Where to Have Your Own “The Summer I Turned Pretty” Cousins Beach Vacation

I don’t know about anyone else, but every Wednesday night, I am sitting in front of the television watching The Summer I Turned Pretty and hoping Belly ends up with Conrad. Ever since the start of the third season, travel lovers everywhere have dreamt about their own version of summer on Cousins Beach, the whimsical location of the hit Amazon Prime show. Although Cousins is a fictional town, there are plenty of iconic coastal destinations offering that Cousins feel.

© Crystal Coast

North Carolina’s Crystal Coast

Embark on your own Cousins Beach escape along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. The destination offers 85 miles of shoreline, home to multiple waterfront towns and beaches, perfect for relaxing days and laidback vibes that allow for slow mornings and bonfire nights. Travelers visiting Beaufort can walk along the historic streets, eat at waterfront restaurants like Moonrakers and Front Street Grill, kayak along Taylor’s Creek to Rachel Carson Reserve with Beaufort Paddle to see wild horses, and enjoy an adventure-filled afternoon on Cape Lookout National Seashore on UTVs. Over on Emerald Isle, spend days riding bikes along the scenic 11-mile Emerald Path, enjoying stunning views at The Point and catching an unbeatable sunset at Bogue Inlet Pier.

© The Hamptons

The Hamptons, New York

The Hamptons is another great place to experience the summer magic that The Summer I Turned Pretty provides. From Westhampton Beach to Montauk, the Hamptons offer a beautiful coastal retreat with sun-filled days. In East Hampton, Coopers Beach offers a place to relax along the sandy shoreline while reading a Jenny Han novel. If you are looking for a more adventurous beach day, head to Montauk’s Ditch Plains for surfing and paddleboarding. Visit Montauk Point, the easternmost tip of New York State and home to iconic Montauk Lighthouse. Take a page out of Cam Cemeron’s book and go whale or seal watching on a guided cruise tour, or visit Sag Harbor Whaling Museum to learn about whaling history. Throughout your stay, book a room at Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, a beachfront favorite.

© Newport Harbor Corporation

Newport Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island,  commonly known as “America’s Summer Playground,” offers sandy beaches, charming streets and the perfect coastal vibe for a summer romance. The town is lined with ice cream shops, boutiques and historic homes. Spend your days exploring Bowen’s Wharf, Cliff Walk, Easton’s beach, Folklore Village and more. Castle Hill Inn offers the perfect stay with iconic Adirondack chairs, bright guestrooms, and lobster and clam bakes.