Whether you’re visiting in the hottest months or experiencing the peace and magic of the off-season, beach towns in the South are as special as they are varied. Take Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina, for example. Its flat beaches are perfect for picturesque bike rides, and its stretch of top-tier restaurants draws crowds from nearby Charleston and beyond. The unspoiled wilderness of Chincoteague, Virginia couldn’t be more different from the Spanish colonial architecture of St. Augustine, Florida , but each has that distinctive hum of relaxation and delight you can only find in a Southern beach town. No matter where you go along the coast, you’re guaranteed to spot old-school ice cream shops, stores filled with nautical knickknacks, and can’t-miss seafood shacks advertising the catch of the day.
In a region notorious for its humidity, Southern beach towns are often a welcome reprieve from the otherwise suffocating weather. That’s not to say they don’t get their fair share of sweltering days — particularly in the height of the summer — but salty breezes, extraordinary sunsets , and year-round charm create unforgettable coastal escapes that beckon repeat visitors and newcomers alike.
01 of 15 St. Simons Island, Georgia KAdams66/Getty Images Each of Georgia’s Golden Isles — a group of barrier islands that includes St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island — are majestic and visit-worthy in their own right, but none encompasses the idea of a beach town quite like St. Simons Island. Approximately equidistant between Savannah and Jacksonville, Florida, it’s a coastal enclave outfitted with moss-draped oaks, bike-friendly paths, and plenty of shops and restaurants (make sure you try the pancakes at Palmer’s Village Cafe) to keep you busy when you’re not taking advantage of the nearby beaches.
02 of 15 Mexico Beach, Florida Sitting 25 miles southeast of Panama City, Florida, Mexico Beach embodies everything you’d expect in a small Southern beach town. It has colorful homes that line the white-sand beach, local restaurants with fried shrimp on the menu, and a passionate community that’s worked hard to rebuild the area in the aftermath of 2018’s Hurricane Michael.
03 of 15 Ocracoke, North Carolina tmersh/Getty Images The Outer Banks of North Carolina made a name for themselves long before the eponymous Netflix show premiered in 2020. Ocracoke Island is a particular brand of beach town that’s hard to replicate. Sure, there’s shopping, restaurants, and must-see attractions — be sure to snap a photo of the second-oldest operating lighthouse in the United States — but visitors are also encouraged to take up sailing, clam digging, and exploring the island by bike.
04 of 15 Gulf Shores, Alabama felixmizioznikov/Getty Images The white-sand beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama are half of the inspiration behind the area’s motto, “Small Town, Big Beach,” and luckily, the pristine stretches of sand and surf can be enjoyed all year round. If you need a break from beach time, Gulf Shores also has plenty of other activities for the whole family. Head to nearby Gulf State Park, where you can camp, fish, and explore 25 miles of paved walking and biking trails, or spend a few hours wandering around the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
05 of 15 Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina Daniela Duncan/Getty Images If you’re visiting Charleston, you’ll have your pick of beach communities — from kitschy Folly Beach to the more private coastline on Kiawah Island. Sullivan’s Island, a favorite among locals, is that perfect in-between beach town, with 2.5 miles of beachfront views and an assortment of local shops and eateries. After a long day on the beach, try to grab a table at The Obstinate Daughter, Poe’s Tavern, or Home Team BBQ; the waits may be longer in peak season, but they’re certainly worth it.