10 Best Islands to Visit in the South

wdc tv news staff

10 hours ago

While the phrase “island vacation” may evoke images of turquoise Caribbean waters, bright white beaches, and 80-plus degree weather (even in the depths of winter), islands directly off the Southeastern United States do it a little differently — and no two are the same.

South Carolina islands have palmetto trees growing alongside ferns and pine trees. Georgia’s barrier islands, including St. Simons and Jekyll Island, boast diverse landscapes made up of beaches, marshes, dunes, and maritime forests. And Texas islands, with their shallow bays and seagrass meadows, are home to an extensive amount of wildlife.

No, not all of these Southern islands offer year-round swimming conditions, but they do have their own unique appeal — and the best ones are always worthy of a visit, even in the dead of winter. To help pick the top islands in the South, we tapped Mary Helen Law, a Georgia-based luxury travel advisor and owner of Law Luxury Travel.

Longboat Key, Florida

A serene beach on Longboat Key.

Michaela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

Law describes Longboat Key as “one of the region’s best-kept secrets.” Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, the quiet barrier island is just a 20-minute drive from Sarasota, making it relatively easier to get to if you’re flying to the Sunshine State. The island does lean more residential — and, thus, the beaches are typically less crowded — but there’s still plenty to do if you want to stay busy. Activities range from kayaking with dolphins and manatees to sunset cruises and pickleball matches. Plus, Law notes that with The St. Regis Longboat Key recently opening its doors, “visitors can now enjoy elevated luxury alongside beloved local favorites like Shore and Whitney’s.”

Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

Oak trees with Spanish moss on Daufuskie Island.

Penny Britt/Getty Images

Neighboring Hilton Head Island may have more name recognition, but Daufuskie Island earns a spot on this list due to its remoteness — it’s only accessible via boat — incredible beauty, and dedication to preserving its Gullah culture. Visitors can take in everything that makes Daufuskie so special in a variety of ways. Start by enjoying a classic beach day on its three miles of public beaches, or head out on horseback with Daufuskie Trail Rides. Take a tour with sixth-generation native Sallie Ann Robinson, who specializes in Daufuskie Island history, then pop into Daufuskie Island Distillery to sample some of their American-made rum. The island also features a number of historical sites — First Union African Baptist Church and Bloody Point Lighthouse, among them — and the best way to see as many as possible, and get around the island in general, is via golf cart.

Golden Isles, Georgia

A sandy walkway to a Jekyll Island beach at sunset.

Stephanie Vermillion/Travel + Leisure

“Call it cheating, since the Golden Isles is a collection of islands off Georgia’s southern coast, but it’s nearly impossible to pick just one,” says Law. “Choose Sea Island for a luxury retreat at The Cloister, Cumberland Island for the simplicity of roaming horses and untouched landscapes, St. Simons Island for lively beaches and dining options, or Jekyll Island for a vacation full of old-world charm.” No matter which island you visit, you can expect a relaxed atmosphere with gorgeous sunsets, mild weather, and some of the best meals you’ve had in your life (Southern Soul Barbeque on St. Simons is a highlight).

Dauphin Island, Alabama

Colorful homes on the water on Dauphin Island.

peeterv/Getty Images

If you’re searching for a tropical vacation spot but want to stay domestic, look no further than Dauphin Island. A barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, the 14-mile-long destination is known for its clear blue water and picturesque white sand. It’s also affectionately called the “sunset capital of Alabama,” a title you’ll quickly understand as you take in the horizon on the far west end of the island. To reach the island, you’ll need to come by ferry or via the three-mile bridge that connects it to mainland Alabama. Upon arrival, the world is your oyster. Explore the 164-acre Audubon Bird Sanctuary, Shell Mound Park, and Historic Fort Gaines. Alternatively, you can spend your days on the water, kayaking, snorkeling, or paddleboarding until dinnertime.

Pawleys Island, South Carolina

A gazebo over the water on Pawley Island.

