What Happens at the Boardwalk in The Summer I Turned Pretty
The iconic boardwalk sequence in The Summer I Turned Pretty captures a turning point for the Conklin sisters, where casual summer routines collide with deepening emotions. Filmed along the Atlantic City boardwalk, the scenes lean on wide wooden planks, vintage rides, and ocean breezes to signal transition and tension. This overview explains the setting, production choices, and narrative function so viewers can understand how the location shapes character decisions and long-term arcs across the series.
Primary Filming Location
Although the books are set in the Outer Banks, the boardwalk and surrounding downtown areas were shot on location in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The production leveraged the historic pier, classic amusement rides, and beachfront promenades to replicate a nostalgic yet modern summer vibe. Specific spots include long stretches of boardwalk near the beach, local shops, and restaurant facades used for cutaways and dialogue scenes.
Why Atlantic City Was Chosen
- Established infrastructure for waterfront filming and permits
- Iconic visual shorthand for boardwalk summers
- Availability of contiguous residential and commercial blocks
Key Boardwalk Scenes by Episode
| Episode | Boardwalk Moment | Narrative Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1, Episode 2 | Conklin sisters stroll at dusk, ice cream and boardwalk games | Introduce family dynamic and lighthearted tone |
| Season 2, Episode 5 | Confrontation at the pier, music festival backdrop | Heighten emotional stakes amid public setting |
| Season 3, Episode 8 | Night walk reflecting on change, fireworks in the distance | Signal character growth and approaching season end |
Production Design and Atmosphere
Production designer focused on authentic details: weathered wood, neon signage, classic rides, and layered ambient sound to convey a living, breathing boardwalk. Costumes balance casual beachwear with subtle pops of color to match the pastel-heavy palette. Camera work combines steady walk-and-talks with occasional drone shots to emphasize the expanse of the boardwalk and the characters’ movement through it.
How the Boardwalk Reflects Character Arcs
The boardwalk functions as a visual metaphor for choice and transition. Wide, empty shots early in the series give way to tighter frames as relationships become more complicated. Recurring background elements—ferris wheel, arcade, distant ocean—reinforce themes of uncertainty and possibility. Characters’ decisions at the boardwalk often mark narrative pivots, making the location a quiet but active participant in the storytelling.
Audience Reception and Legacy
Viewers frequently cite the boardwalk sequences as memorable, praising the blend of nostalgia and present-tension. The setting has become shorthand for the show’s exploration of growing up, loyalty, and first loves. On social platforms, fans map their own walks along the filmed stretches, underscoring how the location extends beyond the screen into viewer memory and local tourism conversations.