The drama-filled beach days of The Summer I Turned Pretty were filmed across sun-drenched coastal Northern California. While the book setting suggests Santa Barbara, the production team captured breezy oceanfront scenes in the Monterey Bay and sunlit streets of downtown Sausalito.
Below is a quick overview of where key moments were shot, including stand-in locations for the fictional Cousins Beach and details on iconic backdrops used in the series.
| Location Feature | Primary Shooting Site | On-Sign Appearance | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Boardwalk | Monterey Beach Boardwalk | Cousins Beach | Classic pier, carnival rides, and ocean backdrop |
| Conrad’s House | Private home, Sausalito | Family residence | Waterfront views and stacked-deck design |
| Campbell Home Interiors | Studio lot, Los Angeles | House and garden scenes | Control over lighting and weather continuity |
| Roadside Chats | Highway 1, Pacific Coast | Travel sequences | Rolling coastline and ocean-edge driving |
| Harbor Walks | Cannery Row, Monterey | Town strolls | Historic warehouses and waterfront dining |
Monterey Beach Boardwalk as Cousins Beach2>
Monterey Beach Boardwalk stands in for the fictional Cousins Beach in many iconic moments. The wooden roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and arcade lights match the nostalgic energy described in the books.
Classic Amusement Rides3>
Roller coasters and midway games create the bright, chaotic backdrop for group hangouts and pivotal conversations.
Oceanfront Promenade3>
The wide wooden walkway offers sweeping views of the bay, framing sunset walks and quiet character moments.
Sausalito Streets as Conrad’s Backyard2>
Scenes set at Conrad’s family house were filmed in residential neighborhoods of Sausalito. The hilly streets, colorful houseboats, and waterfront vistas give the setting a relaxed yet luxurious feel.
Waterfront Architecture3>
Stepped decks, glass walls, and open-plan layouts mirror the breezy, modern beach house aesthetic.
Traffic and Access3>
Narrow roads and ferry approaches add authenticity to coming-and-going moments in the series.
Highway 1 and Coastal Travel Shots2>
Driving sequences along Highway 1 showcase rugged cliffs, cypress trees, and sudden ocean glimpses. These stretches emphasize the journey between home base and the wider world.
Windshield Perspectives3>
Camera work inside moving cars captures changing light, sea air, and shifting group dynamics.
Safe Pullouts3>
Designated turnouts allow for quick costume changes, prop adjustments, and continuity checks.
Key Takeaways for Fans of the Show2>
- Monterey Beach Boardwalk doubles as Cousins Beach for carnival and oceanfront scenes.
- Sausalito residential streets and waterfront homes stand in for Conrad’s family house.
- Highway 1 and Pacific Coast Highway provide dramatic travel shots and coastal vistas.
- Cannery Row and nearby harbors add historic charm to town exploration moments.
- Studio work in Los Angeles handles interior home and garden sequences for consistency.
FAQ
Reader questions
Was The Summer I Turned Pretty actually filmed in Santa Barbara?
No, the primary coastal scenes were shot in Monterey and Sausalito, Northern California, rather than Santa Barbara.
Where were the Cousins Beach carnival scenes filmed?
The carnival and boardwalk scenes were filmed at Monterey Beach Boardwalk, chosen for its classic pier and amusement rides.
Did the cast stay in character between takes during location shoots?
Cast members often stayed in character near the shoreline, using ocean backdrops to maintain mood and continuity.
How did the production handle weather changes at outdoor locations?
Flexible scheduling and covered staging areas at Sausalito and Monterey locations helped manage fog, wind, and tide shifts.