30 Cutest Seaside Towns in the South

Located just 20 minutes away from popular Charleston, Isle of Palms is a small barrier island with a lot to do. Only seven miles long, it offers pristine beaches, delicious restaurants, and the opportunity to spot interesting wildlife (think sea turtles, pelicans, and dolphins). Lay in the sun, go fishing, or head to one of the local rooftop bars for seafood and sunset drinks.

Any list of cute southern seaside towns has to include one from the Florida Keys. Islamorada is a village comprised of a half-dozen tiny islands, all with funky, fanciful vibes. But they also take one thing very seriously: sport fishing. Pretty much the world capital for the pursuit, Islamorada also boasts great diving, a surprising number of historical attractions, and plenty of crowd-pleasing waterside seafood joints serving tasty umbrella drinks.

Bordered by the Intracoastal Waterway and the White Oak River, historic Swansboro, North Carolina is known as "The Friendly City by the Sea." Because it's chock full of adorable independent boutiques and eateries, you're going to want at least a full day to wander the town's streets. But be sure to leave time to take full advantage of the array of outdoor activities available, including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. Or book a charter with Marsh Cruises to Bear Island, offering some of the best shelling in the country.

Sitting pretty on Mobile Bay, Fairhope is home to not only white sand beaches, but a sweet little downtown lined with cafes, boutiques, galleries, and more. There are loads of old mansions surrounded by live oaks in the town, as well as shade-dappled parks perfect for an afternoon of pedaling. If you didn't bring 'em, rent bikes at The Fairhope Store, while fans of the written word will definitely want to to browse the excellent selection of books at Page and Palette.

This sleepy little beach town on the Chesapeake Bay boasts plenty of beautiful sites and interesting history. You can expect to find lots of B&Bs, inns, and cottages, unique shops, activities like horseback riding, and a fun-to-explore historic district. The main street offers restaurants and small shops when you feel like wandering, and you can also rent a small boat to hang out on the bay. For some peace and quiet, go to the Savage Neck Dunes State Natural Area, a large preserve perfect for exploring marine life.

Just about an hour from New Orleans, but a world away from the Big Easy's bright lights and bustle, Bay St. Louis is a quaint and quiet burg filled with more good restaurants, museums, art galleries, and antique stores than one would ever expect from a town its size. If you don't like to share your sun and surf, you're in luck—the town's white sand beaches are not only beautiful, they're often deserted. Keep an eye out for Bay St. Louis' angel trees, which are live oaks that fell during Hurricane Katrina and turned into sculptures of angels by a chainsaw carver.

Serene and almost too picturesque to feel real, Sanibel Island is a small stretch of beach that allows you to get in touch with nature. The white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and towering palm trees will make you feel like you're on a Caribbean island. There's so much to do, from seashell-hunting (go to Blind Pass Beach for the best ones) to exploring the rich eco-systems to shopping in the unique stores and galleries in town. Captiva Island is also close by, and is worth the drive for some unique dining experiences.

This barrier island is located just 30 miles away from Savannah, making it a great day trip if you're already there. It has a laid-back vibe, with lots of funky local dive bars and plenty of delicious restaurants. The beaches are expansive and beautiful, and you might just spot a sea turtle while you're there. The light station is the oldest in Georgia, dating back to the 1700s, but if you're more interested in sea life, take one of the many dolphin spotting tours.

Chincoteague is an island located on Virginia's Eastern Shore, about an hour south of Ocean City. It's best known as the gateway to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island, home to the famed wild Chincoteague ponies. There are a wealth of boat cruises available to see the horses, which also often include dolphin and bald eagle sightings. Hiking, biking, birdwatching, shelling, or just lazing on Assateague's remote beach are also popular with visitors.

Orcacoke is one of the most distant parts of North Carolina's Outer Banks, and is accessible only by boat or ferry, giving it a small-town feel. The tiny island boasts gorgeous beaches, a cute town, old-fashioned hotels, unique shops, and some great hiking at Hammock Hills Trail. For a supernatural feel, do the Ocracoke Ghost and History Walk, or get some adventure in by renting kayaks or a going on a sunset cruise.

