This summer is all about final summer of our twenties and the Summer I turned Pretty final season. There is something special about beach town in the summer time. Bring the magic of Cousins Beach to your own summer in 2025. Creating a nostalgic summer with boys or just with friends, this guide will help you transform your summer into a Summer I Turned Pretty-style experience.
This in-depth guide will cover:
✔ How to set the summer vibe
✔ What to do for fun (solo or with friends)
✔ What to eat & drink
✔ The best movies & shows to watch
✔ How to make your town feel like a dreamy beach town
1. Setting the Cousins Beach Summer Aesthetic
A. The Vibe You Want to Create
• Laid-back, carefree nostalgic summer energy
• Sun-kissed beach town aesthetic (even if you’re not at the beach)
• Romantic, playful, and dreamy moments
• Late nights, deep talks, and endless possibilities
B. How to Make Your Community Feel Like Cousins Beach
Even if you’re not near the ocean, you can still recreate the coastal summer town atmosphere:
✔ Find a local lake, river, or pool to replace the beach
✔ Visit cute, small-town spots like farmers’ markets, ice cream shops, or fairgrounds
✔ Decorate your space with fairy lights, candles, and summery decor (seashells, Polaroids, beachy tones)
✔ Curate the perfect summer playlist (think indie, soft pop, nostalgic 2000s hits)
2. What to Do – Summer Activities (With Boys & Without Boys)
A. Summer Adventures (Cousins Beach-Style Activities)
Whether you’re with guys, girlfriends, or solo, these activities will make your summer feel cinematic:
☀ Beach, Lake, or Pool Days – Sunbathe, swim, play in the water
☀ Nighttime Bonfires – S’mores, storytelling, and late-night confessions
☀ Ice Cream & Coffee Dates – Find a cute, aesthetic local café
☀ Farmer’s Markets & Small Shops – Wander and explore
☀ Outdoor Movie Nights – Set up a projector or go to a drive-in
☀ Boat Day or Kayaking – If possible, get on the water
☀ Spontaneous Road Trips – Even if it’s just to a nearby town
With Boys:
• Beach Volleyball or Frisbee – Flirty competition
• Canoeing or Paddleboarding Together – Perfect date idea
• Late-Night Walks & Stargazing – Main character moment
• Dancing in the Kitchen or on the Beach – Soft and romantic
Without Boys (Solo or Girls’ Summer):
• Bookstore or Library Days – Find a dreamy summer romance book
• DIY Spa Days & Self-Care Nights – Glowy summer skin routine
• Photoshoots & Polaroid Journaling – Romanticize every moment
• Girls’ Sleepovers with Rom-Com Marathons – Nostalgic movie nights
3. What to Eat & Drink – Coastal Summer-Inspired Food
A. Cousins Beach-Inspired Meals
Think fresh, simple, and nostalgic foods you’d eat at a beach house.
☀ Breakfasts:
• Smoothie bowls with fresh berries
• Pancakes or waffles with honey & fruit
• Avocado toast with iced coffee
☀ Lunches & Dinners:
• Fresh seafood (shrimp tacos, grilled fish)
• Caprese salad or summer pasta salad
• Burgers & hot dogs (classic cookout food)
• Lemon herb chicken with grilled veggies
☀ Snacks & Desserts:
• Ice cream cones or homemade sundaes
• Frozen fruit bars or popsicles
• Chocolate-covered strawberries
B. Summer Drinks to Try
• Iced lemonade (classic, pink, or lavender)
• Iced coffee or matcha (aesthetic and refreshing)
• Sparkling water with fruit for a coastal vibe
• Homemade mocktails (strawberry mojito, coconut cooler)
4. What to Watch – Summer Shows & Movies
To fully immerse yourself in the Summer I Turned Pretty world, watch shows and movies with the same coming-of-age, nostalgic summer vibes.
A. TV Shows Like The Summer I Turned Pretty
✔ Outer Banks – Beach town drama & adventure
✔ Dawson’s Creek – Small-town coming-of-age romance
✔ One Tree Hill – Nostalgic romance & friendships
✔ Gilmore Girls (Summer Episodes) – Cozy small-town feels
✔ The O.C. – Coastal lifestyle & teen drama
B. Summer Romance & Coming-of-Age Movies
✔ The Last Song – Beach romance & self-growth
✔ Call Me By Your Name – Dreamy summer setting
✔ Blue Crush – Surfing, ocean, and beach girl energy
✔ Mamma Mia! – Sun-soaked fun with a coastal setting
✔ Aquamarine – Magical summer with best friends
C. 2000s & Nostalgic Teen Movies
✔ A Cinderella Story – Classic, romantic teen summer vibes
✔ The Lizzie McGuire Movie – European summer adventure
✔ Monte Carlo – Best friends + a dreamy vacation
✔ Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants – Perfect for girl group summer vibes
✔ She’s All That – The ultimate summer glow-up story
5. How to Romanticize Your Staycation & Make It Feel Special
Even if you’re staying in your town all summer, you can still make it feel magical by romanticizing every moment.
A. Create a Summer Bucket List
Write down at least 10 things you want to do before the summer ends!
Some ideas:
✔ Watch the sunrise & sunset at least once a week
✔ Have a spontaneous, unplanned adventure
✔ Go on a cute summer picnic
✔ Take Polaroids or disposable camera photos
✔ Make a summer journal full of memories
✔ Swim at night (if possible)
✔ Try a new summer recipe
B. Capture the Magic Like It’s a Movie
• Make photo albums & scrapbooks of your best moments
• Film little clips throughout the summer & make an edit
• Keep a summer diary to document your feelings
Final Thoughts: Living Your Own Summer I Turned Pretty Staycation
This summer, you don’t need to be at a real Cousins Beach to live like you are. With the right mindset, you can:
✔ Turn your town into a dreamy beach town.
✔ Fill your days with sun, adventure, and fun traditions.
✔ Create memories that feel straight out of a coming-of-age movie.
The key is to romanticize the little things—sunsets, ice cream dates, long drives, deep talks, and spontaneous fun. Whether you’re falling in love, bonding with friends, or just enjoying solo summer moments, make this your most magical summer yet.
