where is cousins beach
The question “where is Cousins Beach” has been on the minds of countless fans since they first watched Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah’s summer unfold on screen. The idyllic coastal town serves as the perfect backdrop for the drama, romance, and nostalgia of The Summer I Turned Pretty. But if you are planning a trip to visit this picturesque destination, you might be surprised to learn that the answer is not as straightforward as you might think. This article will explore the real-life inspiration, the filming locations, and the fictional setting of Cousins Beach to give you the complete picture.
Is Cousins Beach a Real Place?
The short answer to the question “where is Cousins Beach” is that it does not exist on any map. Cousins Beach is a fictional town created by author Jenny Han for her bestselling book series. While it feels incredibly real and draws you into its world of beachy summers and first loves, you will not find it listed as a town in Massachusetts or any other state. Jenny Han invented the town to serve as the summer home for the Fisher family and the backdrop for Belly’s coming-of-age story. The good news is that while the town itself is fictional, the places that inspired it and the locations used to film it are very real and open for you to visit.
Where Is Cousins Beach Supposed to Be in the Story?
In Jenny Han’s novels, Cousins Beach is located on the coast of Massachusetts. The books describe it as a classic New England summer destination, a place where families return year after year for sun, sand, and tradition. This placement is significant because it evokes a specific feeling of privilege, tradition, and lazy summer days. Author Jenny Han has cited several real-world locations in Massachusetts as her primary inspiration for the fictional town. She has mentioned Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket as the aesthetic and cultural touchstones for Cousins Beach. These are the places she envisioned when she was writing about Belly’s summers by the sea.
What Inspired the Creation of Cousins Beach?
While the primary question remains “where is Cousins Beach” in a literal sense, understanding its inspiration is key to its magic. Beyond the Massachusetts coast, Jenny Han also drew inspiration from other iconic East Coast summer destinations. She has cited The Hamptons on Long Island, New York, as another influence. Furthermore, the Outer Banks of North Carolina also served as a muse for the idyllic setting. This blend of influences created a composite location that feels both nostalgic and universally appealing. It is a place that many people can relate to, whether they have spent summers on the Cape, in the Hamptons, or along the Carolina coast. The author masterfully combined these elements to create a setting that feels like a cherished memory, even for those who have never been there.
Where Is Cousins Beach Filmed?
This is where the question “where is Cousins Beach” gets a definitive answer. While the story is set in Massachusetts, the television series adaptation on Amazon Prime Video is primarily filmed in North Carolina. The production team chose the coastal city of Wilmington and its surrounding beaches to bring Cousins Beach to life. Wilmington is a popular filming destination, having previously served as the backdrop for other iconic teen dramas like Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill. This choice was not only practical but also aesthetic, as the North Carolina coast provides the warm, sunny, and picturesque landscapes that fans have come to associate with the show.
The Specific Beaches That Stand In for Cousins Beach
Several specific locations in and around Wilmington are used to create the look of Cousins Beach on screen. If you are trying to figure out where is Cousins Beach in the real world, you should look to these stunning North Carolina beaches.
- Wrightsville Beach: This beach is one of the primary locations used for filming. The path that Belly and Jeremiah take from the summer house to the beach in Season 1 was filmed here.
- Carolina Beach: Another key filming location, Carolina Beach provides the classic boardwalk and sandy shores that define the Cousins Beach aesthetic.
- Kure Beach: This beach, along with the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, is often used for nighttime scenes and bonfires. [INTERNAL LINK: related topic]
These three beaches, along with other spots like Southport and Porters Neck Country Club, are the answer to the question of where is Cousins Beach in reality.
Other Filming Locations You Can Visit
Beyond the beaches, other recognizable spots from the show are located in and around Wilmington. The iconic beach house, which is central to the story, is a real property. Although it is a private residence, fans can spot it from the outside. Furthermore, the Russell’s Gas and Groceries store from the show is actually Russell’s Quick Stop, located at 2101 Wrightsville Avenue in Wilmington. Seeing these locations in person provides a tangible connection to the show and a true sense of where is Cousins Beach brought to life.
Can You Visit the Cousins Beach House?
The Cousins Beach house, the summer home of the Fisher family, is a real location that can be visited by fans. However, it is a private residence, so you cannot go inside. You can, however, view it from the street. The house is located in the Landfall community in Wilmington, North Carolina. [INTERNAL LINK: related topic] While you cannot step onto the property, seeing the house in person is a popular activity for fans who want to feel closer to the story. It is a beautiful property that perfectly captures the essence of the fictional summer home.
How Has the Show’s Popularity Affected These Locations?
The immense popularity of The Summer I Turned Pretty has had a significant impact on the filming locations in North Carolina. The question “where is Cousins Beach” has sparked a tourism boom in the Wilmington area. Local businesses have benefited from the influx of fans eager to see the spots where their favorite scenes were filmed. The beaches of Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure have seen an increase in visitors, and tours are now offered to guide fans to key filming locations. This phenomenon demonstrates the power of film and television to transform real-world places into sought-after travel destinations.
The Magic of a Fictional Place
The enduring appeal of Cousins Beach lies in its fictional nature. It is a place that exists in the hearts and minds of readers and viewers. It represents an idealized version of summer, a place of first love, family bonds, and personal growth. While you cannot find it on a map, the feelings it evokes are real. The question “where is Cousins Beach” is best answered by saying it is wherever you feel the nostalgia of a perfect summer. [INTERNAL LINK: related topic] The show’s success proves that sometimes, the most powerful settings are the ones we create in our imaginations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Cousins Beach a real town?
A: No, Cousins Beach is not a real town. It is a fictional location created by author Jenny Han for her book series, The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Q: Where is Cousins Beach located in the books?
A: In the books, Cousins Beach is located on the coast of Massachusetts, inspired by places like Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard.
Q: Where is Cousins Beach filmed for the TV show?
A: The TV show is primarily filmed in and around Wilmington, North Carolina. Specific beaches used include Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach.
Q: Can I visit the Cousins Beach house?
A: Yes, the house used as the Fisher family’s summer home is a real property in the Landfall community of Wilmington, North Carolina. However, it is a private residence and cannot be entered.
Q: What inspired Jenny Han to create Cousins Beach?
A: Jenny Han drew inspiration from several real East Coast destinations, including Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, The Hamptons, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Q: Where are the bonfire scenes filmed in The Summer I Turned Pretty?
A: The bonfire scenes, particularly in Season 1, were filmed at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area in Kure Beach, North Carolina.
Q: Why is Cousins Beach so popular?
A: Cousins Beach is popular because it represents an idealized, nostalgic version of summer and first love. Its fictional nature allows viewers to project their own dreams and memories onto the setting.
About the Author
