Must-see beaches in America’s southeast region

The southeast region of the US includes the states of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Virginia. Eight of these 10 states have beautiful coastlines that attract visitors in droves.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next beach getaway, take a trip to the southeast side of the US and prepare yourself for a variety of coastal experiences that you’ll want to write home about. Be sure to keep this guide handy so you don’t miss out on some of the greatest beaches in the southeast.

Alabama Beaches

The 60-mile coast of Alabama offers something for everyone. If you're looking to get away from it all, it could be as simple as taking a drive along the coastline until you find an uncrowded beach. Say hello to relaxation: Alabama style.

Dauphin Island:

Connected to mainland Alabama by bridge, this barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, known as Dauphin Island, is a prime beach location. This narrow island (which can also be reached by ferry) is 14 miles long and offers several public beaches to explore. You’ll also find local beachside gems like the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, the Dauphin Island Estuarium, and Shell Mound Park.

Orange Beach:

Another Alabama beach located in the Gulf of Mexico, Orange Beach offers miles of blue-green waters and clean white sand. Known for being a family-friendly favorite, this beach invites visitors to enjoy the rides at Adventure Island, say hello to the animals in the Gulf Coast Zoo, explore The Wharf, or simply relax and soak up the sun.

Georgia Beaches

What sets Georgia’s coastline apart is that it plays an important role in the state’s history (this is where Georgia’s earliest settlements were established). It’s also one of the most popular tourist locations in the south. While this coastline is not a particularly lengthy one, extending about 100 miles in all, its mix of swamps, streams, and islands makes it a prime location for sightseeing and fun days in the sun.

Source: Shutterstock

Tybee Island:

Recognized as one of Georgia's finest beaches, Tybee Island lies just south of the South Carolina border. It has a rich heritage and once saw Savannah's movers and shakers dressing in their finest and meeting at the beach for social activities. South Beach offers most of the area's lodging, restaurants, and entertainment options, while North Beach is great for those days when you simply want to relax and watch dolphins.

Cumberland Island National Seashore:

Cumberland Island National Seashore consists of 17 miles of beaches, including Sea Camp Beach to the south and Stafford Beach near the northern wilderness. Swimming, beachcombing, and camping are all big draws.

Florida Beaches

Around 2.4 million people visit Sarasota, Florida each year. With a multitude of lodging options, restaurants, and stunning beaches, it's no surprise that so many beach lovers make their way to this state’s coastline. Enjoy the beautiful blue-green waters and make a stop at some of the top Florida beaches in the southeast, listed below.

Source: Shutterstock

Siesta Key:

Siesta Key is one of Sarasota's most popular Gulf Coast beach destinations. Featuring powdery white quartz sand surrounded by colorful bungalows and shops, the beach inspires you to lay under an umbrella, splash in the water, or rent a bike for a ride down the island.

Vero Beach:

Vero Beach, along the eastern coast of Florida, is called "Treasure Coast" due to the Spanish galleons from 1715 that were lost in hurricanes in the waters just offshore. With a local policy meaning that no building can exceed four stories, Vero Beach still feels like a seaside village rather than a tourist hotspot.

Louisiana Beaches

Louisiana may not be the state that immediately comes to mind when you think of beaches, but this Cajun coastline has plenty to keep beach lovers entertained. Along the coast, you’ll find accessible white sand beaches, set next to beach towns filled with classic stilt beach houses, plenty of birds to watch, and spicy Cajun food to enjoy at nearby restaurants. Thousands flock to these south-eastern beaches in Louisiana and you should too.

Source: Shutterstock

Grand Isle:

Considered one of the best beaches in the southeast, Grand Isle is located on a small barrier island wedged between the Gulf of Mexico and Caminada Bay. It boasts 10 miles of coastline, with white sands that are perfect for lounging. Given that the area is known to house more than 50 species of game fish, you may want to pack your fishing pole.

Holly Beach (Cajun Riviera):

The “Cajun Riviera” is a nickname given to Louisiana’s Holly Beach by locals and tourists alike. This beach is a great spot for all kinds of summer activities, from crabbing and fishing to swimming, sunbathing, and even hiking along the gorgeous Creole Nature Trail. Rent an RV and camp out on the beach for an authentic Cajun experience.

