8 fantastic beach vacations in the South (USA)
Start planning your beach vacation before it's too late
Now is the perfect time to book that beach vacation before it's too late. As someone who grew up in the southern United States, I’ve had the opportunity to visit some fantastic beach destinations. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly, fewer crowds, or lively beach parties, here are some of my favorite beaches to visit in the South.
1. Ocean City, Maryland
A beach town of around 6,000 residents, Ocean City, Maryland, sees nearly 8 million visitors each year. Ranked as the best destination in the state by U.S. News & World Report, Ocean City is an affordable beach getaway with 10 miles of beautiful coastline, two bays, a 3-mile boardwalk, and over 200 restaurants.
Whether you enjoy watersports, fishing, lazy beach days, lively nightlife, or fresh seafood, this iconic American beach destination has just about everything.
You can enjoy parasailing or jet skiing in the bay, venture out to sea to catch tuna and marlin, relax on the beach, enjoy live music, experience the messy yet fun Maryland pastime of crab pickin’, or take a boat tour to Assateague Island and witness the wild ponies grazing along the shoreline.
There are distilleries, museums, amusement parks, mini golf courses, sunset park party nights, skydiving opportunities, and even a casino. Whether you're traveling as a couple or with family, Ocean City offers plenty to see and do for anyone who visits.
2. Virginia Beach, Virginia
As someone born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia, my love for this beach town runs deep.
The things to do at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront are plentiful. From restaurants and bars to concert stages, museums, arcades, an art district, and the Atlantic Ocean, your family or friend group will have no problem finding activities and entertainment.
Summer festivals and events include La Fiesta (a two-day Latin festival), July 4th celebrations, Beach Blanket Cinema nights, Funk Fest Beach Party, East Coast Surfing Championship (ECSC), and Labor Day festivities.
Take a walk around the ViBE District and enjoy the work of local artists. You’ll find painted parking meters, murals painted on buildings, coffee shops, surf shops, and restaurants.
Shore Drive in Virginia Beach is more of a residential area, but it does have some hidden gems like First Landing State Park, where you can go hiking, find hidden beaches, and enjoy nature.
The Town Center of Virginia Beach is excellent for shopping, dining, Top Golf, performances, and entertainment away from the beach. It has an entirely different vibe.
3. NC’s Brunswick Islands
While you’ve probably heard of the Outer Banks, the state boasts another coastal gem: NC’s Brunswick Islands. Situated between Wilmington, NC, and Myrtle Beach, SC, this chain of barrier islands offers a unique beach vacation perfect for families.
Each town is within easy driving distance of one another, allowing you to "island hop" and experience a variety of beach towns during your stay.
Ocean Isle Beach, named the best beach in North Carolina by USA TODAY, features local eateries, fishing opportunities, golf courses, museums, a zipline course, surf camps, and concerts.
Kayak the Intracoastal waterway and enjoy shelling in Holden Beach, or head to Oak Island and enjoy twelve miles of dog-friendly beachfront. Sunset Beach is known for the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, a local landmark and the inspiration behind Nicholas Sparks' novel Every Breath.
Southport is a historic maritime town and a premier filming location known for movies and shows such as Crimes of The Heart (1986), I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997), A Walk to Remember (2002), Dawson’s Creek (1998 – 2003), and Nicholas Sparks’ Safe Haven (2013).
A trip to NC’s Brunswick Islands isn't your typical crowded beach getaway with hotels, chain restaurants, and loud parties. These family-friendly towns offer a chance to relax, explore, and make memories.
4. Hilton Head, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island, located in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina, is a large barrier island along the Atlantic. It is known for its stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses, top-notch tennis facilities, seafood and Southern cuisine, bike paths, and luxurious resorts.
You can enjoy plenty of waterfront dining and fresh seafood, visit Harbour Town and climb the iconic lighthouse, learn about the area at the Coastal Discovery Museum, spend a day at Coligny Beach Park, grab a drink at the distillery, and explore the island by bike.
A golfer’s paradise, Hilton Head has more than 20 championship courses. Many are designed by renowned architects like Pete Dye and Robert Trent Jones Sr. Hosting prestigious tournaments such as the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage, these courses offer a variety of challenging layouts for all skill levels.
There are several easy day trips you can take from Hilton Head. Hop on the ferry and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery on your way to Daufuskie Island, where you can enjoy nature, history, and art. Bluffton, SC, is about 20 minutes away, where you can grab lunch and wander the town. And finally, experience the southern charm of Savannah, GA, an easy 45-minute drive from Hilton Head.
5. Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, has it all: soft white sand, emerald-green waters, beautiful weather, theme parks, watersports, exciting marine life, fresh seafood, and family-friendly resorts. If you’re looking for the perfect destination for your next family vacation, this Gulf Coast community should be on your radar.
HarborWalk Village is a lively waterfront hub where entertainment, shopping, and dining converge. You can go on fishing charters, parasail, kayak, scuba or snuba dive, enjoy drinks on a floating tiki bar, or take a dolphin-watching cruise.
Henderson Beach State Park is an excellent option for beach time or other outdoor activities. The park offers swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, and camping.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park has a variety of educational and entertaining exhibits featuring dolphins, sea lions, sharks, and other marine life. The park's touch tanks and interactive animal encounters allow visitors to get up close and personal with marine life.
6. St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is Florida’s historic coastal gem. From exploring the streets of the historic district, brimming with museums, quaint shops, and restaurants, to relaxing on the sun-kissed beaches, St. Augustine is a perfect blend of cultural richness and leisure.
The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is known as the original site of the 1565 settlement of St. Augustine. The park offers exhibits and demonstrations that depict the lives of the first Spanish settlers. One of the park’s most famous features is Ponce de León’s Fountain of Youth.
Anastasia State Park offers opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding, and the picturesque Salt Run waterway provides a serene backdrop for aquatic adventures. St. Augustine Beach is the perfect destination for beachgoers looking to soak up the sun or enjoy surfing and paddleboarding.
St. Augustine is full of unique adventures. You can visit the Alligator Farm, the only place in the world where you can see every living crocodilian species. The city is also known for its ghost tours, which allow you to delve into its eerie and haunted history. Don't miss the chance to take a Flager College tour led by students!
7. New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Those looking to escape the hectic pace of typical Florida vacation destinations will find New Smyrna Beach a welcomed retreat where they can enjoy a fulfilling yet relaxed experience.
My favorite thing about New Smyrna Beach is that there are more locally-owned establishments than chains. Most visitors opt to stay in independently owned accommodations like bed and breakfasts and inns. Almost all the restaurants you’ll find beachside are also locally owned.
With 17 miles of white sandy beaches and beautiful ocean, no visit to New Smyrna Beach is complete without a beach day! The best part? Many beaches have drivable hardpacked sand, eliminating the need to haul around heavy beach equipment!
With its proximity to the Canaveral National Seashore, outdoor adventures in New Smyrna Beach are plentiful. Kayak tours provide opportunities to spot resident manatees, playful dolphins, and numerous bird species while taking in the views.
New Smyrna Beach is a laid-back coastal community with luxury amenities known for its beautiful year-round weather, reliable waves, ecotourism, creative vibes, and authenticity.
8. Miami, Florida
Miami, Florida, is one of the world’s most vibrant and exciting cities. With its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and diverse cultures and communities, Miami has much to offer its vacationers.
In South Beach, the experience extends beyond its beautiful beaches. The area is known for its vibrant nightlife, dining options, and stunning pastel-colored Art Deco buildings.
An outdoor graffiti museum, the Wynwood Walls feature murals by artists from all over the world. Mural and art festivals are held here each year, allowing artists from around the country and the globe to express themselves on the walls of buildings and structures.
Within an hour’s drive from Miami, you can visit Biscayne National Park, which is approximately 95% water, perfect for a day of boating, kayaking, paddling, and snorkeling. Additionally, Everglades National Park is nearby, offering airboat tours through its vast marshlands.
Miami has unique museums, luxurious shopping opportunities, a wide range of culinary options, lively bars and clubs, beautiful parks and gardens, and many other experiences.
Beach Vacations in the South (USA)
Beach vacations in the Southern United States offer a perfect blend of stunning coastlines, warm hospitality, and recreational activities. Whether you prefer lively beach towns or peaceful seaside retreats, there's something for every traveler to enjoy.
Alexandrea Sumuel Groves is a nationally syndicated travel writer who collaborates with destinations, hotels, and hospitality firms to provide fellow travelers with exclusive insights and information.
