Sun, surf, and sand—the ultimate vacation trifecta. Yes, we’re a bit biased, but our region is home to some of the finest stretches of sand and coastal communities in the country. Whether it’s the salty marshes and bustling boardwalks along the
South Carolina coast or the turquoise waters and cobblestone streets along
Florida’s Highway 30A , there’s a beach town here for every type of traveler. These reader-selected beach towns are home to growing food scenes, colorful shopping districts,
postcard-worthy views , and endless ways to frolic in the water. Each one has its own unique feel and energy, but you’ll find that all are overflowing with charm. So, if you hear the ocean calling your name, pack your bags, bring your floppiest hat, and leave your worries at the door (you won’t need them where you’re headed).
South's Best Voting Process
An online survey was conducted by third-party agency Proof Insights among
Southern Living Consumers, asking them to rate their favorite places across the South. The survey was fielded from July 10 to August 21, 2024, and had over 10,000 respondents.
Feeling the breeze in your hair is only one golf cart rental away on this low-key barrier island, one of six beaches that constitute the Brunswick Islands. Its south-facing shores offer prime views of the sun rising and setting. And don’t miss the two fishing piers, North Carolina’s newest active lighthouse, and some of the finest shelling in the state.
With palm trees and pearly white architecture, this oasis on Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A has the Mediterranean allure of Santorini. Take a dip in the 100-foot-long
Caliza Pool , stroll the elevated boardwalk in the nature preserve, have a meal at the bright and airy
Fonville Press , and then head to Inlet Beach Regional Access to unwind by a bonfire in the evening.
The country’s tallest brick lighthouse stands proudly on Hatteras Island, right between Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Located in the Outer Banks, an area dubbed “The Graveyard of the Atlantic” for its long history of shipwrecks, this place has a rich past and some of the best birding on the East Coast. Activities like fishing, windsurfing, and horseback riding are never far away in this sporty community.
This colorful surf district is so relaxed it even allows cars on the sand (in designated, paid areas). Flagler Avenue has casual eateries, quirky shops, and unobstructed beach access points. Visitors can admire unbeatable views at the retro
Salty Mermaid Oceanfront Hotel or rent a private home.
Along with Surf City and North Topsail Beach, this retreat is one of three towns that make up the 26-mile-long Topsail Island. With around 500 full-time residents, unspoiled shores, and no high-rises in sight, peace is easy to come by. Every time of year is special here, but summer, when loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to nest and lay their eggs, is truly amazing.
This Gulf Coast town knows how to turn on the charm for everyone, from artists to bird-watchers to anglers. Start or end your day with a stroll along Fulton Beach Road, which is framed by sparkling waters and wind-swept oaks. Check out an exhibit or take a class at
Rockport Center for the Arts .
A little over an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C., the Chesapeake Bay area is a history lover’s dream. Founded in 1672, St. Michaels is now known for its Victorian architecture, maritime culture, and—of course—Maryland blue crab. Book a room or wander the grounds of the
Inn at Perry Cabin , a sprawling waterfront resort.
A boat or private plane are the only ways to reach this 16-mile-long secluded town, but once there, getting around is as simple as walking or renting a bike. Ocracoke Village is home to galleries, restaurants, and shops, while the rest of the island is composed of protected beaches and marshlands that provide seemingly endless room for outdoor adventures.
Called the Seafood Capital of South Carolina, Murrells Inlet is a kayaking, fishing, and sunset-watching paradise. The MarshWalk, a half-mile-long boardwalk on the saltwater estuary, is a go-to for food and drinks as well as live entertainment.
From being a major cotton and lumber port in the 19th century to producing some of the East Coast’s most revered oysters in recent years, this riverside town has remnants of history around every corner. Travel back in time with a stay at
The Gibson Inn , or experience this area’s way of life by renting a cottage or a houseboat.
40. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Dog-friendly beaches and family-oriented attractions make this coastal treasure well-suited for all ages. A mile’s worth of fun can be found on a boardwalk lined with amusement rides, restaurants, and eclectic shops. Take advantage of Delaware’s lack of sales tax with a visit to the Penny Lane Mall, a cobblestoned village filled with stores and outdoor dining options.
A town as quaint as its name, Duck—home to fewer than 1,000 residents—is abundant in both waterfowl and welcoming charm. Lovely vistas unfold at every turn on the isle that’s tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound. A 1-mile-long boardwalk captures the essence of the place, with a variety of stores and restaurants (don’t miss
The Blue Point ) as well as opportunities to observe wildlife and sunsets.
This fishing village with century-old homes, idyllic marinas, and pristine beaches could be plucked from a vintage postcard. You can learn more about the area’s seafaring history with a kayak trek across Taylor Creek or a ferry ride to Shackleford Banks, a barrier island that’s home to wild horses believed to have descended from those that survived Spanish shipwrecks over 500 years ago.
Both leisure and luxury await at America’s First Resort Destination. Big spenders (and window-shoppers) will find paradise on Worth Avenue and at The Royal Poinciana Plaza. Soak in the sights along the Palm Beach Lake Trail, or experience all the opulence of the Gilded Age at the
Henry Morrison Flagler Museum .
From year-round waves to rocket-launch sightings, this city is always abuzz with activity. A favorite spot for surfers, it sits in the heart of Florida’s Space Coast and is around 20 miles from the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral. Hang with locals at the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier, the perfect setting for catching waves or views of the launches.
Taking the scenic route is inevitable in this easygoing community, where white sands and
blue-green waters reign (hence the name). Perched on the 85-mile-long collection of barrier islands known as the Crystal Coast, this under-the-radar place encourages slow living and quality time by the ocean. Sunbathing and water sports like paddleboarding can be enjoyed in any season due to the mild weather.
Part of the Sea Islands, Edisto describes its beaches as “gently developed,” meaning that you won’t find sky-high buildings or big resorts. Instead, the area preserves its natural landscape and simple way of life, with locally owned businesses plus a bike path that leads you all around town.
Come to see the famous wild ponies, and stay for the adorable Main Street businesses, the eateries that highlight area ingredients, and the unbridled scenery of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Nestled on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, it’s a dream for nature lovers seeking tranquility. Walk or bike the refuge’s 15-mile trail system, and look for birds and dolphins.
North Carolina’s first tourist colony (established in the 1830s) is still a popular vacation spot thanks to its classic beach-town appeal. Stay in an oceanfront cottage, book a paddleboard tour, and eat a boatload of whatever is fresh at seafood shacks like
Sam & Omie’s , which has been around since 1937.
“Nice Dogs, Strange People” is the unofficial motto here, which gives you a sense of its unconventional charm. Unlike the more manicured options in and around the area, Grayton prides itself on being authentically offbeat, from the legendary dive
The Red Bar to the
Underwater Museum of Art .
With about 2,000 full-time residents, this 2.5-mile-long island has a decidedly different atmosphere than the hurried bustle of Charleston, even though the city is less than 10 miles away. This is a place to slow down, stroll along uncrowded beaches, and settle into small-town life (even if you’re just staying for the weekend). Visit Fort Moultrie, enjoy an Oyster Happy Hour at The Longboard, and go shopping on Middle Street.
Dog-friendly shores plus the walkable Old Town district make this spot on Mississippi’s “Secret Coast” extra special. It’s a beacon for arts and culture, too, with museums for folk art and Mardi Gras, civil rights landmarks, and the Bay St. Louis Little Theatre.
This quaint village has upscale stores and restaurants (many on the water), beautifully preserved historic homes, and a stunning coastline that’s popular for surfing. More than 40 public access points make it simple to get out onto the water, or you can enjoy your surroundings on The John T. Nesbitt Loop, a 2.5-mile paved walking trail. After a long day, head to
Kohl’s Frozen Custard for a sweet treat.
The “Sport Fishing Capital of The World” has obvious appeal for anglers hoping to reel in marlins and sailfish, but this chain of six islands in the Florida Keys also has four state parks, a host of galleries, a performing arts center, prime snorkeling, and breathtaking sunsets.
This city might not be as well-known as others on the Panhandle, but it’s a lovely, family-friendly place to live and visit, with just enough activities on and off the sand to keep everyone happy. Paddle down the Blackwater River, bike along the coast on the Navarre Beach Multiuse Path, or check out the animals at the nearby Gulf Breeze Zoo.
In 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton walloped the west coast of Florida, but they couldn’t keep Captiva down. This small but resilient community came together (as they have several times before) to rebuild homes and businesses and reclaim their laid-back lifestyle, which is perfect for those seeking uncomplicated, understated fun in the sun.
