Southern Island Escapes
There are nine states in the South that border the Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico; how lucky are we?! Load up the car and head east or south for a few hours and you are sitting pretty on sand and soaking up buckets of sunshine. Head a bit further out to sea and discover the multitude of islands kissing our Southern coasts. Plan to succumb to simple seaside towns, countless lighthouses and peaceful expanses of sandy beaches that can range from family-friendly and fun, to remote sanctuaries for just you, the sand and surf.
VIRGINIA
While you can’t experience a tropical getaway in Virginia, a visit to these breathtaking islands might do just the trick. Whether it is a pristine island in the Northern Neck, or in the heart of a city, you’ll enjoy the feeling of being somewhere a little different. Islands offer a unique perspective on the state, remind us about the key role that water has played in our past, and present. Rare species and industries alike have depended on our state’s proximity to water, and these islands stand as testament. With summer just around the corner, these islands will be calling your name.
Chincoteague Island
Visit "America's Happiest Coastal Seaside Town" awarded this name by Coastal Living Magazine due to its charming way of life. The island is found just a bridge away from Assateague. There are countless activities to engage in here, especially those involving the wildlife. The National Park Service and Refuge offer programs led by rangers so that visitors can learn about the undeveloped wilderness refuge.
chincoteague.com
Gwynn's Island
Gwynn's Island can be found in the northeastern portion of Mathews County, just south of the mouth of the Piankatank River. A simple swing bridge connects the island to the rest of the county. The Gwynn's Island Museum is a 25-year-old community project that preserves the history of the island. Some of the museum's contents include prehistoric fossils, colonial artifacts, antique quilts, and historic Marine displays.
visitmathews.com
NORTH CAROLINA
With May right around the corner, my mind is dreaming of one thing – summer! No summer in North Carolina is complete without a trip to the beach. But what if you really want to get away from it all? Luckily, North Carolina is home to a wide-assortment of gorgeous, serene, and unique islands. Each boasts individual charm, plenty of history, and lots to do.
Roanoke Island
Roanoke Island is loaded with beauty and history. It is home to the town of Manteo, the Lost Colony, and The Roanoke Island Lighthouse. There are thousands of years of history on this island, and it's easy to see why people choose to either vacation or visit this eight-mile island. Right away, newcomers to Roanoke Island will note the remarkable differences between Roanoke Island and its coastal neighbors. Unlike the other central beach towns of Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk, Roanoke Island has no crashing ocean waves, and instead has rustic sound beaches and miles of wooded terrain that would look more appropriate in a forest than in a beach destination.
outerbanks.com
Hatteras Island
Hatteras Island is one of the most popular destinations for a vacation, and for good reasons. This island spans for almost half the distance of the entire Outer Banks islands. There are several villages along the island - like Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo, etc. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore allows you to experience untouched beaches and rugged coastal terrain; just bring your four-wheel drive. There is so much to do, it's no surprise people make a whole week out of their time in this beautiful place.
outerbanks.com
Ocracoke Island
Just a short ferry ride away you can experience the beautiful, quiet beaches of Ocracoke. The town of Ocracoke is like a world of its own. Imagine scenes of fresh-caught seafood at a locally-owned restaurant, shops, wild ponies, a historic maritime village and some breathtaking sunsets. Enjoy long walks where it is just you and sandpipers. Chartered boats to secret fishing spots and Blackbeard’s favorite hiding place. The island, though relatively small, initially looks expansive due to its miles and miles of pristine beaches, all owned by the National Park Service. Head out on a sea kayak excursion or a walk to the Ocracoke Lighthouse.
visitocracokenc.com
Topsail Island
Plenty of people choose Topsail Beach as their summer vacation destination. The beaches are pristine yet peaceful; the sunsets are breathtaking, and the crowds are hard to find. This 26-mile island is mainly untouched wilderness and the perfect place if you are really looking to get away from it all. It is home to only about 500 year-round residents. The seasonal influx of tourists increases the population to about 7,000, which helps sustain the town's motels, restaurants, gift shops, fishing pier and other businesses.
topsailbeach.org
Oak Island
Oak Island is a very popular destination for a beach vacation. It's peaceful, serene, but also is home to a bustling small-town atmosphere. The island alone is home to over 65 public beach accesses...so you will always have somewhere to lay your towel and soak up the sun.
oakislandnc.com
SOUTH CAROLINA
Oh, how nice it would be to just turn your back on reality and get away for a few days…right?
It’s not as tough as it sounds if you live in the Palmetto State. There are so many great South Carolina locations where you can drive a short distance to get away from it all and just chill.
