As temperatures climb, now’s the time to relax and recharge with a coastal getaway. Browse our list of five dreamy beach escapes and discover the beauty of each Southern destination.
Jupiter, Florida
This coastal town is a balance of luxury and laid-back living centered around marine life. Like thousands of sea turtles that come to nest along its pristine beaches, vacationers flock to this oceanfront locale to immerse themselves in the splendor of sandy shores and friendly ambience of the culinary scene.
In addition to its unmatched view of the Atlantic Ocean, Jupiter is comprised of almost 40 miles of winding waterways that connect the Loxahatchee River, Intracoastal Waterway, and Jupiter Inlet, known collectively as the Jupiter Waterway Trail. The area offers plenty of options to enjoy swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, horse trails, and hiking. St. Augustine, Florida
Tales of glory and defeat stretching back to America’s earliest days can be found in St. Augustine, Florida. Check out the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument for insight into often-overlooked chapters of history. Stories of those who have passed through this fort-turned-national park trace back more than three centuries, spanning tragedies and triumphs that predate our country’s birth.
The fortress remains about 95 percent original, a testament to its rare construction and preservation efforts by the area historical society and the National Park Service. Dotting the Sunshine State’s Atlantic shoreline, St. Augustine and neighboring Ponte Vedra comprise the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the U.S., preceding the settlements of Plymouth and Jamestown. From Gilded-Age hotels to engaging water and air adventures as well as a bustling historic district with plenty of restaurants, St. Augustine has something for everyone. Galveston, Texas
Against Galveston’s sea-misted sky, a revived rendition of Pleasure Pier’s amusement park glows brighter than a lighthouse. It’s a beacon that keeps company with spectacular, storm-surviving architecture and a flourishing entertainment district—all of which shed light on the island’s perseverance as a Southern playground. Chartered as a city in 1839, three years after Texas won independence from Mexico, Galveston’s location on the Gulf Coast makes it ideal for beachside leisure.
Eclectic shops, local restaurants, and enticing art galleries line downtown Galveston’s beloved Strand National Historic Landmark District, more commonly known as The Strand. A variety of festivals throughout the year also contribute to the district’s high-energy atmosphere. More than 200 boutiques, eateries, galleries, and other distinctive haunts fill the lively 36-block area.Amelia Island, Florida
Towering sand dunes along pristine Florida beaches underscore Amelia Island’s blend of Victorian charm, beguiling history, and blissful comforts. The tiny barrier island off the Sunshine State’s northeast coast leaves a monumental impression. Lavish lodgings, enticing eateries and boutiques, plus festive annual events are sure to draw you in. Yet the isle’s distinct charisma beckons, its spectacular 13-mile stretch bookended by stately Old-World structures and a beachside burg devised by the state’s first Black millionaire.
Named for Princess Amelia, the daughter of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland, this waterfront haven has long welcomed visitors from every walk of life. Carnegies and Rockefellers frequented it as often as wealthy Black guests seeking a hospitable getaway during the era of Jim Crow restrictions. That’s thanks in large part to Black insurance executive Abraham Lincoln Lewis, who established American Beach on the island’s southern end in 1935. The community is a distinguished stop on the Florida Black Heritage Trail. Duck, North Carolina
For a serene escape on North Carolina’s shore, experience Sanderling Resort near the small seaside town of Duck. The resort features 120 guest rooms and five beach vacation homes, all with peerless views between the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. With water in all directions and a balcony off of every room, you can relish sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean to the east followed by brilliant dusk displays across the tranquil waterfront.
If you find your adventurous spirit stirring after a few days of relaxation on the dunes, take to the sea by kayak, paddleboard, or kiteboard. A visit to the Pine Island Audubon Center, just minutes away, might spur a desire to explore the air via parasailing, hang gliding, or flying a reproduction 1902 Wright brother’s glider with Kitty Hawk Kites. Grab a complimentary bicycle any time and enjoy the 5-mile trek into the heart of Duck to peruse quaint waterfront boutiques.
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