Soak in a Southern Summer
By Kellie Walton Benz
Close your eyes and picture it: you’re lounging on a white sand beach, listening to the ocean waves slap the shore, feeling the sunshine offering a warm glow. It’s finally summertime, and you’ve left your worries at the door as you’ve embarked on a much needed getaway.
While your daydream may have whisked you away to a tropical land far from home, we’re confident there’s a beach town right here in the south to rival some of the most famous in the world. From the historic town of St. Augustine to the hidden gem beaches of the Outer Banks, here are six Southern coastal towns to escape to this year.
Stroll through Historic St. Augustine, Florida
If you’re looking for a coastal escape with a touch of history, St. Augustine has it all. The Florida town is charming all year long (Christmastime is particularly special), but a visit during the summer will allow you to experience the very best of its beautiful downtown footprint and neighboring beaches. If relaxation is the goal, head to St. Augustine Beach, Vilano Beach, or Crescent Beach for some sand and sunshine.
For a beach break or a touch of education alongside vacation, visit the Castillo de San Marcos, a Spanish-built national monument erected in the 17th-century originally used for protection. The fort is the oldest in the continental United States, and tours are offered daily for an expanded look at the site’s history.
Downtown St. Augustine is a wonder in and of itself. Take a stroll down the pedestrian-only St. George Street, pausing to browse the shops, cafes, galleries, and landmarks lining the street. Or, opt for a trolley tour for a broader view of the downtown district.
visitstaugustine.com
Eat Your Way Through Gulf Shores, Alabama
One of my favorite coastal towns is Gulf Shores, Alabama, home to stunning white sand beaches, incredible dining, and opportunities for adventure. No matter where you stay along the 32-mile beachfront, you’re guaranteed to find a cozy spot to plant your toes in the sand. Most resorts and condominiums offer private beach access, but public options are the Gulf Shores Public Beach, Gulf State Park Beach, and neighboring Orange Beach.
After a long day of lounging, head out for a meal at a number of noteworthy restaurants in the area – both within the Gulf Shores footprint and just beyond. Try Sea ‘n Suds, which has been a local mainstay since 1975. The fish sandwich and frozen cocktails are to die for, creating the perfect option for a lunch or dinner. For an elevated meal, head to Cobalt in Orange Beach. Situated on a bay, a chilled cocktail from the outdoor tiki bar is best enjoyed as the sun sets over the bay.
Off the sand, there are plenty of family-friendly things to do in the area. Head out for a friendly game of mini golf at favorites like Pirates Island or the Track, and make plans to race go karts while you’re there. Gulf Shores is also home to excellent fishing and sightseeing charters, including deep sea, offshore, glass bottom boats, and dolphin cruises.
gulfshores.com
Hide Away in Outer Banks, North Carolina
A less populated option for a summer escape lies along the Outer Banks, a 130-mile stretch of barrier islands along the Eastern United States. Spend a day exploring the town’s historic lighthouses (perfect for a coastal photo opp on the ground or from the top), such as the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Bodie Island Lighthouse, and Currituck Beach Lighthouse.
Explore American history as the Outer Banks’ Kitty Hawk is the historic home to the Wright Brothers. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial to learn about the history of aviation. Or, keep the coastal theme running through by making plans to visit the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island to explore the marine life in the area.
While the miles of sandy beaches are perfect for a day filled with absolutely nothing, a wild horse tour is a must. The chain of islands are home to a number of wild horses that roam freely about the area, and a guided tour will allow you to see the beautiful animals up close.
Explore Austin, Texas
Austin is a vibrant destination for live music, food, and outdoor activities, home to not only one of Texas’ biggest metropolitan areas, but also a stunning reservoir offering a dose of waterfront adventure. Heading to Austin this summer? Plan to spend your time along Lady Bird Lake, where boat, kayak, and paddle board rentals are aplenty, allowing visitors to float down the river while enjoying sweeping city views. For even more swimming and sunbathing, head to Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool perfect for cooling down from the Texas heat.
Grab your wallet and head to South Congress Avenue, a destination for shopping, dining, and live music. Grab a bite of Italian cuisine at Vespaio Restaurant, or a cocktail on the patio of June’s All Day. Austin is the capital of Texas, of course, so a visit to the state capitol building is a must. The grounds and architecture are incredibly impressive, and 30-minute tours of the property are offered daily.
austintexas.org
Visit Virginia Beach, Virginia
It may seem counterintuitive to head north for a Southern getaway, but Virginia Beach is an excellent destination for summer fun. Stroll along the three-mile boardwalk, drinking in sweeping ocean views, shopping options, and endless entertainment. Or, opt for a day spent at the oceanfront Neptune’s Park, home to a 34-foot-tall statue of the god of the sea himself. Throughout the summer, you may catch one of many free concerts and events taking place. Of course, the beaches are noteworthy all their own, spanning 35 sandy miles. Pack a cooler of refreshments and head to the ocean for a day filled with doing nothing but soaking up the sun.
On a rainy day, visit the Military Aviation Museum, home to an impressive collection of aircraft used during World Wars I and II. Be sure to check the schedule before you arrive, as airshows take place periodically and are a must. Or, explore more than 800,000 gallons of marine and freshwater exhibits (sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays, oh my!) at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.
visitvirginiabeach.com
Wander Through Ocean Springs, Mississippi
While Mississippi’s coast is a hidden gem all its own, with noteworthy towns like Biloxi and Gulfport becoming destinations for coastal vacationing, the small, historic town of Ocean Springs is not to be missed. Enjoy the beaches that comprise the Gulf Islands National Seashore, where visitors can swim, hike, and explore historical sites like Fort Massachusetts, or spend a day basking at Front Beach.
Ocean Springs is known for its prominence of the arts, so plan to visit the Walter Anderson Museum of Art dedicated to paintings, murals, and ceramics by Walter Inglis Anderson. Make a stop at Shearwater Pottery, founded by Anderson himself more than 90 years ago, to purchase a piece of your own. On the first Friday of every month, stroll the downtown footprint during the Ocean Springs Art Walk featuring local artists and musicians.
Come to Ocean Springs hungry, as the town is home to tons of restaurants offering everything from seafood to international cuisine. In the early part of summer, order boiled crawfish every chance you get!
downtownoceansprings.com