7 Unforgettable Beach Destinations Featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty
7 Unforgettable Beach Destinations Featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty - Wilmington's Riverwalk - A Charming Coastal Gem
The 1.75-mile boardwalk, a result of a revitalization project in the 1980s, has become a hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment, with its picturesque views and historic surroundings.
The Riverwalk's connection to various greenways and bike paths further enhances its appeal as a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists exploring the vibrant coastal town of Wilmington, North Carolina.
The Wilmington Riverwalk is an engineering marvel, as it was constructed using a unique "floating" design that allows it to adapt to changing water levels and weather conditions along the Cape Fear River.
Interestingly, the Riverwalk's wooden planks are made from a special type of recycled plastic, providing a durable and eco-friendly walking surface that requires minimal maintenance.
Surprisingly, the Riverwalk's design incorporates a series of hidden alcoves and observation decks that offer visitors unique perspectives of the Cape Fear River and the surrounding cityscape.
Notably, the Riverwalk's integration with the local transportation network, including bike lanes and public transit stops, has made it a hub for multimodal connectivity in downtown Wilmington.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Unforgettable Beach Destinations Featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty - Wilmington's Riverwalk - A Charming Coastal Gem
- 7 Unforgettable Beach Destinations Featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty - Carolina Beach - Sun-Kissed Shores and Lively Boardwalks
- 7 Unforgettable Beach Destinations Featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty - Kure Beach - Tranquil Sands and Picturesque Piers
- 7 Unforgettable Beach Destinations Featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty - Wrightsville Beach - Surfers' Paradise with Crystal Waters
- 7 Unforgettable Beach Destinations Featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty - Southport - A Quaint Maritime Village Frozen in Time
- 7 Unforgettable Beach Destinations Featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty - Fort Fisher - Historic Charm and Nature's Playground
- 7 Unforgettable Beach Destinations Featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty - Exploring the Real-Life Inspirations for Cousins Beach
7 Unforgettable Beach Destinations Featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty - Carolina Beach - Sun-Kissed Shores and Lively Boardwalks
Carolina Beach offers a quintessential seaside experience along its sun-kissed shores and lively boardwalk.
The Carolina Beach Boardwalk, recognized as one of the top 10 in the nation by Food & Wine magazine, provides a carnival-like atmosphere with an array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options that cater to visitors of all ages.
The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is known for its unique architectural design, featuring a wave-like pattern that mimics the rhythmic motion of the ocean waves.
This distinctive aesthetic was intentionally chosen to create a seamless integration between the built environment and the natural surroundings.
Interestingly, the boardwalk's wooden planks are made from a specialized type of recycled plastic, providing a durable and eco-friendly surface that requires minimal maintenance.
Remarkably, the boardwalk's lighting system is powered entirely by renewable energy sources, including solar panels and wind turbines.
Surprisingly, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk has become a hub for scientific research, with marine biologists and oceanographers regularly conducting studies on the local ecosystem.
The boardwalk's proximity to the shoreline and its unique design elements make it an ideal location for observing and monitoring coastal processes.
Remarkably, the boardwalk's amusement rides, such as the Ferris wheel and carousel, have been engineered to minimize energy consumption and reduce their environmental impact.
Interestingly, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk has been the subject of extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, which have helped engineers optimize the structure's design to withstand the powerful coastal winds and waves.
This advanced engineering approach has ensured the boardwalk's long-term resilience and safety for visitors.
7 Unforgettable Beach Destinations Featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty - Kure Beach - Tranquil Sands and Picturesque Piers
Kure Beach in North Carolina offers a serene and picturesque beach experience, with its iconic pier stretching 711 feet along the coastline.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from swimming and sunbathing to fishing and exploring the nearby parks and hiking trails.
The Kure Beach Pier, at 711 feet long, is one of the oldest piers on the Atlantic Coast, dating back to the early 20th century.
The sand at Kure Beach is composed of 9% pure quartz, giving it a remarkably soft and fine texture that is a delight to walk on.
The unique coastal geography of Kure Beach has resulted in the formation of rare geological formations called "cuspate forelands," which create natural wave-dissipating structures along the shoreline.
The Kure Beach Pedestrian Trail, which runs parallel to the coastline, is built using a specialized permeable paving material that allows rainwater to efficiently infiltrate the ground, reducing runoff and erosion.
The Kure Beach shoreline is home to a diverse array of marine life, including the elusive and enigmatic cownose ray, which can be spotted gliding through the shallow waters.
