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Whereas the phrase “island trip” could evoke photos of turquoise Caribbean waters, vibrant white seashores, and 80-plus diploma climate (even within the depths of winter), islands instantly off the Southeastern United States do it a little bit in a different way — and no two are the identical.
South Carolina islands have palmetto bushes rising alongside ferns and pine bushes. 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 an intensive quantity of wildlife.
No, not all of those Southern islands supply year-round swimming situations, however they do have their very own distinctive enchantment — and the most effective ones are at all times worthy of a go to, even within the useless of winter. To assist decide the highest islands within the South, we tapped Mary Helen Legislation, a Georgia-based luxurious journey advisor and proprietor of Legislation Luxurious Journey.
Longboat Key, Florida
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Legislation describes Longboat Key as “one of many area’s best-kept secrets and techniques.” Positioned on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the quiet barrier island is only a 20-minute drive from Sarasota, making it comparatively simpler to get to for those who’re flying to the Sunshine State. The island does lean extra residential — and, thus, the seashores are usually much less crowded — however there’s nonetheless lots 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 St. Regis Longboat Key lately opening its doorways, “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 could have extra title recognition, however Daufuskie Island earns a spot on this listing on account of its remoteness — it’s solely accessible by way of boat — unimaginable magnificence, and dedication to preserving its Gullah tradition. Guests can absorb every little thing that makes Daufuskie so particular in quite a lot 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 Path 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 their American-made rum. The island additionally options quite a lot of historic websites — First Union African Baptist Church and Bloody Level Lighthouse, amongst them — and the easiest way to see as many as doable, and get across the island typically, is by way of golf cart.
Golden Isles, Georgia
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“Name it dishonest, because the Golden Isles is a group of islands off Georgia’s southern coast, however it’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 appeal.” Irrespective of which island you go to, you may anticipate a relaxed environment with attractive sunsets, delicate climate, and a few of the greatest 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 trying to find a tropical trip spot however need to keep home, 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’re taking within the horizon on the far west finish of the island. To achieve the island, you’ll want to return by ferry or by way of the three-mile bridge that connects it to mainland Alabama. Upon arrival, the world is your oyster. Discover the 164-acre Audubon Chicken 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 impartial eating places — comparable 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 underneath 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 sweetness and the slower tempo, ideally whereas lounging in a regionally made hammock. “A go to wouldn’t be full with out exploring the historic Hammock Retailers, the place handcrafted rope hammocks have been a convention 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. The most effective ones to go to is Hatteras Island, which lately welcomed Pamlico Station by Edgecamp, a coastal lodge designed by Jonathan Adler. House to cities comparable to 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 watersports, leisurely seaside days, and sightseeing. Notably, kiteboarding and windsurfing are extraordinarily common on the island; if it’s your first day, join a personal or semi-private class with REAL Watersports.
Amelia Island, Florida
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South of the Golden Isles, simply over the maritime boundary between Georgia and Florida, sits Amelia Island. “Spanish moss drapes throughout oak bushes as you cross the bridge onto a surprising Amelia Island, the place guests can get pleasure from almost empty seashores, 5 championship golf programs, and quite a lot of land and water actions for all ages,” says Legislation. It’s a real family-friendly vacation spot with a variety of lodging, together with the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa — each of which come really useful by Legislation — and charming bed-and-breakfasts housed within the historic buildings downtown. Legislation provides that the island has “an energetic meals scene.” with “every little thing from tapas at España, a nod to former Spanish rule of the island, to native seafood delicacies at Down Beneath, a favourite oyster bar for locals.”
South Padre Island, Texas
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Many non-Texans could affiliate the Lone Star State with miles and miles of flat, land-locked 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. Positioned on the Gulf of Mexico, simply off the southern tip of Texas, the island is a tropical paradise. 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 lots of the greatest islands within the South, it is a place the place you could be as relaxed or as busy as you need. Spend your days chartering a ship, studying about wildlife at South Padre Island Birding, Nature, and Alligator Sanctuary, or horseback using alongside the seaside with Island Journey Park.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
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“Some would possibly 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 all the household.” Together with the famed Ocean Course, which hosted the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships, Kiawah has miles of biking paths, extensive seashores, and salt marshes teeming with wildlife. There are numerous trip leases out there on the island — some oceanfront, some riverfront — however Legislation says you’ll discover “final leisure” at The Sanctuary, a repeat winner within the World’s Finest Awards.
Ship Island, Mississippi
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12 miles off the coast of Mississippi sits Ship Island. The barrier island, which is a part of the Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore, is a real getaway in each sense of the phrase. In keeping with the Nationwide Park Service, cellular phone service is proscribed. There are additionally no locations to remain in a single day — tenting will not be allowed — and the island is just accessible by boat. Nonetheless, guests can benefit from its Caribbean-like waters and white-sand seashores through the day. Chairs and umbrellas can be found to lease, and there are restrooms, water foundations, a concession stand, and seaside showers to maintain you snug. Simply be sure you deliver loads of sunscreen; summers on Ship Island are notoriously sizzling.
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