Given the South's frequent heat and humidity, it comes as no surprise that most of the region's beaches receive a steady stream of visitors. Quality among beaches varies – no one will mistake even the most acclaimed options with Bali or Hawaii – but there are several worthy options offering everything from rugged, wild terrain to affordable, family-friendly activities. Here are 10 of the best beaches the South has to offer.
This eclectic beach community offers a mix of natural beauty and bohemian style. A popular destination for surfers, Folly Beach offers numerous spots to ride calm waves. Six pristine beaches draw sunbathers, bird-watchers, kayakers, and kite-boarders. The self-billed "real American beach town" contains surf shops, restaurants, and bars featuring friendly locals and plenty of southern hospitality.
White quartz sand, shallow waters, and wide stretches of uncrowded beach draw in-the-know types to Gulf Shores. Visitors can spot dolphins, cruise on a pontoon boat, or learn to catch shrimp. More than just a beach destination, Gulf Shores features quaint waterside restaurants, cultural attractions such as the Ohr-O'keefe Museum and Walter Anderson Museum, and casinos.
One of the nation's most iconic destinations for golfers and family vacations, Hilton Head Island offers more than 12 miles of white sandy beach. Flat sand banks are perfect for relaxing while watching the surf roll in, and Atlantic breezes attract kite-flyers and parasailers. The resort town features well-known restaurants and bars plus a range of shopping options.
Located on a barrier island just north of Charleston, this popular beach town features beautiful shoreline and abundant wildlife. Beachgoers might spot osprey, pelicans, dolphins, or sea turtles. Resorts and beach rentals are abundant, and the friendly local beach bars offer live music right on the beach.
The three main beach areas of Jekyll Island offer unique natural landscapes with calm waves and shallow waters. Driftwood Beach is an undisturbed, picturesque stretch of beach with driftwood and trees that have been washed ashore. A lengthy boardwalk that crosses sand dunes and freshwater pools leads to Glory Beach, which features a view of Cumberland Island. Great Dunes is a prime spot for families, with mini-golf, bike rentals, and playgrounds nearby.
This barrier island south of Charleston is a popular resort with beautiful villas, pristine beaches, and five championship golf courses. With the exception of Beachwalker State Park, beach access is limited to resort guests. The resort offers a range of amenities to please families, beach lovers, tennis players, golfers, and nature enthusiasts. Walking tours, sports clinics, and other workshops for kids and adults are available.
South Carolina's most popular beach has been a summertime destination for generations of families. The light brown sand and clean, gentle waves offer a range of opportunities, from relaxing or playing with children to water sports like jet skiing and surfing. Fishing is also popular on certain stretches of the shoreline. Find shops and restaurants along Ocean Boulevard, or seek out an undeveloped stretch of beach in Myrtle Beach State Park.
Collectively known as the Outer Banks, this group of beaches stretches for 90 miles on a barrier island off the east coast of North Carolina. Clean and family-friendly, the white sand beaches draw visitors from all over the country. The area offers a range of experiences to suit all styles, from the paved parking, modern bath houses and nearby convenience stores of the Northern Beach towns (Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head) to the more primitive, close-to-nature Hatteras Island Villages (Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras). As a bonus, many of the Outer Banks' beaches are among the most pet-friendly in the country.
A mere 20 minutes east of Savannah, Tybee Island has long been a destination for local residents, but now draws vacationers of all stripes lured by its history and natural beauty. Visitors can relax on the beautiful three-mile stretch of beach, fish in the surf, explore salt marshes, or check out the island's forts, museums, and historic lighthouse. Seafood lovers will enjoy the fresh-caught offerings at the area's restaurants, and art enthusiasts can browse shops featuring the works of talented local artists.
With 35 miles of coastline and pristine beaches, Virginia Beach is a year-round destination bursting with coastal charm. The Resort Area features one of the nation's liveliest boardwalks (featuring free nightly music during the summer), while the beach hideaway of Sandbridge offers a more peaceful option. The public beaches are great for a family beach vacation, with dozens of lodging options available across all price ranges and comfort levels.
by Eric Grossman, Special for USA TODAY
