The No. 1 beach destination in the South is a quiet island with sea turtles and salt marshes—see the full list

From the Gulf’s emerald waters to the Atlantic’s windswept barrier islands, the South is home to some of the prettiest stretches of shoreline in the country. Whether you’re after a lively boardwalk, a quiet marsh-lined retreat, or a seafood shack with a sunset view, there’s a coastal escape that fits the bill.

These reader-voted favorites offer more than beautiful beaches. With charming downtowns, fresh-caught fare, and plenty of ways to get out on the water, each destination offers its own brand of seaside magic. If the coast is calling, start with the beach getaways Southern Living readers love most.

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 9 to September 9, 2025, and had over 17,000 respondents.

01 of 20

Panama City Beach, Florida

Powdery soft white sand and emerald waters are reason enough to visit this Gulf Coast town, but this family-friendly destination piles on the fun in so many other ways. Head to Pier Park for a mix of retail, restaurants, and theme park attractions. Find an uncrowded stretch of shoreline at St. Andrews State Park. Take your pick between a stay in a modern condo or a nostalgic beachfront cottage.

02 of 20

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Built around a natural mineral spring, tourists have been flocking to this charming retreat for years. Outside of its quaint downtown filled with locally owned shops and restaurants, Ocean Springs far outkicks its coverage when it comes to the arts. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center, and numerous galleries are just a few places to get a taste. Floating cabins, boutique hotels, and laidback fine dining round out the offerings.

03 of 20

Oak Island, North Carolina

There's a sense of calm that comes with vacationing on an island, and Oak Island (one of six spots that make up the Brunswick Islands) certainly delivers that. The low-key vacation destination is known for its 8 miles of shoreline and picturesque salt marsh creeks. Climb to the top of Oak Island Lighthouse, and fish off one of two piers. Time is fluid here.

04 of 20

Sullivan's Island, South Carolina

Located less than 10 miles from Charleston, this unfussy sun-seeker's paradise couldn't feel further from the busy city. Its 2.5 miles of Atlantic-fronting beach remain uncrowded through most of the year, and the strolling and shopping along centrally located Middle Street can't be beat. Some of the Holy City's award-winning food scene has bled into this small town, too. Spots like The Obstinate Daughter and Sullivan's Fish Camp offer first-rate food in a secondary market.

05 of 20

Pawleys Island, South Carolina

South Carolina beaches have their own special magic, and Pawleys Island is a prime example. Nature is the big draw of this quiet community, 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach. Take an ecotour with Pawleys Island Guide Services to explore the marshes, deltas, tidal creeks, and estuaries that wind their way around the island. Hang out at The Hammock Shops Village. Plan for an early dinner to snag an outdoor table at the ever-popular Chive Blossom Cafe.

06 of 20

Virginia Beach, Virginia

This beach town may be best known for its old-school boardwalk, but a splashy new $350 million entertainment district called Atlantic Park is rewriting Atlantic Beach's biography. In addition to North America's first Wavegarden surf lagoon, a state-of-the-art facility generating up to 1,000 waves per hour, the development also features chef-driven restaurants, stylish shops, a boutique hotel, and an indoor-outdoor music venue.

07 of 20

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Kiawah Island is a bucket-list destination for golfers from all over the world thanks to Kiawah Island Golf Resort's five championship courses, but this barrier island has more to offer than the resort's legendary links. There are 30 miles of paved biking trails to ride, wildlife to be discovered at Heron Park Nature Center, and lots of unspoiled sands to explore.

08 of 20

Siesta Key, Florida

It's hard to beat the pristine white sands of Florida's southwest coast, and Siesta Key shows off the best of the area with a plethora of shops and restaurants sprinkled throughout its 3.5 square miles. There are three gorgeous beaches where you can stake your spot in the sand, or head offshore to Point of Rocks, where you can snorkel in clear, calm waters around a natural formation of limestone rocks.

09 of 20

St. Augustine Beach, Florida

The historic town of St. Augustine is a longtime favorite of Southern Living readers, and its neighboring beach town (located just across the Bridge of Lions) is a big part of its wide-reaching appeal. This two-in-one destination proves you really can have it all: swaths of wide, uncrowded beaches and a bustling city full of historic architecture and enticing restaurants.

10 of 20

Folly Beach, South Carolina

East coast surf towns are few and far between, but Folly Beach stands out as one great example. With an easygoing attitude that prioritizes surf swells over timelines, this is the kind of place you visit when you want to really unwind. The six miles of beach are perfect for surfing, but also shelling and just plain sitting. If dinner leads you to anything but freshly shucked oysters and an ice-cold beer, you might want to rethink.