Located on the Texas Coast on Mustang Island, Port Aransas is known for its Gulf Coast beaches, which are thought of as some of the best in the state. There is almost always some sort of festival going on, and you can choose to stay in a luxurious hotel or get closer to nature while glamping. Fishing, especially deep-sea fishing, is extremely popular here, and you should also try to spot an endangered whooping crane.

Surfers should head to Folly Beach for epic waves and a casual atmosphere. It's a popular spot for a reason: There's a lot to do and see, even if it's just a six-mile long island. Nature preserves are perfect for quiet walks where you might spot dolphins and endangered seabirds, and the Morris Island Lighthouse is a cultural site worth visiting.

If you're looking for something more quiet, quaint, and secluded than your average tourist-filled beach town, head to Lewes. Located on the Delaware Bay, this small town is filled with history to explore in museums and ships. You can spend time outdoors in Cape Henlopen State Park, and it's also not far from bustling Rehoboth Beach.

If you like your white sand beaches served with a slice of history, Grayton Beach is a delightful Old Florida town founded in the late 19th century. With a strong streak of quirky running though it thanks to the creative types that call it home, Grayton Beach is the perfect spot to buy an original piece of art, get an unforgettable meal, or while away the day in a dive bar. You're also going to want to visit the 400-acre Grayton Beach State Park for pristine stretches of sand, towering dunes, a coastal forest, and a salt marsh all interwoven into a hiking trail system.

Reputedly once a refuge for buccaneers like Blackbeard, Bald Head Island has maintained its hideaway vibe. Only accessible by ferry or private boat, and with a majority of its landscape protected natural preserves, this car-free paradise is a true escape from the stresses of modern life. There's plenty to do here, should you care to do more than laze on Bald Head's gorgeous beaches. Climb the 108 steps of Old Baldy, North Carolina's oldest lighthouse; rent bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, or surfboards; play golf; or simple breath deep and be. There, now don't you feel better?

Nags Head is another popular spot for surfers and has a laid-back feel that makes it the perfect beach getaway. Spend time on the famous beaches, but also be sure to see the tallest sand dune on the East Coast at Jockey's Ridge State Park, or walk along Jennette's Pier, which is the longest pier in the state. Climbing the Bodie Island Lighthouse is another favorite activity.

Sullivan's Island, a little town tucked away on an island in the mouth of Charleston Harbor, was once home to legendary scribe Edgar Allan Poe, who was stationed at Fort Moultrie for about a year in the 1800s. Tour the garrison, get your blood pumping with a water sport like kiteboarding, browse the local shops, or just kick back and relax—it's all good in the Sullivan's Island neighborhood.

There are better-known burgs on Florida's Emerald Coast than Port St. Joe, but then that's a big part of this adorable town's appeal. Rather than feeling like one of the tourist hordes, here you're welcomed like a local by the locals. There is as much (as or as little) as you'd like to do in Port St. Joe, too, from climbing the Cape San Blas Lighthouse, to strolling the historic downtown, filled with shops and restaurants. Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are big fun on St. Joseph Bay, while annual events include the Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Festival and Blast on the Bay Songwriter’s Festival.

This popular destination is known for its gorgeous beaches and historic streets, with thousands of years of history to explore. There are several state parks to check out, like Big Talbot Island, boat tours, and nature walks. There's also so much wildlife—try spotting sea turtles or go bird watching. Historic downtown Fernandina is a great spot for shopping and eating.

Nestled on the spit of sand of the same name, the town of Pawleys Island sits about 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach. One of the oldest resorts on the East Coast, it was established in the 18th century by rice plantation owners eager to escape the mainland's summer heat and diseases. Nowadays, there's a historic district to wander with a dozen homes, three superb golf courses to entice duffers, a beautiful beach with surfable waves, excellent boutique shopping, and fishing and crabbing as fine as you'll find anywhere.