UWMadison/Getty Images

“A sleepy beach town known for its rich history, Pawleys Island is home to independent restaurants — such as Chive Blossom, Bistro 217, and Frank's Outback — several art galleries featuring the work of local artists, and Downtown Pawleys, a quaint shopping area surrounding a tranquil pond,” says Law. A little under 4 miles long, the island is easily explored on foot or by bike, and visitors spend their days fishing, crabbing, golfing, or just appreciating the beauty and the slower pace, preferably while lounging in a locally made hammock. “A visit wouldn’t be complete without exploring the historic Hammock Shops, where handcrafted rope hammocks have been a tradition for generations,” adds Law.

Hatteras Island, North Carolina

The Hatteras lighthouse near crashing waves.

Jens_Lambert_Photography/Getty Images

The Outer Banks of North Carolina are made up of several islands, stretching from the Virginia border to Ocracoke Island. One of the best ones to visit is Hatteras Island, which recently welcomed Pamlico Station by Edgecamp, a coastal hotel designed by Jonathan Adler. Home to towns such as Rodanthe, Salvo, Waves, and Hatteras Village, the barrier island is long — nearly 50 miles from end to end. With that much space, visitors and locals alike have plenty of room for watersports, leisurely beach days, and sightseeing. Notably, kiteboarding and windsurfing are extremely popular on the island; if it’s your first day, sign up for a private or semi-private class with REAL Watersports.

Amelia Island, Florida

Tall grass by beach houses on Amelia Island.

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

South of the Golden Isles, just over the maritime boundary between Georgia and Florida, sits Amelia Island. “Spanish moss drapes across oak trees as you cross the bridge onto a stunning Amelia Island, where visitors can enjoy nearly empty beaches, five championship golf courses, and a variety of land and water activities for all ages,” says Law. It’s a true family-friendly destination with a range of accommodations, including the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa — both of which come recommended by Law — and charming bed-and-breakfasts housed in the historical buildings downtown. Law adds that the island has “an active food scene.” with “everything from tapas at España, a nod to former Spanish rule of the island, to local seafood cuisine at Down Under, a favorite oyster bar for locals.”

South Padre Island, Texas

Houses on South Padre Island.

peeterv/Getty Images

Many non-Texans may associate the Lone Star State with miles and miles of flat, land-locked plains, but this part of the world has an impressive amount of variation in its climate and landscape. Take South Padre Island, for example. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, just off the southern tip of Texas, the island is a tropical paradise. It’s warm year-round, has 34 miles of white-sand beaches and blue water, and gets more than 300 days of sunshine annually. Like many of the best islands in the South, this is a place where you can be as relaxed or as busy as you want. Spend your days chartering a boat, learning about wildlife at South Padre Island Birding, Nature, and Alligator Sanctuary, or horseback riding along the beach with Island Adventure Park.

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

An empty beach on Kiawah Island.

Shunyu Fan/Getty Images

“Some might call Kiawah Island a golfer's paradise,” says Law, “but don't discount this 10-mile-long oceanfront resort as anything less than a perfect destination for the entire family.” Along with the famed Ocean Course, which hosted the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships, Kiawah has miles of biking paths, wide beaches, and salt marshes teeming with wildlife. There are various vacation rentals available on the island — some oceanfront, some riverfront — but Law says you’ll find “ultimate relaxation” at The Sanctuary, a repeat winner in the World’s Best Awards.

Ship Island, Mississippi

Ship Island's Fort Massachusetts.

Chad Robertson/Adobe Stock

12 miles off the coast of Mississippi sits Ship Island. The barrier island, which is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, is a true getaway in every sense of the word. According to the National Park Service, cell phone service is limited. There are also no places to stay overnight — camping is not allowed — and the island is only accessible by boat. Still, visitors can take advantage of its Caribbean-like waters and white-sand beaches during the day. Chairs and umbrellas are available to rent, and there are restrooms, water foundations, a concession stand, and beach showers to keep you comfortable. Just be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen; summers on Ship Island are notoriously hot.

Source link