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The phrase “island trip” might evoke photographs of turquoise Caribbean waters, shiny white seashores, and temperatures over 80 levels even within the depths of winter. However islands straight off the Southern U.S. mainland do it a bit in a different way—and no two are the identical.
South Carolina islands have palmetto bushes rising alongside ferns and pines. Georgia’s barrier islands, together with St. Simons and Jekyll Island, boast numerous landscapes made up of seashores, marshes, dunes, and maritime forests. And Texas islands, with their shallow bays and seagrass meadows, are dwelling to intensive wildlife.
No, not all of those Southern islands provide year-round swimming circumstances, however they do have their very own distinctive attraction, even within the colder months. To assist decide the highest islands within the South, we tapped Mary Helen Law, a Georgia-based journey advisor and proprietor of Law Luxury Travel.
Longboat Key, Florida
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Legislation describes Longboat Key as “one of many area’s best-kept secrets and techniques.” Situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the quiet barrier island is only a 20-minute drive from Sarasota, making it comparatively simpler to get to should you’re flying to the Sunshine State. The island does lean extra residential—and, thus, the seashores are sometimes much less crowded—however there’s nonetheless a lot to do if you wish to keep busy. Actions vary from kayaking with dolphins and manatees to sundown cruises and pickleball matches. Plus, Legislation notes that with the 2024 opening of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, “guests can now get pleasure from elevated luxurious alongside beloved native favorites like Shore and Whitney’s.”
Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
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Neighboring Hilton Head Island might have extra title recognition, however Daufuskie Island earns a spot on this listing because of its remoteness (it’s solely accessible by boat), unimaginable magnificence, and dedication to preserving its Gullah tradition. Guests can absorb the whole lot that makes Daufuskie so particular in a wide range of methods. Begin by having fun with a traditional seaside day on its three miles of public seashores, or head out on horseback with Daufuskie Trail Rides. Take a tour with sixth-generation native Sallie Ann Robinson, who makes a speciality of Daufuskie Island historical past, then pop into Daufuskie Island Distillery to pattern a few of its American-made rum. The island additionally options a lot of historic websites—First Union African Baptist Church and the Bloody Point Lighthouse amongst them—and one of the best ways to see as many as doable, and get across the island on the whole, is through golf cart.
Golden Isles, Georgia
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“Name it dishonest, because the Golden Isles is a set of islands off Georgia’s southern coast, but it surely’s almost unimaginable to select only one,” says Legislation. “Select Sea Island for a luxurious retreat at The Cloister, Cumberland Island for the simplicity of roaming horses and untouched landscapes, St. Simons Island for vigorous seashores and eating choices, or Jekyll Island for a trip filled with old-world allure.” Irrespective of which island you go to, you may count on a relaxed environment with beautiful sunsets, gentle climate, and among the finest meals you’ve had in your life (Southern Soul Barbeque on St. Simons is a spotlight).
Dauphin Island, Alabama
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Should you’re looking for a tropical trip spot however wish to keep stateside, look no additional than Dauphin Island. A barrier island within the Gulf of Mexico, the 14-mile-long vacation spot is thought for its clear blue water and picturesque white sand. It’s additionally affectionately known as the “sundown capital of Alabama,” a title you’ll shortly perceive as you are taking within the horizon on the far west finish of the island. To achieve the island, you’ll want to come back by ferry or through the three-mile bridge that connects it to mainland Alabama. Upon arrival, the world is your oyster. Discover the 164-acre Audubon Bird Sanctuary, Shell Mound Park, and Historic Fort Gaines. Alternatively, you may spend your days on the water, kayaking, snorkeling, or paddleboarding till dinnertime.
Pawleys Island, South Carolina
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“A sleepy seaside city identified for its wealthy historical past, Pawleys Island is dwelling to unbiased eating places—akin to Chive Blossom, Bistro 217, and Frank’s Outback—a number of artwork galleries that includes the work of native artists, and Downtown Pawleys, a quaint purchasing space surrounding a tranquil pond,” says Legislation. A little bit beneath 4 miles lengthy, the island is well explored on foot or by bike, and guests spend their days fishing, crabbing, {golfing}, or simply appreciating the wonder and the slower tempo, ideally whereas lounging in a domestically made hammock. “A go to wouldn’t be full with out exploring the historic Hammock Shops, the place handcrafted rope hammocks have been a practice for generations,” provides Legislation.
Hatteras Island, North Carolina
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The Outer Banks of North Carolina are made up of a number of islands, stretching from the Virginia border to Ocracoke Island. Top-of-the-line ones to go to is Hatteras Island, dwelling to Pamlico Station by Edgecamp, a coastal resort designed by Jonathan Adler that opened in 2024. Dotted with cities like Rodanthe, Salvo, Waves, and Hatteras Village, the barrier island is lengthy—almost 50 miles from finish to finish. With that a lot area, guests and locals alike have loads of room for water sports activities, leisurely seaside days, and sightseeing. Notably, kiteboarding and windsurfing are extraordinarily well-liked on the island; if it’s your first day, join a personal or semi-private lesson with Real Watersports.
Amelia Island, Florida
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South of the Golden Isles, simply over the maritime boundary between Georgia and Florida, is Amelia Island. “Spanish moss drapes throughout oak bushes as you cross the bridge onto a shocking Amelia Island, the place guests can get pleasure from almost empty seashores, 5 championship golf programs, and a wide range of land and water actions for all ages,” says Legislation. It’s a real family-friendly vacation spot with a spread of lodging, together with the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa—each of which come advisable by Legislation—and charming bed-and-breakfasts housed within the historic buildings downtown. Legislation provides that the island has “an energetic meals scene.” with “the whole lot from tapas at España, a nod to former Spanish rule of the island, to native seafood delicacies at Down Under, a favourite oyster bar for locals.”
South Padre Island, Texas
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Many non-Texans might affiliate the Lone Star State with miles and miles of flat, landlocked plains, however this a part of the world has a powerful quantity of variation in its local weather and panorama. Take South Padre Island, for instance: a tropical paradise on the Gulf of Mexico, simply off the southern tip of Texas. It’s heat year-round, has 34 miles of white-sand seashores and blue water, and will get greater than 300 days of sunshine yearly. Like most of the finest islands within the South, this can be a place the place you may be as relaxed or as busy as you need. Spend your days chartering a ship, studying about wildlife at South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center, and Alligator Sanctuary, or horseback driving alongside the seaside at Island Adventure Park.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
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“Some may name Kiawah Island a golfer’s paradise,” says Legislation, “however do not low cost this 10-mile-long oceanfront resort as something lower than an ideal vacation spot for the complete household.” Together with the famed Ocean Course, which hosted the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships, Kiawah has miles of motorbike paths, vast seashores, and salt marshes teeming with wildlife. There are numerous trip leases obtainable on the island—some oceanfront, some riverfront—however Legislation says you’ll discover “final rest” at The Sanctuary, a repeat winner in Journey + Leisure‘s World’s Best Awards.
Ship Island, Mississippi
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Ship Island is 12 miles off the coast of Mississippi. The barrier island, which is a part of Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore, is a real getaway in each sense of the phrase. In response to the Nationwide Park Service, mobile phone service is proscribed, and the island is just accessible by boat. Whereas there isn’t any lodging on Ship Island and tenting isn’t allowed, guests can make the most of its Caribbean-like waters and white-sand seashores in the course of the day. Chairs and umbrellas can be found to lease on the designated swimming seaside, which has facilities like restrooms, consuming water, and a snack stand to maintain you snug. Simply you should definitely convey loads of sunscreen and keep hydrated—summers listed here are notoriously scorching and sunny.