Mississippi Beaches

When thinking of Mississippi, you can’t help but imagine its southern charm and hospitality. Add that charm to the Gulf of Mexico coastline and you’re in for a real treat. The state’s borders lie on both the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi Sound, meaning there are plenty of places where you can explore Mississippi’s various waters by swimming, kayaking, or even hydro cycling.

Source: Shutterstock

Biloxi Beach:

Set on the coast of Mississippi, Biloxi Beach boasts beautiful expanses of sand surrounded by casinos and great dining options. Charter a fishing boat, go sailing, golfing, or parasail over the turquoise water.

Bay St. Louis Beach:

Located just 90 miles east of New Orleans, Bay St. Louis Beach exudes small-town Mississippi charm and is perfectly situated where the river and marsh meet the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy the bay’s calm waters and spend your days swimming and soaking up some sun before venturing further afield. The best sandy beach spot can be found at the end of Main Street.

North Carolina Beaches

What’s different about the southeastern beaches that can be found along the North Carolina coastline? Think of stretches of remote beaches that are never crowded, access to a string of gorgeous barrier islands, and plenty of romantic and charming lighthouses to admire.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore:

A rich history surrounds the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The islands that make up the coastline have been inhabited by Native Americans, farmers, and lighthouse keepers who all helped shape the area. Near this location, Blackbeard met his end, Civil War battles were waged, and U-boats were attacked. Climb more than 200 steps to enjoy the view from the top of one of the tallest lighthouses in the US.

Emerald Isle:

Located at the western end of Bogue Banks, the 12 miles of coastline known as the Emerald Isle offer intense views of the Atlantic. The golden beach is perfect for fishing, paddle boarding, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, and surfing.

South Carolina

South Carolina is known for having some of the most pristine beaches in the southeast, filled with sand dunes and surrounded by thick maritime forests. This state’s coastline is a popular destination for many families and vacationers. Take in some gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean by checking out some of South Carolina’s best beaches. 

Source: Shutterstock

Folly Beach:

One of several beaches within an hour's drive of Charleston, Folly Beach consists of long, wide beaches and a large public park. A 10-minute walk will take you to a secluded beach where you can see the Morris Island Lighthouse and the light from Sullivan's Island Lighthouse at night. Nearby Center Street is home to acclaimed restaurants, shops, and nightlife spots.

Edisto Beach:

Another beach found within an hour's drive of Charleston, Edisto Beach offers a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. It's one of the only non-commercialized beaches in the southeast, making it ideal if all you want to do is kick-back and relax. Options for laid-back activities on the island include golfing, boat tours, fishing, and biking.

Virginia

Take in the beauty of Virginia’s scenic coastlines as you explore this state’s beaches. Known for being family-friendly, Virginia’s south-eastern beaches offer activities for everyone—whether you’re interested in island exploration or browsing the coastal boardwalks filled with awesome shops and restaurants.

Source: Shutterstock

Colonial Beach:

Once known as the "Playground of the Potomac," Colonial Beach used to host guests who arrived by steamer ship or vehicle to take part in legalized gambling along the wide expanses of beach. Today, the quiet quaintness of Colonial Beach attracts thousands of visitors. Situated on the shores of the Potomac River, the area features sandy beaches, hiking, biking, and fishing spots, and plenty of restaurants and shops.

First Landing State Park:

Located on Virginia Beach, First Landing State Park is the spot where English colonists first landed in 1607. In the past, Native American canoes traversed these waters, and today, modern cargo ships glide by in the distance. Legend has it that the famous pirate Blackbeard once hid from the law in the Narrows area of the park, and historians say that the waterways were used by both Union and Confederate patrols at the height of the Civil War.

The southeast boasts many of the most beautiful beaches in the country. From Alabama to Virginia, we hope this post has inspired you to plan your next trip to explore some of the best south-eastern beaches. You’re sure to find myriad ways to have fun in the summer sun.

Looking for even more inspiration on things to in these south-eastern states? Be sure to check out our other posts about things to do and places to visit in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.