The Kure Beach area was once a hub for the production of salt, a critical resource in the 18th and 19th centuries, with the remnants of historic salt works still visible along the coast.
Kure Beach is a designated "Dark Sky Community," meaning that the town has implemented strict lighting regulations to minimize light pollution and preserve the natural beauty of the night sky.
The Kure Beach Pier has been engineered to withstand the powerful coastal storms that frequently batter the region, with a reinforced concrete foundation and a unique structural design that distributes the load evenly across the entire length of the pier.
7 Unforgettable Beach Destinations Featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty - Wrightsville Beach - Surfers' Paradise with Crystal Waters
The island features several popular surf spots, including Crystal Pier and Mason's Inlet Jetty, which provide excellent conditions depending on the swell direction and tidal conditions.
The beach's mild temperatures and warm Atlantic waters make it an ideal destination for surfers of all skill levels.
The welcoming surfing community and the presence of a long-standing surf camp further contribute to the island's reputation as a surfer's paradise.
In addition to its exceptional surfing opportunities, Wrightsville Beach also offers opportunities for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking, making it a versatile and picturesque coastal destination.
Wrightsville Beach's crystal-clear waters are the result of a unique underwater geological formation called the "Wilmington Shelf," which acts as a natural sediment trap, keeping the water remarkably clear and inviting for swimmers and surfers.
The beach's consistent wave patterns are influenced by the presence of the "Frying Pan Shoals," a submerged sandbar located several miles offshore, which helps to shape and focus the incoming swells, creating optimal surfing conditions.
Wrightsville Beach's sand is composed of a high percentage of quartz, giving it an exceptional white color and an incredibly soft texture that is a delight to walk on, even during the hottest summer days.
The town's iconic Crystal Pier, which extends 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, is an engineering marvel, having been constructed using a unique "floating" design that allows it to adapt to changing water levels and weather conditions.
Wrightsville Beach is home to the oldest surfing competition on the East Coast, the Wrightsville Beach Surf Invitational, which has been held annually since 1963, attracting top-level surfers from around the world.
Wrightsville Beach's mild year-round temperatures and the warm waters of the Gulf Stream create an ideal microclimate for a diverse array of marine life, including the rare and endangered loggerhead sea turtle, which nests on the beach's shores.
The town's active surf community has developed a unique local culture, with regular beach cleanups, surf camps, and educational programs that promote environmental stewardship and the sharing of oceanic knowledge.
Wrightsville Beach's proximity to the Cape Fear River estuary, which is home to a rich ecosystem of wetlands and tidal marshes, provides endless opportunities for eco-tourism and nature-based activities, such as kayaking, birdwatching, and coastal exploration.
7 Unforgettable Beach Destinations Featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty - Southport - A Quaint Maritime Village Frozen in Time
Southport's original name was "Smithville," named after the owner of the land where the town was established in the late 18th century.
It wasn't until 1887 that the town was officially renamed "Southport."
The Southport Marina, located in the heart of the town, is one of the few remaining examples of a "finger pier" design, a unique approach to waterfront infrastructure that was popular in the early 20th century.
Southport's iconic lighthouse, built in 1857, is one of the tallest on the East Coast, standing at an impressive 150 feet tall.
It was originally constructed using bricks made on-site from local clay deposits.
Southport's waterfront is home to a unique species of crab known as the "blue crab," which is prized for its sweet and delicate meat.
The town's annual "Blue Crab Festival" attracts visitors from across the region to indulge in this local delicacy.
The Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry, which has been in operation since the 1930s, is a crucial link for both residents and tourists, providing a scenic 35-minute journey across the Cape Fear River.
Southport's historic downtown district, with its well-preserved Victorian-era architecture, is a testament to the town's past as a thriving shipbuilding and fishing hub.
Many of the buildings now house charming boutiques, art galleries, and eateries.
The Southport Community Building, a grand structure built in 1926, was originally designed as a venue for community events and gatherings.
Today, it serves as a hub for cultural activities, hosting art exhibits, concerts, and theatrical performances.
Southport's strategic location at the mouth of the Cape Fear River has made it an important site for military operations throughout history.
During the American Civil War, the town played a crucial role in the blockade-running trade, earning it the nickname "the Gibraltar of the Confederacy."
Southport is home to the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the town's seafaring past, with exhibits showcasing shipbuilding techniques, nautical artifacts, and the region's rich maritime heritage.
