The 12 Best Southern Beaches On The East Coast

You'd be insulted—and argue otherwise—if someone claimed every Southern state is exactly alike, right? Well, we're here to mount a similar defense of the South's coastal beaches. The region tends to get lumped together, as if 1,300 miles of the Southern Atlantic coastline only contains a single landscape or beachgoing culture. But the truth is, the eastern seaboard is as varied as the people that make it up. Which means you're only cheating yourself if you declare, "Seen one beach, seen 'em all." From Florida to Virginia, we've put a pin in the can't-miss Southern stretches of East Coast shoreline. With everything from sea turtles to powdery sand to dunes that'll leave you breathless, these 12 best Southern beaches prove that every beach has its own identity.

01 of 12

Canaveral National Seashore

New Smyrna Beach, Florida

At 24 miles long, this barrier island is the longest undeveloped stretch on the entire east coast of Florida. Nestled between the charming towns of New Smyrna Beach and Titusville, the sands of Canaveral National Seashore are a sanctuary not just for beachgoers but for wildlife, including several endangered species. The park is specifically known as a refuge for sea turtles, which nest on its tawny shoreline.

nps.gov ; 7611 S. Atlantic Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169

02 of 12

Tybee Island

Tybee Island, Georgia

A barrier island with five miles of powdery sands and five separate beaches, Tybee Island is considered "Savannah's Beach" because of its easy access to the thriving downtown just 20 minutes away. The wide beaches are great for fat-tire cruising or strolling, while warm waters make for fantastic swimming nearly year-round.

visittybee.com ; 802 1st Street, Tybee Island, GA 31328

03 of 12

Ocracoke Beach

Ocracoke, North Carolina

North Carolina is blessed with a bounty of extraordinary beaches , so for Ocracoke Beach to earn a spot on this list, it has to possess some serious Outer Banks magic. It's hard to beat these vacation-spot credentials: barrier-island privacy, 16 miles of undeveloped dunes and wild sands, off-road vehicle access, and top-notch seashell hunting.

visitocracokenc.com ; Highway 12, Ocracoke, NC 27960

04 of 12

Folly Beach

Folly Beach, South Carolina

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 off-the-beaten-path beach life in all its glory. Start your adventure at Center Beach and the Folly Pier, then head to Folly Beach County Park , at the island's west end, for a true escape. Peek at the pelican rookery while you're there.

Tip

Note that no pets are allowed on the beach between 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. from May 1 to September 30.

follybeach.com ; 101 E. Arctic Avenue, Folly Beach, SC 29439

05 of 12

Sandbridge Beach

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Although officially a part of the Virginia Beach metro area, you won't catch any boardwalk-and-funnel-cake vibes at this secluded escape. Try five miles of pristine dunes and sea oats (a tall grass known for its spiky plumes) blowing in the wind. Situated alongside a serene community of beach houses and small restaurants, this spot is nothing short of an East Coast paradise.

virginia.org ; Sandfiddler Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

06 of 12

Nags Head Beach

Nags Head, North Carolina

Centrally located in the Outer Banks, this 12-mile stretch of seashore allows you to experience the diverse beauty of the North Carolina coast. Nags Head Beach is known for its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, providing over 30 public access points. Explore the nearby historic sites, indulge in the oceanside cuisine, and take in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean at Jockey's Ridge State Park. You can also bring your dogs along—just make sure they stay on leash!

outerbanks.com ; E Hargrove St, Nags Head, NC 27959

07 of 12

Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

With 10 miles of white sandy beaches, diverse wildlife, and a beautifully preserved maritime forest, this barrier island is a dreamy destination for nature lovers. Catch stunning views of the Kiawah River and Atlantic Ocean as you explore the island's extensive network of paved biking trails. There is plenty to do, but there is no hurry. Kiawah Island's relaxed atmosphere is perfect for reconnecting with nature and getting back to the basics.

kiawahisland.org ; 8 Beachwalker Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455

08 of 12

Driftwood Beach

Jekyll Island, Georgia

As the name suggests, Driftwood Beach isn't your ordinary beach-going experience. Erosion has claimed over 1,000 feet of Jekyll Island's coastline over the past 120-plus years, but the aftermath is quite beautiful. Weathered driftwood and remnants of ancient trees are scattered across the 10 miles of shoreline, creating nature's own sculpture garden. Although you won't be able to swim due to the beach's ongoing erosion, it is worth visiting for the views alone.

goldenisles.com ; N. Beachview Dr, Jekyll Island, GA 31527

09 of 12

Chincoteague Island

Chincoteague Island, Virginia

Wild horses roam free, and the sun sets in vibrant hues, on this beloved treasure of Virginia's Eastern Shore. Spend your day wrapped in nature's embrace at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the 14,000-acre home to pristine beaches and captivating wildlife. Chincoteague Island is a showstopper regardless of the season, but if you visit in July, you can witness the annual Pony Swim.

chincoteague.com ; 6733 Maddox Blvd. Chincoteague Island, VA 23336

10 of 12

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach, Florida

This laid-back coastal beach, located on Florida's "Space Coast," is one of the East Coast's most cherished beach destinations. With consistent waves year-round, the surf culture in Cocoa Beach is alive and well (it is the birthplace of legendary surfer Kelly Slater, after all). The iconic Cocoa Beach Pier is a great place to catch the waves or simply take in the gorgeous ocean views. 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.

cityofcocoabeach.com ; 299 East Cocoa Beach Cswy, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

11 of 12

Cumberland Island, Georgia

Camden County, Georgia

With 17 miles of secluded beaches and wild horses that roam freely along unpaved roads, Cumberland Island is a place of untouched beauty. 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. Access to the island is managed by the National Park Service, with a 45-minute ferry ride as the primary way to reach it.

nps.gov ; 113 St. Marys Street St Marys, GA 31558

12 of 12

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Buxton, North Carolina

Stretching 70 miles, this quiet shoreline is home to some of the most pristine sandy beaches in the Outer Banks. Cape Hatteras National Seashore is overflowing with well-preserved ecosystems, making it a well-established spot for surfing, hiking, and wildlife watching. While you're there, don't forget to go inside the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

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

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