Fripp Island
This barrier island is known mostly as a resort, so it is perfect for a getaway. They cater to guests all the time! You might recognize some of the spots here if you are an avid fan of the movie "Forrest Gump." Vacation rentals are aplenty on South Carolina's Fripp Island.
beaufortsc.org
Edisto Island
Edisto Island is very down-to-earth and is a dreamy location. Explore the creeks and marshes on one of the many boat tours the local captains offer. View plantation homes from the water and visit secluded beaches for some prime time shelling. Or you can rent a canoe or kayak and explore the waters yourself. Offshore and inshore fishing trips present an opportunity to bring home supper and forever after bore your friends with "the one that got away" stories.
townofedistobeach.com
Sullivan's Island
Sullivan's Island is separated from mainland America by a two-lane land bridge and the Intracoastal Waterway. Visit Fort Moultrie used during the Civil War and others following it. Or just find your peaceful spot on the beach and soak up some great South Carolina sun. From peace and solitude, to great restaurants and fun beach locations, whatever your desire, you can find it on this great South Carolina island.
sullivansisland-sc.com
Pawley’s Island
This is a picturesque seaside community that offers a tranquil and welcoming atmosphere to vacationing visitors throughout the year. Famous for its “arrogantly shabby” Cypress cottages, the vibe on the island is a reflection of the feel of these old, classic homes – grandiose, but uninterested in putting up a facade. Home to large swaths of undeveloped marshland, rivers, and oceanfront state parks, this area just 30 minutes south of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Families have delighted in the beauty and quiet relaxation offered on Pawley’s Island for generations. A quiet place, free from distractions, it gives a new appreciation for the hammocks famous in this area.
onlypawleys.com
GEORGIA
The thing about Georgia that most people do not realize is that there are a ton of islands just waiting to be explored. Many of the obvious contenders become annual vacation destinations for most. However, there are quite a few more islands in Georgia that stay under the radar and are equally as beautiful. Check out the list of islands in Georgia that are an absolute must visit this summer:
St. Simons
If ever there was an island to visit in Georgia, St. Simons should be it. Not only was it voted “America's #1 Favorite Romantic Town in 2014,” it was also voted “America's #1 Favorite Beach Town” by Travel + Leisure Magazine. These accolades need to be seen in order to be believed. Here you can rent a bike and traverse the whole island, tasting what has was deemed “The Best BBQ in the South” at Southern Soul BBQ, or tasting one of the locally sourced specialties at ECHO, which is the island’s only oceanfront restaurant at The King and Prince. Not only is The King and Prince a premier historic seaside resort, but the whole island offers fascinating history that is cheerfully given by Lighthouse Trolley Tours.
explorestsimonsisland.com
Jekyll Island
This is one of the top destinations in Georgia for visitors and those living within the state. Jekyll Island boasts miles upon miles of white sandy beaches, along with some of the freshest seafood around. There are so many different activities to participate in during your stay, such as golfing, fishing, boating, and hiking. Or you can simply kick back and enjoy a few stunning sunsets.
jekyllisland.com
Tybee Island
Geographically, Tybee Island is a huge vacation spot for visitors and residents. There is a beautiful lighthouse and museum on the island, a few great restaurants, and plenty of activities from kayaking to paddle-boarding, or just some good old-fashioned people watching. Step back in time with a visit to the Historic Tybee Lighthouse or spend the day at Fort Pulaski. Visitors can choose from hotels, beach cottages, luxurious beach homes, bed and breakfasts, or charming inns. Little Tybee is a pristine, barrier island only accessible by boat or kayak and absolutely perfect for camping.
tybeeisland.com
FLORIDA
Sanibel
This south Florida Island’s east-west orientation makes its white beaches a magnet for shells washing in from the Gulf, especially after storms. People travel from all around the world to visit Sanibel Island for the shells. Travel + Leisure named it the #1 shelling beach in North America. The island lies east and west, unlike most islands that lie north and south, and the curved shape causes it to act like a shovel, scooping up shells from the Gulf of Mexico. First lighted in 1884, the historic Sanibel Island lighthouse is on the eastern end of the island. A quiet beach, perfect for relaxing, surrounds it. You may even catch a glimpse of a dolphin swimming nearby.
sanibel-captiva.org
Florida Keys & Key West
The sea surrounding the Keys is a particular shade of sunlit turquoise that is hard to describe. And driving the Overseas Highway is a bucket list road trip that nobody should miss. If you can manage to avoid the tourists, the Southern Florida artists' colony of Key West (formerly home to Ernest Hemingway) can be a relaxing island getaway. Just 90 miles from Cuba, the bohemian island is full of local color, from the vibrant cottages and inns to local cultural events to the turquoise water. Try the local seafood, bike around the island, and be sure to stop at the beautiful Hemingway Home & Museum.
hemingwayhome.com;fla-keys.com
LOUISIANA
Since its founding in the early 18th-century, Louisiana has had numerous islands surrounding its land mass. In fact, many say that it is the barrier islands that keep Louisiana safe from the consistent threat of hurricanes. Here are some of the most beautiful islands found in Louisiana:
Palmetto Island
A state park now surrounds this small river island in the Vermillion River that is a real treat for anyone who gets to visit. With six cabins, 95 campsites, numerous picnic sites, splash park, and trails, this is the perfect place to stay if you're looking to explore nearby Avery Island, which is not a true Island, but a land area surrounded by many bayous and waterways.
