Soak up the Sun at the South’s Best Beaches
The summer sun, sand, and sea are calling. But, you don’t have to jet off to a faraway tropical location to find some of the world’s best beaches – many of which are located right here in the South.
If you’re looking for a beach town rooted in luxury, a year-round family-friendly getaway, or a coastal up-and-comer, look no further. We’ve rounded up some of the South’s best beaches.
Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama
Alabama may have a smaller coastline than most east coast states, but its beaches are some of the best in the region. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, located just a few miles and even fewer minutes apart, are filled with excellent seafood, charming shops, and plenty of activities to entertain the whole family in all seasons. While the white sand beaches speak for themselves, other area attractions include the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Fort Morgan, the OWA Amusement Park, the Wharf, and many more.
Make a memory with an excursion during your getaway, from parasailing to dolphin cruises, fishing, diving, jet skiing, or an exhilarating ride on the back of a banana boat. Or, eat your way around town. Some favorites include Sea N’ Suds, Tacky Jack’s, Cobalt, and GT’s on the Bay.
Rosemary Beach, Florida
In a roundup of beachfronts, we’d be remiss not to highlight a few of Florida’s best, like Rosemary Beach. Located in the Florida Panhandle along the iconic 30A, Rosemary Beach is easily accessible no matter which Southern state you’re traveling from.
Rosemary Beach is a neo-traditional community with beautiful design. A stroll or a bike ride along the town’s brick sidewalks will lead visitors from the rows of cottage-style homes straight to Rosemary’s beaches, four pools, and a bustling town square home to iconic shops and award-winning restaurants. At the end of a long day in the sun, unwind at an eatery with a view, from the Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar or the Havana Beach Bar & Grill.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Just a 20 minute drive from charming Savannah, Tybee Island has been a coastal destination drawing visitors since the late 1800s. Coming in at only three square miles, the island is packed with hyper-local shopping, decadent dining, and breathtaking beaches.
Wake up with a classic breakfast from local diner Sunrise Restaurant, then head to the beach for a day spent sunbathing. For more adventure, book a paddleboarding trip on the Back River or opt for a scenic cruise around the island. Then, cap your day with a cocktail from The Deck Beach Bar. For a picturesque adventure, make plan to climb the Tybee Island Lighthouse, the oldest and tallest in the state of Georgia.
Nags Head, North Carolina
You may not find gold in the Outer Banks as the Netflix show may suggest, but you will find Nags Head, one of the area's most recognizable beach towns. Packed with everything a vacationer needs, from charming beach houses and hotels to boutiques, surf shops, and seafood restaurants, Nags Head is an excellent destination to soak up the sun.
During your Nags Head visit, check out the sand dunes in Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Reaching 80 to 100 feet tall, the landscape transforms from beach town to desert (though water is very much in reach). The beaches are noteworthy all their own, with sweeping shoreline and picturesque nautical landmarks including fishing piers and a lighthouse.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
South Carolina’s 187-mile coast line is packed with dynamic coastal towns ready to be explored. A coastal adventure awaits on Hilton Head Island, recently named the no. 1 best island by the Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Beyond the beach, enjoy a bike ride along the 60 miles of multi-use bike trails throughout the city, and even along the beautiful beaches themselves.
Stroll through Shelter Cove, a harbor and marina packed with shops and restaurants. With eight waterfront dining options, the coastal ambience sets the stage for tropical relaxation all year long. Try ELA’s on the Water, an award-winning seafood and steakhouse serving elegant fare, capping the evening with a scoop (or two) from Frosty’s Italian Ices.
Sprinkle education into a vacation with a visit to HIlton Head’s Coastal Discovery Museum, a free museum dedicated to history and education from the lowcountry.
Siesta Key, Florida
The word “siesta” literally means an afternoon nap, and what more could you want out of a tropical vacation? Enter: Siesta Key, Florida, ranked the No. 1 Beach in the U.S. in 2020 by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards™. Just a 15 minute drive from bustling Sarasota, Siesta Key is home to powdery sand and stunning water, with no shortage of sun and fun to boot.
Hop aboard the beach’s free trolley, which operates seven days a week routing between Ocean Boulevard to Beach Road and down Midnight Pass Road, making travel around the area a breezy breeze. Enjoy plenty of waterfront dining options at outposts like the Turtle Beach Grill or Ophelia’s on the Bay, then keep the festivities going with a karaoke night at Captain Curt’s.
Swap the beach for a day in the neighboring city of Sarasota, home to a number of world-class museums like the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.
Myrtle Beach
Whether planning a family vacation, girl’s trip, romantic escape, or solo reset, Myrtle Beach is designed to accommodate it all. Known as the “Grand Strand,” Myrtle Beach comprises 60 miles of pristine coastline spanning from Little River to Georgetown – drawing an impressive 19 million visitors each year, even during the winter months.
Each of its 14 distinct communities provides a unique experience. Looking for a renowned oceanfront? Stay in the heart of Myrtle Beach. Interested in history and Southern charm? Visit Conway. Craving fresh seafood? A stay in Murrells Inlet is a must. No matter the destination or time of year, the town of Myrtle Beach is packed with live entertainment, thrilling attractions, excellent golf courses (and mini golf for the dabblers), and plenty of shopping, activities, food, and fishing to keep the whole family entertained.
During a Myrtle Beach vacation, take a break from sunbathing for a stroll down the 1.2-mile-long boardwalk or enjoy North America’s largest outdoor sculpture garden at Brookgreen Gardens. On rainy days, visit WonderWorks and the Ripley’s Aquarium. To cap a great vacation, take in the sites from atop the nearly 200-feet-tall SkyWheel.
Key West, Florida
As the southernmost point in the United States, Key West is as close to an international tropical getaway as one can get without their passport. But, the tropical beauty and attractions are transcendent, from dolphin encounters to world-class fishing, diving, snorkeling, and boating.
During a Key West visit, plan to spend a day basking at Smathers Beach, the largest public beach in the city, then hit the town, drink in hand, with a stroll down Duval Street. Visit world-famous bars, hear live music, browse art galleries, get a caffeine fix from charming coffee shops, or enjoy a meal from some of the city’s best restaurants.
While the beaches and sunsets may be the primary draw for Key West visitors, a visit wouldn’t be complete without a tropical adventure outside your comfort zone. Plan a snorkeling trip to see spectacular coral reefs and wrecks in the area.
If the waves are calling your name, pack up a smile and plenty of SPF as you chase the Southern coastal sun.