7 Unforgettable Beach Destinations Featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty - Fort Fisher - Historic Charm and Nature's Playground
Fort Fisher State Historic Site in Kure Beach, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty.
Visitors can explore the site's Civil War-era earthworks, take in scenic river and ocean views, and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and cruises.
The area also features the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, providing an opportunity to learn about the region's diverse marine life.
Fort Fisher was the site of the largest amphibious battle of the Civil War, with over 58,000 troops involved in the two-day assault in January
The fort's massive earthworks, which once covered over 6 miles, were constructed using an innovative technique that involved weaving together live oak logs and packing them with sand, creating a remarkably durable and resilient structure.
Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a unique type of cannon known as a "Columbian Swivel Gun" at the Fort Fisher site, a weapon that was capable of firing five-pound shot at an impressive rate of 60 rounds per minute.
The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is home to one of the rarest plant species in North Carolina, the Cooley's Meadowrue, a delicate flowering plant that can only be found in a few isolated coastal areas.
The fort's location at the mouth of the Cape Fear River has made it a strategic military asset for centuries, with evidence of fortifications dating back to the 18th century when the area was under Spanish and British control.
During the Civil War, Fort Fisher was a crucial hub for the Confederate blockade-running trade, with over 1,000 successful runs of the Union blockade recorded before its eventual capture.
The Fort Fisher Ferry, which transports visitors across the Cape Fear River, is powered by a combination of diesel engines and a unique hydrofoil system that allows it to glide smoothly across the water while minimizing fuel consumption.
The Fort Fisher State Historic Site is home to a rare species of dragonfly known as the "Carolina Spiketail," which can only be found in a few coastal areas of the southeastern United States.
The fort's impressive gun emplacements, some of which remain intact today, were engineered to withstand the powerful coastal winds and waves, with specialized reinforcements and drainage systems to prevent erosion.
The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it lies along the Atlantic Flyway, a major migratory route for a diverse array of avian species, including the endangered red knot.
The new Fort Fisher Visitor Center, scheduled to open in 2025, will feature cutting-edge exhibits and interactive displays that use advanced augmented reality technology to bring the fort's history to life for visitors.
7 Unforgettable Beach Destinations Featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty - Exploring the Real-Life Inspirations for Cousins Beach
The idyllic beach setting of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" is a fictional creation, but author Jenny Han drew inspiration from a blend of real-life locations to bring Cousins Beach to life.
The show's production team utilized various filming locations along the North Carolina coastline, including Wilmington and surrounding beaches, to capture the essence of the charming seaside town.
Despite its fictional nature, Cousins Beach resonates with viewers due to its idealized and romantic portrayal of a quintessential summer beach destination.
The actual filming locations for the fictional town of Cousins Beach were a blend of coastal destinations, including the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Cape Cod, and the Hamptons in Massachusetts, to create the show's idealized and romantic beach town aesthetic.
The "Hell's Kitchen" bar, a central hangout spot in the show, is a real establishment located in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina, which served as a key filming location for the series.
Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, and Wrightsville Beach along the North Carolina coast were among the real-life destinations transformed to depict the charming seaside town of Cousins Beach.
The sand at Kure Beach is composed of 9% pure quartz, giving it a remarkably soft and fine texture that is a delight to walk on.
The Kure Beach Pedestrian Trail uses a specialized permeable paving material that allows rainwater to efficiently infiltrate the ground, reducing runoff and erosion.
Wrightsville Beach's crystal-clear waters are the result of a unique underwater geological formation called the "Wilmington Shelf," which acts as a natural sediment trap.
Southport, North Carolina, with its well-preserved Victorian-era architecture and historic waterfront, served as a key inspiration for the show's depiction of Cousins Beach.
The Southport Marina is one of the few remaining examples of a "finger pier" design, a unique approach to waterfront infrastructure that was popular in the early 20th century.
Southport's iconic lighthouse, built in 1857, is one of the tallest on the East Coast, standing at an impressive 150 feet tall.
Fort Fisher, a historic Civil War site in Kure Beach, features massive earthworks constructed using an innovative technique that involved weaving together live oak logs and packing them with sand.
The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is home to one of the rarest plant species in North Carolina, the Cooley's Meadowrue, a delicate flowering plant found in only a few isolated coastal areas.
The new Fort Fisher Visitor Center, scheduled to open in 2025, will feature cutting-edge exhibits and interactive displays that use advanced augmented reality technology to bring the fort's history to life for visitors.