vermilion.org
Avery Island
The birthplace of TABASCO® brand pepper sauce, Avery Island has been owned for over 180 years by the interrelated Marsh, Avery and McIlhenny families. Lush subtropical flora and venerable live oaks draped with wild muscadine and swags of barbe espagnole, or Spanish moss, cover this geological oddity, which is one of five "islands" rising above south Louisiana’s flat coastal marshes. The island occupies roughly 2,200 acres and sits atop a deposit of solid rock salt thought to be deeper than Mount Everest is high. Today, Avery Island remains the home of the TABASCO® brand pepper sauce factory, as well as Jungle Gardens and its Bird City wildfowl refuge. The TABASCO® factory and the gardens are open to the public.
tabasco.com
Grand Isle
A remote oasis nearly hidden within Louisiana’s expansive shoreline, Grand Isle is your passport to adventure in a state known for being a “Sportsman’s Paradise.” Renowned for its world-class fishing and birding habitat, Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island offers unblemished views of the Gulf of Mexico, miles of beaches and boundless wildlife. Couple this with Southern hospitality and mouthwatering seafood from the many restaurants and you will discover why visitors have fallen in love with Grand Isle for two and a half centuries.
townofgrandisle.com
ALABAMA
Alabama is home to many amazing islands. Some islands have inhabitants, while many others are wild and nature sanctuaries reachable only by boat.
Dauphin Island
Located three miles south of the Mobile Bay – Dauphin Island feels worlds away. The island welcomes visitors with views from a three mile-long high-rise bridge. Its three main attractions are Fort Gaines, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and the 164-acre Audubon Bird Sanctuary. It is a quaint, small town with a strong marine culture, an eclectic mix of locally owned shops and galleries, and laid-back restaurants that serve delicious locally-harvested seafood. You’ll also find miles of uncrowded, pristine beaches, and excellent fishing. Dauphin Island has been designated as the “Sunset Capital of Alabama,” so you haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the approaching dusk from any point on the island.
dauphinisland.org
TEXAS
We all know Texas has islands – after all, it’s right on the Gulf of Mexico. However, most of us have only heard of Galveston and South Padre, the two major tourist islands in the state. There are actually a few other lesser-known islands that are worth a visit for many reasons.
Mustang Island
Mustang Island is an 18-mile long barrier island on the beautiful Texas coast. At the southern end of the island are Padre Island and the JFK Causeway that connects to Corpus Christi. At the northern end is the small and spunky town of Port Aransas, which is a mere ferry ride away from the mainland and San José Island. This spot is a popular spring break and summer vacation destination for a variety of reasons - it is the only established city on the island. The beaches are beautiful; fish are abundant, and there's a resort village to make you feel like you're in a tropical paradise. Rent a golf cart, the unofficial convertible of the island and explore it all. Port Aransas offers a variety of accommodations from beach houses to waterfront condos.
mustangislandtexas.org;
sanjoseislandtexas.com
Padre Island
Padre Island is the world's longest barrier island, and is known all over Texas for its turquoise waters and gleaming white sand. There is plenty to do on the island - Schlitterbahn waterpark, leisurely days on the beach, water sports...and if you come at the right time, you might witness the hatching of the adorable Kemp's Ridley sea turtles, the rarest species of sea turtle in the world.
sopadre.com
Matagorda Island
Galveston's much less-frequented sister island is perfect if you are looking for a relaxing beach day without being constantly surrounded by pesky tourists. There are numerous wildlife refuges on the island, so you might see some interesting endangered animals you've never seen before. The water is fairly shallow along King Fisher Beach, so this destination is enjoyed by families with children who can be seen making sandcastles and splashing along the shoreline, playing on the swings near the pier or rolling around on the slab. Many beach visitors appreciate additional safety since motorized vehicles are not allowed on the beach.
portoconnorchamber.com;
portoconnor.com
Galveston Island
And here we have it folks, the most popular island in Texas by a long shot. The beaches may not compare to those of South Padre, but the plethora of tourist attractions definitely make up for it. Between Schlitterbahn, Moody Gardens, Pleasure Pier, the historic Strand, the myriad delicious restaurants like Gaido's, and the gift shops on every corner, you are bound to find plenty for the whole family to enjoy.
galveston.com
Ok, we are officially ready for the beach! Pick a favorite and get going. Enjoy a few days listening to waves lap upon the shore, with the warm sand between your toes and a cool margarita in your hand. Cheers to your island escape!
More Island Escapes
Breakwater Inn
Hatteras, North Carolina
Amazing sunsets and temperate winters in North Carolina, offer a serenity and peaceful connection to nature like no other destination. At Breakwater Inn, relish the sunsets on your private balcony overlooking the harbor. With Atlantic water as far as the eye can see, you will be lulled gently into relaxation during your stay. Enjoy the well-appointed suites with a TV and whirlpool tub for soothing your aches after a day of fishing, and a suitable kitchen for cooking your catch of the day.
breakwaterhatteras.com
South Mobile County, Alabama
A tranquil and welcoming community, SOMO (South Mobile County) is rich in wildlife, Southern culture, excitement and so much more. Get your pulse racing with the exhilaration of an international speedway, the thrill of the catch while deep sea fishing or at any of their acclaimed annual events involving music, the arts, coastal cuisine, outdoor activities and more! SOMO offers all the best of the Gulf Coast in one stunning and easily accessible location.
dauphinislandtourism.com
