series needed real places to film. The production team scouted locations that could authentically capture the essence of what Jenny Han imagined, creating a visual counterpart to her written world.

Wilmington, North Carolina: The Primary Filming Hub

The bulk of the filming for The Summer I Turned Pretty took place in and around Wilmington, North Carolina. This city and its surrounding beaches offered the diverse range of settings needed to bring Cousins Beach to life, from grand beach houses to local hangouts. Wilmington has a robust film industry infrastructure, which also makes it a practical choice for productions.

Carolina Beach and Kure Beach: The Coastal Landscapes

Much of the actual beach scenery was filmed at Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, both located a short drive from Wilmington. These beaches provide the classic East Coast aesthetic: wide, sandy shores, oceanfront properties, and piers. The pastel-colored houses, gentle waves, and laid-back atmosphere of these towns perfectly replicate the fictional Cousins Beach.

The Iconic Beach House

The Fisher family’s iconic beach house, a central element of the series, is a private residence located in the Wilmington area. Its charming architecture and prime oceanfront location make it instantly recognizable to fans. While it’s not open to the public, its presence in the series solidifies the visual identity of Cousins Beach.

Other North Carolina Locations

Beyond the immediate coastal areas, other parts of Wilmington and its vicinity were used for various scenes. This includes commercial districts for shopping scenes, local restaurants and cafes, and other community spaces that contribute to the small-town feel of Cousins Beach. The production team did a thorough job of finding locations that could believably represent a cohesive, albeit fictional, environment.

The Yacht Club and Country Club

Scenes depicting the Cousins Beach Yacht Club or a similar country club environment were likely filmed at existing clubs or private venues in the Wilmington area that could offer the necessary amenities and ambiance. These locations help establish the social fabric of Cousins Beach, portraying it as a place where families have established traditions and networks.

The Allure of Cousins Beach: Why It Resonates

The appeal of Cousins Beach extends beyond its aesthetic. It’s a place that taps into universal desires for community, belonging, and the particular magic of summer. Its fictional nature doesn’t detract from its impact; if anything, it enhances it by allowing viewers and readers to project their own ideal summer experiences onto its canvas.

Nostalgia and Idealism

Cousins Beach often represents an idealized version of summer, particularly for young adults. It’s a time of freedom, fewer responsibilities, and intense emotional experiences. For many, it evokes a sense of nostalgia for their own formative summers or a longing for such an experience. This idealistic portrayal is a significant part of its charm.

A Sense of Tradition and Permanence

The series emphasizes the generational ties to Cousins Beach. The Fisher and Conklin families have been spending summers there for decades, creating a strong sense of tradition and permanence. In an increasingly transient world, the idea of a fixed, beloved place where memories are made year after year is deeply appealing.

Escapism

Ultimately, Cousins Beach offers a form of escapism. It’s a world where the biggest concerns seem to revolve around friendships, first loves, and family dynamics, set against a beautiful, calming backdrop. This allows audiences to immerse themselves in a simpler, more emotionally charged existence, away from the complexities of everyday life.

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How to Experience Your Own “Cousins Beach” Summer

While you can’t book a trip to Cousins Beach, you can certainly seek out places that offer a similar experience. The key is to look for coastal towns that embody the spirit of community, relaxation, and classic summer fun.

Focus on East Coast Destinations

If you’re aiming for accuracy to the show’s inspiration, consider towns on the East Coast of the US.

The Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks offers a string of barrier islands with distinct characters, from the historical charm of Corolla to the lively atmosphere of Nags Head. You’ll find plenty of large rental homes, beautiful beaches, and a strong family-vacation vibe, similar to what’s portrayed in Cousins Beach.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Further north, Cape Cod embodies a quintessential New England summer. Think quaint villages, clam shacks, historic lighthouses, and a more rugged, yet still charming, coastline. It has a slightly different feel but still captures the multi-generational summer tradition.

Delaware and Maryland Beaches

Towns like Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, or Ocean City, Maryland, offer vibrant boardwalks, a wide array of rental properties, and a long history as popular summer destinations for East Coast families. These places often have the same blend of casual beach fun and more refined dining and shopping options.

Seek Out Specific Elements

When planning your own Cousins Beach-esque getaway, consider what specific aspects of the fictional town appeal to you most.

Rent a Beach House

A core element of Cousins Beach is the large family beach house. Opting for a vacation rental, especially an oceanfront one, can provide that communal living experience crucial to the show’s atmosphere. This often means having shared meals, movie nights, and easy access to the beach.

Embrace Local Traditions

Many coastal towns have their own unique traditions, from local festivals to favorite ice cream shops or seafood restaurants. Immerse yourself in these to create your own sense of local belonging, similar to how the characters in The Summer I Turned Pretty participate in Cousins Beach traditions.

Prioritize Relaxation and Connection

At its heart, Cousins Beach is about family, friendship, and personal growth. Whatever destination you choose, try to foster an environment of relaxation, quality time with loved ones, and opportunities for self-discovery and new experiences. This could involve limiting screen time, engaging in outdoor activities like swimming or surfing, or simply enjoying leisurely conversations on a porch.

While the exact coordinates of Cousins Beach remain in the realm of fiction, its spirit is clearly alive and well in numerous real-world coastal communities, particularly along the East Coast. The magic isn’t solely in the place, but in the memories and moments created there.