Travel»The South’s Most Secret Beaches

The South’s Most Secret Beaches

Everyone loves the beach, but not the crowds. Escape the throngs at these 10 Southern spots, from rugged Atlantic shores to secluded Gulf islands.

Secluded Southern Beach Vacations: Sunset Beach and Bird Island

Photo: Courtesy of North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, Article: Annette Thompson

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Sunset Beach and Bird Island

North Carolina
A half-hour drive from Myrtle Beach’s high rises brings you to a little beach town full of rambling rental houses. Sunset Beach proudly preserves its undeveloped beachfront with wide setbacks―that means a spacious beach. Lofty sand dunes stretch 3 miles south to the inlet connecting the Carolinas on Bird Island state nature preserve. sunsetbeachnc.gov