Travel The South's Best The South's Best Beaches By Valerie Fraser Luesse Valerie Fraser Luesse Valerie Fraser Luesse has been affiliated with Southern Living and its parent company since 1988. She has written some 30 Southern Journal essays for the magazine and extensively covered the unique cultural pockets of the South, including Acadian Louisiana, the Mississippi Delta, South Florida, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. She released her fourth Southern novel with Revell in 2021. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on May 23, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Bibhash Chaudhuri/EyeEm/Getty Images Eleven Southern states—that's most of them—are hemmed with beach sand and washed in saltwater. Fronting the Atlantic and the Gulf, Southern coasts from Virginia to Florida, from the Outer Banks to South Padre, have incredible beaches. Whether you prefer to sunbathe in the sand, swim in the salty seas, or reel in fresh catch, the South's beaches don't disappoint. So, which one's the best? Most likely, your favorite beach is the one you grew up with. Or maybe it's the one you discovered during a special time in your life—or even a tough time. That's the thing about waves and sand. They can soothe us or celebrate with us—whatever the occasion calls for. From Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to Gulf Shores, Alabama, here are a few of our favorite Southern shorelines. You never know—your new favorite vacation destination might be just a few clicks away! 01 of 10 Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Getty Images/Aurora Open Best known for golf at classic resorts like Sea Pines and Palmetto Dunes, Hilton Head Island has been around for a while (incorporated in 1983) and has grown comfortable in its own skin. Explore flat, wide Atlantic beaches and waterways that are ideal for paddling. 02 of 10 Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism These neighboring beaches manage to walk a happy line between kid friendly and happening. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are very popular with families, who fill up those condos every summer, and with college students, who come to hang out with friends at local festivals and places such as Bahama Bob's, The Gulf, the Hangout, and Brick & Spoon. 03 of 10 Destin, Florida Bibhash Chaudhuri/EyeEm/Getty Images There's probably a scientific reason why the water here is a slightly different shade of gorgeous than just about anywhere else along the Florida Panhandle. But we would rather take it in than figure it out. Still known as "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village," Destin has become much more than that, offering great variety in terms of lodging, dining, and nightlife. 04 of 10 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Robbie Caponetto You're probably picturing the iconic boardwalk (still expanding), the SkyWheel (still lighting up the night), and—of course—The Bowery (still rocking after 70-plus years). Vacationers can enjoy these favorites along with new hotels and resorts as well as inventive restaurants and watering holes. 05 of 10 Isle of Palms, South Carolina Chris M. Rogers Located about a half hour from Charleston, Isle of Palms is home to Wild Dunes Resort, which is a favorite among golfers. More residential than it is touristy, this town and island of the same name have a great beachy vibe and a nice mix of rental properties available. 06 of 10 Tybee Island, Georgia Getty Images Known as "Savannah's Beach"—and located just 18 miles from the historic city—bike-friendly, laid-back Tybee has a charming downtown and five public beaches. Uninhabited Little Tybee is just a boat ride away. 07 of 10 Ocean City, Maryland Courtesy of Ocean City With 10 miles of public beaches on the Atlantic and an iconic 3-mile-long wooden boardwalk, Ocean City promises a good time. Don't miss the famous saltwater taffy and other beach treats at Dolle's, family owned since 1910. 08 of 10 Virginia Beach, Virginia Hisham Ibrahim/Getty Images You'll find this happening beach burg at the intersection of two great waterways, the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. From its buzzing Oceanfront to secluded Sandbridge to the 8,000-acre Pungo agriculture district, Virginia Beach packs a lot of variety into one destination. 09 of 10 Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina Courtesy of Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau This low-key, uncrowded waterfront town, established in 1899, is a beach lover's heaven—lots of sand and surf, outdoor adventure, bike-friendly byways, fresh seafood, and perfect spots to relax and watch the sunset. Bonus: It's only 20-ish minutes from Wilmington, North Carolina, and halfway between New York and Florida. 10 of 10 South Padre Island, Texas Southern Living Maybe you associate South Padre Island with spring break in the Lone Star State, but the island has as much wildlife as nightlife. Besides year-round dwellers like white ibis and great blue herons, migratory birds enjoy South Padre Island layovers from October to January, while monarch butterflies also make a stop in October. Frequently Asked Questions What are the South's best beach towns to visit in the winter? The South has year-round coastal getaways ideal for people looking to visit the beach without battling the summertime crowds. Some of the top-rated beach towns include the following: St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island in Georgia, Chincoteague and Cape Charles in Virginia, Nags Head and Bald Head Island in North Carolina, Folly Beach in South Carolina, Anna Maria Island and Cape San Blas in Florida, South Padre Island in Texas, and Fairhope in Alabama. What are the best family beach towns in the South? The South has a wide range of beach towns, each with a distinctive personality to fit every beach-goers interests. Beach towns like Port Aransas, Texas, and Jekyll Island, Georgia, are ideal locations for families. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit