Here’s the confusing part. In the books, Cousins is in Massachusetts. The show’s characters say “Cousins Beach, Massachusetts” a few times. But the show is shot in North Carolina. Why? Because Cousins is a fictional town on the Massachusetts coast.
The showrunners said North Carolina’s coastline looked more like a “summer paradise” on camera. And honestly? They weren’t wrong. The water is warmer. The sand is whiter. It’s a cheat code for beauty.
So, if you go to Wilmington, you’re seeing the TV version of Cousins. Not the book version. But honestly? It’s better. You get all the drama with none of the New England winter.
Can You Recreate the Show?
Absolutely. But let me warn you: you’re not going to find Conrad brooding behind a dune. Sorry. The local guys are mostly friendly surfers, not emotionally unavailable heartthrobs.
You can, however, go to the Oceanic Restaurant on Wrightsville Beach. It’s the spot where the cast hung out between takes. Order a basket of hushpuppies and pretend you’re about to have a massive fight about a necklace.
Cousins beach house – Artofit
Another pro tip: grab a kayak or a paddleboard. The show has a ton of water scenes. You can channel your inner Belly and dramatically paddle away from your feelings. It’s therapeutic, I swear.