Perdido means “lost” in Spanish, and parts of this Gulf Coast barrier island do feel wild and untamed. Johnson Beach, part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, is a major refuge for wildlife. Snorkelers can admire underwater wonders in the clear ocean waters. At the other end of the island, Perdido Key State Park is another protected area where nature thrives—plus the shoreline is blissfully uncrowded.
The sand is powder soft and the water is sparkling emerald green at this pretty spot on Northwest Florida’s coast. But if you can manage to tear yourself away from the beach, there is more to explore, like four state parks and a state forest; craft breweries and distilleries; and surprisingly diverse dining options, with everything from fish camps to Mexican, Thai, and French fare.
Dining and high-end shopping, a vibrant arts scene, spectacular shores—it’s easy to see why this area is dubbed the Paradise Coast. In a single day in Naples, you can catch a showy sunrise; play a round at an award-winning golf course; go boutique hopping on either Third Street South or Fifth Avenue South; and then walk over to
Sea Salt ,
Del Mar, or
Mediterrano for a delicious and memorable alfresco meal.
Located on Mustang Island, “Port A” has long been a big destination for deep-sea charters, and it still lures fly-fishers looking for trout and redfish. Sample the ocean’s bounty at eateries across town—many are right on the water. Golf carts and bikes are the best ways to get around, whether you’re going to the dive bar
Shorty’s Place , the pier, or the annual
Texas SandFest in April.
This slender barrier island about 70 miles northeast of Charleston isn’t a tourist trap, and that’s how locals like it. Life here is peaceful and unhurried, and much of it revolves around time spent outdoors. Whether you’re fishing, strolling the beach, birding, crabbing, or kayaking in salt marshes, you’ll see that the unspoiled landscape is the main attraction.
It’s not as fancy as nearby
Kiawah Island or Charleston, but that’s the point. Folly is filled with surf shops, dive bars, and the kinds of restaurants where you can wear flip-flops to dinner. Natural beauty abounds here too: Paddle through tidal creeks, or look for birds at the beach, a protected area with many different species.
A perennial reader favorite on
Scenic Highway 30A , Seaside is a place vacationers return to again and again (or choose to stay and put down roots). This “new old town” looks modern but feels like it’s straight out of yesteryear with its distinctive chapel and post office, mom-and-pop businesses such as Sundog Books, and supremely walkable design.
Like many locations with natural mineral springs, this area has enjoyed a long tenure as a tourist town. Today, it’s best known for its buzzy entertainment district, active creative scene (visit the
Walter Anderson Museum of Art ,
Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center , and various galleries), and a new class of accommodations—ranging from floating cabins to hip boutique hotels.
With all the charm and character of beloved cities like
Charleston and Savannah—plus the 5 miles of beaches at nearby
Hunting Island State Park —it would be hard to imagine a better getaway than Beaufort. Spend time wandering along the river at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park or shopping on Bay Street, and then check into a historic inn shaded by the generous arms of an ancient live oak.
Although it was affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Siesta Key—part of a string of islets along Florida’s southwest coast—is well on its way to recovery. With three beaches and a variety of shops and restaurants, this place doesn’t waste a single inch of its 3.5 square miles. The 77 Seaside Islander, a free public trolley, makes it simple to get anywhere you need without bringing a car or breaking a sweat.
The majority of this 10-mile-wide isle is owned by Kiawah Island Golf Resort, so book accommodations at
The Sanctuary hotel or rent one of their private homes to experience all it has to offer. Then put these activities on your trip bucket list: biking on the 30 miles of paved trails, playing a round at one of five championship golf courses, savoring the uncrowded beaches, and attending the resort’s weekly oyster roast and barbecue in the summer.
Just 15 miles from
Charleston , Isle of Palms feels worlds apart. It features 7 miles of beaches overlooking the Atlantic. On the other side of the barrier island, maze-like salt marshes and winding tidal creeks funnel into the Intracoastal Waterway, providing the ideal environment to see bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, and abundant shorebirds.
While the stretch of communities unfurling along Northwest Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A has other options with sugar-white sand and clear cerulean water, they each have a unique personality. On the southern end, Rosemary Beach is known for its quaint, European-inspired cobblestoned streets and architecture as well as its high-end offerings. Shop for stylish clothing and home goods, dine on the elegant rooftop patio of
Pescado , and stay at
The Pearl Hotel .