11 of 20

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Local is a way of life on Anna Maria Island, which means you won't find any high-rise condos, fast-food restaurants, or national chains. Instead, the 7-mile barrier island boasts charms like pastel-painted historic homes reimagined as general stores, boutique shops, and beach rental hubs. With views of both Tampa Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, you'll hardly be without a waterfront vista anywhere on the island.

12 of 20

Sanibel Island, Florida

Picking a souvenir in Sanibel is as simple as squatting down in the sand and surveying the spoils. Known as the Shelling Capital of America, you'll find all kinds of rare varieties here. You'll also find a vibrant community that's dedicated to keeping this resilient barrier island shining, even after being walloped by tropical storms and hurricanes. Since more than 70% of the island is protected, Sanibel is a great place to become one with nature. Off the sand, the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge offers a lush spot to see all kinds of creatures from manatees and alligators to more than 230 species of birds.

13 of 20

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Everyone knows a little something about this iconic beach destination, but until you've visited the crowned jewel of South Carolina's 60-mile Grand Strand, you won't quite get it. Somewhere between walking the beloved boardwalk with its open-air bars and ice-cream shops and watching another spectacular sunset over the water, you might start to understand. By the end of your stay, you'll be plotting your return.

14 of 20

Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Isle of Palms is a favorite weekend getaway for generations of Charlestonians, who are a mere 15 miles away by car. The quintessential vacation destination's ample public beaches are outfitted with amenities like restrooms, outdoor showers, lifeguards, and umbrella and chair rentals. Fresh seafood is abundant at waterfront restaurants with lively happy hours. And outstanding stays like the storied Wild Dunes Resort are ready to take care of visitors' every need.

15 of 20

South Padre Island, Texas

Discover the beauty of the Texas coast on this barrier island located just off the southern tip of the Lone Star State. Spend a day getting familiar with the Gulf waves by surfing, fishing, or swimming at Isla Bianca Park. Familiarize yourself with the island's inhabitants at the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center, and Alligator Sanctuary where you can see all kinds of species in their natural habitats. Waterfront resorts provide a level of pampering during your stay.

16 of 20

Tybee Island, Georgia

History and nature are the main draws at this 3-mile barrier island that's known for being a sister destination to Savannah (located just 30 minutes away). Visitors can explore old military forts and climb the picturesque black-and-white striped 1773 Tybee Island Light Station. Take a cruise to spot dolphins splashing in the surf and visit the Tybee Marine Science Center, where you can learn about and interact with marine life native to the area.

17 of 20

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Between the wide, undisturbed tawny shoreline, the miles of bike trails shaded by magnolias and live oaks, and the rolling greens of championship golf courses, it's easy to get whiplash from all the beauty of this South Carolina barrier island. Legendary restaurants like Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks offer caught-that-day fish and breathtaking views of the water to enhance the experience.

18 of 20

Destin, Florida

Nicknamed the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," Destin has come a long way since its early days as a sleepy coastal community. Today, it's one of the most popular spots on the Gulf Coast, drawing generations of families to vacation along its white-quartz beaches and in its emerald waters. You can have exactly the type of beach vacation you want here. Stay in a high-rise with a bird's eye view of the water or opt for a more intimate inn. Charter a boat for deep sea fishing trip or settle under an umbrella with a cold drink and a beach read—the choice is yours.

19 of 20

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

Florida can have its panhandle, but Alabamians are pretty happy with their own 32-mile stretch of shoreline that unfurls across these twin towns. The vacation destination is home to excellent seafood restaurants, mesmerizing blue-green waters, and even an open-air music venue that regularly brings in big names. Visit in April to experience the Mullet Toss at the Flora-Bama, a giant party on the beach that involves flinging fish. Don't leave the area without paying a visit to Gulf State Park, where you can hike, bike, and meander your way through six different ecosystems.

20 of 20

Golden Isles, Georgia

There's something magical about this stretch of islands off the coast of Georgia. Comprised of St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and the mainland city of Brunswick, the Golden Isles are named for the honey-colored marsh grass that surrounds the area's many winding waterways. The beaches here are quieter and less developed, which is a big part of the appeal.

Pick an island and have your dream vacation. St. Simons Island offers an idyllic escape complete with a walkable downtown, vacation home rentals, and historic attractions like the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum. Head to Jekyll or Sea Island for pampering at their legendary resorts, Jekyll Island Club Resort and Sea Island Resort. On Little St. Simons Island, you can get a one-of-a-kind, nature-centric experience thanks to The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island. The all-inclusive eco-lodge happens to be the only place you can stay on the island and is your ticket to visiting this completely undeveloped natural sanctuary.