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.