A true Old Florida escape, Anna Maria Island preserves its authentic atmosphere by eschewing high-rises, chain stores, and fast-food restaurants. Instead, it repurposes brightly painted historic homes and buildings on Pine Avenue for markets, bakeries, and boutiques. And when it comes to incredible views, the glittering Gulf to the west and the deep blue Palma Sola Bay to the east speak for themselves.
Situated at the top of Florida’s northernmost isle, Fernandina Beach is the main attraction on quiet
Amelia Island . Explore its 52-block historic district that’s dotted with Victorian mansions, legendary seafood shacks, and an arts scene that far exceeds expectations for a small town. When you’re ready to hit the sand and surf, you’ll find a plethora of public access points to choose from.
It doesn’t get more idyllic than this bayside village near Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Established in 1908, this city has become a hot spot for family vacations and
girls’ trips . The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa is the place for pampering, while the flower-filled downtown contains treasures like a
bookstore that has its own bar and a cadre of well-curated antiques shops.
The jewel of the 60-mile Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is a quintessential seaside town. From the open-air bars and ice-cream shops along the iconic boardwalk to its many resorts and restaurants, it has all you could dream of when planning an escape. Survey the scenery from atop the 187-foot-high SkyWheel.
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine was voted our readers’ favorite small town in 2023 due in large part to its impressive Gilded Age architecture, historic downtown, and excellent dining. A short drive across the Bridge of Lions lands visitors on St. Augustine Beach, where swaths of public shoreline, nature trails, and sandy-feet-friendly businesses occupy State A1A.
A sunny slice of paradise that’s as resilient as they come, Sanibel was struck by three hurricanes (Ian, Helene, and Milton) in the span of just over two years, but it continues to persevere. With no stoplights or high-rises, the island is an old-school beach town at its best. Once you’ve come here, it won’t be long before you’ve adopted the Sanibel stoop, the well-known posture of serious shell seekers.
The southernmost of Georgia’s Golden Isles was once a retreat for the country’s wealthiest families, but today it’s beloved by all. The protected barrier island is a haven for local wildlife thanks to facilities like the
Georgia Sea Turtle Center . You can stroll along Driftwood Beach to take in an otherworldly, nature-made sculpture garden that’s composed of weathered trees and branches.
Often called Savannah’s Beach, this tiny barrier island, located about a 30-minute drive from the city, packs a big punch. Discover over 3 miles of beaches, hundreds of years of history (see old military forts and the iconic black-and-white Tybee Island Light Station, built in 1773), and lots of opportunities to explore nature. Try birding in secluded preserves or kayaking on serene waterways.
Bicycles are the preferred mode of transportation on this foot-shaped South Carolina isle. The resort town is often lauded for its world-class golf and accommodations, but its 12 miles of tawny sands and the quiet oak- and magnolia-lined streets that surround them are every bit as magical.
Living up to Gulf Shores’ motto of “Small Town, Big Beach,” this region lays claim to 32 miles of white-sand shores abutting blue-green water. Often overlooked for neighboring Florida Panhandle options, this area is the Yellowhammer State’s pride and joy. Special places include Gulf State Park’s 6,000 acres and
The Gulf , a lively oceanfront restaurant that’s made from shipping containers.
Like the ebbing tide that reveals pluff mud speckled with oyster beds, visitors come in waves to this alluring town where the peel ’n’ eat shrimp and gorgeous sunsets are requirements. Crossing the F.J. Torras Causeway (the only road onto the island) signals a shift in the salty air. Georgia’s second-largest barrier island, St. Simons is nestled between the Frederica River and the Atlantic Ocean, with creeks woven throughout its scenic landscape. While it’s known as the site for The Lodge at Sea Island as well as for its renowned golf courses, the family-friendly spot offers plenty of activities. Paddle the marshes for wildlife sightings, sail on the open waters, cast a line off the pier, bike along more than 20 miles of oak-canopied paths (or on the packed sand), and peruse the collection of boutiques in
Pier Village . History buffs will enjoy the battle-site landmarks, picturesque churches, and famous 1872
St. Simons Lighthouse Museum , while beachgoers can relax in the sun.
