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Summer Staycation like Cousins Beach from The Summer I Turned Pretty


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.