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How to Have a Magic Summer Like Belly at Cousins Beach


(Inspired by The Summer I Turned Pretty TV Series)


Belly’s summers at Cousins Beach are filled with nostalgia, romance, fun traditions, and the feeling that anything is possible. Recreating the magic of a Cousins Beach summers starts with planning and doing everything. 


✔ Every tradition and summer activity from The Summer I Turned Pretty series

✔ How to create your own summer traditions

✔ What to do during the day & night

✔ How to make summer feel more special


1. All the Summer Traditions from The Summer I Turned Pretty


A. Annual Cousins Beach Summer House Trip


Every summer, Belly and her family spend months at Susannah’s beach house in Cousins. You can recreate this by:

✔ Planning a beach or lake trip (even if it’s just a weekend)

✔ Renting a summer Airbnb or staying with family/friends near water

✔ Decorating your space with coastal decor, Polaroids, fairy lights


B. Belly’s Birthday Beach Bonfire


Every year, the gang celebrates Belly’s birthday with a bonfire, cake, and fireworks on the beach.

How to recreate it:

✔ Host a bonfire night (at the beach, lake, or even in a backyard with a fire pit)

✔ Have birthday cake & s’mores

✔ Write down wishes & burn them in the fire for a fresh start


C. Fourth of July Fireworks & Party


The Fourth of July celebration is a big deal in Cousins Beach, with fireworks, a beach party, and festive outfits.

How to recreate it:

✔ Go to a fireworks show (or light sparklers at home)

✔ Have a red, white & blue-themed party

✔ Make classic summer BBQ food


D. Belly’s Debutante Ball


Even though it’s a one-time tradition, it’s a huge part of Belly’s summer!

How to recreate it:

✔ Host a formal summer party (with elegant dresses & dancing)

✔ Do a girls’ glow-up day (hair, makeup, shopping)

✔ Learn classic dance steps for fun


E. Beach Volleyball & Frisbee with the Boys


Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah often play volleyball and Frisbee on the beach.

How to recreate it:

✔ Organize a friendly game with friends

✔ Have a playful competition

✔ Flirty summer vibes (Belly always ends up teasing Conrad)


F. Night Swimming


Belly has several late-night swims, usually with the boys. It’s a classic romantic summer tradition.

How to recreate it:

✔ Swim at night (if safe, in a pool or a calm beach/lake)

✔ Jump into the water fully clothed (for the movie moment effect)

✔ Float on your back & look at the stars


G. Family Dinners at the Summer House


Every night, Susannah makes dinner for everyone at the beach house.

How to recreate it:

✔ Host a summer dinner night with home-cooked meals

✔ Have deep conversations & storytelling over dinner

✔ Set the table with candles, fresh flowers, & cozy vibes


H. Ice Cream & Coffee Shop Traditions


Belly and her friends often stop at the Cousins Beach ice cream shop and coffee spots.

How to recreate it:

✔ Find a local ice cream shop & try a new flavor

✔ Go for early morning coffee runs with friends

✔ Have a weekly tradition of walking to a cute café


I. Bonfire Parties on the Beach


Throughout the show, bonfire parties are a huge summer tradition, especially for the local teenagers.

How to recreate it:

✔ Organize a sunset bonfire party

✔ Play music, drink mocktails, and dance in the sand

✔ Have deep talks around the fire


2. How to Create Your Own Summer Traditions


If you want your summer to feel more special & memorable, create your own yearly traditions like the Cousins Beach crew.


A. Pick a Signature Summer Activity


Choose something to do every summer, like:

✔ First day of summer ice cream trip

✔ Movie night under the stars

✔ Annual best friends’ summer photo shoot


B. Have a Go-To Summer Playlist


Make a playlist that feels like your summer soundtrack—just like how Belly has nostalgic songs that remind her of past summers.


C. Make a Summer Journal or Scrapbook

• Write down your favorite summer moments

• Stick in Polaroids, ticket stubs, pressed flowers


D. Have a Summer Bucket List


✔ Swim at night

✔ Go on a spontaneous road trip

✔ Watch the sunrise & sunset on the same day

✔ Kiss someone under fireworks

✔ Dance in the rain


3. What to Do During the Day & Night


A. Summer Day Activities (Cousins Beach Vibes)


☀ Beach, Pool, or Lake Days – Swimming, tanning, playing volleyball

☀ Bike Rides Through Town – Explore cute small-town spots

☀ Outdoor Farmers’ Market Trips – Pick out fresh fruit & flowers

☀ Shopping Days – Find cute summer dresses & bikinis

☀ Boating & Paddleboarding – Get on the water!

☀ Reading Summer Romance Books – Belly would totally read Beach Read


B. Summer Night Activities (Like Belly’s Summer Nights)


✨ Late-Night Drives with the Windows Down – Blast nostalgic music

✨ Going Out for Ice Cream or Milkshakes – Classic summer treat

✨ Dancing Under the Stars – With friends or a crush

✨ Playing Games at a Fair or Carnival – Win a cute prize

✨ Watching Fireworks or Lanterns in the Sky – The ultimate dreamy moment

✨ Staying Up All Night Talking – Deep convos with friends or a summer love


4. How to Make Summer Feel More Special


A. Romanticize Every Moment


✔ Take pictures & videos like a coming-of-age movie

✔ Savor small things like salty hair & warm breezes

✔ Listen to songs that feel like summer romance


B. Dress the Part


✔ Wear flowy dresses, bikinis, cute tank tops & denim shorts

✔ Minimal makeup, sun-kissed skin, and natural waves

✔ Dainty gold jewelry & soft summer colors


C. Make It Feel Like a Movie


✔ Write about your summer like a novel (keep a journal)

✔ Capture everything on film (disposable cameras, Polaroids)

✔ Imagine you’re the main character & live fully in the moment


Final Thoughts: Living Your Own Cousins Beach Summer


Even if you’re not at a real beach house, you can recreate the magic of a Summer I Turned Pretty-style summer by:

✔ Doing nostalgic, fun activities with friends or solo

✔ Creating summer traditions that you do every year

✔ Romanticizing your surroundings & making memories


This summer, make it your most magical one yet—with beach days, late-night adventures, deep talks, and spontaneous moments.


After all, summer is when anything feels possible.