Well, we’re here to mount a similar defense of the South’s coastal beaches.

But the truth is, the eastern seaboard is as varied as the people that make it up.

From Florida to Virginia, we’ve put a pin in the can’t-miss Southern stretches of East Coast shoreline.

Cocoa Beach Florida with the Cocoa Pier in the background with a beautiful sunrise

Cocoa Pier at sunrise.Credit:Brad McGinley Photography / Getty Images

The park is specifically known as a refuge for sea turtles, which nest on its tawny shoreline.

Peek at the pelican rookery while you’re there.

it’s possible for you to also bring your dogs alongjust double-check they stay on leash!

Florida Beach at Canaveral National Seashore

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chincoteague.com; 6733 Maddox Blvd.

If you time it right, you might even spot a rocket launch.

Cocoa Beach is located just 20 miles from the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral.

Beachscape with clouds reflecting in wet sand near dusk in late summer on Tybee Island, Georgia, USA

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Visiting this island is quite the exclusive experience, as only 300 visitors are allowed each day.

Explore the ruins of the historic Dungeness Mansion or take a stroll on the expansive sandy shores.

nps.gov;Cape Hatteras National Park Rd, Nags Head, NC 27959

In a state blessed with extraordinary beaches from one end to the other, this barrier island beach has deep Outer Banks magic: 16 miles of undeveloped dunes and wild sands that lure everyone from sunbathers and sandcastle builders to shell-hunters and sur

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A short drive from Charleston, Folly Beach is a barrier island both near to city life and millions of miles away. Funky, free-spirited, and full of surfers, sun-seekers, and quirky souls, this is beach life in all its glory. Get your action fix at Center

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Officially a part of the Virginia Beach metro area, this secluded hideaway of five miles of pristine dunes and wild oats 15 miles south of the boardwalk-and-funnel-cake action is an incredible discovery with a family vibe. The peaceful community of beach

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nags-head-beach-houses

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Beachwalker Park Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Beachwalker Park Kiawah Island, South Carolina.Credit: Flickr user rjones0856

Drift Wood Beach in Jekyll Island, Golden Isles

Credit: GoldenIsles.com

Chincoteague Island is Virginia’s only resort Island. Located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Chincoteague is within easy reach from all major cities on the mid - Atlantic seaboard. Chincoteague Island is close to the beach at Assateague Island. Chincoteague Island is just 7 miles long, but surrounded by many miles of nature. Chincoteague Island is located in the Northeast region of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

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Cumberland Island, Georgia

Credit: Wynn Myers

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Outer Banks

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