When Southerners close their eyes and imagine the perfect beach town, there’s no shortage of inspiration.
There will be sand, and there will be waves.
There will likely be a salty breeze and a hankering for ice cream after hours in the sun.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Yet from state to state and coast to coast, everyone sees something different.
Consider your next family vacation, spring break trip, winter escape, or girlfriends' getaway handled.
Get ready for seashell-hunting, long bike rides,Bushwackers, and baskets of fried shrimp.
Credit: Cedric Angeles
Here are the South’s Best Beach Towns.
Then, grab a lobster roll from Thorny Oyster.
Dunedin, Florida
Turns out, Tampa’s next-door neighbor can claim some of the South’s prettiest beaches.
Credit: Tina Sargeant
Delray Beach, Florida
Delray Beach is about 50 miles north of Miami onFlorida State Highway A1A.
Now, it’s back and more deserving than ever to be included on your upcoming travel list.
Grab a jar of their homemade pepper jelly on the way out.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Fittingly, it’s a popular surf town, as if the cool-kid vibes weren’t already apparent.
Book your stay at retro-cool digs,The Salty Mermaid, a vintage motor court renovated with style.
Instead of a pool, it has a lawn area with lounge chairs and umbrellas overlooking the Atlantic.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
It sits right on Mustang Island, a barrier island known for its wildlife and stretch of state-protected beach.
Choose rentals near town or within the Cinnamon Shores community.
Spend time hunting for seashells, a favorite activity amongst visitors.
Credit: Cedric Angeles
Thanks to robust deep-sea fishing in the area, you always have access to the freshest daily catch.
For a full-service stay, visitLongboat Key Resortwith its private beach and striped cabanas.
Really, that’s the main event here.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Then, head to Ella & Ollie’s for phenomenal Lowcountry seafood dishes.
Start Planning Your Next Coastal Adventure
10.
AndThe Red Bar, of course.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
(The famed dive restaurant-bar made a rowdy comeback in 2020 after tragically burning down the year prior.)
Camping is a fabulous way to witness all the natural beauty.
Established in 1559 by Spanish explorers, the town is recognized as the country’s first settlement.
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it’s possible for you to also sample small-batch spirits in theSt.
Augustine Distillery, located in a restored ice plant dating back to 1907.
The route to get there, surrounded by turquoise waters for 100 miles, is an adventure in itself.
Credit: Zach Stovall
Wander over toBlue Heavena fan-favorite spotand order anything that includes lobster.
It’s a local delight.
Head to Fisher’s Upstairs for a half-dozen Alabama oysters.
Credit: Peter Frank Edwards
Tybee Island, Georgia
Also known as Savannah’s Beach, Tybee Island has a laid-back vibe.
Rent a pastel beach cruiser fromFat Tire Bike Rentals, and spin through the scenery.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
It’s hard not to love this classic beach village on the Carolina coast.
Credit: Peter Frank Edwards
(Don’t forget to rent a bike for your stay, preferably with a little gold bell.)
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Credit: Meg McKinney
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Credit: Photo: Robbie Caponetto
Credit: Peter Frank Edwards
Credit: Peter Frank Edwards
