Travel Souths Best The South's Best Islands 2017 By Valerie Fraser Luesse Valerie Fraser Luesse Senior Travel Editor Valerie Fraser Luesse has been associated with Southern Living and its affiliates since 1988 or, as she puts it, "I predate voicemail." After a decade in corporate communications, she moved to Southern Living Editorial as creative development director in 2001 and was later a senior writer in the travel department. Valerie left the magazine to freelance for a while (Valerie hated freelancing) and returned in 2016. Since then, she has had many adventures in storytelling, online and on the road.The Alabama native lives in Birmingham and writes novels on the side, including Under the Bayou Moon, The Key to Everything, Almost Home, and Missing Isaac. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on March 14, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Courtesy of Jekyll Island Authority Looking for total escape? The South's many islands are tough to beat. Some are so remote that they aren't even populated and can be reached only by boat—with the help of a guide, no less. Asked to choose their favorites, the Southern Living audience opted for more accessible destinations that have all the creature comforts—no tent required—but also give you a wonderful sense of "away." Their top choice? The "OBX." The South's Best Inns 2017 01 of 10 1. Outer Banks Peter Frank Edwards North Carolina This narrow spit of sand looks as if it were tugged out into the ocean from North Carolina's mainland, leaving Pamlico, Currituck, and Roanoke Sounds behind. Rent a house and stay for a week to explore Bodie, Hatteras, and Ocracoke Islands. The South's Best Island 2017: Outer Banks, North Carolina 02 of 10 2. St. Simons Courtesy of The Golden Isles Georgia Picture historic architecture, moss-draped oaks, a relaxing community that never gets in a hurry, and long, flat beaches that stretch out for days at low tide. 03 of 10 3. Florida Keys Florida The sea surrounding the Keys is a particular shade of sunlit turquoise that's hard to describe. And driving the Overseas Highway is a bucket list road trip that nobody should miss. 04 of 10 4. Hilton Head Christopher Shane South Carolina Incorporated in 1983, Hilton Head is an upscale, planned vacation and residential community that's great for family vacations. It has 24 championship golf courses and a whopping 324 tennis courts. 05 of 10 5. Chincoteague Chris M. Rogers Virginia Don't expect water parks, condo towers, or amusement rides. Come here instead for unspoiled beauty on Virginia's only resort island. Bike, hike, boat, and visit neighboring Assateague Island for a glimpse of the famed Chincoteague Ponies. 06 of 10 6. Kiawah Christopher Shane South Carolina A pristine island with an upscale resort and residential community, this sandy strip is separated from St. Johns Island by the Kiawah River, so it has river and ocean views. Kiawah Beachwalker Park is the only public beach access on the island. 07 of 10 7. Jekyll Courtesy of Jekyll Island Authority Georgia What once was a private retreat for the upper crust became a state park in 1947. The old Jekyll Island Club is now a hotel. Stay there to enjoy the expansive, unspoiled beaches, towering oaks, and marshlands. 08 of 10 8. Sanibel Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel Florida This south Florida island's east-west orientation makes its white beaches a magnet for shells washing in from the Gulf, especially after storms. 09 of 10 9. Galveston Wynn Myers Texas Come for the water and fresh seafood, and then marvel at the historic architecture in the great old Texas city that shares this island's name. 10 of 10 10. Tybee Imke Lass Georgia Hard to believe that this laid-back, bike-friendly island is just 30 minutes from one of the most popular cities in the South—Savannah. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit