12 of the Most Beautiful Beach Towns in the South That Are Worth the Trip

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Don’t just head to LA or Honolulu. The South has its share of gorgeous sand and sunshine, too. From tropical beach resorts to cozy coastal cabins, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in the best beach towns in the South.

If you’re on a mission to lounge in the sand or eat incredible seafood while watching the waves pound the shore, why not book your tickets to the South? The region has thousands of miles of beautiful beaches and two major coastlines to explore, the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico.

You’ll find exciting towns with tons of cultural heritage and remote getaways tucked away so you can unwind and rest. To help you plan your perfect vacation, keep reading for the 12 best beach towns in the south.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

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Gulf Shores has all the Southern charm you’d expect from an Alabama beach destination. In this beautiful town, you’ll find many laid-back activities to pass your time.

Spend the afternoon on the white sand beach and lounge under the hot sun after swimming and surfing in the warm Gulf of Mexico. You can also explore the town by bike or on foot before dining at a local seafood restaurant.

The town is famous for its flavorful oysters and seafood. It’s also the perfect place to try your luck at angling by hopping on a local fishing charter before returning for the region’s famous sunsets.

Tybee Island, Georgia

Tybee Island is a historical town located off the coast of Georgia. You’ll get to relax on the beach or bike down the road to see beautiful homes and boutique stores.

After relaxing on the beaches, visit the historical forts and lighthouses on the island and nearby. Check out the 19th-century Fort Screven military barracks and then visit the Fort Pulaski National Monument, a Civil War fort with a long history.

After exploring the historical monuments on the island, return to town and settle in for a beachside barbecue or beach stroll. The next day, rent kayaks or take a fishing charter offshore for some open-ocean adventures.

Fairhope, Alabama

Fairhope sits on the shores of Mobile Bay. You’ll find endless relaxation and inviting locals that will make your stay remarkable.

See the anglers on the Fairhope Pier before walking on the beach and exploring the parks downtown. Grab homemade Southern food at one of the many restaurants and cafes in town.

Nearby, the city has renowned golf courses and scenic spots to sit and take it all in. If you love the water, head out on a fishing adventure or simply rent a bike and explore the hidden beaches along the shoreline.

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Anna Maria Island may be a short drive from Tampa, but the town feels like a world away. You’ll meet friendly locals who seem to live without a care in the world.

Walk or bike along the main Pine Avenue to see beautiful homes and locally run boutique shops. Check out the iconic AMI City Pier and grab some amazing seafood near the water.

To relax in the sand, visit Bean Point Beach or Manatee Public Beach. Don’t miss the chance to kayak and paddle along the inner shores of the island. You may even see manatees!

Southport, North Carolina

Southport is a small fishing town at the inlet of the Cape Fear River. It offers visitors tons of Southern charm, great food, and nearby activities that will put you at ease.

Start by learning about the town’s history at the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport. Then, visit the historical buildings and sights in town before dining on oysters and sampling the local cuisine.

One of the best things to do in town is take a ferry to the car-free Bald Head Island. Walk the quiet beaches or play a round of golf at the popular Bald Head Island Club.

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is a beach town teaming with history and natural beauty. On its streets, you’ll see some of the oldest buildings in the US, along with boutique shops and great restaurants.

Start in the historic downtown and visit the Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Here, you’ll see the remnants of the 16th-century Spanish settlement, including its original watchtower.

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Then, head to the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fort that once guarded the town from pirates and invaders. Go museum hopping and see quirky and history-rich destinations such as the Villa Zorayda Museum and the Lightner Museum. Afterward, don’t miss taking a horse-drawn carriage through the old town, an experience you can only get in St. Augustine.

St. Simons Island, Georgia

St. Simons Island is another one of Georgia’s impressive beach towns worth visiting. If you love history, relaxing on the beach, and amazing Southern cuisine, this destination is for you.

You’ll get to shop in boutique stores along Mallery Street or hop into locally run bars and restaurants for amazing food. Antique shops, art galleries, and craft stores offer the perfect break between eating and relaxing on the beach.

If you love adventure, rent a kayak and see the wildlife along the swamps and rivers surrounding the island. Or, spend the day playing golf at one of the town’s famous golf courses. No matter what your interests are, you’ll have a lot of fun on St. Simons Island.

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Ocean Springs may not have the extensive beaches of its neighbors, but it’s full of amazing art studios, boutiques, and quiet streets that offer plenty of relaxation. Near the water, there are plenty of historical hotels, cozy inns, and historical old homes that have great short-term rentals.

Start downtown by enjoying the live oaks and parks along the waterfront. Then, jump into art stores and galleries to meet local artists. Head down to the Fort Maurepas City Park & Nature Preserve to see anglers enjoying their day and trying their luck.

Another must-see sight is the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. Here, you can wander through the collections of one of the region’s top artists of all time. Finally, don’t miss catching a sunset dinner.

Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina

Sullivan’s Island is a quiet gem of a beach destination just a short drive from Charleston. You’ll find historical homes lining the beaches, and quaint inns and hotels that give you plenty of relaxation.

The town has some of the most important historical landmarks of the Civil War. Offshore is the historic Fort Sumter. You can visit old batteries and landmarks such as Mugdock Castle in town.

In addition to the town’s history, you can experience outdoor adventures such as kayaking or fishing. If you love the outdoors, try booking a fishing charter for the day and bring back the fish of your lifetime to cook on the grill.

Galveston, Texas

Beaches in the US Galveston Beach, Texas — © BJ Ray / Adobe Stock

Galveston is a short drive from Houston, but it feels like a world away. The town has stately mansions, beautiful architecture, and fun waterfront activities that make it a favorite vacation destination.

You’ll find small beachside inns, big resorts with heated pools, and all the amenities you want. Wherever you stay, you’ll never be far from the beach.

The town has plenty to experience including the rides of the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. Downtown features Victorian buildings along The Strand and plenty of great restaurants and bars. At night, you’ll see live music and plenty of Texas-style entertainment.

Key Largo, Florida

Key Largo is a famous vacation destination in the Florida Keys. Here, you can experience everything from tropical resorts to charming country-style cabins.

Mangrove swamps surround the small islands. Rent kayaks and explore the natural surroundings, or even go on a fishing charter or diving adventure to the offshore tropical reefs.

In town, all you need is a bicycle when the weather’s nice to explore. If you have a car, you can drive along the keys and find hidden nature areas and incredible seafood shacks with freshly caught fish and other specialties to sink your teeth into, including the famous key lime pie.

Cape Charles, Virginia

If you want to escape daily stress and surround yourself with beauty, check out Cape Charles. This tiny town is one of Virginia’s most relaxing places. It offers outdoor adventures, beautiful scenery, and a welcoming vibe that’ll make you want to stay a long time.

The town overlooks the Chesapeake Bay. When the sun sets, you’ll get some of the country’s best sunsets best experienced on the Cape Charles Fishing Pier.

You’ll find beautiful homes, restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops downtown. For the ultimate experience, simply rent a bike and explore the town or take a drive down to the Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge to see stunning views and rural areas that should be in a painting.