“The Summer I Turned Pretty” Returns With Season 3—Filmed All Across Wilmington

Wilmington, NC — The highly anticipated third season of The Summer I Turned Pretty premiered on July 16, 2025, featuring sweeping scenes filmed entirely in and around Wilmington. Viewers will recognize coastal beaches, downtown landmarks, and local hangouts that collectively brought Cousins Beach and Finch College to life in vivid detail.

Locations Brought to Life

The famous beach scenes—bonfires, fireworks, family gatherings at sunset—were filmed at Wilmington’s actual Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Fort Fisher, and Wrightsville Beach. The exterior of the Fisher family beach house appears to have been filmed at a private residence in Porters Neck, while interior scenes were produced at local studios. Campus and college-centric scenes were shot at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, doubling as Finch College.

Other familiar settings include a public country club for ball scenes, a downtown school transformed into a ballroom location, and the Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Jungle Rapids Fun Park for carnival-style moments. Local businesses such as a neighborhood bookstore, dive bar, and coffee shop appear throughout the series in recognizable fashion.

What Makes Wilmington the Perfect Setting

Wilmington has a rich tradition as a filming destination, earning the nickname “Hollywood East.” Its coastal scenery, variety of beachfront and urban environments, and experienced local production infrastructure make it an ideal backdrop for television—especially stories steeped in nostalgia or seaside life.

By utilizing real locations—from historic piers to contemporary beachfront homes—the new season capitalizes on the city’s genuine beauty and ambiance. Fans of the show are able to step into the setting themselves; many sites featured are open to visitors and easily accessible by car or foot.

Why This Season Matters

This latest installment not only continues the characters’ coming-of-age narratives but visually elevates them through real-world locations that feel approachable yet cinematic. Fans watching the characters grow up with the series now have the chance to map fictional Cousins Beach onto actual corners of Wilmington.

Each episode expands on college transitions, personal growth, and youthful exploration—filtered through places like UNCW’s waterfront campus, the iconic boardwalk Ferris wheel, and regular beachside hangouts.

Fan Experience Guide

For those looking to explore Cousins Beach in real life:

• Begin at Carolina Beach Boardwalk to relive carnival scenes and general boardwalk energy.
• Visit Fort Fisher State Recreation Area at golden hour—capturing sweeping ocean vistas used in key beach scenes.
• Stop by local favorites like the neighborhood bookstore and dive bar seen in downtown sequences.
• Wander through UNCW's campus to recognize spots where college life in the show takes place.

Wilmington’s Growing Screen Reputation

Long associated with film and TV productions—from iconic teen dramas to major feature films—Wilmington continues to attract creators seeking authentic environments. The city offers a vibrant cinematic palette: beaches, neighborhoods, university campuses, and a coastal downtown that blends modern life with charm.

The new season of The Summer I Turned Pretty reinforces Wilmington’s role as more than a filming location—it’s a character in the narrative. For fans, creatives, or anyone inspired by the setting, the show invites them into a place that’s at once personal, picturesque, and unmistakably Wilmington.